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ALBURY-WODONGA BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
PLEASE JOIN US
T he Albury-Wodonga Breast Cancer Support Group meets on the third Friday of each month in February to November, 10am to noon, at the Mitta Mitta Canoe Club building, Noreuil Park, Albury. It is a confidential and caring meeting,
sharing knowledge and experiences and offering comfort and friendship. Coffee and tea are supplied and you can bring nibbles to share if you wish.
The Tit Tattler would not be possible without the generosity of Conway Printing at Jindera who print the newsletter without charge.
Thanks also to Kellie and Kelvin Davies of K2 Design who donate their time and skills maintaining our website and providing technical support.
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.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
13 June LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER– to enrol contact Rosemary Creed 02 6021 3604
16 June AWBCSG MEETING 10 am Mitta Mitta Canoe Club
26 June Breast Reconstruction Awareness Event 5.30– 9pm Commercial Club Dean St Albury reclaimyourcurves.org.au 0416 519 939
21 July AWBCSG MEETING 10 am La Maison Café Gateway Island Lincoln Causeway
1 August LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER– to enrol contact Rosemary Creed 02 6021 3604
18 August AWBCSG MEETING 10 am Mitta Mitta Canoe Club Guest Speaker– Louise Humphrey Lymphoedema Physiotherapist
15 September AWBCSG MEETING 10 am Mitta Mitta Canoe Club 22nd Birthday Celebrations
Biggest Morning Tea
May is a busy month nationally for cancer fundraising. The Cancer Council
hold their annual Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser, National Breast Cancer
Foundation has the Mother’s Day Classic which raises funds for vital
research, Breast Cancer Network Australia has its Pink Lady Football
match and High Tea at the MCG and the Baker’s Delight Pink Bun
Campaign to raise funds to support women on their breast cancer journey
and a one off event for Love My Sister– the challenge being to fill a
silver heart shape with 5 cent coins. This challenge has raised $2.2
million. Sam Johnston’s aim is to raise a total of $10 million for research
into breast cancer. If you have contributed to any of these fund raisers
your support is greatly appreciated. My husband and I have enjoyed
indulging in pink buns.
hydrotherapy pool every Wednesday at 12.30pm. For women who have or have had breast cancer, the exercises are gentle and focus mainly on lymphatic drainage. The format for the class is to meet and change in time for a 12.30pm start, stretching, gentle exercise using equipment and relaxation to finish. The class ends at 1.30pm The cost is $5.
H ydrotherapy is held at the Albury Base Hospital
CONTACTS
Committee Heather Knott (02) 6059 2314
Robyn Daly (02) 6021 5353
Marg Harrison (02) 6021 4551
Jodie Hart 0410 046 330
Marlene Gibson (02) 6021 6364
Barbara Iverson (02) 6056 1437
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, It won’t be long and the beautiful colours of autumn will have disappeared for another year. Although we have had some chilly mornings it has been lovely to enjoy the sun through the windows of the house or when driving in the car.
Our Pamper Bag Project, which featured on the front page of the Autumn tit tattler, will continue thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club Albury Foundation. We have just updated the resource guide– our 5th edition, with the final instalment of a grant from Department of Health and Human Services.
March was Lymphoedema Awareness Month and local lymphoedema practitioner Sue Butcher held a yoga session at Australia Park on March 26th for her clients many who are breast cancer survivors. A feature in the Border Mail the following week highlighted that not only cancer patients need to be vigilant, that a fracture can cause lymphoedema.
To read more click on this link. http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/4566624/world-of-pain-preventable/
Some of the ladies from our support group attended the official opening of the Australian Dragon Boat Championships, with Marg Harrison paddling in the Brave Hearts wooden dragon boat as part of this ceremony. Congratulations must go to the Brave Hearts who not only paddled at the championships but to those who spent many days in the lead up, preparing the surrounding area and constructing the course for this most successful event. All this on top of having held their 9th annual regatta at the beginning of March. They all deserve a well earned rest.
At our April meeting we all shared what we had done to celebrate Easter. Unfortunately the weather on our meeting day wasn’t as nice as it had been over the Easter break so the rain prevented us from enjoy morning tea on the deck.
Our May meeting always incorporates a Biggest Morning Tea in support of the Cancer Council. This year we raised $102. Our guest speaker was Jenny Jensen, Chairperson of Albury Wodonga Cancer Foundation, who spoke about the role of AWCF as well as her work with Border Advocacy as part of NSW Cancer Council. At present they are lobbying the NSW Government to fund more palliative care doctors and nurses. If you live in NSW click on this link and add your signature to this campaign. A further 3,00 signatures are required. http://www.canact.com.au/palliative_care_pledge
BCNA are holding a Forum in Albury on 30th May for both early breast cancer and metastatic. Hopefully you received an invitation to attend. If you didn’t, phone 1800 500 528. Many of the new support group members are looking forward to attending as it was October 2013 when BCNA were last here in Wodonga.
In June Reclaim Your Curves is holding a breast reconstruction awareness event for women who have had a mastectomy as well as health professionals. Even though you may not be considering reconstruction you are most welcome to come along to hear what is on offer. The support group will have an information table at the event as well as the Wangaratta Reclaim Your Curves support group. See page 3 for registration details.
Once again our July meeting will be at La Maison Café and sponsored by Hart Accounting of Lavington. We have invited Charlene Gehrig from Rotary Club Albury Foundation to present the cheque for the Pamper Bag Project.
Louise Humphrey will join us in August to let us know about the latest treatments for lymphoedema after having attended a symposium in May.
Until Spring, stay warm and healthy and if travelling to warmer climates enjoy your time away.
Heather Knott
Complimentary Therapies Oncology Massage Therapists. Samantha Lowe– Wodonga 0407 686 838 Katrina Crawford– Albury 0408 413 894 Julie Walker– Wodonga 0438 593 979 Bronwyn Sutton– Corowa 0421 302 656 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 and 15 McInnes St Holbrook. Sue can be contacted on 0427 369 570 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 0408 579 404 and Naturally Dynamic Health 577 Englehart St Albury 02 6021 0557
Register Now at reclaimyourcurves.org.au Registration essential For further information 0416 519 939
A light supper is provided
BRECONDA and BCNA
Women with breast cancer across the country who are deciding whether a breast reconstruction is right for them after a mastectomy can now use a free decision making tool available on BCNA’s website. https://www.bcna.org.au/resource/breconda BRECONDA guides women through a series of questions to help decide if a breast reconstruction is right for them. The questions cover considerations such as the different surgical options available, risks and benefits, possible complications, stress management and strategies for communicating their decision to have or not have a breast reconstruction to family members. The tool has been created to assist women diagnosed with early breast cancer and also women diagnosed with DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ). BRECONDA was developed by Associate Professor Kerry Sherman and her team at Macquarie University after research showed 20-30% of Australian women who made the decision to have or not have a breast reconstruction felt regret following their decision. The research also showed that many women felt they did not have enough information about their breast reconstruction options at the time they made their decision. 'We know there are layers within layers when it comes to making a decision about breast reconstruction. BRECONDA does not encourage women one way or the other, rather it helps to guide them through the decision making process,' Associate Professor Sherman said. BCNA CEO Christine Nolan said that BRECONDA is a wonderful example of a tool that has been designed with women’s health and wellbeing at its centre. 'When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer she goes into a state of shock. But at the same time, she is often required to make vital decisions about the best treatment options for her, including options around reconstruction. BRECONDA will help women make decisions about reconstruction when they are going through a very challenging time,' Christine said. 'Importantly, BRECONDA is available free of charge for women to use right across the country, from major cities to rural and regional areas. The questions can be answered from the comfort of home and in their own time,' she said. Are you considering a breast reconstruction? While BRECONDA is not intended to replace the advice of your breast surgeon, the tool will help you learn about the breast reconstruction options available and the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
Breast Reconstruction Options
A not-for-profit organisation that provides information and support to women about breast reconstruction options after mastectomy. A local support group has been formed by Yvonne Richards and they meet bi-monthly on a Sunday in Wangaratta. The informal gatherings offer women a chance to discuss the options available for breast reconstruction as well as talking to woman who have had reconstruction surgery. For further information about the group and their next lunch contact Yvonne 0417 320 950
If you have had a mastectomy but aren’t wanting to have reconstruction feel free to come along and find out the latest out of curiosity. The event is free. AWBCSG members will be attending as we are having an information table.
The lounge area of the newly
opened Border Wellness Centre
at the Albury Wodonga Regional
Cancer Centre
Some of the wigs in the Brave Hearts
on the Murray Inc Wig Library located
in the Border Wellness Centre at the
AW Regional Cancer Centre
The wooden dragon
boat took part in the
official opening of the
Australian Dragon
Boat Championships on
Wednesday 19th April
Brave Hearts dragon boat builders
Di Russell, Gladys Wise and Thelma
Wright enjoying the afternoon sun
at the opening ceremony
The lovely spread of food at
our Biggest Morning Tea
Our guest speaker Jenny Jensen, Chairperson
of Albury Wodonga Cancer Foundation and
Heather Knott, Facilitator of AWBCSG
AWBCSG ladies at
our April meeting
Cheers Mel
Saturday 4th March
What a supreme effort by all Brave Hearts at our 9th annual
regatta. All the amazing volunteers over the many months prior
to, and on the weekend, then stepping up to race in the boat.
The battle for the crew in the survivor and support race was to
honour those whose more important battles were lost. That crew
should be justly proud of their stunning second place and what
Brave Hearts means to them.
BRAVE HEARTS NEWS
Brave Hearts are enjoying a rest after our annual regatta in March and the Australian Championships in April; but
also just a rejuvenation!
Recruitment for new members has been going well, three boats were out on the water the weekend after the
Championships. New members always welcome, and pleasure cruising is at 3pm Sundays, phone Angelika 0412 881 678
Sunday 26th March
We performed well at the Victorian State Championships, including our honourary member
Frank, with Chris and Lyn volunteering. We raced well all day with basically the same crew
and the rewards are there with our 2nd in the Masters Open 20s 500 metres and 3rd in the
Masters Open 20s 200 metres. I think we all agreed that this was a terrific venue and the
weather was very kind.
Thursday 20th – Monday 24th April
Thursday we had 10’s Snr A 40+ Mixed Crew and Women’s Snr A40+ Crew in
200 metre events. Our Mixed Crew came 2nd in the heat which put us straight
into a Semi Final. We were 2nd in that Semi but missed out on the Grand Final
on time. Women’s Snr A Crew had a time which placed us into a repecharge but
our time was not fast enough for the Grand Final Race.
Friday we had 10’s Snr A 40+ Mixed Crew and Women’s Snr B 50+ in 500metre
events. The Mixed Crew got through to the Semi Final with a 3rd but missed
out on the Grand Final on time. Women’s Crew had a great time on the water with Angelika sweeping at her first
National Regatta, we missed out on the Semi Final but look out for us next year.
Saturday was State Vs State events. We had a number of members racing for our
State in Snr, Regional and Junior teams. Gold, Silver and Bronze were the flavours
of the day. Sunday was 500m Junior, Under 24 and Premier events. Our Junior
members Matt, Ella, Mitch and Ethan paddled with the Australian Joeys. What a
time they had. More medals Clinking. Monday was 200m Junior, Under 24 and
Premier events (Under 40). In the Premier Mixed event, with Angelika as sweep and
Hilly thrown in the mix, we got through to the Semi Final where we came 5th; only
0.798 seconds behind 1st. Premier Open Crew did a magnificent job against boats of
ten male paddlers, we came 4th in the repecharge but not fast enough for a Semi Final Start. Again our Junior
members paddled with the Australian Joeys. What a time they had, and yes “More medals Clinking”.
Thank you to all volunteers and supporters who made this a fantastic AusChamps campaign. To each and every member
no matter if you have been here for 11 years or 2 months your contribution into our club is appreciated.
You know you’re
over the hill when
the only whistles
you get are from
the tea kettle
THOUGHTS, PRAYERS and RAINBOWS
For any suffering loss, grief, sadness, any illness, just not feeling good or awaiting results, our thoughts, prayers and
rainbows go out to you.
Gail S, Chris S, Sigrid B, Di L, Lyn W, Lyn G, Gerda N and Elizabeth S
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.’
LOOK GOOD… FEEL BETTER for 2017
Sessions will be held on the following Tuesdays June 13th, August 1st, September 12th
from 9.15am – 12 noon Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Please register at least 3 weeks prior to
the session you wish to attend. Contact Rosemary Creed 02 6021 3604 or
email on [email protected]
In The News Research: Two-thirds of all Cancers Could be Random DNA Copying Errors A landmark study shows that about two-thirds of all cancers are caused by random errors made during normal cell division. The study reviewed 32 types of cancer and found about 66% of cancer mutations result from random DNA copying errors, 29% can be attributed to lifestyle or environmental factors and the remaining 5% are inherited. ‘‘We already know that about one-third of cancers are preventable,’’ Professor Sanchia Aranda, chief executive of the Cancer Council said. ‘‘Very few cancers are truly inherited.’’ Age, 24 March
Research: Smart Sleeve A lightweight sleeve made from “smart” materials that mimics the experience of self-massage is being developed to reduce one of the most debilitating side effects of breast cancer surgery. About a third of women with breast cancer develop lymphedema, an usually severe and permanent swelling of the arm, as a result of the lymphatic system being disrupted during the operation to remove lymph nodes or from radiotherapy damage. It results in lymph fluid pooling in the arm, causing disfigurement, pain and difficulty moving. It can happen immediately or decades after treatment has finished. University of Wollongong biomechanical researchers have developed a prototype of the Lymph Sleeve, designed for women to wear daily to boost the effectiveness of other treatment such as laser therapy, medication and massage. Professor Julie Steele, from the biomechanics research laboratory, says existing treatments could be expensive or hard to access in regional areas. “It’s an incurable disease that’s really uncomfortable, and these women have already gone through such traumatic surgery,” Steele says. Herald Sun, 6 May
Treatment: Eight Minute Therapy Australian Breast cancer patients will be among the first in the world to be treated with a new form of radiation therapy that is completed in just eight minutes, not six to eight weeks, At the moment breast cancer patients are required to make dozens of trips to hospital over several weeks to receive radiation therapy after surgery to remove cancerous tissue. However, intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) delivers concentrated radiation in a single dose during a lumpectomy. As part of an international trial in partnership with the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Monash Health, about 50 Victorian breast cancer patients will be treated with IORT using the Xoft Axxent Electronic Brachytherapy System. Border Mail, 9 May 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.
My doctor took one look at my gut and refused to believe that I work out. so I listed the exercises I do every day: jump to conclusions, climb the walls, drag my heels, push my luck, make mountains out of molehills, bend over backwards, run around in circles, put my foot in my mouth, go over the edge and beat around the bush.
Please advise if your mailing details are incorrect or if you do not wish to receive this newsletter. The newsletter can be emailed to you or you can access it from our website.
Have you visited our website lately? You can check out the calendar for details of our next meeting, and in the section ‘all the latest news’, you can subscribe to the newsletter and organise to be
notified when the website has been updated . Log in at www.awbcsg.com
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 Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changed and rearranged to relocate us to the place we’re meant to be.
The beautiful dragon boats after the blessing at the opening ceremony of the
Australian Dragon Boat Championships April 19 Gateway Lakes, Wodonga.
