We asked Metavivor Tania Honey to describe this online peer support group for people with advanced breast cancer. Here’s her take:
1. We all have a Stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis and I believe live or have lived in NZ at some point
2. It's a private page. Not any Tom, Dick or Mary can join. It gives you an extra feeling of safety that only other Metavivors are on this site.
3. I've never been told this but have always assumed that the word Metavivors came from Meta = metastatic and Vivor from the word survivors. A damn good summation of who we are. Some may say 'but many of you don't survive.' However, this group has the potential to enrich the quality of the surviving time and some studies say lengthen it. I for one, am an avid believer in the 'some studies' 😉
It's a place where you can:
4. Celebrate anything! It could be a new way to approach a scan or procedure that helps settle the nerves. It could be a birthday. It could be that you got outside and enjoyed the garden. It could be a holiday. Literally anything can be shared when your heart is singing and we all delight in this win because we know how precious they are.
5. Shout out milestones. It could be your own or witnessing a family or friend's big day. I've got three teenage lads so driver's licence achievements have been a hot topic or the latest being my youngest winning the Open Senior Men's Double's Maori Tennis Champs. 😊
6. Let steam off. It could be your health has taken a turn for the worse or you're angry at being treated inhumanely at a medical appointment or a family/friend member who lacks the skills to support you in a way you'd like. Or you are feeling overwhelmed. Literally anything. You don't get judged but have a soft landing pad of people who just 'get' you and validate your feelings.
7. Asking for feedback on changing or embarking on new treatment or managing side effects. It's one thing to get a pamphlet on your new treatment from your onco team but not gonna lie, so much freaking better to hear from real people who are having it or have been on it.
8. Share wellbeing tips. I've seen books recommended, links given to tonnes of resources such as effective meditation, youtube clips or cannabis doctors’ contacts. Honestly the list is endless and so valuable.
9. Connections - plenty of us physically meet up and develop great friendships. Sometimes a Metavivor will say 'Hey I'm visiting this place on these dates, any fellow Metavivors want to meet up?' I met one of my Metasisters when I travelled on the Tranzalpine in Greymouth. Due to her isolated location, she had never met another Metavivor before so we were both touched by reaching out to each other. Never underestimate the power of human touch.
And like anything, if the discussion or resources being shared aren't what you are after. Scroll on, my friend, scroll on.
You can learn more about Metavivors NZ by clicking here.
