Check your Bowls - Diana Wood

Eureka resident Diana Wood had no family history of breast cancer, yet a shock diagnosis 13 years ago was the start of her ongoing health struggle.

The 67-year old grandmother says she is living with, not dying of, the condition, which she warns can easily go undetected.

Her experience had caused a shift of mindset that was very empowering — she did not sweat the small stuff, and focused on “enjoying every day”.

Although one in 10 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime according to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation (NZBCF), Wood said her healthy lifestyle and lack of family history meant the diagnosis came as a shock.

She was 55 and living in Nelson when a routine mammogram detected a tiny lump.

“If I didn't have free mammograms I wouldn't have found it because it was in far too deep,” Wood said. “It was only the size of a pea.”

She underwent surgery within weeks, followed by chemotherapy. She chose to have both breasts removed, the first because cancer was was “all through” it and the second, afterwards, for balance.

Reaching the 10 year mark without a recurrence of cancer was generally seen as a milestone for being in the clear, she said.

However, she did not quite reach it — after more than nine years on hormone treatment, she found a second lump while living in Hawke’s Bay.

“I pushed down into under my arm, and that's where I found it,” she said. “If I was just having a general [check], I wouldn't have found it.”

The second diagnosis revealed metastasised breast cancer. More recently, scans showed further progression. “I’ve got it in my lung. I’ve got a lesion in my lining of my brain… more in my ribs, more in my spine, in my neck.”

Wood said she had also been dealing with other health issues, including a non-functioning kidney. She was waiting to have chemo once her kidney problem was resolved.

The past few months were the most difficult period so far. Despite this, Wood said she had come to terms with her condition.

“I might sound quite calm about it. I am because it’s like a death… I’ve been through the processing,” she said. “I just enjoy every day. Every day is really important.”

Her family, her pets, her bowls club and her support groups all helped her to feel better. Bowls had been a major hobby for 14 years and played a significant role throughout her illness.

“Bowls has been very important. It actually gives me a head rest from cancer and all the worries that go on around it,” she said.

Although no longer able to play due to fatigue and pain, she still went along and supported others at her club.

Wood also spoke about the support she has received through the ‘wonderful’ Sweet Louise organisation, and the Waikato Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) programme.

The ABC programme asked patients to report alterations in their health, including pain, stress, appetite and hospital visits, and would follow up on changes.

“For me personally, it’s a security blanket,” she said of the ABC programme. “Any time that something’s a wee bit different, I’ll text or ring.”

Sharing her story had helped raise awareness, particularly around checking thoroughly for lumps. Men should also check themselves, and people should include their underarms in checks, she said.

“I found it deep.”

Wood said being open about her experience had encouraged others, including men at her bowls club, to talk more about their health.

“I talk about it quite openly all the time… so it’s helping,” she said.

She also urged people not to ignore ongoing pain, something she regretted doing. “If you have an ache or a pain, don’t tough it out… I had a sore back and I toughed it out.”

Now living with family in the Waikato, Wood said she remained focused on making the most of her time.

“I just enjoy what I’ve got,” she said.

The ABC Programme provided by Waikato Hospital is one of the few programmes of its kind in the country.

It launched in Waikato in 2021 with 30 participants, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life. Originally intended as a trial, it continued after being well received.

It was established in response to the issues highlighted in the NZBCF 2018 report, I’m Still Here: Insights into Living – and Dying – with Advanced Breast Cancer in New Zealand. The report flagged poor survival rates, and called for urgent action in key areas.

ABC Programme participants fill out personalised weekly questionnaires about symptoms. Medical staff can respond quickly when needed, while participants report feeling more in control and better able to manage their symptoms.

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