Sydenham, Christchurch

161 days ago

Kate

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

"I was in Cambodia for work. It was a very hot night, and I literally swept my hand down my body and said out loud, ‘Oh, it's so hot!’ And I felt this lump, It felt like half the size of a golf ball. I thought, I'm not going to be too worried about it, but I emailed my doctor and… View more"I was in Cambodia for work. It was a very hot night, and I literally swept my hand down my body and said out loud, ‘Oh, it's so hot!’ And I felt this lump, It felt like half the size of a golf ball. I thought, I'm not going to be too worried about it, but I emailed my doctor and made an appointment.

They've said all along you're very lucky you caught it early.

I guess there's some people who go through this sort of thing who are not information seekers. But I'm like, ‘tell me everything!’. My oncologist, at our first meeting, said, ‘our job is to take your body to the very edge to kill the cancer. We take you to the edge, knowing that once we stop, the systems that we are affecting will recover.’ So it is scary stuff.

I just asked questions all the time. I'm a pretty cynical person, but I'm so impressed with the quality of care. I was told when I was first diagnosed, you're in the best city in New Zealand for breast cancer care. When you go in for your chemo you are given a nurse for the day, and she looks after you. They're super resilient these women I mean, obviously they have to be.

When I was heading into chemotherapy, I think the vision I had was that it would be a very quiet, somber place. Oh, no! It's like, hi!, hi! Hi! it's bustly, people are laughing. I actually come away from my chemotherapy sessions feeling quite uplifted because the talk's very lively, and there's just this feeling of caring and concern.

I'm at the pointy end of the treatment now, and although I'm only having treatment every three weeks, the drugs that I'm having now are very heavy duty. I'm just holding my head above water with work.

I continue to turn up with full makeup, I'll put earrings on. And my eyebrows, which I draw on fastidiously every morning and sometimes I end up with like Groucho Marx and sometimes I end up looking like Twiggy. It just depends on my mood. People say to me, oh, gosh, she's looking so well. That helps me too because it's a bit of normality in a very abnormal situation.

Perspective is really important. Getting your head out of what might happen, and bringing yourself back to the present is really important. Counseling helps, right? Breast Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Society both fund counselling.

At the beginning, I was trying to be upbeat about it all the time. I'm not now. I acknowledge when I have down days, those are the days when my sister rushes around and gives me a foot massage.

Actually, for the last week, I felt really afraid of dying. Most of the time, I'm not, because I have faith. So it’s just like, I’ve got this job to do this year, which is an absolute shit job. But it will come to an end.

Boy, have I developed as a person and I'll continue to develop right to the end of this journey, whatever that looks like. Because it just forever changes you. Physically and mentally and emotionally. Spiritually. I've got people praying for me all over the world, and I believe that has made a difference."

- Kate

View more stories, or nominate someone: @humansofchch
www.humansofchch.org...

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159 days ago

New Lottery, New Home

Heart Foundation Lotteries

For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the charming coastal town of Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be … View more
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in the charming coastal town of Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it!

Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

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161 days ago

ChCh South Community Gardens Winter Market Day this Saturday 22 June 10-1

Christine Blance from Christchurch South Community Gardens

Plants ~ Preserves ~ Sausage Sizzle ~ Hot Soup & Toast ~ Baking ~ Plants & Produce.
The weather is predicted to be fine so take the opportunity to taste some of our Hot Winter tonic of Elderberry&Blackcurrant cordial . We have a few bottles for sale also.
Looking forward to the day -… View more
Plants ~ Preserves ~ Sausage Sizzle ~ Hot Soup & Toast ~ Baking ~ Plants & Produce.
The weather is predicted to be fine so take the opportunity to taste some of our Hot Winter tonic of Elderberry&Blackcurrant cordial . We have a few bottles for sale also.
Looking forward to the day - Christchurch South Community Gardeners

2024 Winter Newsletter Edition 61.doc.pdf Download View

161 days ago

Spice up your winter

Essie Summers Retirement Village

When it’s cold outside, there's nothing quite like being inside the cosy warmth of a kitchen infused with the aroma of spices. But did you know that beyond their aromatic allure, these spices harbour a treasure trove of health benefits?

From the fiery kick of chilli to the sweet warmth of… View more
When it’s cold outside, there's nothing quite like being inside the cosy warmth of a kitchen infused with the aroma of spices. But did you know that beyond their aromatic allure, these spices harbour a treasure trove of health benefits?

From the fiery kick of chilli to the sweet warmth of cinnamon, each spice brings not only flavour but also a host of nutrients and healing properties to our winter dishes. So, whether you're sipping on mulled wine, indulging in gingerbread, or savouring a hearty stew, every bite promises to not just please your palate but also contribute to your overall wellbeing.

Click read more for the full story.

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161 days ago

Berry trellis

The Team from Resene ColorShop Lichfield Street

Give your berries room to grow and plenty of airflow with this helpful trellis finished in Resene Kwila Timber Stain. Keeping the canes off the ground means berries stay healthy and are easy to reach when ready to pick.

Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.

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161 days ago

It is National Volunteer week - Thank you all

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

A big thank you to all the volunteers out there. Volunteering helps support our community in so many ways. At Citizens Advice Bureau we are so thankful for our wonderful volunteers, without whom we could not function.

Did you know we have more than 100 volunteers in CAB Christchurch area and … View more
A big thank you to all the volunteers out there. Volunteering helps support our community in so many ways. At Citizens Advice Bureau we are so thankful for our wonderful volunteers, without whom we could not function.

Did you know we have more than 100 volunteers in CAB Christchurch area and only 1 paid staff member. Our volunteers are a diverse bunch, with different backgrounds, ethnicities, and languages but they all come together to help the community. They are there to help you at our 3 branches in New Brighton, Fendalton and Hornby or just a phone call away.

If you would like to find out about volunteering at CAB email manager.cabchch@gmail.com.

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164 days ago

Lichen!

Melissa Thompson from The Tree People

A harmless and sometimes considered unslightly combination of algae or cyanobacteria and a fungus, coming together in a mutually beneficial relationship.

With a range of colours and forms, the presence of lichen on a tree is a sign of clean healthy air and that it has no negative impact on the … View more
A harmless and sometimes considered unslightly combination of algae or cyanobacteria and a fungus, coming together in a mutually beneficial relationship.

With a range of colours and forms, the presence of lichen on a tree is a sign of clean healthy air and that it has no negative impact on the growth of the tree.

An epiphyte (a plant or plant-like organism that grows on the surface of another plant), lichens are unlikely to kill a tree, or cause it to fail. Lichens are not parasitic and do not draw nutrients from the tree.

Lichens need sunlight for photosynthesis, so they don't thrive in heavy shade. Consequently, they are typically found on deciduous trees or trees that are already dying, as these conditions provide less leaf cover in the canopy, allowing more light to reach the lichens.

While it is normal and natural for lichen to be present on a tree, an abundance of lichen might suggest that the tree is experiencing some form of stress.

If you are concerned about the presence of lichen
Contact Us Now for your free, no obligation quote!
P: 03 384 9630
E: hello@thetreepeople.nz
W: www.thetreepeople.nz...

SPECIAL OFFER:
Book and accept a quote by 30 June and in partnership with Trees For Canterbury you'll receive a free native tree seedling!
Choose from Matai, Totara or Kahikatea.
From small things great things grow - let's green our community together and make a difference for our environment!

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163 days ago

Looking for a new job and need help with your CV/Resume?

The Team from Citizens Advice Christchurch Area

Why not book onto our FREE workshop

The next workshop runs on Friday, 5th July from 10.30-12.00 and covers:
- help and guidance
- job search strategies
- interview coaching
- tips and tricks
Held at Hornby Community Centre, 8 Goulding Avenue

To book your place email … View more
Why not book onto our FREE workshop

The next workshop runs on Friday, 5th July from 10.30-12.00 and covers:
- help and guidance
- job search strategies
- interview coaching
- tips and tricks
Held at Hornby Community Centre, 8 Goulding Avenue

To book your place email christchurchclinics@outlook.com

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Y
163 days ago

NZ ASSIST SCAM

Yvonne from Spreydon

Watch out for NZ ASSIST SCAM. A call from Joelle from Auckland.

HANG UP!

164 days ago

Check the list!

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

We've pulled four names this week of members across the country. The winners of the $100 Mitre10 cards are:

Cynthia Chozas from Botany Downs

Mabel Dawson from Stratford

Michael Pascoe from Amberley

View more
We've pulled four names this week of members across the country. The winners of the $100 Mitre10 cards are:

Cynthia Chozas from Botany Downs

Mabel Dawson from Stratford

Michael Pascoe from Amberley

Sarah Gebhard from Nelson

Winners can get in touch here or by emailing helpdesk@neighbourly.co.nz before 25th June.

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165 days ago

We're looking for Nice Neighbours

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Each week, nominations on Neighbourly get turned into a Stuff story and we are always on the lookout for amazing neighbours who deserve to be recognised.

It could be someone who helped you when you were in a tight spot, a local who goes above and beyond for the community or just a neighbour who … View more
Each week, nominations on Neighbourly get turned into a Stuff story and we are always on the lookout for amazing neighbours who deserve to be recognised.

It could be someone who helped you when you were in a tight spot, a local who goes above and beyond for the community or just a neighbour who checks in on you.

Nominate your 'Nice Neighbour' by clicking here.

165 days ago

Check engine light on?

Matipo Garage

Matipo Garage, an MTA approved mechanical workshop located in Addington, has the tools to identify the cause of the problem and provide the appropriate solution to get your car back in proper working condition.
Call us today 03 348 5358 or Book online www.matipogarage.co.nz...

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165 days ago

Last chance for tickets!

Heart Foundation Lotteries

Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by … View more
Don’t miss out! For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Papamoa, worth just over $1.1 million.

Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owners.

Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, rent it or even sell it! Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Find out more

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S
167 days ago

Stray cat

Suzanne from Hoon Hay

We have a black cat with white under his chin and half off a white spot beside his nose he looks to heathy to be a stray

168 days ago

Poppa's pulled pork

Essie Summers Retirement Village

As the weather cools and cosy evenings become the norm, there’s nothing better than cranking up the heat and treating yourself to heartwarming comfort food. If you're craving a winter recipe that'll warm you from the inside out, look no further than Brent's irresistible slow-cooked… View moreAs the weather cools and cosy evenings become the norm, there’s nothing better than cranking up the heat and treating yourself to heartwarming comfort food. If you're craving a winter recipe that'll warm you from the inside out, look no further than Brent's irresistible slow-cooked pulled pork. Its smoky, aromatic scent often wafts from Brent’s apartment at Ryman’s Kevin Hickman Village, tempting taste buds and stirring appetites. With its tender meat and velvety sauce, this dish is every bit as delicious as it sounds – you’ll be reaching for seconds, thirds, and maybe even fourths!

Click read more for the full recipe.

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