Spirit Newsletter May

May 2015
providing personalised emotional, practical and financial
support and care to people affected by breast cancer
newsletter of breast cancer care wa
Giving breast cancer the boot
Steel Blue have stepped up to grow their support of Breast Cancer Care WA by launching the
special edition Southern Cross Ladies boots in pink and purple on Mother’s Day.
$10 from every pair sold will be donated
to Breast Cancer Care WA for national
education and support programs, aimed
at educating Australians to be breast
aware to help increase the chances of
early detection.
Steel Blue has been a supporter since
2007 and this partnership has now seen
a generous $750,000 donated from
sales of over 30,000 pairs of purple
boots. Donations from Steel Blue fund
the national online support community,
Breast Cancer Click, which enables
professional and peer to peer support to
those affected by breast cancer. This is
especially critical to those in regional and
remote areas.
With the support of Steel Blue, Breast
Cancer Care WA has provided reliable,
evidence-based breast cancer information
to 300,000 people and professional
online support to over 12,600 people
across Australia. IIn 2015 the next stage
of the partnership will expand to include
education through local pharmacies.
You can help support the cause by buying
a pair of pink or purple Southern Cross
Style boots now. Visit the website
www.steelblue.com.au for your closest
store location.
In this issue
Managing anxiety
and uncertainty.........................................2
Where do you turn for help?.....................4
Fundraising champions............................6
Purple Bra Day...........................................7
Breast Cancer Care WA, 80 Railway Street, Cottesloe WA 6011 l (08) 9324 3703
info@breastcancer.org.au l www.breastcancer.org.au

Shelley Long
Counsellor
Managing anxiety and uncertainty
The only constant in life is that it will evolve and change. Try as you may to control the future, sometimes
all you can do is trust that whatever happens, you can adapt and make the best of it.
Demanding certainty and predictability is a very future- focused task, as is worrying. Try instead to
recognise or acknowledge your worries and concerns and accept uncertainty as an inevitable part of life.
By letting go of these concerns you are being more present- focused rather than future-focused.
Following are some techniques that you might find useful:
• Replace expectations with plans
When you form expectations, you’re setting yourself up for
disappointment. You can guide your tomorrow, but you can’t
control the exact outcome. Instead of expecting the future to
give you something specific, focus on what you’ll do to create
what you want to experience.
• Prepare for different possibilities
The most difficult part of uncertainty is the inability to plan
and feel in control. But you can plan for the possibilities.
• Become a feeling observer
“It isn’t the uncertainty that bothers me; it’s my tendency to
get lost in my feelings about it.”
Speculation leads to feelings, which can lead to more
speculation and then more feelings. It helps to stop the
cycle by recognising the feeling—in this case, fear—and then
reminding yourself, you can’t possibly predict the future, but
you can help create it by fostering positive feelings about
the possibilities.
• Get confident about your coping and
adapting skills
This isn’t the same as “expect the worst.” It’s more about
assuring yourself that you can handle any difficulty that
might come.
• Utilise stress reduction techniques
pre-emptively
If you’re dealing with anxiety, you probably have stress in
your body, even if it’s not at the forefront of your thoughts in
this exact moment. Over time, that body stress affects blood
pressure, blood sugar, muscle tension, cholesterol level,
breathing rate and every organ in your body.
Incorporate stress reduction techniques into your day, ideally
meditation, even if just five to ten minutes daily. Finding your
centre will help you feel better prepared to tackle whatever
comes your way.
“Uncertainty is the only certainty
there is and knowing how
to live with insecurity is the
only security.”
~John Allen Paulos
• Focus on what you can control
Oftentimes, we overlook the little things we can do to make
life easier while obsessing about the big things we can’t do.
• Practice mindfulness
When you obsess about a tomorrow you can’t control,
you’re too busy judging what hasn’t happened yet, to fully
experience what’s happening right now. Instead of noticing
and appreciating the beauty in the moment, you get
trapped in a fear-driven thought cycle about the potential for
discomfort down the line.
While meditation is the best way to become more mindful, it
isn’t the only approach. So you can’t yet plan for tomorrow—
that doesn’t have to be a bad thing. That means you can
spend today doing other things that you enjoy.
• Talk to someone
Speak to a trusted friend or relative or use the Breast Cancer
Care WA counselling service, Cancer Council service or ask
your GP for a referral to a clinical or counselling psychologist.

Chemotherapy–induced
peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that is caused by damage to the
nerves that are further away from the brain and spinal cord; these
nerves are known as peripheral nerves. These nerves carry sensations
to the brain and assist with control of our arms and legs.
Diane Grennan
Breast Care Nurse
Chemotherapy–induced neuropathy occurs as a result of the chemo drugs causing either a
direct harmful effect on the brain itself or the peripheral nerves, (Argyriou, A.A , et al, 2011).
This condition can be one of the most severe, adverse
effects of chemotherapy treatment and can be quite
debilitating for many people, with a huge impact upon their
quality of life. Unfortunately symptoms can persist long
after completion of treatment, with some people finding
that their symptoms slowly improve as the nerve recovers,
yet for some people the damage will be permanent
and they will need to find ways to adapt and cope with
the changes.
Symptoms are dependent on which nerves
are involved and can include:
• Pain which may be there all of the time or may come
and go and can be mild or severe
• Burning sensation
• Tingling like pins and needles
• Loss of feeling/numbness
• Problems with picking up/holding items using fingers
• Balance issues
• Sensitivity to temperatures and pressure so that even
the lightest touch can be painful
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded when sitting or standing
• Constipation/feeling bloated
If you develop any of the symptoms of chemotherapy–
induced neuropathy, the first thing to do is to let your
health care team know so that they can perform a clinical
assessment and determine how much your nerves are
affected. They can then decide whether to continue the
current treatment regime, reduce the drug and give smaller
doses over a longer period of time, or stop the medication
until symptoms improve and then re-start again.
Treatment is usually aimed at relieving the pain and
discomfort that can occur with this condition.
Some of the medications used are:
• Steroids for short term use to try and relieve some
of the nerve inflammation
• Skin patches or creams that can be used directly
over the painful area
• Anti-depressant medication which can reduce
the nerve pain
• Anti-convulsant medications which are used to treat
many types of nerve pain
• Stronger pain medication for when the pain
becomes severe
Other health care professionals that may
be able to assist are:
• Hospital based pain team
• Physiotherapy – they can offer advice and treatment
for coordination and balance and may also discuss
whether using a TENS machine (transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation) may be of benefit.
• Occupational Therapy – they can assess and offer
advice on appropriate aids and equipment to assist
you carry out your usual daily tasks, and provide
information on organizations where these aids can
be either purchased or loaned.
The effect of chemotherapy–induced neuropathy can
vary greatly from person to person, and so will how much
practical and emotional support is needed. People may not
suffer with many symptoms whilst others may experience
many more challenges and difficulties. The most important
thing to remember is that you do need to discuss any
concerns with your treating team as soon as possible.
They will be then be able to look at a suitable management
plan and referral to other health care professionals as
appropriate.
References
Andreas A.A, Athanasios, P. K, Makatsoris, T & Kalofonos, H. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in adults:
a comprehensive update of the literature. Cancer Management Research, 2014, 6, 135-147
Tofthagen, C, Gonzalez, L, Visovsky, C & Akers, A. Self-management of Oxiplatin – Related Peripheral Neuropathy
in Colorectal Cancer Survivors. Chemotherapy Research and Practice, 2013.
Spirit Newsletter May 2015 l Page 3

Donna,
a survivor of breast cancer
Your mum is 12,000 kilometres away,
you have a toddler, a tiny baby
and you’ve just been told you have
breast cancer . . .
… where do you turn for help?
This is where young mum Donna found herself when
she was diagnosed with breast cancer early last year.
Just weeks after her baby boy Hudson arrived safely she
found a distinct lump in her breast and asked her GP
about it. She was assured, ‘Everything should be fine…it’s
probably a blocked milk duct.’ But the doctor sent her for
an ultrasound just to be sure.
A week later Donna was given the terrifying diagnosis
- triple negative breast cancer. She had just six days to
wean her breastfeeding baby before surgery and the
whirlwind of gruelling cancer treatment began.
“I remember the ultrasound examination like it was
yesterday. I could just tell something wasn’t right by the
sonographer’s body language. He was biting his lip and
kept going over the same area again and again. Then I
heard those frightening words, “Is anyone with you?”
A week later I found myself sitting in my surgeon’s office
being told “It’s breast cancer”.
It was the last thing I expected at 33. I had a 14 week old
who was breastfeeding, a 3 year old who had just started
kindy and my hubby had just started a new job so the
timing was terrible.
Although I had the support of my in-laws all my family
were still living in the UK so I felt awfully homesick.
I was so overwhelmed I didn’t know what to do.
Then a friend of mine sent me the link to Breast
Cancer Care WA. I sent an email straight away. I heard
back from Moira, a breast care nurse who arranged to
come and see me within a few days.
Moira was fantastic, giving me lots of information and
guidance prior to my surgery. She also put me in touch
with a lady who had been through the same experience.
It all happened so fast, I was operated on within a week.
I had a mastectomy and full axillary clearance.
The hardest thing for me was the 7 night stay in hospital,
having my boys visit me and then go home again leaving
me alone and my mum being so far away. Following
surgery I faced 8 sessions of chemo once a fortnight and
then 5 weeks of radiotherapy.
Then, even before my treatment was completed, I was hit
with another bombshell in September. My dear mum was
diagnosed with lung cancer and died just six weeks later.
I was completely devastated.
My counsellor Aileen from Breast Cancer Care WA really
has a heart of gold, always showing me such compassion
and empathy. She’s been there for me in person, on
the phone or email providing emotional support, coping
strategies and a shoulder to cry on, often crying together
with me. Thank goodness for this great charity, which
made such a difference to my family in 2014.
Thank you to everyone who supports Breast Cancer Care
WA, I don’t know how I would have made it without them!”
Every year we are seeing more and more people just like
Donna, of all ages facing the battle of breast cancer. All
the support we provide to them is free of charge. But that
support is limited to the funds we have on hand from the
donations we receive from our supporters.
Nobody deserves the pain, stress and worry that breast
cancer brings. They deserve all the emotional, practical
and financial support, pampering, care and friendship
To donate today, please visit
www.breastcancer.org.au or phone (08) 9324 3703.

News
Clarisse Jennings
Volunteer librarian,
breast cancer survivor
and spiritual healer
From the
Library
“Mummy is Getting Better!”
By Maria Theochari
This well written and easy to comprehend paperback
book is suitable and reassuring for the younger child.
It gives basic information of how family life could be
temporally altered from their usual day to day routine.
Bright and delightful colourful illustrations are guaranteed
to capture the interest of both young and old, as well as
giving hope as is portrayed on the last page.
This valuable resource also would be very beneficial for
those adults who have the task of informing young ones
when a loved member of the family has been faced with
a cancer diagnosis.
You can access this and hundreds of other free resources
from our library located at our Cottesloe office.
50th Birthday
Celebrations for Janice
Can’t believe that I made it! Almost three years ago I was
diagnosed with breast cancer and then a year later I had a
second mastectomy. At that stage I thought I would never
recover and yet here I am loving life!
After my treatment finished in November 2013 I decided
to return to Scotland for a time to catch up with family and
friends. As my birthday approached in November I began to
reflect on what would make me happy at this time of my life.
The answer? I asked family and friends to give me donations
to charity rather than birthday presents. The donations,
however much, to be split between Breast Cancer Care WA
and Maggie’s, Inverness.
My thanks go to both these organisations and the people
in them who have helped me with words of kindness, care
compassion and even laughter along what has been a
difficult journey. My wish would be that my donations help
someone else with a cancer diagnosis to ease their pain
and suffering in some small way.
Cathie, Aileen and the team in Breast Cancer Care WA and
Jane, Carol and folks in Maggie’s, Highland, I am and always
will be, in your debt.
My best wishes from a very young at heart
50 year old! Janice
My Mandala
As I meditate I see a pale mist of nothingness
morphing into the different colours of my soul.
They twirl and swirl like balls of mystical smoke
above an aqua fire helping me view my past and
future. The green of nature to ease my pain, the
happiness of yellow I feel when a treatment is
successful, the pink and purple supporting me
to live beyond my cancers, all are encompassed
by a hug of orange that echoes resilience. Slowly
I return to reality and notice these colours are
reflected in my daily medications that make
today a great day to be alive.
Carol Westwood
A member of the Secondary Breast Cancer Support Group
We help our clients to work through their breast
cancer journey in a variety of different ways that are
personalised to their needs. Carol started art therapy
with our counsellor Linda and along with her painting,
chose to express her emotions via this poem. It came
to her while eating a bacon and egg sandwich and
attempting to read a novel.
Spirit Newsletter May 2015 l Page 5

Fundraising Champions
We are incredibly grateful to receive the support from the WA community who organise events of all
different shapes and sizes. This continuous show of support helps us to assist so many women, men
and their families affected by breast cancer and we are pleased to share some stories about these
community events.
If you would like to host your own fundraising event or activity we would love to hear from you on
9324 3703 or fundraising@breastcancer.org.au.
Breastfed at The Standard
Thank you to the team at The Standard for hosting the inaugural Breastfed fundraising event on Sunday April 19. Mother Nature
smiled on us as ladies sipped rosé and enjoyed gourmet canapés in the garden. The charismatic and fabulous Mel Del Popolo
generously donated her time to MC the event and kept everyone entertained.
The event raised $4500 for Breast Cancer Care WA. An outstanding result for which we are so grateful.
Upcoming Fundraisers
Raffle
The Breast Cancer Care WA Raffle is back and this year will run
throughout May and June. At just $3 a ticket and with exciting
prizes up for grabs, everyone will want to snap up a few tickets.
1st Prize – Piaggo Zip Scooter
2nd Prize – 3 Oceans Wine for a Year
Can you help us by selling tickets amongst your friends and
family or in your workplace?
If 500 people can sell one book of 25 tickets each, you can help
raise an amazing $37,500. It’s that simple!
Contact Emma on 9324 3703 or Emma@breastcancer.org.au
to find out more

Boobalicious Ball
The 12th annual adultshop.com Boobalicious Ball is back for
an evening that will mesmerise, inspire and entertain! Having
raised over $1 million to date, this fantastic evening exists to
raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Care WA. With its signature
lingerie and fantasy show, live music, delicious three course
meal, endless beverages, spirited live and silent auctions and
one of Perth’s richest raffles, Boobalicious is a do not miss
occasion for everyone.
Find out more and book tickets at www.boobalicious.com.au
Sneak out to the Speakeasy for
a wonderful night at the Cotton
Club. Enjoy canapés, raffles and
the 1920’s style at the Wolf Lane
bar with part proceeds going to
Breast Cancer Care WA.
Tickets are $80. To book email
elevationevents@hotmail.com
Jump for Jane
Save the Date Saturday 24 October 2015
For its third year we bring you Jump for
Jane with an exciting new location flying
over Rockingham Beach. Take the leap
and raise vital funds during breast cancer
awareness month.
If you would like to be notified
when registrations launch contact
Jo on 9324 3703 or
fundraising@breastcancer.org.au
Spirit Newsletter May 2015 l Page 7

Hands Up
It doesn’t take much to make a difference and create
a long, lasting change that will impact the lives of
others. At the recent Long Table Lunch, all it took was
for people to put their hands up.
When 64 people raised their hands to make a pledge supporting
Breast Cancer Care WA, they raised over $70,000 in just 10
minutes to help fund the extensive range of services and
personalised support available. In 2014 our Breast Care Nurses
and Counsellors in the Support Services Team provided 6,192
instances of emotional support, a 41% increase on the year
before and this number is expected to increase again for 2015.
Regular monthly pledges are a fantastic way to enable us to plan
and meet this increase in demand. But we need your help.
Imagine if just 100 of our Spirit readers could raise their hands
and make a $20 pledge each month? The collective result could
make an enormous difference.
What are regular monthly pledges?
Regular monthly pledges are a great way people can help us
build a regular flow of income we can depend on that can
help us to better plan and sustain key program and services.
Pledges start from as little as $5 per month you can imagine the
Aileen thanks individual pledgers
difference 200 pledges at $5 a month would mean to us.
Pledges are easy to set up, they are tax deductable and will help
make a difference for so many West Australians affected by
breast cancer.
To pledge please visit www.breastcancer.org.au or email
kathy@breastcancer.org.au . Once pledges are made,
they are easy to adjust at any time.
A Celebration of Women
In March 2015, the Celebration of Women Long Table Lunch saw the fantastic, ongoing
sponsorship from many suppliers, who provided infrastructure, entertainment and the
delicious luncheon – our special thanks to each and every one of you. We also had
the privilege of working alongside an amazing team of 185 volunteers who brought
together this signature event with 1,299 hours of donated time and who kept on smiling
throughout the entire weekend! Special mention and thanks also go to the personnel
of HMAS Stirling, who volunteered for the 7th year and to the phenomenal chef team.
Their food wowed our guests and they had great fun too – a couple have already put
their hands up for 2016, which is the best feedback we can have!
We simply could not make this event happen without
the incredible and humbling support of the amazing people of WA
– suppliers, volunteers and most importantly; our guests. Thanks to you,
over $300,000 has been raised
Breast Cancer Care WA
80 Railway Street, Cottesloe WA 6011
(08) 9324 3703
info@breastcancer.org.au
www.breastcancer.org.au