What's on at BreaCan - Aug to Oct 2008

[Janine]

For further information and/or to register or book for any of these sessions, please call Breacan (1300 781 500) or email breacan@breacan.org.au

Mon 11th August - What Eactly is Nia?
No, it's not the National Institute of Accountants! Deborah Shaw, an accredited Nia and Yoga Teacher from Movingworks will introduce us to Nia; the unique exercise that feels like dancing rather than hard work. Nia is a blend of tai chi, aikido, yoga, dance and Feldenkrais. Sway, swirl, shimmy or even sit throughout the class and enjoy being with other women moving for toning, relaxation and healing. No dance experience necessary!

Wed 20th August - Multi-Disciplinary Care - What does it mean and how can it help me?
Women with cancer are treated by a number of different doctors and other health care professionals in the hospital system. Multi-disciplinary care involves the co-operation and liaison of all members of the treatment team working together to design an individualised treatment plan. Dr Jenny Senior, Breast Surgeon and Jenny Macindoe, Breast Care Nurse Co-ordinator, from Cabrini Hospital will explain their approach to multi-disciplinary care and what it means for you. This session will be of interest to women either diagnosed with breast or gynaecological cancers.

Wed 27th August - The Shape of Things - Bras, Boobs and Breast Forms
Christina Carlyle-Taylor, an experienced Corsetry and Mastectomy Fitter, will cover the finer points in finding that elusive well fitting bra. Pauline and Joy, who have experienced breast cancer, will model the bras. The session will cover traditional bras, bras for breast forms and bathers, as well as tips on looking after your bras and breast forms.

Wed 3rd September, - Tests, Treatments and Trials
Dr. Jacquie Chirgwin is a Medical Oncologist with Eastern Health who has a passionate commitment to helping women with breast cancer. Treatments for early breast cancer continue to evolve and develop with new advances, new options and new approaches. Jacquie will address what breast cancer is, where we are at now with the treatment of early breast cancer and where it is all heading for future developments.

Mon 8th September - Caring for You
'When you are tired you must have that feeling and must act upon it sensibly ... Learn to curl up and rest - feel your noble tiredness - learn about it and make a generous place for it.' ('The Curly Pyjama Letters' - Leunig) Join us for a unique opportunity to 'stop', 'listen to your body/mind', 'relax' and 'rest'. Jane Jeffers, Holistic Counsellor, and Kay Kilham, Psychotherapist, will facilitate this session of reflection, discussion and creative practical exercises.

Thurs 25th September - Too Much? Too Little? Too Late?
Are you having difficulty finding the right health information? Come along to this session with Suellen Gosstray, Librarian, and learn some tips and tricks for finding good information that meets your needs. Suellen will explore how to use libraries and the internet effectively and provide some guidelines for assessing the quality of the information you find and the credibility of websites you visit.

Mon 6th October (evening) - The Two of Us ... A Session For Young Women & Their Partners
We Know partners' needs are often overlooked when a woman is diagnosed with cancer. Women and their partners are encouraged to come along and talk about the practical and emotional issues for couples dealing with the consequences of early breast or gynaecological cancer. Liz Crocker, Health Psychologist, specialises in providing support for people dealing with cancer and assisting them to cope with their disease, its treatment and changes in their health. Finger food will be provided, drinks afterwards.

Mon 13th October - Take a Bite Into Passionfruit!
You may have always wanted to walk into a sensuality shop, but haven't quite been confident enough to do so. Or maybe you haven't yet found the right sort of place? Passionfruit has done away with the blackened windows, swing doors and fluoro signs and laced sexuality with sensual style and a whole lot of fun. Michelle Temminghoff, Owner, will show us some of the more popular products for women and give you a chance to look, feel, enquire and possibly buy! We'll meet at Passionfruit in Richmond before the store opens to the general public - morning tea provided.

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Feel Good Gentle Exercise Program
The Feel Good Exercise 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 morning. Women need to register and complete enrolment forms prior to attending.

Introductory 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 offering an opportunity to alleviate some of your stress and tension. Please ring and speak to one of our volunteers about accessing an appointment.

Why Not Borrow a Book?
Just a reminder that BreaCan has some interesting books, CDs and DVDs that you can borrow. Go to and have a look at our resource lists.
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Making Connections for women living with advanced breast or advanced gynaecological cancers.

Here and Now
Mon 29th September - Coffee, Cupcakes and Connection
Come and share in a morning tea at BreaCan - say hello to old friends and make some new ones. Whilst catching up over a cuppa, we will meet some special guests, Ovarian Cancer Australia (formerly OvCa) with their new resource Resilience (A guide for women with ovarian cancer to be launched Aug 10th) and Breast Cancer Network Australia - with their resource Hopes and Hurdles.

Mon 20th October - Demystifying Palliative Care
Palliative Care focuses on managing symptoms, quality of life and physical, emotional, spiritual and social comfort. But often women ask 'but how do I know when to use it?' 'how do I access it?' or 'how can it benefit me?' Dr. Scott King, who is working in palliative care at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Wantirna Health, will answer all your questions about palliative care.
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