Issue 2 Autumn 1998

Breast Cancer Network newsletter Our dream becomes reality: A national conference

he significant breast cancer Provide the important personal conferences in Australia and perspective – we are the central T overseas have been for figures in the breast cancer arena. doctors, scientists, researchers and • Identify strategies for change – health professionals to share information What needs to be done to make on research and treatment methods, and improvements for those with breast to broaden their expertise and cancer? How can we make a understanding of the disease. difference for our daughters and Attendees will tell you the most those coming after us? How we can

‘What’s wrong with this picture?’, an original valuable part of the conference is the influence this change? painting in “The Cancer Series”, by Melissa opportunity to ‘network’ with others in The conference will run from Friday, Jane Ades. their field – to informally share infor- October 16, until Sunday, October 18, mation and make valuable contacts. at The National Convention Centre in Only occasionally have those with the Canberra. It will be the major event disease managed to attend these leading up to Australia’s Breast Cancer conferences. They have usually found Day on October 26. out about the conference through a It is important we represent the views professional contact. of all those whose lives have been ‘Consumers’ are not invited for a touched by the disease – the elderly; variety of reasons, including a belief the young; those with early, recurrent they will not understand what is being and advanced breast cancer; and said and that the information will not women from the cities, large regional be relevant to them. centres, small country towns and It’s time for our own conference! isolated rural communities. We will set the agenda. We will raise This is our chance to be heard and to the issues. We will organise speakers make a difference! and topics which are important to us. The conference will be a way to: • Share information – What infor- Recognising the problem mation is available to us? What This issue of The Beacon focuses on information do we want and need? Lymphoedema. How can we learn about new Some women have asked us for research and what is happening more information about lym- INSIDE... around Australia? phoedema and ways of avoiding and STATE ROUND-UP 2 • Raise issues of importance to us – managing it; others are angry and Tell those providing breast cancer ISSUES – LYMPHOEDEMA 3-5 frustrated that the condition is often services what we need, where the overlooked or trivialised by their ENCORE 6 gaps are, what works and what doctors. It is not life threatening, yet NEW IDEA FOR BREAST CANCER6 doesn’t. Highlight the needs of women have been made miserable by those whose lives have been WALK FOR WIGS 7 a condition they will have to deal directly affected by breast cancer, with for the rest of their lives. UPCOMING EVENTS 8 including partners and families.

1 State round-up: Women coming together

VICTORIA THE ACT In the lead-up to setting The Victorian forum will be held Saturday, May 2, is the date for our agenda for the October on Saturday, April 4, at The the ACT forum. National Conference, Queen Women’s Centre. A three-day Science and Advocacy The keynote speaker will former Training Course will be held for women women have the Victorian Premier, Joan Kirner. She will in Canberra on Wednesday, April 29, speak on the forum’s theme, ‘Making A with an open forum for all interested opportunity to share their Difference’. women the following day. ideas at an open forum in It is hoped many women from the For more information on the training country will come and, with this in mind, course, phone Brigette O’Brien on each state and territory. billeting is being organised by a group of (02) 6262 2222. women who live in Melbourne. Contact: Anna Wellings-Booth Some states have forged Contact: Jenny James (03) 9457 5977. (02) 6247 8470. ahead with forum plans; SOUTH AUSTRALIA others are waiting to see the QUEENSLAND As this newsletter goes into pre- outcomes of the early production, Liz Libregts reports Following the Science and that the finishing touches are being Advocacy Training Course in forums. The important thing added to the SA forum. Brisbane last year, a band of women is keen to make sure Queensland women is that everyone has the The forum for Saturday, February 7, is called, ‘A positive approach to breast are heard. opportunity to have a say. cancer’. It is to be opened by Adelaide’s The state forum is still being planned, mayor, Dr Jane Lomax-Smith. Well- but the group will make sure women in known support group guru and author of their state receive plenty of notice when NORTHERN TERRITORY Spirited Women, Petrea King, is to be the it is time to become involved. forum’s keynote speaker. Contact: Janelle Gamble Women in the Territory have The main issue being investigated is the (07) 3353 4151. not being very active of late. need for various types of support for They tell us it’s been too hot, too wet and women and their families. This is WESTERN AUSTRALIA everyone’s been away! important as SA women report an However, key network members have erosion of funding for support groups. Distance creates enormous had a teleconference to discuss possibili- Two women with different experiences challenges for women organising ties and are making noises about an of the support offered throughout their a state-wide forum in the West. August forum. breast cancer diagnosis and treatment More than 60 women in WA have They say it is relatively easy to involve will share their stories. The final session expressed an interest in getting together Darwin women, but another matter all will give women a chance to network and and, as the old saying goes, ‘Where together for those 1500km away in Alice investigate ways to get to the national there’s a will, there’s a way’. Springs. conference later in the year. A July date is being explored and they The women are hoping a Science and promise to keep us posted. Advocacy Training Course might be Contact: Emma Ellis (08) 9380 8834. possible later in the year, which would make the long haul to Darwin more NSW is also holding its forum TASMANIA feasible. during pre-production for this Women in the Territory want it to be issue of ‘The Beacon’. Network women in Tasmania known that they are interested. They The forum, at Sydney University’s began planning their state’s want to be involved, not left out, which Women’s College on Sunday, February forum following a public lymphoedema they say is often the case in rural and 22, coincides with a visit to Australia by seminar in Devonport during the first remote areas. UK breast cancer advocate, Heather week of February. They have feelers out for funding – Goodare. They have so many issues to address, “maybe a chook raffle or two” – to help Heather’s keynote address is called, ‘A they need two days for their forum! A get several representatives to Canberra in holistic approach to breast cancer’. There date is yet to be fixed. October. will be a report on her visit next issue. Contact: Joan Williams (03) 6424 5886 Contact: Susan Tully (08) 8927 3327. Contact: Sally Crossing (02) 9436 1755. or Norma Hudson (03) 6431 6472.

2 Issues of Our concerns Our concerns seem to fall into five categories: concern ... • prevention; • diagnosis; • treatment; • information; and • research. Prevention Far more energy needs to go into preventing the condition. Alternative surgical treatments and Lymphoedema lessons radiotherapy methods also need to be considered to minimise the likelihood ymphoedema occurs when lymph nodes does not affect survival of lymphoedema. Other non-surgical ways need to be the lymphatic system does rates in breast cancer patients. developed to assess lymph node status. not function properly and Recognising the lymphatic system L Diagnosis results in a chronic swelling in one or plays a valuable role in our body’s Clinicians need to recognise lym- more parts of the body. processes, most women agree this phoedema as a legitimate and rela- In breast cancer sufferers, lym- surgery is extreme. It puts them at a tively common occurrence. Then it is phoedema may develop in the lymph life-long risk of lymphoedema. more likely to be diagnosed and nodes (glands) of the arm pit, as the Many women have their lymph treated earlier. result of surgery, radiotherapy or both. nodes removed only to find, following Treatment The lymphatic system plays an pathology, the nodes were healthy Women with lymphoedema need important role in our body’s defence and disease-free. ready access to clinics and therapists. against infection. It is made up of We need to find better ways! They should also be able to obtain vessels which drain lymph fluid and There are no agreed figures for the correctly fitted compression garments. nodes which filter this fluid to remove prevalence of lymphoedema in There should be financial assistance bacteria and dead or abnormal cells. Australian women. for those in need. When these vessels and nodes do This reflects the low profile given to Information not function normally, the fluid builds the condition by researchers and Women need clear, timely informa- up in tissues beneath the skin, causing those involved in the treatment of tion about the risk of developing swelling. The skin and surrounding women. In a room of women with lymphoedema and ways of avoiding tissues changes and over time the arm breast cancer, there are always many the condition before they begin becomes more swollen, feels heavy who complain about arm problems. experiencing arm problems. and aches. Other signs are tightness, Women believe, with good reason, Women with lymphoedema need hardness, skin dryness, inflammation that the occurrence of lymphoedema advice on treatment options and the and, eventually, reduced mobility of is under reported, because it is not support available to them. This the shoulder and arm. considered to be important to anyone information also needs to reach Lymphoedema cannot be cured, but other than the woman herself. doctors and other professionals it can be managed. If left untreated, There are several schools of thought dealing in breast cancer treatment. Research lymphoedema can progress to extreme regarding effective treatment. In A lack of recognised research seems changes in the arm, including increas- Australia, most treatment programs to be stopping us from achieving many ing fibrosis and secondary infections. offer a combination of the following: of these points. The NH&MRC’s Clinical Practice • Skin care – keep the skin in good Quality research needs to be Guidelines for the Management of Early condition and prevent infection. promoted, with an emphasis on Breast Cancer lists three major reasons • Exercise – muscular action helps prevention. for surgery to the lymph nodes (also move fluid out of the swollen Unlike other types of research, a called axillary dissection): arm. break through in lymphoedema could • remove any cancer cells which • Manual lymph drainage massage radically improve the quality of life for may be in the lymph nodes; – improves flow and help the women with breast cancer. • indicate a person’s prognosis; and removal of lymph build-up. For further information about • decide what further treatment • Compression garments – help lymphoedema and the support might be necessary. stop fluid accumulating in the available, see the list of state contacts It is recognised that removing the arm. on page 5.

3 Breast Link

ot so many years ago, Through their endeavours, we learned women told they needed a Lymphoedema: about the work of husband and wife N mastectomy would ask if team Michael and Ethel Foldi in they would get a fat arm? For many, it No longer a Germany. They brought together a was an expected but dreaded sign of range of existing techniques to develop breast cancer treatment. Complex Physical Decongestive Their concerns were dismissed, as the wilderness? Therapy. surgeons and radiotherapists saw it as a This formed the basis of the treatment small price to pay for successful breast problem?’, confirmed what we both program developed in the second part cancer treatment. knew – information for patients and of the 1980s by the Casley-Smiths and Lymphoedema is still a significant health professionals was scant. practised by Michael Mason in factor. Having worked with women In March 1986, New Idea published a Adelaide. With some variations and with breast cancer for more than 20 letter by Glenys Kirk, the BCSS co- modifications, it has come to be known years, I am familiar with the struggle to ordinator in WA, in response to an as Complex Physical Therapy or CPT. put this condition on the breast cancer article on the use of a pressure pump The first training program for thera- agenda. for lymphoedema and some inappropri- pists in English anywhere in the world, However, we can discuss the treat- ate advice. and the first in any language outside ment programs provided by trained Her letter recommended readers Germany, was conducted in Adelaide therapists and, at last, the consumer’s contact their local BCSS to find out during 1990. voice is being raised and will be heard. about lymphoedema clinics, such as the With sponsorship from Jobst, a The national Breast Cancer Support one at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital. Beiersdorf company producing lym- Service (BCSS) was established in The rest of us were inundated with phoedema aids and appliances, occupa- 1975. As Queensland state co- inquiries from confused, disheartened tional therapist Sandra King and ordinator, I travelled throughout the women who lacked explanations and myself co-authored the first national state for years, setting up services and understanding. They wanted help, care information brochure titled – surprise meeting hundreds of women treated for and support, or at least someone who surprise – ‘What is Lymphoedema?’ It is breast cancer who volunteered to help would acknowledge the problem! still in circulation through treatment other women just diagnosed. The difficulty was then whom to centres and support groups. It seemed that if lymphoedema was refer? Some physiotherapists had been This was an initiative of the BCSS’ acknowledged as a problem then the using the pressure pumps with minimal national committee, which had, from hapless woman would be told “that success, others offered exercise, but its inception, been advocating hand nothing can be done” and to “learn to most were unsure of what to do. and arm care in the information given live with it”. This was not only in Occupational therapists (OTs) proved to every women seen by this service. Australia but all around the world. my best allies for assessment and Lymphoedema seems to have come In 1987, the European consultant for management at this particular time. out of the wilderness. Trained thera- Reach to Recovery, Francine Timothy, In 1989, we formed the Queensland pists and treatment centres are avail- wrote that it was rather a hushed Lymphoedema Advisory committee. It able in many cities and towns through- subject in Europe. However, some consisted of physios, OTs, registered out the country and support and self- action was taken, with the formation of nurses and a couple of doctors who help groups/associations have been the British Lymphology Group in 1986. tried to be sympathetic but were formed in all states and territories, It recognised “a need to improve the somewhat bemused by the depth of our remembering that lymphoedema affects treatment of lymphoedema sufferers concerns. a wider group than those treated for and to overcome the neglect of this We aimed to educate the health cancer. branch of medicine”. professionals who could or should be While we have come a long way in Strangely enough, post-mastectomy treating the condition and those caring the past 10 years or so, there is much lymphoedema in Australia was the for women in the post-operative phase. more to be done. I believe this network subject of a 1984 Florence Nightingale However, it seemed the only place will make the difference, for it seems Scholarship by the Radiotherapy Unit’s where lymphoedema was being seri- the answer to ‘Whose problem?’ will charge nurse at The London Hospital. ously researched and treated with ultimately rest with those of you at risk Contacting that researcher Heather meaningful results was in SA, by Dr or who have lymphoedema as the result Pierce so soon after doing my own John and Judith Casley-Smith and of breast cancer treatment. research, ‘Lymphoedema – Is it a Neil Pillar PhD. – Anne Fletcher, Breast Link, Brisbane, (07) 3399 5237. 4 Fighting for a ○○○○○ A real pain lymphoedema clinic ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ in the neck

In 1991, a long, hard fight began for a hard-hitting Lymphoedema really is a pain in the lymphoedema treatment facility, publicity saved neck or, to put it another way, a big, fat incorporating Complex Physical the day – the F – Frustration! Therapy, at the community hospital in decision was reversed and the clinic I had a partial mastectomy in August Port Macquarie, NSW. continues! 1996, followed by six weeks of radio- Approximately five years later, that Lymphoedema patients should not be therapy. I had a vague idea I might persistence and determination was excluded simply because of the nature have trouble with my arm as a result, rewarded with the opening of a Lym- of their illness and the type of treat- but my surgeon dismissed my questions. phoedema Clinic on January 2, 1996. ment required. This is an essential He said it didn’t happen nowadays. The following November, the holders service for those afflicted. A nurse gave me a run down of things of the purse strings decided the service With community support, we will be to avoid with the at-risk arm, but there would not continue in the new year ever watchful and alert to ensure its was no explanation of the reasons due to a lack of funds. continuance. behind the list. Fortunately some prompt action and – Joan Van Every My surgeon didn’t believe in his patients having too much information about their condition – our first A sufferer’s story frustration – so I didn’t have contact with the Breast Cancer Support people Heather Rutherford, from the happening and until I got home from hospital. Bundaberg area in Queensland, tells an be able to Early last year, my arm and hand amazing story of her experiences with MANAGE the began to swell and I had cramps in my lymphoedema. arm myself.” hand. Apart from being painful, I was Her story covers a series of low times, • Read the having trouble holding things and including having to sleep with her shirt complete story found it difficult to turn on taps, etc. sleeve attached to a hook in the ceiling of Heather’s remarkable journey on the My GP said, “you’ve got a bit of to keep her arm elevated at night. She Internet at www.nbcc.org.au (go to lymphoedema there”, with no sugges- had to rest her arm against doors, walls, ‘What’s New’). You will also find stories tion about treatment. The implication on friends’ shoulders, the backs of sent to ‘The Beacon’ by other women with was I should be grateful I was still alive chairs, pillows, even her own head! lymphoedema, as well as more information and stop moaning about a minor She was near desperation, but about the condition. inconvenience like a swollen limb. through determination and help from If you haven’t tried the Internet, ask your My surgeon said he was so good that many quarters, can now announce, “It local librarian to print out the articles for none of his patients got lymphoedema is marvellous to understand what is you to take home. and I should blame the radiotherapists. What a great help that was! Australian lymphoedema support groups My husband and I decided to chase National Queensland up some information. This was our The Lymphoedema Association of Australia Lymphoedema Association second frustration – easy to under- Dr Judith Casley-Smith (Director) Ms Marilyn Elliot (Secretary) stand, comprehensive information is 98 Cambridge Terrace, Malvern, SA 5061 PO Box 117, Petrie, Qld 4502 ACT Ph (07) 3833 4376 hard to come by. Lymphoedema Support Group South Australia The Cancer Council’s information is Ms Merilyn Evans Lymphoedema Patient Support Group all right, but it wasn’t comprehensive 66 Bindaga Street, Aranda, ACT 2614 Mr Keith Puckridge (Chairman) Ph (02) 6251 1294 PO Box 1006, Kent Town, SA 5071 enough for us. The library was no NSW Ph (08) 8349 5151 better. A search of the Internet yielded NSW Lymphoedema Network Tasmania more information and we began to Mr John Fidler (President) Lymphoedema Support Group 8/2-6 Sheehy Street, Glebe, NSW 2037 Ms Jill Wood develop a better understanding of the Ph (02) 9552 2204 A2 Staley Street, Bellerive, Tas 7018 how and why of lymphoedema. Western Australia Ph (03) 6244 4634 More importantly, we realised the Lymphoedema Association of WA Victoria Mrs Carol Bishop (Secretary) Lymphoedema Association of Victoria importance of treatment and learning Cancer Foundation Mr R. Wall to manage the condition. 334 Rokeby Road, Subiaco, WA 6009 8 Kergo Place, Wantirna South, Vic 3152 Ph (08) 9381 4515; Fax (08) 9381 4523 Ph (03) 9801 7547 – Pat Mathew, Tasmania

5 ○○○○○ New Idea for Tackling the problem ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ We approached Dr Sally Redman at a project to look at the role of axillary breast cancer the National Breast Cancer Centre in dissection and irradiation in relation The New Idea Breast Cancer Fund was Sydney to find out what the centre is to this condition. launched in Melbourne during January planning to do about women’s lym- The first step will be to develop by ex-Olympian and breast cancer phoedema concerns. some evidence-based recommenda- survivor, Raylene Boyle, who spoke Dr Redman is well aware that this is tions for the use of axillary dissection about the importance of finding an important issue for women. She and irradiation, looking at the reasons research answers. recognises the need for more research and indications for their use. New Idea magazine aims to raise funds about all aspects of the condition. It is intended that these reviews be for breast cancer research by donating a The centre has written to the discussed at a national meeting, to percentage of the cover price of each Kathleen Cuningham Foundation include consumers, to be held in the magazine sold throughout the year. suggesting it consider lymphoedema first half of 1998. The money will be given to two research as a priority area. The recommendations emerging organisations – Melbourne’s Austin Janet McDonald has also told the from this meeting will be used to Hospital, to continue its research into a centre that AMP has agreed to fund a develop evidence-based information vaccine for breast cancer, and the special research initiative, to be based for women with breast cancer about Kathleen Cuningham Foundation, with Professor Stuart Renwick at the the reasons for using axillary surgery Australia’s largest national breast Sydney Breast Cancer Institute. and irradiation, the situations in cancer research fund. As Dr Redman notes, it is evident which their use is recommended and New Idea’s publisher has told us she is that treatments that affect the axilla, their potential role in the develop- also keen to raise awareness of the such as axillary dissection, contribute ment of lymphoedema. disease among Australian women and to the development of lymphoedema. We shall watch these developments will include regular personal stories, as As a result, the centre has established closely. well as important messages for women. Several network members have already appeared in articles and the network will be promoted through the Spotlight on a group magazine. This should be an effective way of reaching women who have never hooked into a group before. Encore: A new beginning We also look forward to a strong “Sometimes what appears to be an However, it is more than an exercise coverage of our Canberra conference. ending can really be a new beginning. program. The sessions always include Breast cancer will probably change your time for a chat. Sharing experiences, Service directory for entire outlook on what you have always concerns and feelings are also impor- considered to be your normal lifestyle. tant parts of the recovery process. Northern Territory Recovery can be a fresh love of life and Friendship and understanding go a long A service directory for women many experiences await you on the way towards healing emotional scars. diagnosed with breast cancer has path to regaining your health and Network member, Judy Sammut, finally made it into production in the vitality,” contends the brochure believes the loss of body image was one Northern Territory. promoting the Encore program. of the greatest challenges following her Copies of the poster and the Top Encore has helped many women mastectomy. End and Central Australian bro- regain mobility and flexibility, as well as “Women’s self-esteem and whether chures have been sent to health their self-confidence, which may have they see themselves as attractive is a centres across the Territory. taken a battering during the diagnosis difficult thing for many of us,” says It has taken two years to achieve, and treatment of breast cancer. Judy. “To restore my fragile body and but women there say it has been Encore is a YWCA-registered, shattered emotions, I had regular worth the wait. Australia-wide program, sponsored by massages, shiatsu and yoga exercises.” We would like to acknowledge the Avon. Judy is now a qualified instructor at fine work done by Tracey Varney, It is a program of gentle floor and pool the Encore program in Melbourne. the National Breast Cancer Centre’s exercises and relaxation techniques For more information, contact your Territory co-ordinator, and to thank designed for women who have experi- nearest YWCA centre or YWCA her for her efforts. enced mastectomy, lumpectomy or Australia, PO Box 1022, Dickson, ACT breast reconstruction surgery. 2602 or e-mail: [email protected]

6 Walk for Wigs Offering a hand up the mountain

he wind whistled over the gap between Mount Twynam T and Mount Carruthers. The cloud was coming in fast. Earlier it had been clear, though windy, for the first Walk for Wigs in the , on the Saturday of the Australia Day weekend. About 60 walked 13km, raising nearly $3000 for the ACT Cancer Society’s wig library. The walk is one of the most spectacu- lar in Australia at that time of year. It starts at Charlotte’s Pass and winds across the , past Blue Lake (one of Australia’s few glacial lakes) and up the ridge of the Great Divide, with splendid views into Victoria, before reaching the summit of Mount Twynam – at 2010m – Australia’s third- highest mountain. In January, about 60 walkers climbed Mount Twyan as part of the first ‘Walk for Wigs’. It raised nearly $3000 for the ACT Cancer Society’s wig library. You don’t have to climb the highest mountain, but why Mount Twynam for scattered her ashes on Mount Twynam. isolation and differentiation to a the Walk for Wigs? On that walk with family and close difficult time. A good-quality wig can It goes back to 1988, when my wife, friends, the idea of an annual walk to do wonders for self-confidence. Lynne, was diagnosed with breast raise money for cancer research and its Lynne’s wigs were so good many cancer. She had a lumpectomy and put patients evolved. people said, “Oh, I like your new it behind her, continuing with her I recalled an incident during Lynne’s hairdo”. favourite sports – squash and skiing. treatment. When the doctors recom- The money raised will help many We had tried several times to climb mended Lynne have chemotherapy, we women during a difficult time. It will Mount Twynam on cross-country skis, paid a visit to the wig library at Can- help the wig library build a stock of wigs but had been driven back. Then we berra Hospital. A woman in a grey wig so that good matches can be made. arranged another attempt for a week- was looking in a mirror saying, “But I We had great support from the ACT end in October 1992. had blonde hair. Haven’t you got any Cancer Council. Everyone enjoyed the The previous Thursday, Lynne went blonde”. “I’m afraid not” was the reply. walk – the mountains, the wildflowers for a three-month check-up. They were We left quietly. On reasonably good and supporting a good cause. almost routine by then. Alas, the incomes, it was easy for us to buy some Among the walkers were oncologist doctor found a lump in her neck. It very good wigs. At that stage, we were Dr Richard Pembrey, several oncology would need a biopsy to confirm, but it too concerned with Lynne’s condition nurses, including Joy Easter, a group was certain her cancer had spread. to give it much further thought. from the ACT Cancer Society, ACT She refused to let it imprison her. We But there must be many women who MLA Michael Moore, women with went skiing as planned. It was a have chemotherapy and cannot afford breast cancer and men whose partners cloudless day. In winter, the way up their own wig. had died from breast cancer. Twynam is longer and more difficult It might not seem important. Indeed, Donations can be sent to Walk for than the summer route. some doctors add hair loss almost as an Wigs, c/- ACT Cancer Society, 159 We made the top and skied gloriously afterthought when describing the side Maribyrnong Ave, Kaleen, ACT 2617. down. It was Lynne’s act of defiance effects of chemotherapy. But for most If the support is there, it could and liberation in the face of her terrible women, and men come to that, it is a become an annual event to support wig news. She was like that till the end. major concern. libraries nationally. She died on January 19, 1997 and we Hair loss adds stigma and further – Crispin Hull 7 UPCOMING EVENTS THE BEACON March 20: Exploring the Horizons of Cancer Nursing. The Beacon is the newsletter of the A day that explores the rich tapestries of cancer nursing concepts for the patient, staff and Breast Cancer Network Australia. relatives. We wish to acknowledge the The Carlton Crest Hotel, Melbourne. contribution made by the NBCC Contact: (03) 9375 7311. in providing seeding funding for March 20-22: Australian Lymphology Association’s Annual Conference (includes The Lymphoedema Public Seminar on March 20). the production and distribution of A seminar for people with lymphoedema, their partners and families. Specialists from many the newsletter. states will discuss ways to best manage the condition. Editor: Lyn Swinburne The Brisbane Hilton. Design: Liz Grant, (03) 9898 8834 Contact: Cath McCabe, pager (07) 3833 4376. Layout: Substitution Pty Ltd, March 25: Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy Public Seminar – by ‘MACS’ Cancer support group for under 40 year olds. (03) 9329 3535 The speaker will be clinical psychologist, Doris Brett, who was diagnosed with cancer in Your comments and items for the 1994 and used her learning to help her recovery. next newsletter are welcome. Send 6.30-8.30pm, Seminar Room 1, Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, East Melbourne. them to PO Box 4082, Auburn Contact: (03) 9656 1770. South, Victoria 3122. March 30-May 2: Murray River Paddle for Breast Cancer Awareness – This is the latest adventure organised by ‘Following the Fenceline’. Fifteen women who have had breast cancer will paddle 1000kms down the Murray River from Tocumwal to Mildura. Seeking Contact: Ramonda (03) 9528 6321 or Maureen (02) 4758 7214. Shelter April 4: Victorian Women’s Breast Cancer Forum. 9am-5pm, Queen Victoria Women’s Centre, Melbourne. Several groups are linking up under the Contact: Jenny James (03) 9457 5977. Breast Cancer Network’s umbrella. They include: April 19: General Meeting of the Breast Cancer Action Group (NSW) – Lymphoedema: • ACT Cancer Council BC Support The Current Status of Research and Treatment. Group; 2pm, YWCA Sydney. • Bone Marrow Institute BC Support Contact: Naomi Bando (02) 9388 1248. Group (Vic); April 25: General Meeting of the Breast Cancer Action Group (Victoria). • Bosom Buddies (ACT); 2.30-5pm, ‘Otira’, Walpole St, Kew. • Breast Cancer Action Group (NSW); Contact: Sue Lockwood (03) 9878 0736. • Breast Cancer Action Group (Vic); • Breastlink (Qld); April 29-May 1: Canberra Advocacy and Science Training Course for Breast Cancer • Encore; Advocates. • Following the Fenceline; Contact: Brigette O’Brien (02) 6262 2222. • MACS-under 40 Support Group May 2: ACT Forum for Women. (Vic); Contact: Anna Wellings-Booth (02) 6247 8470. • Mastectomy Association of Victoria; th • Port Adelaide BC Support Group (SA); May 1: Port Macquarie Base Hospital Oncology Unit’s 10 Birthday. • Port Lincoln Caring Cancer Support Open day for the public, with promotional material and information on display. Two Group (SA); and oncologists will be on hand to talk and answer questions, as will BCSS volunteers and Joan • The Tasmanian Breast Cancer Group. Van Every representing the network. Please discuss this with your group • To include events in The Beacon’s winter issue (June, July, August), submit notices and let us know if we can create by the end of April. another link. Remember, there is strength in numbers! Contact: Lyn Swinburne, PO Box YOU’RE NOT YET ON OUR MAILING LIST? 4082, Auburn South, Vic 3122 or Contact: Lyn Swinburne, phone (03) 9660 6865, fax (03) 9662 3881 phone (03) 9660 6865. Or fill in this coupon and send it to: Breast Cancer Network Australia, PO Box 4082, Auburn South, Vic 3122 In the next is- Name: ...... sue ... Address: ...... • Young women and ...... breast cancer State: ...... Postcode: ...... Phone: ( ) ...... and much more

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