News from our last meeting
We had four new members at our last meeting and Hope didn’t make it to the meeting because a member of Grace’s family was diagnosed with breast cancer and she was needed there. We hope her operation went well and send our best wishes to Grace. One of the new members was an interstate visitor who would like to keep in touch with the group through the newsletters and e mails as do a few others on our mailing list.
The Young Women’s Working Party cancelled their last meeting so there is no news and Young Action on Breast Cancer are putting together a submission for funding for the play they are producing about young women with breast cancer. We hope they get some funding as I reckon it would be a smash hit! There is no “What’s On at BreaCan” with this newsletter as they haven’t sent me any extra or email copies yet. I will send it on when I get it.
Two of our members Rita and Mary had articles printed in the Age and Herald Sun during the month because of Kylie Minogue being diagnosed with breast cancer. As much as I feel for Kylie and think it must be extremely hard for her having to deal with all that goes with being diagnosed and media attention as well, I couldn’t help wanting to scream “What about us?” after hearing 4 minute updates via the radio, TV and written media. Why didn’t celebrities that we don’t know call to wish us well, media write about how inspirational we are and our strength to be able to deal with cancer and other issues such as our children, loss of income, working, relationship break ups, etc. All of a sudden people you hardly know are asking “How do you think Kylie will cope” NOT “how are you feeling?” It’s great that people are more aware of breast cancer because of Kylie but personally if I’d had to look at one more front page picture and headline saying how SHOCKING it must be for her I may have had to vent my frustration in this newsletter. We will try to put Rita’s story on the webpage.
I love to get emails from our members and this one was especially pleasing for me. During the month I sent an article to our members who have the type of breast cancer that responds to a drug called Herceptin. (Currently being trialed for early breast cancer). It’s similar to those of you who respond to tamoxifen. Some of them have now been offered the chance to take this drug and I received this e mail in response from Lisa.
Thanks Tanya, I also received the good news from my oncologist last week. I have been in the control group so not actually on the drug over the last 10 months but I am waiting to hear from the company, to see what they are offering to the control group people. In the mean time I am 39 weeks pregnant so that's good timing. If I am offered the drug I will be ready to go onto it, won't be able to breastfeed, but that's OK. Some things happen for a reason don't they, perhaps I was put in the control group so I could become pregnant which I did on my first ovulation which was 3 months after chemo incidentally (and at age 40 and never having been pregnant before that's something special) and if I can get the Herceptin as well then I figure I've been pretty lucky with the outcome on both counts. I will let you know which gender our special little bundle of joy is when it arrives as it may be an inspiration for others to include this in your newsletter. I know I eagerly read anything about fertility and good outcomes when I was on treatment. Cheers Lisa.
I’m sure many of you will be truly inspired by Lisa’s story.
Continued…………..
Another of our members has also been busy and e mailed me this great news.
Secretly Hidd~n was formed in January 2005 to make garments for women who have had breast surgery. Our first range of a small selection of gorgeous nighties made from 100% cotton is now ready. These nighties have specially designed pockets to hold your prosthesis or alternative light weight padding, in such a way that it wont slip out of place. The soft gathering of the top flatters all bust sizes, from A to D cup. They are very comfortable and lovely to wear! For more information please contact Lynne Gaffney on 0419 328 688 or email Lynne Gaffney.
It is always great to hear about what you wonderful women go on to achieve after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Lyn was a travel consultant before coming up with this great idea. Well done Lyn.
What’s happening?
Meditation. Thursday 9th June, 12-1.30pm. BreaCan Centre, 1st floor, 123 Lonsdale St. Melbourne. Gen Kelsang Rabten a Buddhist monk and teacher will explain the basic principles of meditation while introducing some of the ideas behind the Buddhist way of life. He will also lead some guided meditation. Cost; Free. To book call 9664 9333.
Radiotherapy, Myths and Reality. Wednesday 22nd June, 12-1.30pm. BreaCan Center. Rosalyn Drummond a radiation oncologist will talk about the use of high energy x-rays as an agent to kill cancer cells and the benefits of its use. Cost; Free. Bookings. As above.
A chorus of Women. Thursday 23rd & Friday 24th of June, 7.30pm. Grant Street Theatre, Grant Street, South Melbourne. A one hour original poetry, prose and song performance by women living with breast cancer. Bar opens at 6.45pm. Cost; Donation at the door. Bookings essential from BreaCan on 9664 9307
Public Forum on Giving a voice to people affected by cancer. Saturday 25th June, 10.30am-2.30pm. The Cancer Council Victoria, Corner of Victoria and Rathdowne St. Carlton. Sally Crossing will discuss why an active voice is needed, establishing an advocacy group and take nominations to form working parties.
Money matters for women with advanced breast cancer. Thursday 30th June, 12-1.30pm. BreaCan Center. Andrew Krantz from Black and Krantz will talk about financial issues relevant to women living with advanced disease. Cost; Free. RSVP. BreaCan 9664 9307
Saturday Arvo Group. Saturday 16th July, 12.30pm. Café CoCo 129 Smith St. Colligwood. An informal lunch get together for women of any age who have experienced breast cancer. An opportunity to exchange information and freely talk about your hopes, concerns and problems resulting from having had breast cancer. RSVP to Tanya Wilson via contact details in this newsletter.
You can now purchase photos of the Live Field of Women at the MCG through the BCNA website www.bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 to order.
Saturday Arvo Group.
I really enjoyed the new Saturday Arvo group’s first meeting in the smaller downstairs room at Café CoCo because it brought back wonderful memories from five years earlier when I had sat in the same spot for the first meeting of the Young Ones. There were only five of us then and we had the same look of relief at being able to talk to others who understood what we were dealing with through experience that the group had on their faces on Saturday. It was nice not having to rush to get there from work and rush home before it gets too late at night and I also had time to check out the factory outlet shops further down Smith St. after our leisurely lunch. It was decided that we would meet again in six weeks time (date above) at Café CocCo because it is central and they have such a fantastic menu. I expect this group will also grow quickly and look forward to meeting more of you in the future.
Cheers Tanya Wilson.
Our next meeting.
Our next meeting will be on Thursday June 30th at 7pm Cafe Coco, 129 Smith St Collingwood
Breast Cancer Network Australia’s newest stars
I mentioned in April’s newsletter that some Young One’s members had featured in a DVD recently put together by BCNA. I attended the launch party for the DVD a couple of weeks ago at Federation Square and was glad that there was plenty of champagne before and after the showing as I and many others were emotional wrecks. (See photo on the webpage soon to be posted)
There wasn’t a dry eye in the theatre by the end of the DVD as we shared in the emotional journey of Cathy, a mother of four kids under 10, living in the middle of no where trying to get help so she can be with her family while coping with breast cancer treatment. Spiro, husband to Maria, (a Young One) also a mother of four young children and his frustration at watching the woman he loves deal with treatment. Jo (a Young One) a vibrant young single woman who watched her mum go through treatment before being diagnosed herself in her 20’s, Lyn Swinburne (CEO of BCNA) a truly inspirational woman without who’s support and encouragement the Young Ones and just about every other breast cancer support group would never have happened, Raelene Boyle (Olympic athlete) who works tirelessly to try and make a difference for all of us affected by breast cancer.
Hadas, who spoke of her sadness at never being able to give her daughter a sibling because of her treatment and Judy (an original Young One & my soul sister) who bared her soul over her sorrow at what her family has endured due to her having advanced disease.
My husband and youngest daughter laughed when I handed out the tissues at the start but soon had their hands out for more.
Other stories featured on the DVD are Ben, who was a teenager when his mum was diagnosed, Judy, whose daughter was diagnosed, then her sister and then herself, Veronica, who also lives with advanced disease and has more life in her than most of us and me.
I talk about being a single mum with two young daughters who was misdiagnosed twice and how being part of a support network has helped me cope with having cancer.
As soon as the BCNA make the DVDs available I will let you know, as you may want to buy or borrow one. I recommend letting your family watch it as mine found it a real eye opener.
Tanya Wilson
Like to share something with the group?
If you have anything you’d like to share with the group such as tips, ideas, stories, suggestions, information, etc. Then e mail or post it to me via the contact details shown. I’d love to hear from you, except if it’s to correct my grammar.
Of all the emotions, Anger, Love and Hope have the most in common.
They’re difficult to control, they influence the way you perceive events and they are all powerful motivations.
