Support
People react in different ways when they learn they have a gynaecological cancer.
Feelings can be muddled and change quickly. This is quite normal and there is no right or wrong way to feel. It may be helpful to talk about your feelings with your partner, family members, friends, or with a counsellor, social worker, psychologist or your religious/spiritual adviser. Talking to other people with a woman's cancer may also help.
Below are support websites to visit, click on the links for more information:
Financial Support
Having cancer may mean you and your family may be affected financially. You may earn less because you or a family member have to work fewer hours due to feeling unwell or not work at all.
Additional costs may include:
- travel
- accommodation
- petrol costs
- medical bills
- hospital parking
- child care
- food
Budgets become tighter and stress level's are increased.
Below is a list of some financial support that is available for those undergoing cancer treatment:
Accommodation
People receiving cancer treatment in Auckland can stay at Domain Lodge with a supporter, if they have been referred by their specialist or local hospital. The 54-bed facility is only a short walk to Auckland City Hospital for treatment.
Domain Lodge is a modern and welcoming motor lodge conveniently located in the central city and is an ideal choice for corporate or leisure, especially those visiting Auckland Hospital. More than a motel, Domain Lodge will fell like your home away from home with the best of Auckland at your doorstep.
For more information visit Domain Lodge
Volunteer Driving Service
If you are finding it difficult to get to and from cancer-related appointments, the Cancer Society volunteer drivers are here to help.
This driving service operates throughout the greater Auckland area from Orewa in the north to Papakura in the south.
For more information visit Getting to treatment
Work and Income
If you have a health condition or disability there are a number of ways Work and Income may be able to help you.
- Stopped work because of a health condition or disability
- Caring for someone
- Travel and accommodation
- Counselling
- Prescriptions and health practitioner costs
- Power, gas and heating
- Phones
For more information visit Work and Income
There are different types of benefits available, Jobseeker, Sole Parent, Supported Living Payments and Childcare.
KiwiSaver
If you feel you are suffering hardship and have exhausted all other reasonable alternative sources of funds, you can apply for a KiwiSaver early withdrawal.
To withdraw funds you will need to provide evidence you are suffering significant financial hardship. If your application is accepted you can only withdraw your and your employer's contributions.
For more information visit Inland Revenue Te Tari Taake
Mortgage Repayment Holiday
If you have a mortgage and you're experiencing unforeseen hardship due to your diagnosis contact your bank and ask about reducing your loan repayment amounts, restructuring your loan or taking a payment holiday.
Useful contacts
Cancer Society Information Helpline p 0800 226 237
Work and Income Contact Centre p 0800 559 009
Community Services Card National Centre p 0800 999 999