The Young Ones
March 2007 Newsletter
In this month’s The Young Ones newsletter . . .
This month’s newsletter features some opportunities for adventure and creativity.Check out Amazon Heart’s range of adventures for women who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and the opportunity to take part in the annual Daffodil Day Arts Awards. This month we feature a speech Lisa Tennekoon gave at Breast Cancer Network Australia’s recent young women’s forum held in Perth - thank you Lisa for allowing us to reproduce it here. Also, Jo reports on her visit the National Breast Care Nurse Conference. Have a great Easter and enjoy the changing colour of the leaves . . .
Rita Marigliani, The Young Ones Coordinator
A Young Woman’s Speech
At 31 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That's now almost 14 years ago!!
The diagnosis for a woman of any age is extremely confronting. As a young woman, the issues I faced were unique to me. I didn’t know anyone else my age with BC and with it I faced - fertility, relationship, career, issues and a myriad of unanswerable questions.
The journey for me is like a road map, the points along the map represent the different stages of my life. The journey is unique for each young woman and for me this is how the journey began. These are the my points along the road of my road ----------
1/ Career - At the time of my diagnosis I was in a then ‘middle management position’, I had many people working with, and for me. For them it was very confronting. I looked pale and my hair thinned and fell out completely. I introduced them to my ‘hat’– a beautiful blonde wig. During summer the hat was so hot and uncomfortable, I would retreat to my shared office closing the door, and throwing my hat at the wall. My colleagues still talk about those days!! The many issues faced in the work environment ranged from perception to credibility, communication and understanding, along with – what does the future now hold for my career?
I now work from home doing investment work for a family business.
2/ Relationships - My diagnosis came at the early stage of a relationship, it was very difficult for my partner. Would he stay with me? How could he be attracted to me with no hair and a scarred breast?
He did stay with me and we married four years later, but how do we consider our partners and the support they need – they are also very much living the journey and are often overlooked – as they play a key role.
3/ Children - at that time it was thought 5 years was the right time to wait before trying to conceive (if at all possible). I fell pregnant immediately, and gave birth to the lovely Jemima. My issues then were, will it come back? How was I to breast feed? Should I try to use the treated breast, would that have a positive affect on the breast? I faced major difficulties feeding from one breast for the first eight weeks. 2 1/2 years later I was pregnant again. And this time gave birth to beautiful Rohan. I tried to use the treated breast again, but there was no milk at all this time. I was determined, and fed both babies for a year and did so using one breast. I now ask – What does the future hold for the treated breast?
4/ Early Menopause - What a shock – no-one had told me this was likely happen, and with it the emotional rollercoaster and no treatment to assist with the symptoms. It is daunting! How can this be managed going forward? Are there safe treatments to ease symptoms? I often have frightening thoughts of the possibility of driving my family mad!
Recently I was diagnosed with Grave’s disease- an overactive thyroid. Is this related to my past treatment? I guess I will never know.
5/ Complementary Therapy - and Cost! All treatment – medical, along with organics, naturopaths, meditation, acupuncture and the huge range of complementary therapies available – the personal out-of-pocket cost has been enormous.
6/ Effective Screening - Effective??? I don’t feel completely confident about my yearly mammogram and ultrasound. What are the alternatives? YW must be offered effective screening. Mammography/vs MRI for young women? I’d like to see MRI offered to all YW now.
7/ Gene Testing - My mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, so I will soon go down the genetic testing path - but when the time is right. We have a 9-year-old daughter. She continually asks, ‘Mum how do we make sure I don’t get it?’ The impact on children is enormous, and some more than others. How do we consider them as part of the ongoing journey?
8/ The Exercise Thing - I have throughout my journey kept fit – very fit! I am about to participate in my second half ironman triathlon event. The half ironman consists of a 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike ride and a 21.1 km run.
Crossing the line brings with it the most wonderful sense of achievement. When I first began training I could barely swim 50 m! I hadn’t ridden a bike since I was a child. For me I draw parallels to each journey, and I draw from the strengths of both. Completing a triathlon involves riding the ups and downs, overcoming the desire to just pull out, and the elation of crossing the finish line!
Training and goal-setting – This has been the single most important factor in keeping my mind clear and positive throughout the journey, along with my wonderful and supportive husband, who is with me very step of the way. Even while having chemotherapy treatment I walked many kilometres everyday. It was my saviour, time to reflect, time to enjoy life to the full. I have walked, swum, biked and run thousands of kilometres in the last 14 years. This is what has helped keep me positive. It has brought enormous balance to my life.
9/ Not All Negative - In my experience having a cancer diagnosis has some positive aspects. Overcoming the challenges and goals I have faced make success paramount, I also take time to enjoy the many wonderful things in life that many take for granted. I think I am a better person for it. I do acknowledge that I have been extremely fortunate to date and that each woman has a different story.
10/ In Summary – There must be respect for the unique needs and issues faced by young women and the unique lifelong journey they are on. Young women are assertive and well informed; we are generally are not concerned about being confronting. We wish to play a very pro-active role in managing our health for the future. Young women’s health and ongoing concerns must be well addressed and managed as individuals.
For me this is a journey into unknown and unchartered waters. I sincerely hope I can have a positive role in supporting the journey of the young women who follow me.
Lisa Tennekoon
9th National Breast Care Nurse Conference: Coordination of care - breast care nurses lead the way.
The only national conference specifically designed for breast care nurses was held on the 15 and 16 February, 2007. It was organised by The Cancer Council Victoria. The program included both international and national breast cancer experts presenting the latest in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment across all disciplines.
Mary and Jo (YABC C'ttee Members) attended a session at the recent Breast Care Nurse Conference. Western Health Breast Care Nurses, Danielle Spence and Leanne Storer presented at one of the presentations on the topic of "Supporting the needs of young women with breast cancer". YABC has been active in working in collaboration with Western Health in piloting the YABC Care Package Project. The Care Package was presented as one way Western Health is supporting young women. Other programs were mentioned such as Survivorship programs, linking young women with other young women, and a Multidisciplinary approach through a Breast Care clinic that holistically assesses young women's needs. Danielle mentioned the Care Package had been positively received by young women, embraced by other medical staff, and the feedback so far from young women was that they felt less isolated. It gave them hope that there were other young women down the track from diagnosis who had developed the whole package with their needs in mind. The talk was well received and the audience asked when the package would be available in other regions.
The Breast Care Nurse Conference was a great platform to raise awareness of the issues young women face and what new initiatives exist to cater for young women. We noted when perusing the stalls in the foyer that there had also been much interest in the BreaCan DVD "Young Women Talking" with word on the grapevine that after the conference BreaCan received many calls for the DVD from Breast Care Nurses far and wide across Australia. It's great to hear that information is flowing across Australia about resources that can specifically assist young women.
Joanne Smith
Resources for young Victorian Women
Attached is a list of resources available in Victoria compiled by Women’s Health Victoria which you may find useful. It includes everything from clinics that cater to the needs of young women, to support groups and books and CDs.
Amazon Hearts – Calendar of adventures for 2007
Registration for ALL Amazon Heart 2007 Adventures Open Now!
Amazon Heart's peer support adventures are exclusively for women diagnosed with breast cancer, at any age, and at any stage of the disease.
This year there will be no selection process for the adventures – if you fit the criteria above, simply go to www.amazonheart.org, register for the adventure of your choice and pay your registration fee and your place on that adventure is reserved! So – what are you waiting for? The adventure of a lifetime is waiting for you. Go online and register now to secure your place!
Amazon Heart Thunder UK 22 August - 1 September
Spend one week riding loaned Harley-Davidson motorcycles through the most spectacular parts of the United Kingdom - register now at www.amazonheartthunder.org to secure a place.
Amazon Heart Thunder US 12-22 September
Always a highlight of our ride calendar, spend one week riding loaned Harley-Davidson motorcycles along the California coastline. Register online and pay your registration fee to secure your place on this adventure of a lifetime immediately! www.amazonheartthunder.org
Amazon Heart Thunder Australia 16-26 October - NEW ROUTE!!!
A spectacular new route for this year's Australian ride! We will begin in Melbourne and spend a week riding along the Great Ocean Road, finishing in the famous Barossa Valley at the National HOG rally. Register online and pay your registration fee to secure your place on this adventure of a lifetime now! www.amazonheartthunder.org
Amazon Heart Odyssey India 1-8 December
Spend one week in exotic India helping to build an orphanage for young children, while experiencing this amazing culture. You will have the opportunity to visit micro-finance schemes for women, projects working with HIV/AIDs affected children and child labourers, temples and cultural highlights, while making a direct contribution to the local community. Go to www.amazonheartodyssey.org for more information and to read the blog from last year's incredible adventure!
Cancer Council Arts Awards 10th anniversary: Call for entries
The Cancer Council Victoria’s Arts Awards (formerly known as Daffodil Day Arts Awards) is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and invites Victorian residents to play a key role in this special exhibition by submitting stories, poems, films or artworks by Friday 6 April 2007.
By sharing their cancer experiences through creative expression, entrants can remember loved ones lost, help others understand the cancer experience and provide a sense of hope for people currently facing cancer.
As well as offering participants the opportunity to express their cancer stories, The Cancer Council Victoria Arts Awards gives entrants the chance to win cash prizes and to share their works with the public. Following the judging, selected works will be displayed in The Cancer Council Victoria Arts Awards Exhibition, which will begin in Melbourne and then tour regional Victoria.
Entries are open to all ages, and to both amateurs and professionals. Anyone with a cancer experience, direct or indirect, may enter the competition.
Calling for Entries NOW - Closing Friday 6 April 2007
For an entry form and more information call 1300 65 65 85 or visit the website www.cancervic.org.au/artsawards
What’s Happening Next Month? (See The Young One website for updates)
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.
Bellydance is a playful, joyous style of dance that suits all women – you are never too old, unfit or uncoordinated to give it a try! Come along to this special workshop and connect again with your feminine, creative self. Professional bellydancer Jewel, will present a brief history of bellydance, perform for you, plus teach you some new, exotic moves. No previous experience necessary!
Thursday 19 April, 6.45pm (for 7.00pm start) -8.30pm – 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 breast cancer. Annabel Pollard, a Psychologist and Coordinator of Patient Support Programs at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, will facilitate the discussion. Food will be provided, drinks afterwards. Limited numbers so please RSVP.
Hand & Foot Reflexology Sessions
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 and is available to “look after you” and alleviate some of your stress and tension. Free ½ hour appointments between 10.00am–2.00 pm. Please ring and make an appointment. Upcoming Sessions: Wednesdays – 28 February, 28 March & 18 April
Feel Good Gentle Exercise Program: Wednesdays Fortnightly – 10.30am–11.30am
A session of gentle exercise to tone the whole body and help the lymphatic system. Conducted by a qualified instructor, the program helps maintain upper body mobility, flexibility and a smile. Sessions are open to all ages. Women need to register and complete enrolment forms prior to attending so contact BreaCan for details. Dates: 7 & 21 February, 7 & 21 March, 4 & 18 April.
Most Information Sessions are available on CD. Call 1300 781 500 to find out which sessions are available to borrow.
‘Making Connections’ Advanced Breast Cancer Project: BreaCan runs activities for women with advanced breast cancer that includes information sessions on specific advanced breast cancer issues. If you would like to know more about what’s happening please call:
Josie Scott, Coordinator – Advanced Cancer on 1300 781 500.
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
Newsletter Contributions
We welcome all contributions to and feedback on, 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, or would like to share your story, we’d love to hear from you. Send all your stories, reviews contributions and feedback to ritamarigliani@netspace.net.au
Our next meeting
Thursday April 26, 7.00pm
Private room, upstairs at Café Coco
129 Smith Street Collingwood
Contact details Rita Marigliani
The Young Ones Coordinator:
041 123 5964
Email: ritamarigliani@netspace.net.au
Website: www.theyoungones.asn.au
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