Patient testimonials
INSPIRING STORIES
Andie’s experience with Harbour Cancer & Wellness
Watch this short clip of Andie who benefitted from her individualised physiotherapy sessions through PINC and STEEL. Our Physiotherapists are certified PINC and STEEL teachers.
Read about available funding and more at PINC and STEEL.
Experience the ‘Paddle On’ Programme
Delivered over five weeks by certified PINC and STEEL cancer rehabilitation physiotherapists, Paddle On has been specifically designed to introduce the components of stand-up paddling in a safe, fun small group environment. It is divided into 8 modules to improve balance, core strength, posture, upper body strength, flexibility and fitness and is carried out by our incredible Harbour Cancer physiotherapists.
To find out more about PINC and STEEL as well as the Paddle On Programme, please visit PINC and STEEL.
POWERING THROUGH ADVERSITY - Kate’s story
In 2022, 33-year-old Kate (pictured) was diagnosed with melanoma and underwent treatment with medical oncologist Gareth Rivalland through the public healthcare system and at Harbour Cancer & Wellness.
“With cancer, everyone puts so much emphasis on the drugs - and that’s great, but there’s also so much that sits outside of that,” says Kate of her decision to try Harbour’s Wellness Centre, which soon became critical in her mental and physical recovery.
“I’m normally a very active person but I was really struggling,” she explains. “I struggled with the mental side effects of treatment, feeling like my body had become a pin cushion from all the needles, surgeries and procedures.”
At the Wellness Centre, she enjoyed on-site physical rehabilitation with a physiotherapist, who gently encouraged Kate to move within her limits, as well as oncology massages.“
It was a beautiful way to reconnect with my body. They’re aware of your medical situation and you don’t have to explain anything, you’re just being looked after. Having an hour of peace is pretty powerful when everything’s going on.”
Then, just one day after finishing radiation, she decided to give the Wellness Centre’s PINC and STEEL paddleboard course a go. “Having spent all those days in hospital doing radiation, it was nice to have an appointment that wasn’t a medical appointment,” says Kate. “I wasn’t really sure if I was going to be able to do it, but I knew it was going to be a great experience, so I just said yes.”
“Socialising, exercising and being in nature…it’s the golden triangle, really. It’s at the most beautiful location in Castor Bay, with views out to Rangitoto and beautiful clear water. It was great to feel accomplishment from trying something new.
We have always felt welcomed and informed. The professionalism, authenticity and warmth extended to the entire team. On every visit, both the nursing and reception teams were exceptional. We actually looked forward to treatment day rather than dreading it! We also valued the complementary supports available (we used both the physio and massage; and also sought advice from the pharmacist). We wholeheartedly recommend Harbour Cancer & Wellness.
SALLY W & JOHN D
Ronda Amende’s story
Ronda Amende is an amazing woman, in 2015 she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and given twelve months to live. She went through three years of chemotherapy and battled her cancer into remission. In 2016 Ronda decided she wanted to do something to help other people facing a terminal diagnosis and she went on to form the charity TimeOut.
In this podcast, Dr Sanjeev Deva speaks to Ronda about her diagnosis and how this inspired the creation of TimeOut. Ronda reminds us that taking time out and enjoying the small things with your family and close friends can help centre you when you need it the most. To find out more about TimeOut, please head to timeoutnz.org
If you have any questions after listening to this episode, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can email us at Harbour Cancer & Wellness
Andie’s experience with ‘Next Steps’
Next steps is a group exercise oncology programme for men and women who want to take the next steps on their road to recovery. Watch the below video to hear one of Harbour’s patients Andie speaking about her experience with the programme.
More information on PINC and STEEL, as well as Next Steps can be found at PINC and STEEL.
My experience with Harbour Cancer & Wellness has been positive and supportive from the start with caring and professional reception staff and nurses working with the oncologist team. It's really helpful to have the support services of massage and physiotherapy as part of the same service and I feel well looked after
JUDITH
At Harbour Cancer, I feel like I am receiving the best care available. I am listened to and I can actively contribute to my treatment plan and ask questions. Above all else, I feel that my Oncologist and nurses genuinely care and want to achieve the absolute best outcome possible for me. I am so grateful to be a patient at Harbour Cancer.
Alana
Thank you is too small a pair of words. The care and expertise of the Harbour Cancer staff are right at the top of my list of things that are helping me through. I have endless respect for them all - as tough as chemo can be, in their hands you are always safe, sound and listened to. However bad and repetitive one’s jokes might be. THANK YOU.
Firth
I would like to say a huge thank you to all the Staff at Harbour Cancer & Wellness. I have experienced nothing but amazing treatment from all staff members that I have come into contact with, they are a genuine, fabulous team. This is one of the last places that I expected to find myself late last year, but the journey has been an experience, and to come out the other side of it, I am very grateful.
Deborah
The care and support that Karen and her wonderful team of nurses have shown me over the years have been imperative in supporting me through treatments and recovery. The team at Harbour Cancer & Wellness have provided a safe space for me to cry, laugh and soldier on, throughout one of the most difficult times of my life and for that, I am forever grateful.
Zeisha
The personalised care and compassion shown by the Harbour team have been invaluable to my progress. They’re like a second family, helping to guide and work with me at my own pace - always nurturing, celebrating and treating me like a person, not a patient. The Wellness team gave me the confidence and support I need. They’re simply amazing and I just couldn’t speak more highly of the team.
Megan
T (09) 220 3333 | hello@harbourcancer.co.nz | harbourcancer.co.nz
Affiliated Providers
We are an Affiliated Provider to Southern Cross Health Insurance for selected services. We also have relationships for direct billing with Accuro, AIA, NIB, Partners Life, Unimed, ACC and other insurers.