Newsletter

July 2026

Last Meeting

We had the pleasure of Dr Syapiq Long attend our meeting in July, Dr. Long spoke about”Survivorship” which encompasses the whole journey from diagnosis, treatment and life after – the physical, emotional and social effects. He spoke of how fatigue is a real result of treatment and how exercise is the key to dealing with fatigue. Programs like “Inform” and Kinetic exercise can help with your management of fatigue. He touched on how sexual health is affected by menopausal symptoms brought about by some treatment. Dr Long also spoke of the importance of our emotional well being, especially dealing with anxiety, low moods and chemo brain. Our social life can also be affected in the workplace, in our relationships or with family. Dr Long spoke on the importance of living well with a good quality of life. It is hard sometimes for the Oncologist or GP to recognise problems so it is good to have a multi-disciplinary approach of Breast Care Nurse, Physio and a good GP that you can talk with to help you achieve this. Talking and letting relevant people know of your physical or emotional needs is the starting point to living well and improving your quality of life after a cancer diagnosis and treatment.                                                                                                                        On behalf of “Breast Friends” we would like to extend our condolences to Maryvonne and her family on the loss of their beloved Bruce, our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Next Meeting Wednesday 5th AUGUST 2026 4pm Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club

Our August meeting we have Jacinta joining us, Jacinta is our local McGrath Cancer care nurse for our area and it is always a pleasure to have her attend our meetings. We will also hold our AGM after our Guest Speaker this month, if you would like to become more involved with the running of our group, your help will be greatly appreciated “many hands make the work load lighter” .

Morning Tea 20th JULY 2026 10am

Morning Tea this month will be held at the Dorsal by the Sea 1 West St Forster, come along for a social chat, Coffee/tea & cake.

BREAST FRIENDS” MEETING CALENDAR DATES

August – Wednesday 5th – Jacinta Bryan McGrath Nurse
September – 2nd – Bruce Hopper Senior Genetic Counsellor Forster Genetics
October – Wednesday 7th – “Breast Friends” BCNA Mini Field of Women
November – Wednesday 4th – General meeting
December – Wednesday 2nd – “Breast Friends” Christmas Dinner

 

All women who have experienced breast cancer are welcome to attend our meetings (first Wednesday every month at 4.00pm Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club). For further information please contact: Members Lorraine Milward 0410588736 Diane Thompson 0437137577, Judy Smith 65546498 (Welfare Officer) or Jacinta Bryan McGrath Cancer Care Nurse 65151918 or 0438 229 231 ,BCNA www.bcna.org.au, McGrath Foundation www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au