Tuesday, April 24, 2012



April Update 2012


Hi All

Welcome to April/May the weather is changing and it cant decide if it is winter or not !

Our next meeting is Wednesday May 2nd at The Bays 7pm.

Hoping that you are all managing this month.

We have a member in Somerville that could do with some meals dropped off – family of 4 eat anything!! If you can be of help J Also if there is something we can do for you..let us know J

Breast Intentions featured in the last Cancer Information and Support Services newsletter as a group profile. Sue and Jo also featured in a photo (by accident). It is a big file to attach so I have copied / pasted some info.


JOS NEW PROJECT

You are invited to a women's wellness evening to rejuvenate, reinvigorate and relax whilst raising much needed funds for the
LADAKH NUNS ASSOCIATION INDIA.

THURSDAY MAY 10TH 7PM BENTONS SQUARE COMMUNITY CENTRE
$10 ADMISSION INCLUDES SUPPER.

Julie Regan: Nutrition       Joy Ball: Communication
Sally Ann Rackham: Movement       Jan Winslade: Relaxation
Raffle Tickets to be drawn on the night include prizes of: High Tea at Parliament House, Dinner for 2 at Morning Star Estate, an original painting, Tibetan Doll, Yoga blanket and more!
"Dolls 4 Tibet" will also be available for purchase

IF YOU HAVE TAKEN RAFFLE TICKETS TO SELL FOR JO PLEASE RETURN!!

 Don’t forget Frankstons ‘ Young Womens Group’ Contact Dea for more information.
Deanne Davis [deanne_davis77@yahoo.com.au]

The Mornington Peninsula Breast Cancer Support Group ( previously Beleura group) next meeting is Thursday April 12th at The Mornington Library Café 12.30-2pm.
Breacan Information:
Sleeping Soundly Monday 7 May 12–1.30pm Presenter: Justine Diggens
Information session on sleep, including cancer specific factors that contribute to sleep loss and some strategies to get a good night’s sleep.
Enhance Your Wellbeing Thursday 17 May 12-1.30pm Presenter: Dr Craig Hassed
Information session about elements of health and wellbeing that we can control including; what we eat; how active we are; our state of mind; how we relate to the world and those around us; and the environment we live in.
Managing Menopause after Cancer Thursday 31 May 11am–12.30pm Presenter: Prof Martha Hickey
Information session on the management of menopausal symptoms in women after a cancer diagnosis.

BCNA's Local Services Directory

Since its launch last year, BCNA's Local Services Directory has allowed health professionals and our members to list helpful breast cancer support services available in local communities.

Some examples of support and services that have been listed include:
•    hairdressers who provide assistance and/or a private space for those wanting to shave their hair prior to or during treatment
•    specialist lymphoedema massage therapists
•    gentle exercise programs
•    counselling services that may extend to families, as well as those diagnosed
•    wig and prosthesis suppliers.

To assist us in further populating the Directory, we need your help to list services that are available in your local area, as we know health professionals have a great knowledge of the resources and support services that are available.

To recommend a service that you know is helpful for women, or to search for breast cancer support services in your local area, please
visit our website.

If you have any questions regarding the Directory, please do not hesitate to contact BCNA on 1800 500 258.



Website of the week
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx Macmillan merged with Cancerbackup in 2008. Together it provides quality assured, up-to-date cancer information, written by specialists for patients, relatives and carers. All booklets and resources are now free and available to all. Order online today



Breast Intentions Cancer Support Group

1.Tell us a little bit about you and your Cancer Support Group.
Breast Intentions, a support group for younger women, was formed in 2004 after Jo found that, during her treatment in 2003, being with a group of women around the same age was sensational! We met in each others homes, laughed, cried, hugged and had the odd chardonnay! As Jo ventured around the Peninsula she gathered women where ever she went. Unable to fit everyone in their homes, Jo had a chat to Sue, her Breast Care Nurse at the time, and together they approached The Bays, a community owned not for profit hospital where they both worked as midwives. The Bays was happy to support them in their venture! We have a newsletter, email and snail mail, a great library, a facebook page, attend the pub twice a year, run a BCNA minifield at the Food and Wine Festival and communicate with other local groups. The group decided in about 2005 that all women would be welcome as the other Breast Cancer Support Group on the Peninsula was held in the daytime and didn‟t suit working women. A Young Mums‟ Group is now up and running in Frankston. All the groups keep in communication and support each other where we can.
2. Describe your first week as a support group leader?
The first meeting was hilarious! We had spread flyers far and wide through the medical staff and the local hospitals. The first meeting was noisy, vibrant and fun. We had a mirror, swapped wigs, hats and chatted about managing side effects of treatment. The group picked the name from a list of suggestions and set the agenda, including pub nights. Cancer Council Victoria came to visit us early in the year and helped with questions and advice about running a group.
3. What is the biggest challenge you have faced so far in your role as a support group leader?
The first death in our group was an unexpected one over the first Christmas break. This was an especially sad time for us. Members getting a recurrence of their cancer is always a challenge. The thought of integrating early and advanced cancers was more intimidating than the actual practice! The women let as many or as few know as they wish, some will come and chat openly about their experience others quietly get on and don‟t share the experience.
4. What has been your greatest highlight to date as a support group leader?
The trip to Brisbane in 2009 with Jan and Gayle for Reach to Recovery, an international breast cancer survivors conference was amazing!! This led to an international volunteering experience in India and was the introduction to an international breast cancer world. There is still work to be done.
5. What words of wisdom would you give new support group leaders like yourself?
Don‟t crunch numbers… if only one person connects then it is worth it! Attend any education that you can to help you assist in the group. Cancer Council Victoria is great at this! Listen to the members…. The group is a dynamic community and will change as the members change. We survey our group every 12-24 months to try to keep up with their expectations. Remember that you can‟t please everyone all the time…. most is okay. Have a buddy or two to help with the work. The group should be able to function without you there if it is running well. This allows for holidays, unexpected time outs etc.
6. What does your group have planned for the year? We participated in Relay for Life this month (March)!! This year is our second so are much better organized!! Our Breast Cancer community is also involved with other groups and we run a wellness day where we share massage, relaxation and food. October will see a BCNA minifield at the Mornington Food and wine festival. We hope to have some guests speakers sharing their knowledge about communication, Lymphoedema and, of course, Pub nights.