Whats On at BreaCan Feb - May 2014

[ruth1]

Thx Janette -seems Sydney is sadly lacking in comparison to Vic. Will check out the sites you've suggested.

[Janette]

Not that I know of Ruth. The BCI of NSW might have sessions at Westmead. Worth checking with the Cancer Council as well.

http://www.bci.org.au/support.html

[ruth1]

Ive googled everything for whats on in Sydney but cant find anything like Breacan. Is there anything that you know of Janette please?

[Janette]

Yes Ruth, Breacan is in Melbourne.

[ruth1]

Janette - these events are Vic only?

[Janette]

February

A STITCH IN TIME – SASHIKO (Sar-she-ko)
Monday 10 February 11.30am-1pm
This session will teach us the basics of Sashiko, a decorative form of Japanese embroidery. Come and learn this very relaxing technique of hand stitching and create a small piece to take home. Places limited.
Read more... or RSVP

SING LIKE NO ONE IS LISTENING AND LOVE IT!
Thursday 13 February 5.30pm - 7pm
‘The best things in life are free’ and singing is no exception. Learn how to sing sweet, soulful, simple songs with your sista’s as you have fun and experience the healing power of harmony and melody.
Read more... or RSVP

GYNAECOLOGICAL CANCER RESEARCH UPDATE: AUSTRALIAN OVARIAN CANCER STUDY
Thursday 20 February 3pm-4.30pm
In recognition of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in February, BreaCan and Ovarian Cancer Australia are hosting an informative afternoon with Professor David Bowtell who will be presenting on the latest developments to come out of this study including new thinking on testing for BRCA genes and updated information on the latest drug treatments. An ‘Afternoon Teal’ will be held beforehand.
Read more... or RSVP

‘CHEMOBRAIN’: CANCER, CHEMOTHERAPY AND THE BRAIN
Monday 24 February 12pm - 1.30pm
This session will discuss some of the more recent findings of studies of the relationships between cancer, chemotherapy and brain function.
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March

DRAGON BOATING
Thursday 6 March 11am - 12.30pm
This session will offer a chance to learn more about Dragon Boating, and how you might get involved in this fun group activity.
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PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
Wednesday 19 March 11am-12.30pm
Peripheral neuropathy (damage to nerves in hands, feet and lower legs) is a side effect of some cancer treatments, particularly chemotherapy treatment. Learn more about why it happens, risk factors and what can be done to help.
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HARMONY DAY MORNING TEA
Thursday 20 March 10.30am-11.30am
Harmony Day is a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home. BreaCan invites you to a morning tea to celebrate the diversity of all our cultures.
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LYMPHOEDEMA
Monday 24 March 11am-12.30pm
This session will be about lymphoedema and its association with gynaecological and breast cancer, including symptoms, treatment and the impact of exercise and massage.
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April

NIPPLE TATTOOING
Wednesday 2 April 11.30am-1pm
Nipple Tattooing (sometimes called micro-pigmentation) can follow breast reconstruction surgery. Learn about the process, the pigments used, when, how and where women can access the service.
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QIGONG
Thursday 10 April 11am-12.30pm
Qigong is an ancient Chinese complementary health practice. It consists of simple, gentle techniques designed to calm, improve the flow of energy and blood to restore balance to the body.
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AROMATASE INHIBITORS
Wednesday 23 April 12.30m-2pm
Aromatase Inhibitors are a class of drugs used in the treatment of hormone receptor positive breast and ovarian cancers in post- menopausal women.
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May

SEXUALITY AND CANCER
Thursday 1 May 11am-12.30pm
This session will discuss practical strategies to assist women to communicate about sexuality, build sexual confidence and enhance intimate relationships after cancer.
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LISTENING TO MUSIC FOR ENERGY, RELAXATION OR CREATIVITY
Monday 5 May 12.30m-2pm
Music can be used to enhance mood, to manage stress, to energise or relax us. By consciously choosing particular music we can influence our mind and emotions in a positive way.
Read more... or RSVP

SING LIKE NO ONE IS LISTENING AND LOVE IT!
Thursday 15 May 11am-12.30pm
‘The best things in life are free’ and singing is no exception. Learn how to sing sweet, soulful, simple songs with your sista’s as you have fun and experience the healing power of harmony and melody.
Read more... or RSVP

THE HUMAN SIDE OF CANCER
Wednesday 21 May 12pm-1.30pm
A session to provide the opportunity for women to explore how the experience of cancer has impacted on their body, mind and relationships.
Read more... or RSVP

Regular Activities

FEEL GOOD EXERCISE PROGRAM
Wednesdays fortnightly from 10.30am-11.30am
February 5 & 19, March 5 & 19, April 2, 16 & 30, May 14 & 28
This program offers gentle exercise to tone the body and help the lymphatic system. Conducted by a qualified instructor, the sessions are held fortnightly on a Wednesday from 10.30 - 11.30am. Women participating need to complete enrolment forms prior to attending.

REFLEXOLOGY
February 20, March 20, April 17 and May 15
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. These sessions are delivered by a qualified reflexologist and offer an opportunity to alleviate some of your stress and tension. Please call 1300 781 500 to book an appointment.

Please note that all BreaCan sessions are free,
but you must book in advance - places for some sessions are limited.

http://breacan.org.au/event-category/info-sessions/

Making Connections
Enhancing Wellness Forum for Women Living With Advanced Cancer
Saturday 22 March, 10am - 4pm
We hope you can join us for this exciting day especially for women living with advanced cancer, their families and friends. The format will include speakers on nutrition, exercise, and managing anxiety, and the opportunity to participate in wellness workshops (choices may include topics such as dance, art therapy, music therapy or meditation). We will be providing a delicious and healthy lunch. There will be plenty of time to connect and share with other women and supporters attending on the day.

Dr Maree Brinkman an Accredited Practising Dietitian and a Researcher in Nutritional Epidemiology. Maree will present on the dietary management of cancer, including side effects of treatment. She will also discuss the evidence on common nutritional supplements.

Tara McKinty is a counsellor and Founder of the Sanctuary Counselling Centre in Geelong. Tara supports people to develop skills and strategies to adjust to, and ideally live well with, a life challenging illness. Tara will present on ‘Shrinking the Worries’.

Partners, family and friends of women diagnosed are very welcome to attend. Let us know if you are interested in participating in an informal discussion group for ‘support people’ on the day.

We invite women who live with advanced (or metastatic) cancer from any primary tumour stream to attend this forum. Request to attend this session


The Art of Yogic Breathing
Thursday 22 May, 1pm - 2.30pm
In the yoga tradition breathing techniques have been used for thousands of years to transform not only our breath but also our state of mind. Specific breathing exercises, practiced regularly can reduce stress and anxiety, promote restful sleep, ease pain, increase attention and focus, and help connect us to a calm quiet place within so we can experience greater clarity and well-being on every level. Sally Dawson, an experienced yoga teacher, will guide us in exploring the breath and will teach some simple exercises we can use to consciously direct our breath to achieve a desired outcome.

This session is suitable for anyone living with advanced cancer. Participants will be sitting in chairs for the exercises. Please wear loose comfortable clothing. Request to attend this session

Ongoing Programs at BreaCan

What's On: Free information sessions and activities for all women diagnosed with breast and gynaecological cancers. You will find a list of all upcoming events on our website.

Reflexology: Reflexology is a gentle therapeutic foot massage provided by a qualified reflexologist. BreaCan offers free 40 minute reflexology appointments. Booking is essential, ph 1300 781 500 or email breacan@breacan.org.au.

Feel Good: Feel Good is a gentle exercise program, held fortnightly in the city, and conducted by a qualified fitness instructor. Sessions are open to all ages and all levels of fitness. Call 1300 781 500 or email breacan@breacan.org.au to find out how you can register to be involved and when the next session is being held.

Upcoming Sessions in 2014

If you have any ideas for sessions you’d like to see as part of our Making Connections program please contact Wendy Pullan wendy.pullan@breacan.org.au ph 03 9921 0837.

Travellers Aid – Free Medical Companion Service
If you are travelling to Melbourne for a medical appointment and you need someone to help you negotiate the city, a trained volunteer Medical Companion can meet you when you arrive in Melbourne by bus, train, tram or taxi and guide you to and from your medical appointments. Find out more at www.travellersaid.org.au

Cancer Connections
Looking to share your experiences with other people affected by cancer? Want to connect with others at a time convenient for you? Cancer Connections is a moderated, online peer-support community where you can: share stories, find, give and receive support. Register to become a member of the Cancer Connections community: www.cancerconnections.com.au

Smart Health Choices – free e-book
www.sensiblehealthadvice.org
Whether you are considering having surgery or taking vitamin supplements, would you like to know the effectiveness of the options and their side-effects? Smart Health Choices will provide you with the tools for assessing health advice of any type. It shows you how to make the best decisions for you and your loved ones. With the information in this book, you can take an active role in your health care.
The publication is also available in a hard copy

Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation
ACCF’s Vision is to protect and enhance women’s health to help overcome disadvantage, by eliminating cervical cancer and enabling treatment and support for women with cervical cancer and related health issues in Australia and in developing countries. For more information and/or to sign up for their regular newsletter please go to: www.accf.org.au

OPAL
The Ovarian Cancer Prognosis and Lifestyle (OPAL) study is Australia’s first study into lifestyle factors that may improve survival rates and quality of life for women with ovarian cancer.
The OPAL study is recruiting 1,200 women newly diagnosed with ovarian cancer between April 2012 and October 2014 to see whether lifestyle factors, including physical activity, diet and medication use influence cancer relapse and survival. The study hopes to provide advice for women about lifestyle changes that may help them. The study is being run by scientists at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR), together with doctors at many of the large hospitals around Australia.

To join the study, call the free OPAL Helpline on 1800 222 600, or email on opalstudy@qimr.edu.au. For more info go to: www.opalstudy.qimr.edu.au.

Interested in the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme?
BreaCan is part of an alliance of 30 cancer and chronic illness organisations advocating for improvements to the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS). The VPTAS Alliance is seeking a consumer representative to sit on their steering committee in 2014, to give feedback and provide ideas and advice on improvements needed to the VPTAS. Steering committee members will communicate mainly by phone and email. If you’d like to know more please contact Deborah Lawson, legal policy advisor at the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, Cancer Council Victoria at deborah.lawson@cancervic.org.au or by phone on 9514 6334.

If you have any experiences of using the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme or other travel difficulties based on living in a rural area, and you would be happy to share them please contact Deborah using the details above.