News from our last meeting
We had four new members at our last meeting and Hope’s gone home with Kim after spending a boring Christmas break with me. She’s not happy because I won’t let her drive my new car that I got for Christmas / Birthday (Volkswagen beetle convertible) but I know she’ll only take it out with her friends, have too much to drink, flirt, dance and then call her husband to come and pick her up. (Sound familiar?)
I informed the group that we received a $900 grant from Human Services to help us with the on going costs of running the group and that I have applied to Microsoft for an Access software package donation to help us update our data base. We will also be getting a new free website soon, thanks to a husband of one of our members who will sponsor it for us. This will allow us to collect statistics as well as being easier to use and more updated. I’ll let you know when it’s up and running.
I had a lady named Judy Strates contact me who is a qualified breast care / lingerie consultant who comes to your home and gives you a personal fitting for a bra, breast form and swimwear. She has over 20 years experience in this field and one of our members who has been fitted by her said she was “absolutely fantastic” and brings a great range with her that you can buy at your fitting if you like at recommended retail prices. To contact her call 9434 1976 or 0400 677 407.
Kerri asked if any one would be interested in being involved with a project her and Mary are working on involving writing and producing a play about being young and having breast cancer. If you would like to be “Julia Roberts” of the breast cancer world or be involved behind the scenes and you were premenopausal at time of your diagnosis then contact Kerri AH 8504 2248 or Mary 9807 3964 or 0412 884996.
We decided that those of us going to the Field of Women (see article in this newsletter) would meet up after the ceremony instead of staying for the match. If you’re interested in joining us for dinner or drinks please contact me. Friends and family are welcome and I’ll let you know on the venue when I see how many of us there will be.
We lit a candle at the beginning of the meeting in memory of our members who have passed away and put “Crap” (a weird looking stuffed toy) on the table next to our mascot Hope. We try to leave Crap at home most meetings but we do need to acknowledge Crap sometimes. The Christmas break which should have been a time for spending with families, holidaying and relaxing was saddened by the deaths of two of our members Myvan Nguyen-Quoc and Belinda Bridger. Myvan was only 28 years old and Belinda was not much older. Belinda’s husband Rod asked that instead of flowers for Belinda’s funeral, people make a donation to the Young Ones. Through the generosity of Belinda’s family and friends we received just over $3000. This money will be used to make sure that our group can continue to provide support, information, understanding and hope in the coming years. Many thanks to Rod and the rest of Belinda’s family.
Raffle winners
Our last task of the night was to draw the raffle after everyone pitched in to help pull tickets apart. We started with 4th prize “Dinner for two” won by Wil Juarez who bought his ticket off Juliette Kent, 3rd prize “His & Hers Jag sunglasses” were won by one of our members Margaret Brown, 2nd prize “two nights bed & breakfast for four people at Yarrawonga on the river” was won by Peta O’Doherty who’s husband wasn’t sure who she brought her ticket off and 1st prize “seven nights accommodation for two people at Turtle Beach Resort Queensland” was won by Martin Joy who bought his ticket off Michelle. We called Martin from the meeting to congratulate him and to find out if he needed someone to accompany him on the holiday but he said “he better take his wife”. Congratulations to all our winners and thanks to Terry Moore from Eye Vision, 16 Portofino Cres Point Cook, for the sunglasses, Marelyn McDonald for the Yarrawonga Package, Cicciolina Restaurant, 139 Ackland St. St Kilda, for the dinner, and Minna Travel for helping us out with the Queensland holiday.
The raffle was a great success and thanks to all your efforts we managed to raise $2500 which is absolutely FANTASTIC!
Our next meeting
Our next meeting will be on Thursday March 31st at 7pm Cafe Coco, 129 Smith St Collingwood
After Breast Cancer, answers to the questions you are afraid to ask. By Musa Mayer
Written by a woman who is a 14 year Breast Cancer survivor, this book offers her personal insights into how she coped with life after treatment. Musa Mayer talks frankly about feelings of uncertainty and the fear that breast cancer patients commonly face after treatment.
‘After Breast Cancer’ includes statistical information as well as quotes from women who have dealt with the same issues and questions. Questions such as ‘Treatments over – what now?’. ‘Am I cured?’, ‘Should my doctor be doing more tests?’, ‘How do other woman cope?’.
Although US based, women everywhere will find this book useful to refer to – especially if they are looking for answers or comfort on a particular issue. There are personal stories from other women who have been through a similar journey, backed up by medical statistics and information.
I found this book most helpful when I was concerned or had a question about something that was bothering me, particularly before check ups! When I referred to the book, I found constructive advice and stories which helped to ease my concerns.
By Sharyn Lucas.
What's Happening?
Hormone problems after breast cancer: Thursday March 10th, 7-9pm. Banksia A room, Commercial Club, Albury. An evening discussing problems that can affect the lives of women and their families after experiencing breast cancer. Speakers include, Natropath ,Sandra Villella, Psychologist, Dr Mandy Deeks, and Endocrinologist Dr Helena Teeds. Cost; Gold coin donation to The Jean Hailes Foundation. For more information contact Jenny Black on 02 6058 1858.
Young, Single and Breast Cancer: Sat March 19th, 10.45am – 12.30. This workshop is aimed at premenopausal single women dealing with issues of sexuality and new relationships after breast cancer. Jane Fisher, Clinical Psychologist and senior lecturer in women’s health at Melbourne University, will facilitate the Workshop and discussion. The session will address the emotional and practical issues arising out of being young, single and living with breast cancer. Morning Tea will be provided by Young Action on Breast Cancer. Participants are invited to join the YABC committee members for lunch afterwards. Bookings are essential as numbers are limited, contact BreaCan on 9664 9333. If you have any questions about this session or Young Action on Breast Cancer, contact Rita Marigliani 0412 144 291
Wednesday 30th March, 12.00-1.30pm Exercise and Breast Cancer. Judy Sammut, a “Feel Good” exercise leader who has conducted the YWCA ENCORE program for ten years, will talk about the importance of regular exercise and the benefits of various types of exercise especially for you. Venue: BreaCan, Melbourne. Cost; Free. Fore more information call 9664 9333.
Wednesday 13th & 27th April, 10.30-11.30 am "Feel Good" Gentle Exercise Program for Women with Breast Cancer, BreaCan.
Wednesday 13th April, 6.45 pm (for 7.00 pm start) - 8.30 pm Sharing It Together - A Session for Women and their Partners. Come along to a session that gives women and their partners the opportunity to talk about the practical and emotional issues in dealing with the consequences of the disease. Annabel Pollard, a Psychologist and Co-ordinator of Patient Support Programs at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, will facilitate the discussion. Cost; Free. Food will be provided and drinks afterwards. Call BreaCan to book.
Wednesday 27th April, 12.00-1.30 pm Understanding a Complex Landscape: Behind the Drug Counter Anne-Marie Papadopulos, a pharmacist who knows first hand how complex the world of pharmaceutical drugs can be will draw on her interest in oncology to describe the range of drugs used in chemotherapy and at different stages of treatment. She will also touch on the issues of side effects, pain relief medication, branded and generic drugs.
Encore, After breast cancer exercise program: Wednesday 27th April, 1-3pm weekly til 15th June. An 8 week program at Monash Aquatic and Recreation Centre 626 Waverly Rd, Glen Waverly. Cost; Free. For more information contact Mary on 9807 3964 or Judy on 9848 4650.
Breast cancer study for sisters. This is a study that aims to find the genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that determine a woman’s breast density. If you and your sister are 40-70 years old and only one of you have had breast cancer and you would like more information, contact Melbourne University, 1800 882 844.
Breast cancer and fertility project. Young women around the world are invited to review the information on line and answer a questionnaire. The research study can be accessed at www.FertilityAndCancerProject.org
Wanted! 11,500 women to Stand Up, Go Pink and Be Counted!
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is proud to announce its latest breast cancer awareness event, the Field of Women – Live in 2005. It’s a revised interpretation of our traditional Field of Women. In 1998, pink silhouettes were planted on the grounds of Parliament House, Canberra, representing the number of women diagnosed each year with the disease. The event was an enormous success, providing significant funds for our continued work and raising the profile of breast cancer in the community. Last year, the Field of Women completed its journey around Australia.
In 2005, our aim is that the silhouettes will be replaced by 11,500 real women, dressed in pink and standing on the MCG before the Melbourne Adelaide game on Friday 6th May. Despite ongoing research the number of women diagnosed each year has continued to rise and one in eleven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 75.Join us at the MCG, support your local community and help raise awareness of the impact that breast cancer has not only on Australian women but on their friends and families. You don’t have to be a breast cancer survivor to take part, we welcome all women over the age of 12 although those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
All proceeds from your $25 registration fee will go towards providing BCNA’s programs and support for women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families. In return for your support Melbourne Football Club will give every woman signed up for the event free admission to the Melbourne-Adelaide game that night.
You’ll be able to Register Online in early March at: www.fieldofwomen.org.au
Date: Friday 6 May 2005 Time: 6pm Venue: MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground)
