albury wodonga breast cancer support group pamper...
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DATES FOR THE DIARY
ALBURY-WODONGA BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
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And thank you to our contributors whose input helps us to pass on so much important information, advice or just something to make us laugh.
17 March LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER– to enrol contact Caroline Sales 0438 595 739
20 March AWBCSG MEETING 10 am Mitta Mitta Canoe Club
22 March Brave Hearts 12th Community Regatta Gateway Lakes– Lemke Rd, Wodonga
28 April LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER– to enrol contact Caroline Sales 0438 595 739
17 April AWBCSG MEETING 12 pm Newmarket Hotel Borella Rd Albury RSVP Heather 6059 2314 by 14 April
7-27 May BCNA Pink Bun Campaign Bakers Delight
12 May Mother’s Day Classic Sumsion Gardens/Belvoir Park
15 May AWBCSG MEETING 10 am Mitta Mitta Canoe Club
Pamper Bag Project
T he Albury-Wodonga Breast Cancer Support Group meets on the third Friday of the month. In February, March, May, September, October and November, 10am to noon, at the Mitta Mitta Canoe Club building, Noreuil Park, Albury. In July- 10am at La Maison Café
and in April, June and August for lunch at a local hotel. Meetings are confidential and caring focusing on friendship with the sharing of knowledge and experiences when required. Coffee and tea are supplied. All welcome.
PLEASE JOIN US
In 2019 Mc Grath Breast Care Nurses Robyn Goldsworthy and Gabi Pulla have presented Pamper Bags, on behalf of the Albury Wodonga Breast Cancer Support Group, to 116 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. A generous donation from the Lavington Lions Club has allowed the support group to continue our Pamper Bags Project for another year. We are extremely grateful for the continued support of local service groups. The feed back we receive from the ladies who receive a pamper bag is how wonderful the half moon pillow is for use after surgery. Another item they found very useful was the resource guide with contact details of local groups to join for support and state and national organisations that provide information and support to breast cancer patients. We have modified our Pamper Bag slightly so the items will fit inside the cBag which is also available to breast cancer patients. If you have missed out on a Pamper Bag or cBag please speak to a McGrath nurse or get a cBag from Border Medical Oncology, Genisis Care, Hilltop Accommodation Centre or a Terry White Pharmacy.
CONTACTS
Committee Heather Knott (02) 6059 2314
Robyn Daly 0448 411 782
Joan Blackwood 0407 397 391
Marlene Gibson (02) 6021 6364
Barbara Iverson (02) 6056 1437
Marg Harrison (02) 6021 4551
Feel free to contact any committee member for information or support. Correspondence to: Heather Knott– Facilitator 4 Armstrong Terrace West Wodonga Vic 3690 [email protected] Editor: Heather Knott [email protected] Sub editor: Robyn Daly [email protected] Hydrotherapy contact: Joan Blackwood (02) 6021 2396 0407 397 391
Heather with Happenings
Hi Everyone, Roll on autumn and some cooler weather, especially at nights. It will be lovely to see the colours of autumn appear. I hope you were able to enjoy Christmas and New Year with family and friends. We know for many it was a very tense and worrying time with the bushfires that raged and caused terrible destruction, loss of life and homes. It has been heartening to see the efforts of volunteers willing to help out the fire affected communities first hand or by donating or organizing fundraisers.
Robyn and I attended the Look Good Feel Better Christmas Lunch. This year was particularly special as it also acknowledged the retirement of Rosemary Creed after 14 years as the coordinator of the local group. Rosemary has been a wonderful ambassador for the LGFB and over the years has developed a wonderfully supportive, volunteer team who will be carry on the program. Caroline Sales and Judy Bosse are stepping up to co facilitate, with Rosemary still available to provide advice and assistance if required. Jenny Frauenfelder and Caroline Sales presented Rosemary with flowers from the State Coordinator Faye Venning as well as a gift from the local LGFB volunteers. Our support group also contributed to the gift. Rosemary has been a wonderful supporter of our group, attending
our Christmas Lunch, Information Days as well as promoting our group at LGFB sessions. We wish Rosemary well and thank her for helping so many of our ladies to regain confidence in their appearance after a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
We finished the year with our annual Christmas Lunch at the Commercial Club. We had a lovely day with friends and partners. The food was delicious and the company most enjoyable. Once again the tables were beautifully set, making for a very festive atmosphere. A great way to finish the year. 2020 will see the Support Group reach 25 years in September, a wonderful achievement. It only seems like yesterday that we celebrated 20 years since Carol Stevenson and Judy Gray formed the support group with the encouragement of the breast care nurse at the time. We are looking forward to celebrating with many of our original and current members on Friday 18th September. Mark your diary.
It was lovely to catch up with everyone at the first meeting for the year. After sharing our holiday stories and planning our lunch venue for April– The Newmarket Hotel, Borella Road, Albury- we celebrated a belated birthday with Robyn. Robyn turned 70 at the beginning of the month. We then enjoyed morning tea out on the deck, such a peaceful setting. Robyn also had a surprise birthday cake at the Brave Hearts monthly lunch at the end of February. We hope to have a guest speaker at both our March and May meeting. March 22nd is Brave Hearts 12th Community Regatta at Gateway Lakes with the annual Remembrance Ceremony being held early afternoon. All welcome. May is a busy month for fundraising, if you can support some of these events that would be appreciated. Pink Bun for BCNA from 7– 27 May with the focus this year on the ripple effect of breast cancer. It will be 20 years of support from Bakers Delight. What a fantastic partnership, BCNA and all the women and families that have been helped over the years are most grateful for the support. It is the Mother‟s Day Classic for NBCF on Sunday 10th at Belvoir Park/Sumsion Gardens. We have Stars of the Border on May 1st with local
personalities dancing in support of the Cancer Council. Robyn‟s daughter in law Karen Crook has taken up the challenge. If you would like to support her you can donate at https://stars.cancercouncil.com.au/fundraisers/karencrook/stars-of-border Finally there will be many Biggest Morning Tea events to choose from to attend to support the Cancer Council. We have decided not to hold a Biggest Morning Tea at our May meeting as many of our members are supporting other BMT events during the month. Enjoy autumn and if you can attend one of our meetings that will be great.
Cheers, Heather Knott
WAGS facilitating sessions that AWBCSG members attend You will require a medical permission form signed by your doctor, pay an annual fee to WAGS and the weekly fee to the hospital. AWBCSG members also attend hydro sessions, that they facilitate themselves, at GT Aquatics at 345 Wagga Road Lavington. There is only a weekly fee with no forms required. Contact Joan on 6021 2396 or 0407 397 391 for more information and times for both GT Aquatics and Albury Base Hospital.
H ydrotherapy is held at the Albury Base Hospital with
A reminder that our meeting schedule has changed with April, June and August meetings being for lunch.
AWRCC Wellness Centre
The following groups meet monthly; Women‟s Wellness Group 2nd Thursday 10.30 - 2 Carer‟s Support Group 2nd Friday 12.30- 2.30 Art Relaxation Group 4th Wednesday 10 -12 Tuesday to Thursday a Psychologist is available for counselling. Phone the Wellness Centre on 6064 1562 to book an appointment. Teighan or Silvia can also email you the monthly calendar and notify you of any up coming events if you would like. Send an email to [email protected]
Complimentary Therapies Oncology Massage Therapists Samantha Lowe– Wodonga 0407 686 838 Katrina Crawford– Lavington 0408 413 894 Paula Hall– Porepunka 03 5756 2050 Heather Hay-Deniliquin 0407 626 148
Lymphoedema Massage Therapist Sue Butcher is a registered lymphoedema massage therapist and has rooms at 710 Young St Albury Sue can be contacted on 6041 3362 or [email protected] massageresults.com.au
Lymphatic Drainage and Remedial Massage Paul Nixon is a registered remedial massage therapist with Casey-Smith Method of complex lymphatic therapy in the treatment of lymphedema, Certificate IV in Health (massage), oncology massage 1 & 2, lymphatic drainage level 1 & 2 and a certificate of assessment and compliance for NSW Health to work within the hospital system. Paul has been working in the Ovens and Murray Valley region since 2002 and has appointments available at Bright Sports Centre and 1/611 Dean St Albury. Phone 0408 579 404 to make a booking
THOUGHTS, PRAYERS and RAINBOWS
For anyone suffering loss, grief, sadness, illness, just not feeling good or awaiting results,
our thoughts, prayers and rainbows go out to you.
Chris S, Di L, Doreen G, Raelene M, Lyn W, Barb B, Lois S, Marg and Ian H, Pam D,
Julie S, , Julie E and Brenda K
If you know of anyone who could use a thought, prayer and a rainbow, please let us know so they can be included in the next newsletter.
‘Love can bridge all distances.
Surely the substance of rainbows is love.’
Dr Susan Palmer, psychologist and researcher, developed the concept of Gather My Crew after many years working with people going through challenging times. As we all know when a crisis strikes, managing everyday life can be extremely stressful. But you are not alone. There are people in your life who want to help you– they just need know how.
Gather My Crew is a free, online rostering tool, that has been clinically developed to build supportive communities around people going through a tough time (such as serious illness, accident, bushfire, stroke, stillbirth, sudden death). It is an easy-to-use online calendar and task list that lets you coordinate practical help from your own support network. All you have to do is select the help you need, when you need it and send an invite to all the people in your life that have said ‘let me know what I can do to help.’ Then you can just sit back, breathe and know help is on the way. Create your free account at gathermycrew.org select the tasks you need help with, invite your friends, they need to accept and then select the task they will do. It is that simple. Susan spoke at the launch of the cBag back in August and also spoke to other networks during the day to get the message out about this resource. Please let family and friends know about this wonderful resource so the word gets around.
Gather My Crew
BORDER BREAST CLINIC Robyn and I met with Kim Semmler the operations manager of the newly opened Border Breast Clinic which has been established at the X-Ray Group at The Gardens in Albury. Kim was keen to share how this new „one stop‟ service came about and how it will compliment what is already available in the area. It has been modelled on services available in metropolitan centres. The clinic has a dedicated female GP and offers: *Routine breast examination and screening for asymptomatic women with average risk and high risk of breast cancer (family history) *Assessment of any breast related symptom (lump, pain, nipple discharge etc) *Mammography with 3D tomosynthesis technology and Ultrasound all conducted on site by an experienced radiology team *Referral to a specialist if required No referral to the clinic is required. During your appointment you will see a doctor who will perform a full history and examination, after which you will have a mammogram and ultrasound. You will then return and get your results in 4 hours. If a biopsy is needed it will be done on the day. It removes worrying and waiting for weeks to see doctors, imaging, and booking in for biopsy‟s. There is a non-claimable fee involved so it isn‟t going to suit everyone. For many women this service will be more time and cost effective. The service complements screening offered by Breast Screen, the regular check up with your GP and self-examination. The clinic is the last Tuesday of each month. For further information or to make a booking phone 6051 1666 or borderbreastclinic.com.au
A wonderful Christmas Lunch was enjoyed by AWBCSG members, husbands and friends at the Commercial Club
A most enjoyable final meeting for the year
BRAVE HEARTS NEWS
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March the Victorian State Championships are being held at Gateway Lakes, come and check out the racing. Sunday 22nd March our 12th Community Regatta is being held at Gateway Lakes. Leisure Cruising Come on down to Gateway Lakes (far side) on Sundays at 3.30pm and join the fun. New comers always welcome. Contact Julie on 0408 282 113 for more information. Photos thanks to Tony Purtell
Saturday 7th December– Carrum Regatta
Gold Regional Snr A Open 500m Gold Rapids Green Team 200m Silver Rapids Blue Team 200m Silver Premier Women’s 10s 500m Silver Snr A Mixed 10s 500m Silver Snr A Women’s 20s 500m Silver Snr A Women’s 10s 500m 4th Premier Mixed 10s 500m (junior team) 4th Premier Mixed 20s 500m
Brave Hearts men joined with men from Mount Beauty, Yarrawonga and Warriors forming a regional crew and the juniors not only raced with our seniors crews they also raced with Melbourne Rapids. Mel and Brenda joined Peninsula Dragonflies and Gippsland Waratahs for the cancer survivors race and our drummers also helped out other teams throughout the day. A great team work, racing and camaraderie. Well Done and a good way to end the year.
Sunday 9th February– Chinese New Year Regatta Docklands Another great regatta and fantastic weather. Plenty of colour and vibe surrounded the whole event. 200m racing with the following results for Brave Hearts Snr Womens 10's 1st Premier Women's 10's 2nd Snr Women's 20's 2nd Open 10's Regional Team 3rd Senior A Mixed 20's 4th Premier Open 10's 4th Premier Mixed 10's 5th Senior A Mixed 10's 8th Brave Hearts men teamed with Yarrawonga and Mount Beauty once again to race as a regional team and Brenda and Mel joined Peninsular Dragonflies for the cancer survivor races.
Women’s Wellness Group
2nd Thursday of each month 10.30am– 2pm
Women who have experienced any form of cancer are welcome to come along for a day of relaxation and friendship. There will be a different activity each month– craft, meditation, pampering, music, tai chi, guest speakers. We meet at the Wellness Centre at the AWRCC Borella Road, Albury. For more details please contact Julie 0428 293 359 or Trisha 0408 229 485 Or email: [email protected]
Do you need a new bra, swim wear, lingerie or prosthesis?
Jill Tucker will be at 619B Electra St Albury on Saturday
21st March from 10am
To make a booking or talk to Jill about what you are after,
give her a call on 02 6925 6757 or 0428 818 740 or
email [email protected]
LOOK GOOD… FEEL BETTER for 2020
Sessions will be held on the following Tuesdays; March 17, April 28, June 9 and July 28
from 9.15am – 12pm at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre
Wellness Centre Please register at least 3 weeks prior to
the session you wish to attend. Contact Caroline Sales 0438 595 739
Medical and Scientific: Grant backs chemo study There is new hope for cancer patients suffering from painful side effects from chemotherapy, with a new remedy being developed to treat or even prevent the symptoms. The breakthrough research is one of 66 Australian projects sharing in $61 million in medical research grants to be announced by Health Minister Greg Hunt today. University of Queensland Institute for Molecular Bioscience Associate Professor Irina Vetter said the “exciting” breakthrough would hopefully be able to improve the quality of life for chemo recipients, without impacting on their cancer treatment. Herald Sun, 7 December 2019 Support: Thanks for sharing
The Instagram hashtag #breasties is used by breast cancer patients across the globe to share hidden insights about their treatment. RMIT University marketing researcher Lauren Gurrieri said information about breast cancer usually showed what happened before and after treatment, but this process included “the in-between” time. Dr Gurrieri and researchers from Chicago‟s Loyola University analysed 180 Instagram posts and found patients who exchanged information with others felt “more educated, more informed and more prepared for the ongoing battle with breast cancer”. Herald Sun, 20 December 2019
Treatment: Major boost in breast cancer battle
A life-changing new medicine will now be cheaper for Australian women battling advanced breast cancer. The important new treatment, Verzenio, has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from January 1 this year to significantly reduce the cost for patients, who would otherwise have to pay up to $55,000 a year. Sydney oncologist Dr Fran Boyle said the drug could double the life expectancy for those with metastatic cancer. Herald, Sun, 5 January 2020
Research: New ‘spray on chemo’
New „spray-on chemotherapy‟ being tested in Melbourne is giving fresh hope to cancer patients. The treatment was developed in Germany and has been used in Europe and the UK. The therapy administers cancer-fighting drugs directly to the tumour site using an aerosol spray instead of being injected into the bloodstream. It slows down cancer growth and could even shrink tumours and there are also far fewer side effects than the traditional chemotherapy. Epworth HealthCare surgeon Associate Professor Craig Lynch said, „The reason it works is because it‟s aerosol and it is like spraying air freshener into a room– it all goes all over the room. As it goes in under pressure it soaks into the tumour nodule and that‟s why it has a significant effect. It can slow down cancer growth.‟ The trial involving patients with peritoneal cancer from bowel cancer who had not responded to traditional chemotherapy were receiving 3 rounds of aerosol chemotherapy, administered during laparoscopic surgery under anaesthetic 6 weeks apart. However it is a palliative treatment and not a cure for peritoneal cancer. It provides another option with fewer side effects providing a better quality of life with similar disease control as intravenous chemotherapy. Herald Sun, 12 January 2020
These are an edited summary of news items in daily capital city newspapers. Produced by Cancer Council Australia, it aims to keep stakeholders up-to-date on media reporting of cancer. The articles do not necessarily represent the views of Cancer Council Australia.
In the news
Husband to wife: “Today is a fine day.” Next day, he says: “Today is a fine day.” Again, the next day, he says: “Today is a fine day.” Finally, after a week, the wife can‟t take it and asks her husband: “Since last week, you‟ve been saying, “Today is a fine day. I‟m fed up. What‟s the matter?” Husband: “Last week when we had an argument, you said, „I will leave you one fine day.‟ I was just trying to remind you.”
A wife told her husband she was cold. He told her to go and stand in the corner and she would warm up. “How is that possible?” she asked. He told her the corner was 90 degrees.
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The aim of the Albury-Wodonga Breast Cancer Support Group is to provide a confidential and caring meeting place where a group of women who have or who have had breast cancer can share knowledge, information and experiences. We can give and receive comfort, friendship and be a source of hope and acceptance to other women on their journey.
If undelivered
Please return to:
A–W BCSG
4 Armstrong Terrace
West Wodonga 3690
WISE WORDS
The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind. Carolyn Wyse
Victorian State Championships Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March and
12th Community Regatta Sunday 22nd March at Gateway Lakes.
Spectators welcome at both events. Come along and support Brave Hearts Dragon Boat Club