Hello everyone,

Welcome to our Friday update.   

Where have the last two weeks gone?  It feels like only yesterday that Marianne was getting ready to head to Nepal on her inspired adventure.  We heard from Marianne during the week and she is having an amazing time trekking in Nepal with a team of sixteen other women.   They recently held a mini field of women in a Buddhist monastery which was a very moving experience for all.  Marianne will be back on deck at BCNA next week. 

I wanted to share some feedback about the Online Network from ‘Carol’ (not her real name), who recently contacted the Helpline. Carol talked about how connected she feels to others in the online community despite being a “reader” rather than a “poster”.  While her own breast cancer experience has been relatively straightforward, the discussion threads have been a fabulous source of information and connection. The responses to people posting about being newly diagnosed were particularly helpful. Carol participated in the Encore program and met another community member who felt like an old friend!  

Carol’s call reminded me there are many people who benefit enormously from the wisdom and support shared in the Online community, and how it can create a sense of belonging. Thanks Carol and thank you to the community. 

Wishing you all a very happy International Women’s day today!  Click here for more information

Community highlights

1. 27 year old lobular carcinoma

Great thread commenced by a new member @youngdogmum, who has been recently diagnosed with an invasive lobular carcinoma.  Good news to hear that the breast cancer was an early stage and that a treatment plan is now in place.  Wishing you all the best with your treatment @youngdogmum

 2.  No ‘kitchen sink’ or ‘throwing everything at it’ for me

Great thread commenced by @ValerieLouise which raises the issue of breast cancer treatment in light of other chronic health related conditions and making the best treatment decision for yourself with the guidance of your medical team.

3.  Baseline measurement for Lymphoedema

Great thread commenced by @Sister asking about baseline limb measurements prior to surgery for early breast cancer.  

While on the Australasian Lymphoedema Association website, I found the following position statement regarding monitoring for early detection of breast cancer related lymphoedema which states that ‘All persons diagnosed with breast cancer should have pre-treatment measurements recorded and should have similar measurements repeated at 3 to 6 monthly intervals for the first 2 years post treatment.”

ALA Position Statement Monitoring for early detection of breast cancer related lymphoedema

Community news

Dubbo Forum

The next free information forum will be held in Dubbo on 4 April 2019.

Time: Commencing at 10 am and concluding at 3 pm.

Venue: Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, 155 Darling St, Dubbo NSW 2830

Complimentary tea and coffee on arrival and lunch provided.

To register to attend click here

Understanding lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment

Breast Cancer Network Australia is hosting a series of two free online information sessions. In the first of the series we will be discussing what lymphoedema is, why it develops as a result of breast cancer treatment, the signs and symptoms and how to prevent lymphoedema. This is an interactive information session where you will hear from leading experts, as well as a woman living with lymphoedema and have the opportunity to ask questions online.

Date: Thursday 28 March 2019

Time 7.00 pm – 7.45 pm (AEST)

Where: online from your computer, laptop or tablet

Your local time

WA: 4.00 pm - 4.45 pm

NT: 5.30 pm - 6.15 pm

SA: 6.30 pm - 7.15 pm

QLD: 6.00 pm - 6.45 pm

ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC: 7.00 pm - 7.45 pm

Speakers

·         Louise Koelmeyer, Occupational Therapist and Lymphoedema Practitioner

·         Jenny Gilchrist, Nurse Practitioner

·         Marilyn Miller, breast cancer survivor

Cant attend live? Register now and view the on-demand session later.

Click here to register

Lymphodedema Day 6 March 2019

March is Lymphoedema awareness month. According to the latest figures,

·         40,000 people are living with lymphoedema

·         20% of cancer survivors develop lymphoedema

·         Lymphoedema is a little know illness

Click here for more information

This week’s reflective quote

“Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend – or a meaningful day.”

Dalai Lama

Hoping you have a good long weekend, take care everyone

Regards Giovanna