Article
The Young Ones
April 2006 Newsletter
In this month’s The Young Ones newsletter . . .
We profile Mary Macheras-Magias - seven year breast cancer survivor and active advocate. Thank you Mary for allowing us to share your poem, which eloquently conveys the emotional turmoil of diagnosis.
Don’t forget, we welcome all contributions and feedback to the newsletter. If you’ve recently read a book, seen a website, lecture or production that you think other young women who have experienced breast cancer would be interested in, we’d love to hear from you. Send all your story, reviews contributions and feedback to ritamarigliani@netspace.net.au Rita Marigliani, The Young Ones Coordinator
Goodbye to a beautiful friend
Sadly, this month we said good bye to one of our members, Monique Skarke, who passed away on April 18. We never get used to saying goodbye to friends with whom we have shared our journey, our fears and hopes - a unique bond which is forever. Our thoughts are with Carlos, Gabriel, friends and family.
MEMBER PROFILE: Mary Mcheras-Magias - Diagnosed at 33, in 1999
At time of diagnosis Mary was working as a secondary teacher and her son was aged 4. She has had a mastectomy, her treatment included chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She had a Tram Flap reconstruction 20 months later. She is a founder and chairperson of Young Action on Breast Cancer, and has developed many initiatives around young women’s issues, including a national email link; the Up Close and Personal Forum for young women; and was a working party member for the development of National Breast Cancer Centre (NBCC) Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Young Women with Breast Cancer. She is an active member of Breast Cancer Action Group (BCAG), and is a consumer representative for Breast Cancer Network Australia. She is also a YWCA Encore Instructor (After Breast Cancer exercise program). Last December Mary travelled to Sri Lanka with other young breast cancer survivors and helped build houses for an impoverished community living in a shanty town built next to the city tip.
Mary wrote this poem soon after she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago. She recently celebrated her 40th birthday.
UNTITLED
Mary Macheras-Magias
Diagnosed aged 33
“Lift your arm dear.
Hold still.
Hold old did you say you were?”
Uncomfortable silence.
Not knowing where to look.
“Just hold on dear. I need to speak to the radiologist.”
I know the signs.
I’ve been here before you see.
People running to confer.
People looking anxious,
But not looking at me.
“How long have you had the lump?
When did you first notice it?
Who found it?
So you’re 33!”
Silence.
More tests – this time mammogram.
Painful
Lift
Squeeze
No dignity – just mechanical movements
That lead to the inevitable conclusion
“We suspect you have cancer.
You will need more tests.”
Needle aspiration, core biopsy.
Tears, Fears.
First operation results not good.
“We’re afraid we must remove your breast.”
“Fine lets plan it soon.”
“Wouldn’t you like time to discuss this with someone?”
“What’s to discuss?
The final conclusion will be the same.
I have no choice.”
Friends have been amazed at my strength.
I don’t see myself as particularly strong.
Selfish perhaps.
I’ve burdened them with the finer details of my illness and treatment.
They’re crying for me. They’re reaching for me.
This has helped. I’ve been able to move forward.
Discuss the next step.
See things rationally.
I can’t be the one crying.
I need to be the one fighting.
Irony
Paradoxes
Pain and suffering
Cancer is all this
There is no doubt.
I have new eyes since I embarked on this journey.
From the day of diagnosis on
I’ve been forced to move forward
Look at things differently
Appreciate more
Love more
Live more.
Look out for Mary’s report on her experiences in Sri Lanka, with other young breast cancer survivors during her Amazon Heart Odyssey, in next month’s newsletter.
YOUNG ACTION ON BREAST CANCER
Who is YABC? Young Action on Breast Cancer (YABC) is a sub-committee of Breast Cancer Action Group (BCAG). YABC formed in 2004, initially to look at the issue of Zoladex and it’s availability to young women with early breast cancer. During our investigation into accessibility of Zoladex, it became apparent to the members of this group that there were a number of other issues faced by young women that required action and advocacy.
The group operates as a committee, advocating the specific needs and issues which face young women, providing them a voice.
YABC report their activities and progress through the BCAG and The Young Ones’ newsletter.
The committee meets monthly and is open to all Young Ones’ members.
What does YABC do? Our Initiatives…
Our goals are to:
- Establish regular forums for Young Women. In 2005, we ran a workshop which focused on young single women. In 2007, plans are underway to offer a forum that looks at Fertility, Menopause and Sexuality.
- Raise awareness around young women’s issues. The play, Changes In the Making written by two committee members was performed in 2005 and it helped to highlight the issues.
- Currently, YABC is in talks with one of Melbourne’s largest hospitals to develop and eventually pilot a Care Package for newly diagnosed young women. YABC hope to gain support from local businesses and sponsorship from major companies to provide young women with the practical items that might assist her through her cancer experience. Donations of items and sponsorship for our Care Package are greatly appreciated. Contact Rita or Mary (details below).
YABC and The Young Ones
YABC and The Young Ones have always had close links. All committee members are also Young Ones members. In 2006, YABC strengthened links by including a monthly report on Young Ones’ activities and acting as an executive in decision-making. This connection provides greater representation and a voice for Young Ones’ members. It also helps foster stronger transparency as well as inviting members to take on a more active role if they so desire. This partnership serves a dual role as it is also important that YABC remain relevant and committed to the needs of younger women with breast cancer women.
Becoming Involved
We are inviting young women who would like participate to join us. If you are interested please contact:
Rita Marigliani ritmarilgliani@netspace.net.au or 0412 144 291
Mary MacherasMagias mmacherasmagias@optusnet.com.au or 0412 884 996
What’s Happening Next Month? (See The Young One website for updates)
Fundraiser: Saturday 6 May, 1.30pm start: The Biggest Afternoon Tea
Raffles, Various stalls, Fresh Veggies for sale, Silent Auction, Door Prize and Give-Aways, Merek & Paul Acoustic guitarists, Mr Fluff & Howdy the Clown, and The Auction.
At: 35 Caithwill Court, Narre Warren North (Melway Ref 108 A1).
RSVP: Linda 03 9706 2280 or 0418 546 349
BreaCan is free, confidential information, support and referral service for people with breast cancer, their families and friends. Open 10am-2pm Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. You will need to book to attend the sessions below.
Wednesday 10 May, 12.00-1.20pm: Lymphoedema: What it is, Treatment & What’s Available
Judy Pubrick, Senior Physiotherapist at Mercy Hospital Lymphoedema Clinic will be talking about lymphedema and its association with breast cancer surgery.
Wednesday, 24 May, 12.00-1.30pm What about the Children?
Mothers who have been diagnosed with breast cancer often express concerns about their children. Julie Barrington is a Clinical Psychologist working at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre; she has extensive experience with children with emotional and behavioural problems and their families. In this session, Julie will touch on areas of concern frequently raised by parents including, how do I tell my children about my illness; how can help my children to cope; what is ‘normal’ behaviour; how can I help my anxious chills and how do I know when I should ask for help.
BreaCan Making Connections For Women Living with Advanced Breast Cancer
Thursday May 18, 12.00- 1.30 pm, Helpful Hints for Coping with Stress & Anxiety
BreaCan Resource Centre
Ground Floor
Queen Victoria Women’s Centre
210 Lonsdale St, Melbourne
POSTAL PO Box 1066, Melbourne VIC 3001
PHONE 1300 781 500 (cost of a local call for country callers)
FAX (03) 9921 0840
breacan@breacan.org.au
www.breacan.org.au
New On The Young Ones Website
In the beginning – Where we came from – A short history of how The Young Ones came about and the early days by our founder Tanya Wilson.
New To The Young Ones Library:
Changes in the making……young women’s journeys through breast cancer. DVD If you didn’t get to catch this great play when it was performed last year – why not borrow the DVD? The play, written by two of our members Kerri Guy and Mary Macheras-Magias, portrays the issues that young women face after a breast cancer diagnosis. The DVD includes interviews with the audience and information about the actors. Contact Rita on the details below if you’d like to borrow this DVD.
Our next meeting
Our next meeting will be on Thursday May 25 at 7pm Cafe Coco, 129 Smith St Collingwood.
Contact details
Rita Marigliani
The Young Ones Coordinator:
041 123 5964
Email: ritamarigliani@netspace.net.au
Postal Address: 48 Andrew St. Windsor Vic 3181
Website: www.theyoungones.asn.au
