Hello everyone,
Welcome to our fortnightly update. Welcome to all of our new members who have joined us in the last month or so. I hope that you have settled in and are finding the peer support that you require.
It’s unreal how fast the last few months have gone, I can’t believe that Christmas is only 7 weeks away. Marianne and I are currently in the process of planning for the Christmas & New Year break to ensure that our online community members continue to receive the support that is needed during this time. As we all know, cancer doesn't take a break at Christmas time.
Thanks @Romla for starting the recent discussion ‘Christmas on the blog’. It’s heartening to read that we have quite a few of our community members who will be available over this time to help out fellow travelers. We will shortly be making contact with all our group leaders and some of our major contributors to plan for the festive season. See links below to a couple of discussions that were had online last year, with some great tips to manage the silly season!
Tips to help you through the festive season – seeking our online members ‘wisdom!
Coping with a cancer diagnosis at Christmas, some helpful tips…
Community highlights
1. Recently diagnosed – Finally reaching out.
Thread commenced by @Dizee who was diagnosed with breast cancer after her first ever mammogram. What a huge shock to be told that you have breast cancer and to be facing surgery 2 weeks later. Things have moved very quickly for you Dizee, which in one way is good but does leave you feeling shell-shocked. I am so glad that you found our supportive online community and wish you all the best with your upcoming chemotherapy. I can see that our members have welcomed you and provided some great information and linkages to other community services.
Thread commenced by @Megs04 who has worked all the way through her chemotherapy, which for many people is a must financially. Following chemotherapy she had surgery and continues on Herceptin. She asked the community how do you manage the fatigue which is getting worse?
@Zoffiel “I've done this twice, and I've got to say it's hard either way. First time I kept working, which was tough but I did it. I was out of work the second time and absolutely crashed. I guess it depends on your job, your workplace and your temperament, but I'd say if you can keep going, do it. If you can't, stop. There is no yardstick to measure how you are going because everyone's reactions are so different.’
@primek ‘I had to pace myself. I'd have a short nap when I got home from work so I could get tea prepped. I increased exercise very slowly and found if I overdid it I'd crash in a couple of weeks. I still have to pace myself 3 years on. It's just the way it is. I found a short walk at lunch helped also. Breaking exercise up seemed to work better.’
3. Goodbye
oncology, now 4 years NED
Great thread commenced by @Brenda5 who states “the title says it all, whoohoo!’ Congratulations Brenda5 wishing you all the best!
Community News
Medicare updates MRI, PET scan rebates 1 November 2019
Great news from the Australian Government announcing new Medicare rebates that will directly benefit Australians affected by breast cancer. From 1 November, women with or suspected of having breast cancer will be able to claim Medicare benefits for breast MRI scans. New rebates are also available for some PET scan services. Read more here
Carman’s Women’s Fun Run 1 December 2019 Catani Gardens St. Kilda
Help us paint Catani Gardens pink this December in support of all Australians affected by breast cancer. Bring your mum, sister, aunty, girlfriends and daughters to join in the fun at the Carman’s Women’s Fun Run. Each year we are blown away by the sea of pink we see lining the streets of St Kilda, all in support of Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
This year is no exception, we want to make it the biggest one yet! Bring all of the special ladies in your life together on one day for one cause and do something amazing with your Sunday morning.
Keep
Sunday 1 December 2019 free because we would love to see you down at Catani
Gardens, walking, running or just having fun in the event village! Register here
This week’s reflective quote
‘You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.’
C.S. Lewis
Have a great week everyone,
Regards Giovanna and the moderation team
