An advanced breast cancer diagnosis may feel scary, but we’re here to help.

There are resources here to help you process what is happening, answer some of your questions, and to support you in your choices going forward as you aim to live as well as possible.

Sweet Louise Guide to life with secondary breast cancer

The resources in this section aim to supplement the information in the Sweet Louise Guide to life with secondary breast cancer. This guide book aims to help you process the news about your diagnosis, and, when you're ready, help you plan your next steps. Throughout the booklet you will find quotes from our Sweet Louise Members who share their thoughts and feelings in the hopes their words will resonate with you at this difficult time.

To request a hard copy of the book, please email [email protected]

If you have any questions, suggestions or requests for the resources available here, please get in touch with us at [email protected] or on 0800 11 22 77.

Questions to ask your doctor

During visits to your doctor, oncologist, or other healthcare provider, you will often be given a lot of information all at once. We have some helpful tips for getting the information you need and some questions you might like to ask.

Questions to ask your doctor

Treatments not funded in NZ

There are some medicines in use overseas that are licensed by Medsafe for use in New Zealand, but are not funded for use in the public health system. We've compiled a list of treatments not currently funded in NZ.

Accessing treatments not funded in NZ

Talking to children & teens about cancer

Talking to children and teenagers about a diagnosis of advanced breast cancer can be challenging. We have some tips to help you through the conversation.

Talking to children and teens about cancer

Staying active with cancer

Taking regular exercise and becoming more active can be a positive change to make in your life when you are living with advanced breast cancer.

Staying active with cancer

Employment: entitlements and options

If you are still working when diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, you may be wondering whether or not to continue. You may decide to make some changes in your working life - to stop work altogether, change jobs, or chose flexible or part-time work. You may find yourself having to negotiate your sick leave and annual leave entitlements as well as working through what to tell your employer.

We've put together information that aims to help you understand your options and entitlements:

Guide to employment: entitlements, options and next steps