November 2014 providing personalised emotional, practical and financial support and care to people affected by breast cancer
newsletter of breast cancer care wa
Welcome to our new home
After several years of working in restricted surroundings, Breast Cancer Care WA has moved into our home at the Cancer Wellness Centre Campus in Cottesloe. Joining us on campus will be Cancer Support WA and melanomaWA creating a holistic centre dedicated to providing excellence in cancer support, healing, learning and cancer prevention. In time, we hope that the Cancer Wellness Centre Campus will become widely recognised as an innovative, world class cancer wellness shared facility, serving and supporting people with cancer who are looking for emotional support, wellness options and lifestyle strategies. The heritage listed Wanslea site managed by National Trust, has been redeveloped and refurbished with over $8,000,000 generously provided by Lotterywest. BHP Billiton Nickel West also provided funding that supported the strategic development of the project and Brady Cancer Support Foundation will
provide ongoing rental assistance. This is truly the first of its kind in Australia! Our new facility offers us the opportunity to expand our services and in the new year we are looking forward to running several of our support groups on site, increasing our therapy groups and providing more one on one support in counselling rooms. We will also be hosting our annual support group Christmas Party in the new conference facility on site so that some of our clients get a chance to see our new home. With more space, we have been abe to appoint two new members of the service team. Shelley Long is an experienced counsellor who worked for several years with Carers WA and will be based in the Mandurah and Rockingham area. Diane Grennan is a Breast Care Nurse who
Breast Cancer Care WA, 80 Railway Street, Cottesloe WA 6011 l (08) 9324 3703 info@breastcancer.org.au l www.breastcancer.org.au
most recently worked for the Cancer Council in Rockingham. Our team of four breast care nurses and four counsellors look forward to being of service to the WA community.
In this issue 60 ways to nurture yourself .....................2 Secondary cancer support groups...........3 What’s your greatest wish this Christmas?.........................................4 Your help brings a $10,000 IGA win! ......5 Fundraising champions............................6 Volunteering - the hands on approach....8
We are too hard on ourselves ladies As we approach Christmas and the New Year we are aware that for many of you this may bring up many different emotions. It can be a period of celebration as you approach a new year with the sense of achievement and most of your breast cancer journey behind you. However for others it can be a difficult time as many issues of grief and loss seem to resonate or you just may be feeling overwhelmed with where you are at, at the moment.
Cathie Smith
Support Services Manager/Counsellor
It is so important to really be kind to yourself during this time and to help you do this we have a few suggestions that may help you to nurture yourself in a kind and compassionate way.
60 ways to nurture yourself Physical
Emotional
Mental
Spiritual
Take a walk
Deep breathe and think, ‘I am calm and peaceful’
Say an affirmation
Connect with nature
Ride a bike
Share feelings about an experience with a friend
Express your thoughts and feelings in a journal
Meditate
Exercise at the gym
Sing or make sounds
Make a ‘to do’ list
Pray
Stretch and move to music
Hug someone, ask for a hug
Write a poem
Talk to your guardian angel
Practice yoga postures
Pat your dog or cat
Write a letter
Listen to a guided meditation tape
Take a course in Tai Chi, water aerobics, or Pilates exercises
Talk to someone by pretending they are facing you in an empty chair
Listen to music
Write about your spiritual purpose
Sit in the sun for 15 minutes
Telephone a long distance friend or relative
Email a friend
Visualise yourself in a peaceful place
Change one thing to improve your diet
Notice what you are feeling several times a day
List things you will do to improve your life
Do something of service for another or for your community
Watch birds and animals interact in nature
Write a letter to someone who has hurt you, but do not send it
Update negative beliefs that limit your life
Join a church group
Go swimming
Feel your fear and take a positive risk for change
Journal write daily about your reactions, thoughts, and feelings for a month
Learn about a religion different from your own
Sit in a garden or park
Smile at a stranger and send them thoughts of peace, acceptance and joy
List your traits, needs and wants
Study with a spiritual teacher
Take a nap
Affirm yourself daily with self-nurturing
Make a list of short-term and long-term goals
Study ancient esoteric wisdom teachings
Get a massage
Watch children play, talk to your inner child in a loving, joyful way
Preview your day upon awakening. Review upon retiring
Practice unconditional love and forgiveness with self and others
Eat healthy for one day
Acknowledge yourself for accomplishments you are proud of
Work on your family tree
Practice a daily quiet time, a routine to connect spiritually
Souce: Suzanne E. Harrill, LPC, LMFT, Author, Counselor, Teacher: www.innerworkspublishing.com/news/vol1/selfcare.htm
If you need any assistance at this time please don’t hesitate to call us. We are always willing to listen and assist where we can.
Demystifying breast cancer surgery The main treatment types for breast cancer include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone/ targeted therapies. Treatment plans vary for each individual and usually more than one treatment is used. Surgery is often the first treatment option taken for breast cancer and the post-operative pathology results are then used to formulate a plan of action.
Surgical Options
There are two main options; removal of part of the breast (Breast Conservation Surgery, BCS), or the whole breast (Mastectomy). The surgeon will discuss the options available, helping you to choose the right type of surgery depending on the size, type and position of the cancer. Women with an invasive breast cancer but no detectable cancer in the axillary lymph nodes pre-operatively, are offered a sentinel node biopsy. This biopsy identifies if any cancer cells have moved into the axillary lymph nodes. If examination of the sentinel node is indicative of cancer, then all axillary nodes are removed. This process can be carried out during the main breast surgery or as a further operation.
Breast Conservation Surgery
(also called lumpectomy or wide local excision)
Many women with early breast cancer have this operation which conserves most of the breast. BCS removes the breast cancer and a margin of normal tissue (about 10mm). Approximately 20% of women will require re-excision or further surgery due to the margins not being clear of cancer cells at the first operation. Women who have BCS usually have five to six weeks of radiotherapy following the operation, which substantially
reduces the risk of breast cancer reoccurring in that breast. BCS with Radiotherapy has an equivalent long term cure rate to a mastectomy. This option if possible is preferable for many women as it may allow them to cope better, maintain better selfimage and quality of life.
Mastectomy
A Mastectomy removes the whole breast usually including some of the skin and the nipple and then the skin is closed together. This is often a good treatment option for many women. Mastectomy used today is a lot less disfiguring than many years ago, plus it reduces the chance of arm swelling (lymphoedema) and allows for easier breast reconstruction. Mastectomy is needed when BCS is not possible due to the size of tumour in relation to the size of the breast, when the cancer is not confined to one area of the breast, or based on personal choice.
Surgery options can be confusing and often women need help with understanding the type of breast surgery recommended. Breast Care Nurses at Breast Cancer Care WA can spend time alleviating anxiety by discussing the reasoning and type of surgery recommended and post-operative care expected.
Secondary breast cancer support groups Around the world Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day is marked on October 13. Previously this day was not acknowledged in Australia, however for the first time this year it has been officially recognised by Breast Cancer Network Australia. Here at Breast Cancer Care WA we have the pleasure and privilege of supporting many women living with secondary breast cancer. Over the years both breast care nurses and counsellors have often heard from these clients living with secondary breast cancer how they almost feel invisible as there always appears to be much more media awareness on early breast cancer and breast cancer survivor stories. We really care for and try to accommodate the needs of all our clients. Everyone, including those with secondary breast cancer, have access to our specialist breast care nurses and counsellors and our support groups and therapy groups are tailored accordingly for those with early or secondary breast cancer. This month we’d like to share a little more with you about our Secondary Breast Cancer support group. This is a dynamic group of women of all ages; some are young mothers, others grandparents, some work full time,
others are busy with retirement. Some have only just joined whilst others have been attending for many years. Our group is a place where women can safely share and update each other on what’s going on for them, discuss what medications are helping as well as tips on how best to manage side effects. It is
“ Over the years both
breast care nurses and counsellors have often heard from these clients living with secondary breast cancer how they almost feel invisible
“
a place where triumphs are celebrated and setbacks felt by all. The group can offer a warm and welcoming space sometimes filled with laughter or where heartache, fear and pain are witnessed.
Experiences are shared and each month is Aileen different. We Counsellor have painted, created collages, practiced Tai Chi, meditated, designed mandalas, enjoyed spiritual healing and practiced mindfulness, but the main focus is always the women and their experiences living with secondary breast cancer. Joining any support group can be quite daunting. Many clients describe feeling afraid or anxious about coming to a support group for the first time. Fears that the group will be really sad and depressing are ignited. However, for most women, attending such a group can be a real comfort and inspiration, where there is understanding and empathy; a place where you don’t have to explain yourself. A place to encounter new friends and together hold the hope that is shared by all.
This group currently runs once a month but in 2015 we will run the group twice a month. If you would like to attend, please call 9324 3703 or email Aileen - aileen@breastcancer.org.au or Cathie – cathie@breastcancer.org.au Spirit Newsletter November 2014 l Page 3
What’s your greatest wish this Christmas? ‘A cure for breast cancer’ would have to be right up there on most of our wish lists. In our Christmas appeal we revisit Vanessa who we first met in 2009 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer aged just 32. A single young lady, with no partner to support her, she turned to us. The first person she spoke to was Denise, one of our breast care nurses. When she had difficult questions she didn’t feel she could ask her surgeon, Denise had the answers. Having endured surgery to remove the lump, followed by chemotherapy, Vanessa was determined to put it all behind her and move forward with her life. Time passed, her health and strength improved and she found love with her wonderful partner. Then last year they were thrilled to discover they had a baby on the way.
Just imagine their shock, when Vanessa was diagnosed with breast cancer again when she was 28 weeks pregnant. In the last weeks of her pregnancy, Vanessa endured a mastectomy and started chemo straight away. Thankfully, our breast cancer nurse Denise was still there to talk through her worries and give support. At Breast Cancer Care WA we’re here for everyone living with breast cancer… all those ladies, their husbands, partners and children, dealing with what’s happening and wondering what might happen next. For women like Vanessa living with breast cancer every moment counts.
Denise and baby. I’m sure you share our deep heartfelt wish that Vanessa has many more Christmases with her precious baby and loving partner. But there are so many other little wishes we hope you’ll help us make true this Christmas.
As you probably know, we don’t receive any government funding. Everything we do is funded by the generosity of wonderful supporters like you and then provided for free to all the ladies we help. Right now Denise and several of our volunteers are very kindly giving their time to help out and babysit for Vanessa when she needs to attend medical appointments or just have time to herself to rest. If you’re able to help today with a generous financial gift, it would be so appreciated. Especially at this time of year when supporting friends and family is so important. You can donate online at www.breastcancer.org.au/donate-page or by phoning us on (08) 9324 3703.
When you’re making your Christmas wishes this year, spare a special thought for Vanessa and all the ladies and all their loved ones living with breast cancer. Thank you in advance for your support.
The Orange Seed Project Preparing our video submission for The Orange Seed Project was so much fun and on November 5, we stood with nine other finalist charities as the winner of the $115,000 gift was announced.
Although we didn’t receive the grand prize, Breast Cancer Care WA won $25,000 worth of advertising in The West Australian and $1,000 cash.
We’re thrilled! Most importantly, thank you to everyone who took the time to watch our video and vote. This would not have been possible without YOU!!
News Your help brings a
$10,000 IGA win Thanks to you, Breast Cancer Care WA won $10,000 in the IGA Australia Community Chest competition. That is directly thanks to your votes and help.
Order your Christmas cards
From the Library As a Natural Therapy theme for this section of the newsletter, I have selected four recently acquired audio/visual resources for the Library shelves at our new premises.
It’s not too late to order your Christmas cards and have 40c per card be donated straight back to Breast Cancer Care WA. Check out all the designs and get an extra 5% discount ordering online! www.christmascards4charity.com.au/bccwa
1) “The Meditation Sanctuary” This CD offers two 30 min meditations with Paul & Maia Bedson.
Clarisse Jennings Volunteer librarian, breast cancer survivor and spiritual healer
The first part with Maia, portrays that Mindfulness Meditation is an act of personal kindness and the second section with Paul, helps the listener to practise patience and perseverance to enable them to enjoy the journey to your true self. 2) This CD “The Gawler Cancer Program” is narrated by the well known, long term cancer survivor, Ian Gawler. He discusses lessons to be learnt from long-term survivors, important facts about how cancer develops and how the body can be activated to heal. Then lastly, advice on how to combine the best medical and self-help options. 3) Louise L Hay has produced this CD “Cancer - Discovering Your Healing Power” The first part discusses how anger, criticism and guilt can create and maintain illness. Louise reminds the listener that forgiveness is the key to resolving diseases such as cancer. She then presents a loving visualisation with soothing music, aimed at changing old attitudes of long- held resentment and dissolving disease.
Christmas Hampers Spoil someone for the upcoming holiday season with a luxury hamper. You’ll get special discounts on these, plus 10% of the price is donated to us. www.charityhampers.com.au/bccwa
4) “Qigong for Healing and Wellbeing” DVD Paul Bedson returns in our fourth option, as he demonstrates a blending of two traditional forms of Qigong, which have been used for centuries in China. This form of a natural therapy improves the circulation of Qi and blood, improves breathing and strengthens the healing capabilities of the body, mind and spirit. I sincerely hope that one or more of the above resources will help the borrower to quieten the busy mind, reassure, give hope and enable inner peace to be experienced. Reviewed by Clarisse Jennings
Spirit Newsletter November 2014 l Page 5
Fundraising Champions We are incredibly grateful to receive support from the WA community who organise events of all different shapes and sizes. This continuous show of support helps us to assist so many women, men and their families affected by breast cancer and we are pleased to share some of the results from recent community events.
Support and Go Short
Bridgetown Ball Deb from the Tea & Sympathy tearooms, Bridgetown organised the fabulous Bridgetown Breast Cancer Ball for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It was a fun filled evening with wonderful entertainment and support from the local community, raising over $7,000.
The amazing Donna Nowrojee raised over $12,000 for Breast Cancer Care WA by shaving off her long locks in support of a dear friend who is going through breast cancer. Donna organised a wonderful evening of celebration for her head shave, with a raffle and auction on the night as well as a highest bidder competition to cut her ponytail off!
Highland Medical Centre Purple Friday A big thank you to everyone who signed up to Purple Friday’s this Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Highland Medical Centre raised a fantastic $850 at their Purple Friday cocktail party.
Upcoming Fundraiser
Jump for Jane
On Saturday 25 October, 27 brave souls took to the sky as part of our second annual Jump for Jane fundraiser. Everyone was fantastic and we’re pleased to announce a final fundraising total of $32,000! Denise, one of our own Breast Care Nurses, took the plunge in memory of Amy Drake who skydived last year, but then sadly passed away from breast cancer herself. Denise was the highest fundraiser with over $6,700 banked. Jane’s family continued to be involved and a special thank you goes to Michaela, Cerin, Michael and Kelly for their help with the event. If you think you would like to skydive and raise funds next year send an expression of interest to fundraising@breastcancer.org.au.
Christmas Lights in Atwell This December, Kennack Vista in Atwell will be lighting up their street in support of Breast Cancer Care WA. There will be a Sausage Sizzle and even a visit from Santa, who will be taking time out of his busy schedule to pay a special visit on Saturday 20 December at 8pm.
Making FUNdraising easy
Remember, all money raised in WA, stays in WA. Fundraising shouldn’t feel like hard work. It should be simple, fun and make people smile. By organising your own event you are helping us support people going through breast cancer, but if you’re not sure what to do or how to get started, that’s where we can help! We have developed lots of new resources to get you started. From ‘how to’ guides to help develop your ideas, to FREE downloadable tools including flyer and poster templates that will help make the
organising even easier!
for more information.
Head over to our website at www. breastcancer.org.au to take a look at how we can help, or contact our fundraising team at fundraising@breastcancer.org.au
Make your Christmas party meaningful
Party season is here and we have a fantastic way to make your shindigs more meaningful. It’s the season for giving so why not use the gathering of your friends and colleagues to support Breast Cancer Care WA. It’s easy to add a fundraising element to your end of year party, you can make it as simple or extravagant as you like. Hold a raffle, organise a sponsored dance off between the bosses or simply collect gold coin donations on the day.
For more information, ideas or to register contact fundraising@breastcancer.org.au
Jo + Em
Fundraising Team
Long Table Lunch prize requests Long Table Lunch 2015 preparation has begun and we need your help! We are searching for prizes to use in our auction, raffle and lucky dip. From holidays to theatre tickets, gift vouchers to designer jewellery, we are searching for a big range of prizes. All companies who donate prizes will receive promotion at the event.
For more information or to donate a prize contact fundraising@breastcancer.org.au Spirit Newsletter November 2014 l Page 7
Volunteering – the hands on approach Now is the time to put the spotlight on the wonderful team of practical assistance and administration volunteers who have been working away in the background to provide essential support for the organisation and our clients during 2014. Whether it’s making the wheels go round for somebody in need, tidying up a garden, preparing mail outs or cleaning up donation containers, Breast Cancer Care WA volunteers have the job covered! To date this year, our awesome transport volunteers have provided an impressive 152 journeys to and from medical appointments with our clients. This service is so well received by our clients who have limited support networks or transport options, and it could not happen without the dedication and compassion of this fantastic group of volunteers. In addition, our loyal office volunteers have shown up at the office week in week
out, in rain, hail and shine to support the team with providing our services. On hand to provide support in whatever way necessary, this versatile bunch are highly valued by staff and clients. Volunteers are vital in assisting to realise the vision and mission of Breast Cancer Care WA and we are excited to have welcomed over 90 new volunteers into the family in 2014. To all Breast Cancer Care WA volunteers, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your ongoing commitment and enthusiastic support.
Interested in volunteering? Call 9324 3703 or email info@breastcancer.org.au and ask to chat to our friendly Volunteer Program Coordinator
Meet Pat She was diagnosed with breast cancer 26 years ago, secondary breast cancer 5 years ago and yet she only gained access to a breast care nurse (our Moira) 18 months ago. Pat is just one of the many ladies we support and her bright purple hair is her way of supporting us back
The office will be closed from 12 noon Friday December 19 and will reopen on Monday January 5, 2015 For emergency support please call: Cancer Council Hotline: 13 11 20 Life Line Crisis Line: 13 11 14 Crisis Care: 9223 1111
Breast Cancer Care WA
80 Railway Street, Cottesloe WA 6011 (08) 9324 3703 info@breastcancer.org.au www.breastcancer.org.au