April, 2010 NEWSLETTER Welcome to our April, 2010 Newsletter
Hi to All, What’s coming up for May 2010? – On the radar!
Laurence Westcott has kindly agreed to come along and speak about lymphoedema and the management of it at our May 2010 meeting. We welcome Laurence and look forward to her information session.
BCNA - Pink Bun Campaign has been launched. The enthusiasm is mounting and bakeries are beginning to pink up their stores. Thanks go out to all the Member Groups who have linked up with their local bakery and shared their plans with us. But we need more help! Due to last years success more bakeries are keen to be linked up with local breast cancer survivors.
What does being linked up mean?
It means introducing yourself to the bakeries to see how you can help.
It means available members of your group spending a few hours in the bakery or bakeries sometime during the next three weeks (preferably a weekend).
It means letting me know of the bakeries you will be helping out and we will send you a ‘Pink Bun Pack’ which contains brochures and information about BCNA to take into the store during your Pink Bun campaign visit.
Jo will be at Bentons Square this Sat 11-3 and Somerville Thursday6th 11-1 if you would like to join her for a short or long time
Field of Women LIVE 2010 – Tickets through - http://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. We aim to catch the 3:12 train from Frankston which will get us to Richmond @ 4:05and walk to Gate 1. Public transport is free. You can meet us on the way or at the MCG. Pick up your pack and go inside. We will pick an area once there and meet possibly at M28. I hope to have the Breast Intentions Banner to group us together. Do you want to all wear a headpiece (possibly a tiara) to identify us as a group? Everyone looks the same in their poncho!
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.
What’s on in May 2010?
Treatment Options And Opportunities For Women With Advanced Breast Cancer Monday 3 May 10.30am–12pm
Dr Jacquie Chirgwin is a Medical Oncologist and Chairperson of the ANZ Breast Cancer Trials Group who has a passionate commitment to helping women with breast cancer. Jacquie will talk on the different treatments available
for women living with advanced breast cancer, options for symptom control, as well as new developments and approaches that may be possibilities in the future.
Making Sense Of The Pathology Results Thursday 13 May 12–1.30pm
The important role a pathologist plays in the diagnosis of breast or gynaecological cancer is often not well understood. Dr. Leonie Constable is a Pathologist with Melbourne Pathology. She will explain what happens from the time of the initial biopsy to the test results, the level of information you can expect, the criteria for staging a tumour and how a pathologist works with the medical team.
Yoga Thursday 27 May 12–1.30pm
Sally Dawson is a classical yoga teacher and Principal of the WaverleyYoga Studio. In this session, Sally will talk about the benefits of yoga for women affected by cancer. She will also cover practical aspects such as deep relaxation, postures, meditation and conscious breathing.
Women Living with Advanced Cancer BreaCan runs activities for women with advanced breast or advanced gynaecological cancers. If you would like to know more please call 1300 781 500.
Feel Good Gentle Exercise Program
This program offers gentle exercise to tone the body and help the lymphatic system. Conducted by a qualified instructor, the sessions are held fortnightly on a Wednesday from 10.30am - 11.30am. Women participating need to complete enrolment forms prior to attending.
May 5 & 19, June 2, 16 & 30, July 7 & 21
Introductory Hand & Foot Reflexology
Reflexology is a system of health care, incorporating mind, body and spirit. It offers tangible benefits to those living with a
diagnosis of cancer and complements existing treatments. Jennifer Rigby is a reflexologist and registered nurse offering an opportunity to alleviate some of your stress and tension. Please call to book an appointment. May 12 & 26, June 9 & 23, July 14 & 28
1. Recipes for Living Forum – Ringwood
We are holding a forum for women with a gynaecological cancer or breast cancer in Ringwood. This is an opportunity for women to meet each other and listen to a range of speakers talk about the services that are available to support people locally. A focus of the forum will be on understanding the impact of cancer on people’s lives and finding some practical ways to assist women to live well.
Bookings essential.
When: Saturday 15 May Where: Maroondah Federation Estate in Ringwood
Time: 9.30am – 2.45pm To find out more: ring BreaCan on 1300 781 500 or email breacan@breacan.org.au
2. Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) BreaCan Volunteer Pilot Project
When we wrote to you recently, we mentioned an exciting pilot project we are doing in partnership with RMH. From late April BreaCan’s peer support volunteers will be based at the hospital one day a week to provide support to women with breast cancer undergoing treatment. Women have often told us that they would appreciate being able to talk to another woman who has been through the experience, at the time of treatment. We are working closely with RMH staff who will play a key role in referring their patients. This 18 month pilot project will explore and evaluate the value of such a model of support and the benefits to women.
3. Women Living with Advanced Cancer Forum - update
BreaCan previously advertised a forum for women living with advanced cancer to be held in June, in partnership with The Cancer Council Victoria. The forum ‘Hope in the Face of Uncertainty’ will now be held on Saturday 11 September. We will forward you more details on this event in the next mail out.




Investigating Parental Cancer - Research Participants Needed
A research study investigating the effects of having a parent with cancer will be run from 14 February – 30 May 2010. The questionnaire aims to provide information that will improve our understanding of how a diagnosis of cancer in one’s mother or father impacts on adults.
What’s involved?
The questionnaire can be completed on-line or a copy can be mailed to you with a reply paid envelope. The web address for the survey is: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/parentalcancer
It is estimated that the questionnaire will take between 50-60 minutes to complete.
If you would like a survey mailed to you simply contact the researcher, Janelle, on jlevesque@csu.edu.au or on 0430 878 940 and a copy will be mailed to you.
Who can participate?
Any willing person who meets the following criteria:
• You are over 18 years of age
• You were over 18 when your mum or dad was diagnosed with cancer
• Your parent was diagnosed with cancer at least 12 months ago (i.e. before February 2009)
• If your parent passed away your loss happened at least 6 months ago (i.e. before August 2009)
Why is this research important?
The information gained from this study will help family members in the future to better adjust and manage issues that affect them as a result of their parent’s cancer. This research will help to identify the needs of adults who are dealing with the experience of having a parent with cancer and this information could be used to develop and/or improve support services and education for other people who find themselves in a similar situation.
Thankyou for considering participation.
Janelle Levesque PO Box 6155 HAMMONDVILLE NSW 2170.
If you require anything else please do not hesitate to contact me.
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 http://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 - http://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…
Hi Everyone
It was great to have a catch up and thanks to those who braved the cold and school holidays. We welcomed Alison and look forward to her book on dog training. We had a couple of good suggestions one was getting some scarf patterns for people to borrow or even make for others! I have purchased a pattern for you to borrow and make a pattern from. There was not much on the internet so if anyone has patterns at home please bring them in. Georgie showed us an amazing way to wear a standard scarf, most impressive!
You should have all had an invitation to join our Google group via email. You can log in with your email and choose your password. Then you can start a discussion thread or just have a rant! If you did not receive an invite please email me with this info and I will send you one. The group is only visible to group members, not the general public. You can receive as much or as little information from the group as you wish- every email, a daily collection, or none. It is a fantastic way to keep up with everyone and you can post info if you are not well or very well, have something happy or sad to share. I still keep in contact with the Amazon Heart gals this way from all around the world. BCNA will be launching their new website on May 7th too I believe and it will have all manner of exciting ways to contact women with similar diagnoses, family status, general interest. I have put the group up there too.
Something Special - For someone special, like you J (Goddess’s of the Month) ::
Our thoughts are with all undergoing treatment at the moment.. J
Breast Intentions Polos have been odered and there are couple of spare @,$25 they have arrived!
Receive a really nice message from our friend Chris Carey who says hi to everyone. She is pleased to be home after her reconstruction & is enjoying having crumbs dropping down her cleavage again, which has happened in a long while. Chris says hi to all & was overwhelmed with the wonderful support & kindness from everyone. We look forward to seeing you again soon & wish you well & a speedy recovery.
Hi Everyone,
Well I finally got home yesterday (Saturday 11th April). I stayed in hospital a little longer than expected because I had haematoma in my abdomen that was 20 cm long and had about 400ml of fluid. The best way to get rid of it was to operate again which they did on Tuesday night .I got rid of my last drainage bottles Tuesday morning but got 2 more on Tuesday night. They came out yesterday morning. I also ended up with a chest infection and had to have 3 units of blood. After all this I am now feeling great and well and truly on the road to recovery. As for my new breast it is great to have 2 again even if the new one gets in my way at times. I am enjoying having crumbs falling down my cleavage which hasn't happened for about 2 1/2 years. Thank you to everyone who visited, gave me gifts, cards or flowers, rang, sent text messages and emails. I greatly appreciate them all and it certainly shows me what great friends and especially family I have. I am truly in awe over everyone's support and kindness. Love Chris.
(Breast Intentions Blog Spot)-Our Blog Spot:
Our ‘BLOG’ is a great place to check out what has been happening, view photos and say hello, a place for us all to share!!!! Click link: http://breastintentions.blogspot.com/
Finance News: Breast Intentions Bank -Current Balance:-$ 983.00 -Awaiting DHS Funding.
Next BI Meeting: - Wednesday May 5th May, 2010 - (Always first Wednesday of each month) – we really love to catch up with you!!! Bays Hospital, Mornington –Level 1 at 07:00pm.
Take Care, Stay Well, Regards Chris & your Friends at Breast Intentions.