The feedback from women who have taken part in Encore has been overwhelmingly positive. Here are a few excerpts from feedback provided by participants so far:

For me, what has exceeded expectations [about the programme] is…more strength, more flexibility, less stress, more confidence – and aiding my acceptance of my new body by having my first swim since my second mastectomy. I have benefited from this programme and recommend it to all breast cancer survivors.

At the end of the eight-week programme I was able to drive over the harbour bridge, I had gained confidence with going out, and enjoyed supermarket shopping more. I have found that “life” is coming back to the area under my arm. Encore has definitely helped with my energy levels and confidence.

I have realised just how important this programme is. I enjoyed the camaraderie. I discovered the comfort of weightlessness in the pool. Thank you so much.

My level of coping with a bilateral mastectomy is better and I feel more relaxed about it.

I have achieved my goal of improving my energy levels and I have noticed a huge improvement in the stretch of my arm – particularly doing backstroke in the pool. Thank you.

I thoroughly enjoyed the programme; it was presented in a caring and professional way. The benefits have been both physical and emotional. As my physical state improved, so too did my confidence in my ability to regain ‘normality’ again. The programme also provided me with the opportunity to meet other women with the same issues, and I benefited from the speakers who came to share meaningful information with us. I do hope that more Encore groups can start up across New Zealand so that other breast cancer victims can benefit. Thanks for a job so well done!

On top of the world – Carol’s story
Here is one woman’s personal account of how the YWCA Encore programme has made a difference in her life.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2005 and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy.

One of my goals for 2006 was to become active as soon as possible again in my winter sport of downhill skiing. Last week I stood at the top of Mt Ruapehu’s Turoa ski field with a supportive friend and my husband, and achieved that goal – thanks to my participation in the YWCA Encore programme.

I began the programme in February of 2006 while I was halfway through my chemotherapy regime.

Encore provided me with an opportunity to meet other women who were experiencing similar health challenges through breast cancer and a chance to discuss and share with them the frustrations, successes and failures that we had encountered on our individual journeys in a positive setting, while exercising.

The strong group support and encouragement kept me motivated to complete the programme, especially during my chemotherapy treatments. Chemotherapy can be a depleting experience and leaves one physically and mentally unmotivated, so this encouragement was extremely beneficial for me.

A cancer diagnosis can have an isolating effect for some people, but for me the Encore programme with its emphasis on participation, sharing, education, self-help, camaraderie and fun helped me to overcome any feelings of isolation at this time and improved my sense of self-worth.

The Encore programme was accessible to me at a time when I was unable to work, had zero income, and had large medical expenses. This powerful programme has assisted my physical and emotional recovery from breast cancer and has supported my journey back to health and employment. It has enabled me to make a contribution again to family routines and to participate actively in the larger community.

Best of all it’s got me skiing again with family and friends!
- Carol Scott-Dye (name used with permission)

This kind of feedback, plus endorsements from medical bodies such as The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and St Marks Woman’s Health, and the amount of interest from other groups working in the area of breast cancer, means we are confident the YWCA Encore programme is making a significant impact on the health and well-being of many women, and will continue to do so nationwide.