Saturday, March 27, 2010

MARCH 202 NEWSLETTER

Hi to All,
A special thank you to Judy Sammut our guest speaker at the BI February meeting who shared her vast knowledge on health & fitness for women after breast cancer surgery. Judy has been involved with fitness and breast cancer for many years. There is good evidenced based research that shows the benefits of exercise during and after treatment. The next Encore program will commence on Monday 19th April 1-3pm at Input Fitness Frankston.
Contact Judy for details. 98484650 or heyjudys@hotmail.com
What’s coming up for 2010? – On the radar!
Field of Women LIVE 2010 – Tickets through - www.fieldofwomenlive.org.au
Live at the MCG coming up May 7th 2010. Book individual tickets and we will try to meet up there to be on the field together. Option B is to catch a train up together as public transport is FREE! BCNA are calling on more than 14,000 women & men to stand together & create the Pink Lady for the Field of Women LIVE. Registration $50, includes pink poncho, backpack, admission to the AFL game (Melbourne v Western Bulldogs) & free public transport.
More Info from: Breast Cancer Network Australia - Stand with us in Pink on the MCG.
Breast Cancer Network Australia Are the peak national organisation for Australians personally affected by breast cancer. They work to ensure that Australians diagnosed with breast cancer and their families receive the very best information, treatment, care and support possible.
Address: 293 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell.Vic.3124. E-mail: beacon@bcna.org.au Telephone: (03) 9805 2500 Fax: (03) 9805 2599 Information: Free call: 1800 500 258.
· E-Bulletins – keep up to date with the latest in breast cancer research, news & information.
The NEW 2nd Edition My Journey Kit (for those recently diagnosed)- 1300 78 55 62.
· Hope & Hurdles Pack for women with secondary breast cancer – 1300 887 340.
Breacan: Offers a range of services and programs including a library regular information sessions, a ‘Feel Good’ gentle exercise program and free reflexology sessions.
Women can call BreaCan on 1300781500 or email breacan@breacan.org.au, for information, support or to talk to a volunteer.

Cancer Council Vic (CCV) 131120 - Support services
We support people with a high risk of cancer and their families and friends. Our Cancer Helpline (13 11 20) is the main entry point for accessing support services. Trained oncology nurses operate it and can use a comprehensive database of research and details of statewide and local services for callers. Cancer Connections is an online community that links people with cancer, their carers and families. Registration is free and we will always keep your contact details confidential. Once registered you will have access to the many services: http://www.cancerconnections.com.au/
Calls may be referred to a trained Cancer Connect volunteer who has experienced the same cancer as the caller. Referrals are also made to local support groups or education programs for survivors or carers. Some callers may be eligible for financial help.
More info 13 11 20, or visit www.cancervic.org.au; or email csg@cancervic.org.au.
Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer:
· Australian Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer Council Queensland is proud to announce The 2nd National Conference for Young Women Affected by Breast Cancer. The conference will be convened at the Radisson Gold Coast Resort, Queensland, Australia from September 10 – 12, 2010.
· Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and the impact of a diagnosis can be even more devastating for young women. Over 700 women under the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Australia.
· This conference will be an opportunity to learn, network, share, raise awareness and further advance the needs and issues of young women diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia. We warmly invite you to join us for this special event.
· For more information and to sign up for regular email updates on the Conference program, travel grants, registration and other special activities, please visit the conference website - www.ywcaustralia.org.au
Peninsula Dragonflys
Dragon Boating for Breast Cancer Survivors and Survivors - Keeping fit, making new friends and having fun are just a few of the benefits of being a member of the Peninsula Dragonflys. We are a friendly club and welcome all breast cancer survivors, regardless of age, gender and sporting ability. Come along for a paddle, coffee and a chat. You may like to have “3 come & try” and consider joining the club or just come for a ride or paddle, whichever suits you.
We are located at: Patterson Lakes Canoe Club, Launching Way, Carrum (Melway 97E7). Contact: Patsy Blair 0428 896 203 or email: peninsula@dragonsabreast.com.
A message from Jo…
It has been a very busy month! Sue and I attended a day at the Cancer Council Vic with Sr Carmel and other group facilitators. Their new website is very exciting and will give people a chance to chat on line with others in similar situations. They are still continuing their fabulous programs and are trying to get out to country Victoria.
I also spent time at BCNA getting to know their plans for 2010. They too will have a new website soon which will be interactive - a cross between RSVP and Facebook was the description they used! The new edition of the My Journey Kit is being sent out to newly diagnosed women and the new front opening My Care Kit Berlei bra is also being distributed ( with moulded soft breast forms if needed).The Field of Women live launch was last night and I was off at Government House. It was fantastic to catch up with the BCNA mob and to rub shoulders with the pollies and guests. An amazing building they let us loose on. I caught up with Di from Breacan as well and chatted about the Nov 2009 forum.
I spent 2 days in Sydney at the Breast Care Nurse conference and have come back as always inspired. I know Encore caters for post treatment gals but feel there is a gap in post reconstruction therapy. If you have personal experiences (both good and bad) I would be happy to hear from you as I am working on a plan for a physio program specific to reconstructions.
On a quieter note Elspeths funeral was lovely, our gorgeous Lee sang accompanied by Darren, Elspeths husband on guitar. The Breast Intentions gals took over the kitchen at their house after to help. If anyone has left platters, give me a call. Darren & girls are doing OK.

Something Special - For someone special, like you J (Goddess’s of the Month) ::
Our thoughts are with all undergoing treatment at the moment..... especially to Gayle & Linda who are back for more! J
Breast Intentions Polos have been ordered for Jann, Ruth, Sue, Marilyn, Gillian and a couple of spare @,$25 when they arrive I will let you know!
(Breast Intentions Blog Spot)-Our Blog Spot:
Finance News: Breast Intentions Bank -Current Balance:-$ 983.00 -Awaiting DHS Funding.
Sharing a personal experience:
I have recently required some periodontal treatment – some five years after my treatment for breast cancer. Chemotherapy can have an adverse affect on your gums and it is essential that we take extra care during the treatment when our immune systems are very low. I was one who did have a very sensitive mouth during my treatment & I took time to ensure I followed all the advice during this time using the correct products, as advised by the experts. This disease can be apparent for many reasons and can cause loss of teeth in severe cases and serious damage to the gum and bone that supports our teeth.
In the early stages, it may have few symptoms and can take from 5 -10 years before any obvious signs. For me, a loose tooth that I had been nursing & diligently cleaning with little reward for my effort, as I was unaware the problem was below the gum line & not able to be rectified by my cleaning technique. I also noticed a significant change & movement in some of my teeth. Consequently, I was a bit shocked when I lost my good tooth. Always check with your Dentist if you notice any change and ensure he/she knows your medical history & treatments. The good news though, is that this problem for me is able to be treated, so hopefully, I won’t have any further issues. As many of us have experienced some ill effects from chemotherapy, going forward, we need to be aware of our Dental care to maintain the health of our teeth & GUMS J
Next BI Meeting: - Wednesday April 7th March, 2010 - (Always first Wednesday of each month) – we really love to catch up with you!!! Bays Hospital Mornington– Level 1 at 07:00pm.
Our newsletters have not always reached those they have supposed to each month. If you get an extra hard copy this month as well as an email, can you let Jo know at breast.intentions@hotmail.com as we are trying to get our master list up to date & save some on postage!
Take Care, Stay Well,
Regards Chris & your Friends at Breast Intentions.