Dear Jann
We will all miss you and thank you for your kindness & friendship & all your hard work over the years with the newsletter. Hope you enjoy your new life in QLD and keep in touch. XXXX
Monday, March 09, 2009
Sunday, March 08, 2009
FEB 2009 NEWSLETTER
Hi Everyone,
Hope you all had a lovely break over Christmas and the New Year, seems a long time ago now that we are all back into the swing of our routines. Had a great first meeting for the year on 4th February, with lots to discuss and decisions to be made for this year. A summary below:
BI Bank
We have a balance of $822 in our account, $350 of which is a grant received from Department of Health Services - Thanks to Jo for submitting an application and succeeding.
We Need Our Own Banner
After holding our stall at the Mornington Wine and Food Fest, it was obvious we need to have our own banner to display and promote us at such functions. The meeting decided the background should be white, with pink logo, and from there we were stuck. We've decided to run a competition with suggestions of design for the banner, final decision by vote. The Peninsula Dragon Flies have a great banner, with shades of pink and purple dragon flies, and the slogan "Paddling for Life". We need something similar - a really catchy, meaningful slogan on an eye catching banner [sorry, no boobs !].
We'll run the competition for the next couple of months, winner will receive a Peninsula Health Medispa gift voucher. So get those creative minds working, and bring any suggestions and designs to the next meeting, we'll collate and run in each Newsletter until the conclusion of the competition.
Breast Intentions T Shirts
We are looking at costs of having our own T Shirts - those involved will bring the info to the next meeting. If you have any contacts in this area, please contact Jo.
Superannuation and Insurance Advice Line
Ann Saville has found the advice line below very helpful: Maurice and Blackburn Super and Insurance Advice Service for people with cancer and other:
1800 810 812 for free legal advice
A Raffle - for Fund Raising for Jo's participation in the Amazon Heart Ride in May
There was much discussion about a raffle to sponsor Jo's ride in the Amazon Heart Ride from Brisbane to Sydney 20 - 29th May. This is run is to raise Breast Cancer awareness and funds for Peer Group Support Harley Davidson have lent 20 Harley's for those without bikes.
The Raffle so far: - A Choice Of:
Lyndall Caldwell oil painting of Mother's Beach Mornington - 600 mm x 900mm.
OR
Family Pack 1:
$200 Monash Hire Voucher [hire out trailer, horse floats, floor sanders, lawn aerators, cherry pickers, kangas etc]; Yoga By The Bay Voucher; Body Products; Foot Massage; Jamie Oliver Cook Book; Cricket Book; Ipod Shuffle; 20 bike; sports balls; Monster Truck; Books; Large Eeyor; Pure Earth Products
Second Prize:
Family Pack 2:
20" Bike; BC Scrabble game; movie passes; $20 toy voucher; Fischer Price baby toys; Jamie Oliver Cook Book; Cricket Book; sports balls;
OR
ipod shuffle
OR
Portable DVD player and digital photo frame
OR Mt Martha Optical $100 Voucher
Still waiting on response from Minzenmay, Farrells and Michelle-Ann for vouchers. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5, we'll have more books of tickets at the next meeting.
Plans for This Year's Meetings
A rough outline of guests speakers/activities discussed for this year's meetings - Tai Chi; Yoga by the Bay; Reconstruction; Sexuality; Judy Sammut from Encore.
An Article from the Cancer Council Newsletter
Jo found this article in a recent Cancer Council Newsletter and thought it worth sharing:
Positive thinking does not improve breast cancer outcomes
The state of mind of women with breast cancer has no influence on their chance of having a recurrence or survival, according to a recent study. This research contradicts widespread belief in the power of positive thinking. The paper ‘ Psychosocial Factors and Survival of Young Women with Breast Cancer’ found no correlation between a breast cancer patients mental wellbeing and their ultimate chances of avoiding recurrence and surviving the disease. A diagnosis of breast cancer is frequently associated with psychological distress and many patients believe that their psychological response affects their prognosis. Previous research has produced conflicting results. These findings provide the strongest evidence to date that while there can be lots of emotional and social benefits of thinking positively, including improving quality of life, a positive frame of mind does not have a significant effect on breast cancer recurrence or survival. Many women blame themselves for not having had a positive enough attitude. We can now tell them that it would not have changed their outcome. Associate Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips CCV & Peter Mac Callum CC
The Cancer Council is running Telephone & Internet Support Groups - support for people with cancer within the comfort and privacy of home. These groups operate via teleconference [using a normal phone] or real-time private chat room over the internet. These groups are professionally facilitated, and meet weekly one hour over a period of 6 - 8 weeks. These groups are available for people with advanced cancer, in the 20 - 50 age group, 2 years post treatment, cancer survivors, carers of people with cancer. More info 13 11 20, or visit www.cancervic.org.au; or email csg@cancervic.or.au.
News from BCNA – www.bcna..org.au
Medicare Rebates for Annual MRI
You may recall that in late December the Federal Government announced a new scheme to provide Medicare rebates for annual MRI scans for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. BCNA is pleased to announce that the rebate commenced 2 February 2009.
To be eligible for the rebate, women must be under the age of 50 and have either have a known genetic mutation or a strong family history of breast cancer. The rebate does not apply to women who have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition, referrals for MRI must be made by a specialist, and must be conducted on a Medicare-eligible MRI unit. A list of eligible units will soon be published and we will update you when this information is available.
For more information about the eligibility criteria, and what constitutes strong family history, visit the BCNA website. If you have any questions or comments about the rebate, please feel free to contact BCNA by email policy@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 (freecall).
Two Surveys/Documentary - See articles below from BCNA
1. "I am making a documentary focusing on the long term impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on women who were 45 or younger when they were diagnosed. Entitled The Road Back to Tomorrow, the film will explore the impact on life today when we think that we may not have a tomorrow.
The impetus for the documentary comes both from my own experience (I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 in 2004) and from what I see in contemporary media. Stories tend to look at the immediate impact of diagnosis and treatment, or on the women who die from the disease. There is little if anything in the general media about the longer-term psychological journey of recovery, about how women find their way slowly back to a sense of tomorrow and about the decisions they make along the way, many of which have far reaching implications.
Further information is available at http://www.robynwinslow.com.au/sonnette/projects.html
I am looking for women who were diagnosed when under the age of 45 and who are at least five years on from that experience. I encourage you to view the material on the website and, if you would like to be considered for a profile within the documentary, please submit an expression of interest through the website.
Robyn Winslow, Director"
2. From Research & Policy Officer - BCNA:
As a member of our Review & Survey Group I'd like to let you know about an opportunity to participate in an important research study about young women and the fear of cancer recurrence. The research is being conducted by Dr. Belinda Thewes and Professor Phyllis Butow at the School of Psychology from the University of Sydney . It would be great if you could have a read and see if you are able to participate. This research study will provide vital information about the experience of young women survivors of breast cancer and the impact that fear of cancer recurrence has on their lives. The researchers are seeking 200 women to participate in this project. What's involved?
Initially, the completion of a 45-60 minute secure online questionnaire;
A second follow up online questionnaire of approximately 5-10 minutes two weeks later;
If you do not wish to complete the survey online, paper copies of the survey along with pre paid return envelopes will be provided;
A few participants will be invited to take part in a follow up telephone interview. This is part of the study is optional.
Who's eligible to take part? Women who:
Were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (stage 0-2) at least 1 year ago;
Were aged 45 years or younger at the time of diagnosis;
Have not had a recurrence of their cancer.
How do you get involved? If you would like to participate or find out more information, please contact Dr Belinda Thewes on (02) 9036 7207 or email at bthewes@usyd.edu.au.
Next Meeting:
Wednesday 4th March – The Bays Hospital - 7.00 pm
April !st where the raffle will be drawn
Moving On
Ian and I are moving to live in Cairns , for a new life, and to spend time with our daughter Jane, granddaughter Iluka, and son in law Mitch. We have sold our house [finally] and settlement is 1st May. It will be very hard leaving our son Matt and his wife Clare, they will have to visit us often. The next meeting will be my last with the group, unless I'm back in Melbourne around the first Wednesday of the month for any of my BC appointments and then I'll definitely come along and catch up with everyone.
I don't think I can put into words how grateful I am for the support, wisdom, fun and love I have received from you very special, beautiful ladies, especially in the early days after diagnosis and treatment. Our mutual journey leads us on a fragile path, and I am blessed that I have your friendship and encouragement along the way.
Newsletter
So now, of course, there's a vacancy for putting the Newsletter together. Jo usually sends me Cancer Council stuff, the rest we usually talk about at the meetings, and I put it together. It's pretty easy. If you are interested in doing the Newsletter, please contact Jo or me.
See you at the next meeting.
Take care,
Jann
Hope you all had a lovely break over Christmas and the New Year, seems a long time ago now that we are all back into the swing of our routines. Had a great first meeting for the year on 4th February, with lots to discuss and decisions to be made for this year. A summary below:
BI Bank
We have a balance of $822 in our account, $350 of which is a grant received from Department of Health Services - Thanks to Jo for submitting an application and succeeding.
We Need Our Own Banner
After holding our stall at the Mornington Wine and Food Fest, it was obvious we need to have our own banner to display and promote us at such functions. The meeting decided the background should be white, with pink logo, and from there we were stuck. We've decided to run a competition with suggestions of design for the banner, final decision by vote. The Peninsula Dragon Flies have a great banner, with shades of pink and purple dragon flies, and the slogan "Paddling for Life". We need something similar - a really catchy, meaningful slogan on an eye catching banner [sorry, no boobs !].
We'll run the competition for the next couple of months, winner will receive a Peninsula Health Medispa gift voucher. So get those creative minds working, and bring any suggestions and designs to the next meeting, we'll collate and run in each Newsletter until the conclusion of the competition.
Breast Intentions T Shirts
We are looking at costs of having our own T Shirts - those involved will bring the info to the next meeting. If you have any contacts in this area, please contact Jo.
Superannuation and Insurance Advice Line
Ann Saville has found the advice line below very helpful: Maurice and Blackburn Super and Insurance Advice Service for people with cancer and other:
1800 810 812 for free legal advice
A Raffle - for Fund Raising for Jo's participation in the Amazon Heart Ride in May
There was much discussion about a raffle to sponsor Jo's ride in the Amazon Heart Ride from Brisbane to Sydney 20 - 29th May. This is run is to raise Breast Cancer awareness and funds for Peer Group Support Harley Davidson have lent 20 Harley's for those without bikes.
The Raffle so far: - A Choice Of:
Lyndall Caldwell oil painting of Mother's Beach Mornington - 600 mm x 900mm.
OR
Family Pack 1:
$200 Monash Hire Voucher [hire out trailer, horse floats, floor sanders, lawn aerators, cherry pickers, kangas etc]; Yoga By The Bay Voucher; Body Products; Foot Massage; Jamie Oliver Cook Book; Cricket Book; Ipod Shuffle; 20 bike; sports balls; Monster Truck; Books; Large Eeyor; Pure Earth Products
Second Prize:
Family Pack 2:
20" Bike; BC Scrabble game; movie passes; $20 toy voucher; Fischer Price baby toys; Jamie Oliver Cook Book; Cricket Book; sports balls;
OR
ipod shuffle
OR
Portable DVD player and digital photo frame
OR Mt Martha Optical $100 Voucher
Still waiting on response from Minzenmay, Farrells and Michelle-Ann for vouchers. Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5, we'll have more books of tickets at the next meeting.
Plans for This Year's Meetings
A rough outline of guests speakers/activities discussed for this year's meetings - Tai Chi; Yoga by the Bay; Reconstruction; Sexuality; Judy Sammut from Encore.
An Article from the Cancer Council Newsletter
Jo found this article in a recent Cancer Council Newsletter and thought it worth sharing:
Positive thinking does not improve breast cancer outcomes
The state of mind of women with breast cancer has no influence on their chance of having a recurrence or survival, according to a recent study. This research contradicts widespread belief in the power of positive thinking. The paper ‘ Psychosocial Factors and Survival of Young Women with Breast Cancer’ found no correlation between a breast cancer patients mental wellbeing and their ultimate chances of avoiding recurrence and surviving the disease. A diagnosis of breast cancer is frequently associated with psychological distress and many patients believe that their psychological response affects their prognosis. Previous research has produced conflicting results. These findings provide the strongest evidence to date that while there can be lots of emotional and social benefits of thinking positively, including improving quality of life, a positive frame of mind does not have a significant effect on breast cancer recurrence or survival. Many women blame themselves for not having had a positive enough attitude. We can now tell them that it would not have changed their outcome. Associate Professor Kelly-Anne Phillips CCV & Peter Mac Callum CC
The Cancer Council is running Telephone & Internet Support Groups - support for people with cancer within the comfort and privacy of home. These groups operate via teleconference [using a normal phone] or real-time private chat room over the internet. These groups are professionally facilitated, and meet weekly one hour over a period of 6 - 8 weeks. These groups are available for people with advanced cancer, in the 20 - 50 age group, 2 years post treatment, cancer survivors, carers of people with cancer. More info 13 11 20, or visit www.cancervic.org.au; or email csg@cancervic.or.au.
News from BCNA – www.bcna..org.au
Medicare Rebates for Annual MRI
You may recall that in late December the Federal Government announced a new scheme to provide Medicare rebates for annual MRI scans for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. BCNA is pleased to announce that the rebate commenced 2 February 2009.
To be eligible for the rebate, women must be under the age of 50 and have either have a known genetic mutation or a strong family history of breast cancer. The rebate does not apply to women who have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer. In addition, referrals for MRI must be made by a specialist, and must be conducted on a Medicare-eligible MRI unit. A list of eligible units will soon be published and we will update you when this information is available.
For more information about the eligibility criteria, and what constitutes strong family history, visit the BCNA website. If you have any questions or comments about the rebate, please feel free to contact BCNA by email policy@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 (freecall).
Two Surveys/Documentary - See articles below from BCNA
1. "I am making a documentary focusing on the long term impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on women who were 45 or younger when they were diagnosed. Entitled The Road Back to Tomorrow, the film will explore the impact on life today when we think that we may not have a tomorrow.
The impetus for the documentary comes both from my own experience (I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 in 2004) and from what I see in contemporary media. Stories tend to look at the immediate impact of diagnosis and treatment, or on the women who die from the disease. There is little if anything in the general media about the longer-term psychological journey of recovery, about how women find their way slowly back to a sense of tomorrow and about the decisions they make along the way, many of which have far reaching implications.
Further information is available at http://www.robynwinslow.com.au/sonnette/projects.html
I am looking for women who were diagnosed when under the age of 45 and who are at least five years on from that experience. I encourage you to view the material on the website and, if you would like to be considered for a profile within the documentary, please submit an expression of interest through the website.
Robyn Winslow, Director"
2. From Research & Policy Officer - BCNA:
As a member of our Review & Survey Group I'd like to let you know about an opportunity to participate in an important research study about young women and the fear of cancer recurrence. The research is being conducted by Dr. Belinda Thewes and Professor Phyllis Butow at the School of Psychology from the University of Sydney . It would be great if you could have a read and see if you are able to participate. This research study will provide vital information about the experience of young women survivors of breast cancer and the impact that fear of cancer recurrence has on their lives. The researchers are seeking 200 women to participate in this project. What's involved?
Initially, the completion of a 45-60 minute secure online questionnaire;
A second follow up online questionnaire of approximately 5-10 minutes two weeks later;
If you do not wish to complete the survey online, paper copies of the survey along with pre paid return envelopes will be provided;
A few participants will be invited to take part in a follow up telephone interview. This is part of the study is optional.
Who's eligible to take part? Women who:
Were diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer (stage 0-2) at least 1 year ago;
Were aged 45 years or younger at the time of diagnosis;
Have not had a recurrence of their cancer.
How do you get involved? If you would like to participate or find out more information, please contact Dr Belinda Thewes on (02) 9036 7207 or email at bthewes@usyd.edu.au.
Next Meeting:
Wednesday 4th March – The Bays Hospital - 7.00 pm
April !st where the raffle will be drawn
Moving On
Ian and I are moving to live in Cairns , for a new life, and to spend time with our daughter Jane, granddaughter Iluka, and son in law Mitch. We have sold our house [finally] and settlement is 1st May. It will be very hard leaving our son Matt and his wife Clare, they will have to visit us often. The next meeting will be my last with the group, unless I'm back in Melbourne around the first Wednesday of the month for any of my BC appointments and then I'll definitely come along and catch up with everyone.
I don't think I can put into words how grateful I am for the support, wisdom, fun and love I have received from you very special, beautiful ladies, especially in the early days after diagnosis and treatment. Our mutual journey leads us on a fragile path, and I am blessed that I have your friendship and encouragement along the way.
Newsletter
So now, of course, there's a vacancy for putting the Newsletter together. Jo usually sends me Cancer Council stuff, the rest we usually talk about at the meetings, and I put it together. It's pretty easy. If you are interested in doing the Newsletter, please contact Jo or me.
See you at the next meeting.
Take care,
Jann
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