Thursday, September 11, 2008

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
Apologies to any of my addressees that I have added to this mailing list that shouldn’t have been, or deleted (you won’t know!!) any of you. Please let me know if I have had an oops. Jann is up in QLD and I have changed computers and had to type the addresses in I hope it works well.
We had a night in the boardroom, lovely table but not the same as upstairs last week. Judy Sammut spoke about exercise and breasts. I have included a shortened form of an article she had printed. Yes she has new breasts and looks fabulous. Many of us have met Judy breast less over the years. It is the 25th year of Encore and we would like to help Judy organize an afternoon tea in Nov in Frankston. Her next exercise group is in October and she would love to hear from you, if you are eligible. Ph: 98484650
We welcome Ruth Judy’s friend, Donna and Kerry who bravely visited from her hospital bed. Our thoughts are also with Gina, Elspeth and Val who are all having further treatment and/or surgery at the moment.
October is a very busy breast cancer month as you all know. I will go in date order and leave it up to you to decide what, where if any you would like to join in. I have just been listening to the ABC about breast cancer. I feel it will be everywhere for a while.
BCNA have changed the minifield format as they are struggling with the storage issues of sponsored silhouettes. They are working toward a Virtual Field and silhouettes can be sponsored on line. The silhouettes used for the minifields will be re used each year. This year is a crossover year and we felt that as long as we can remove the tributes we can still place them on our silhouettes on the day. The $20 can be forwarded to BCNA and a virtual women can be displayed permanently. We still need a solution to the tributes and we may keep them and display them each year. All thoughts gladly received on this.

October 5th Sunday 12.30-4.30pm
A fundraiser for Encore to help provide this fabulous service to you, women with breast cancer.
Cafe Milato. 707 Nicholson St Carlton.An afternoon of eats and treats with door prizes, raffles and auctions.Tickets $20 book early. Theresa 93874211 or Judy Sammut 98484650

October 17th Friday 10-12am
A BCNA minified event held by all the Peninsula Support Groups. A morning tea, entertainment and fundraising for the Peninsula Wig Library. $5 entry cost to go directly to the Wig Library.To be held at Cruden Farm Frankston Cranbourne Rd.Contact Jo or PPH Day Chemo Unit. Info to follow.

October 19th Sunday 9am-3pm
A Breast Intentions/BCNA minifield and breast health awareness stall to be held at the Mornington Food and Wine Festival. Helpers needed to man the stall and have fun!!

October 26th Sunday Pink Breakfast.
To be held at Cerberus fund to National Breast Cancer Research Fund. Cost $35 a head. Last year fabulous door prizes and good bags provided. Assume the same this year. Contact Helen Ainslie or Jo more info to follow...
October 27th Monday 12 noon Hotel Sorrento Luncheon.
A pink buffet lunch and minifield this year. Tables don’t need to be booked as they have expanded the seating area although tickets still need to be pre purchased.Costs $25 per head, silhouettes may be purchased. Funds to go to The McGrath Foundation and BCNA.
Boxes of BreastsBoxes of Breasts
Since my first breast cancer diagnosis and surgery 15 years ago boxes of breasts have been gathering in my wardrobe.
After several very intrusive surgeries, including a saline implant, followed by a rectus flap reconstruction, I lived for some years with a left reconstructed breast and a right unreconstructed side. I had been wearing an Amoena breast form when I discovered that they required ‘models’ for their fitter training sessions that they held in various Australian states. So at 54 years of age I became a ‘topless’ model.
Further ongoing surgeries with various bits being progressively removed meant that my chest went through a variety of appearances. The Amoena girls used these variations with enthusiasm as I presented a challenging chest for their trainee fitters to work on. Over this time I wore partial breast forms, fully weighted breast forms and even had a go with the two piece attachable system.
Five years ago I acquired my now undulating, map like breast less chest and sometimes wore light forms or swim forms.Clare and other staff had been pestering me to wear the new attachable breast form...no I insisted in fact I’m over breasts I’m going a la natural no more boobs for me.
I am a floor and pool exercise instructor and conduct at least 10 sessions per week, demonstrating cardio warm ups, stretching, free weights and aqua aerobics, standing noticeably breast less in front of around 150 women (and men) per week. Most participants are aware that I’ve had breast cancer and have become accustomed to my breast free look.
Clare persisted........and at a training session one was fitted on me and I commented on how beautifully natural and light it felt. Clare insisted that I test drive two for her. I hadn’t as I thought they wouldn’t sit comfortably on my messy chest and with all the stretching, twisting, lifting and arm waving...... my reluctant response was alright just to shut her up!!
So I attached the forma with a new bra. They felt a little strange but comfortable, no weight on my shoulders stretching and arm waving didn’t appear to be restricted. I then popped on a neat fitting t-shirt looked in the mirror- and oh, there I was- looking good- really good- fantastic really. With breast –up lifted- I felt uplifted- my midriff minimized- my body balanced- my posture prouder. I think I nearly cried- I’d forgotten how wonderful it was to look and feel so feminie. I loved how it felt to have breasts again. My expressions of delight and amazement were equal to Clare’s look of achievement and purring satisfaction.A friends’ forty year old son commented: That’s a neat trick How did you do it? Do what I asked? Grow breasts overnight! He replied.
One night I came home late and tired.. took off my bra, fell into bed then realized I’d not taken off my breasts. They felt so much a part of me... like my natural breasts had been over 15 years ago. So here I am now 68 curvaceous and gorgeous- well I feel that way anyway- and no need for my boxed breast collection. Thanks Clare for your tenacity. Judy Sammut


invitation
The National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre and Breast Cancer Network Australia invite you and your family to a Memorial Service to be held at St. Michael’s Uniting Church 120 Collins Street Melbourne on Sunday 5 October 2008 at 2.30pm
Followed by light refreshments in St. Michael’s Hall RSVP by Monday 29 September 2008
1800 500 258 beacon@bcna.org.au
I also forgot to mention our fabulous new book and Cd collection many of which are out already. There are a couple more for the October 1st night. Cheers Jo
Dear All
This is why they don’t let me do the newsletter very often!!
Hastings Cancer Support Group are running a forum on October 22nd 10-3pm at The Hastings club 155 Marine Parade. !0am registration & morning tea. Guest Speakers are David Blakey Radio Oncologist, Edwina Beddoes Cancer Council Vic and Dawn Leicester BCNA Free light lunch plus hospice, Dragons Abreast, Prostate support, myeloma foundation , health information and more. RSVP Marg 59836044 0r sjphillips@aapt.net.au
I have also included a media release from BCNA that came after I sent out the newsletter... stay tuned Cheers Jo
MEDIA RELEASE Tuesday 9th September, 2008 Attention: News
NATIONAL CONSISTENCY IN BREAST PROSTHESIS PROGRAM WELCOMED BY SURVIVORS
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) today welcomed the Government’s announcement that the Medicare system will reimburse women for new and replacement breast prostheses.
“There has been a lot of inequality across Australia and it is wonderful that we are finally going to see all women being able to access the same financial support for prostheses,” BCNA Policy Manager Michelle Marven said.
BCNA has been advocating for a streamlined, national approach for ten years.“Using the Medicare system for the rebate will mean that most women will be able to receive a quick and straightforward refund through their local Medicare office.” The system will come into effect in December this year, although women will be able to claim the reimbursement for purchases made from July 1, 2008. However, BCNA encourages women to ensure that they understand the system before purchasing prostheses under the new scheme. Ms Marven highlights that women should be aware that: The Medicare levy will only reimburse $400 of the total cost of a prosthesis. Money will be reimbursed to women through an electronic transfer of funds to their bank account. The system will include new and replacement prostheses – replacements canbe purchased every 2 years. If the prosthesis is purchased before December, women need to keep a copy of their receipt and apply for the refund after December 1, 2008.
Breast cancer survivor and BCNA Community Liaison Kay Ellis was with Minister Roxon when she made the announcement today. Kay said “This will mean a lot to women across Australia. I know it would have made a difference to my mum. She was diagnosed 40 years ago and her doctor gave her a rice bag as her prosthesis. How things have changed.”
BCNA can provide breast cancer survivors, who will be affected by this decision,for interview and comment.Policy Manager, Michelle Marven is also available for comment.For more information and to arrange interviews contact: Jaki Colgan – Media Coordinator Phone: 0409 238 944 or email: jcolgan@bcna.org.au More detail on the program can be found at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/services/breast-prostheses.jsp or www.health.gov.auSince my first breast cancer diagnosis and surgery 15 years ago boxes of breasts have been gathering in my wardrobe.
After several very intrusive surgeries, including a saline implant, followed by a rectus flap reconstruction, I lived for some years with a left reconstructed breast and a right unreconstructed side. I had been wearing an Amoena breast form when I discovered that they required ‘models’ for their fitter training sessions that they held in various Australian states. So at 54 years of age I became a ‘topless’ model.
Further ongoing surgeries with various bits being progressively removed meant that my chest went through a variety of appearances. The Amoena girls used these variations with enthusiasm as I presented a challenging chest for their trainee fitters to work on. Over this time I wore partial breast forms, fully weighted breast forms and even had a go with the two piece attachable system.
Five years ago I acquired my now undulating, map like breast less chest and sometimes wore light forms or swim forms.
Clare and other staff had been pestering me to wear the new attachable breast form...no I insisted in fact I’m over breasts I’m going a la natural no more boobs for me.
I am a floor and pool exercise instructor and conduct at least 10 sessions per week, demonstrating cardio warm ups, stretching, free weights and aqua aerobics, standing noticeably breast less in front of around 150 women (and men) per week. Most participants are aware that I’ve had breast cancer and have become accustomed to my breast free look.
Clare persisted........and at a training session one was fitted on me and I commented on how beautifully natural and light it felt. Clare insisted that I test drive two for her. I hadn’t as I thought they wouldn’t sit comfortably on my messy chest and with all the stretching, twisting, lifting and arm waving...... my reluctant response was alright just to shut her up!!
So I attached the forma with a new bra. They felt a little strange but comfortable, no weight on my shoulders stretching and arm waving didn’t appear to be restricted. I then popped on a neat fitting t-shirt looked in the mirror- and oh, there I was- looking good- really good- fantastic really. With breast –up lifted- I felt uplifted- my midriff minimized- my body balanced- my posture prouder. I think I nearly cried- I’d forgotten how wonderful it was to look and feel so feminie. I loved how it felt to have breasts again. My expressions of delight and amazement were equal to Clare’s look of achievement and purring satisfaction.
A friends’ forty year old son commented: That’s a neat trick How did you do it? Do what I asked? Grow breasts overnight! He replied.
One night I came home late and tired.. took off my bra, fell into bed then realized I’d not taken off my breasts. They felt so much a part of me... like my natural breasts had been over 15 years ago. So here I am now 68 curvaceous and gorgeous- well I feel that way anyway- and no need for my boxed breast collection. Thanks Clare for your tenacity.
Judy Sammut

Since my first breast cancer diagnosis and surgery 15 years ago boxes of breasts have been gathering in my wardrobe.
After several very intrusive surgeries, including a saline implant, followed by a rectus flap reconstruction, I lived for some years with a left reconstructed breast and a right unreconstructed side. I had been wearing an Amoena breast form when I discovered that they required ‘models’ for their fitter training sessions that they held in various Australian states. So at 54 years of age I became a ‘topless’ model.
Further ongoing surgeries with various bits being progressively removed meant that my chest went through a variety of appearances. The Amoena girls used these variations with enthusiasm as I presented a challenging chest for their trainee fitters to work on. Over this time I wore partial breast forms, fully weighted breast forms and even had a go with the two piece attachable system.
Five years ago I acquired my now undulating, map like breast less chest and sometimes wore light forms or swim forms.
Clare and other staff had been pestering me to wear the new attachable breast form...no I insisted in fact I’m over breasts I’m going a la natural no more boobs for me.
I am a floor and pool exercise instructor and conduct at least 10 sessions per week, demonstrating cardio warm ups, stretching, free weights and aqua aerobics, standing noticeably breast less in front of around 150 women (and men) per week. Most participants are aware that I’ve had breast cancer and have become accustomed to my breast free look.
Clare persisted........and at a training session one was fitted on me and I commented on how beautifully natural and light it felt. Clare insisted that I test drive two for her. I hadn’t as I thought they wouldn’t sit comfortably on my messy chest and with all the stretching, twisting, lifting and arm waving...... my reluctant response was alright just to shut her up!!
So I attached the forma with a new bra. They felt a little strange but comfortable, no weight on my shoulders stretching and arm waving didn’t appear to be restricted. I then popped on a neat fitting t-shirt looked in the mirror- and oh, there I was- looking good- really good- fantastic really. With breast –up lifted- I felt uplifted- my midriff minimized- my body balanced- my posture prouder. I think I nearly cried- I’d forgotten how wonderful it was to look and feel so feminie. I loved how it felt to have breasts again. My expressions of delight and amazement were equal to Clare’s look of achievement and purring satisfaction.
A friends’ forty year old son commented: That’s a neat trick How did you do it? Do what I asked? Grow breasts overnight! He replied.
One night I came home late and tired.. took off my bra, fell into bed then realized I’d not taken off my breasts. They felt so much a part of me... like my natural breasts had been over 15 years ago. So here I am now 68 curvaceous and gorgeous- well I feel that way anyway- and no need for my boxed breast collection. Thanks Clare for your tenacity.
Judy Sammut