INFORMATION, SUPPORT & ENCOURAGEMENT
THROUGHOUT YOUR BREAST CANCER JOURNEY
THROUGHOUT YOUR BREAST CANCER JOURNEY
About the Mastectomy Recovery Centre
Initially you will focused on the breast cancer treatments.
The Mastectomy Recovery Centre offers information on what to discuss with your doctors, helping you to understand and be at peace with their recommendations.
We do not advise or discuss treatments with you.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Breast cancer is probably new territory for you ... like COVID-19 was to the world ... an unwelcome health challenge that went on longer than anticipated.
Knowledge in advance and during your breast cancer journey about the common (and often unexpected) issues that your medical team doesn't have time to talk to you about can sometimes be more troubling than the treatments.
We aim to help you to prepare and tackle these secondary challenges with practical tools and confidence.
Our multi-media Resource Library and Private Facebook support group are designed to help you to make the best recovery possible ... physically, emotionally and sexually. We also offer support to you (and the ones who love you) as you travel through this journey from your breast cancer diagnosis onwards ... for as long as you need us.
We understand that many women are single or their partner is unable to be supportive.
This is not the time to 'do it alone' and we hope to fill that gap for you.
'The long shadow of breast cancer' of unresolved issues can last for months or years after treatments are completed, depending on how the
recovery is facilitated.
Have a good look around the website and the value of the Pink Ribbon Kit.
Knowledge is power...and gives you the empowerment to travel your own breast cancer journey ... in the driver's seat.
The Mastectomy Recovery Centre offers information on what to discuss with your doctors, helping you to understand and be at peace with their recommendations.
We do not advise or discuss treatments with you.
To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
Breast cancer is probably new territory for you ... like COVID-19 was to the world ... an unwelcome health challenge that went on longer than anticipated.
Knowledge in advance and during your breast cancer journey about the common (and often unexpected) issues that your medical team doesn't have time to talk to you about can sometimes be more troubling than the treatments.
We aim to help you to prepare and tackle these secondary challenges with practical tools and confidence.
Our multi-media Resource Library and Private Facebook support group are designed to help you to make the best recovery possible ... physically, emotionally and sexually. We also offer support to you (and the ones who love you) as you travel through this journey from your breast cancer diagnosis onwards ... for as long as you need us.
We understand that many women are single or their partner is unable to be supportive.
This is not the time to 'do it alone' and we hope to fill that gap for you.
'The long shadow of breast cancer' of unresolved issues can last for months or years after treatments are completed, depending on how the
recovery is facilitated.
Have a good look around the website and the value of the Pink Ribbon Kit.
Knowledge is power...and gives you the empowerment to travel your own breast cancer journey ... in the driver's seat.
Pink Ribbon Kit
The 'Pink Ribbon Kit' includes the comprehensive Resource Library plus membership to our private Facebook support group.
The multi-media International Resource Library has practical tools with information and suggestions on how to achieve the best recovery possible physically, emotionally, sexually...and spiritually.
Health professionals, breast cancer survivors and their loved ones share wisdom and expertise on dealing with common issues during your treatment period and afterwards.
As a member of our breast cancer community, you have the opportunity to purchase one-on-one support for the rest of your life for any issue arising from breast cancer.
We welcome articles, videos, speakers, suggestions etc to be considered for inclusion in the Library.
Research shows that prayer support makes a positive difference to your wellbeing as you travel through any life challenge.
We pray for all our members daily and also offer prayer through the private Facebook group.
Our spiritual base is non-denominational Christian .
The multi-media International Resource Library has practical tools with information and suggestions on how to achieve the best recovery possible physically, emotionally, sexually...and spiritually.
Health professionals, breast cancer survivors and their loved ones share wisdom and expertise on dealing with common issues during your treatment period and afterwards.
As a member of our breast cancer community, you have the opportunity to purchase one-on-one support for the rest of your life for any issue arising from breast cancer.
We welcome articles, videos, speakers, suggestions etc to be considered for inclusion in the Library.
Research shows that prayer support makes a positive difference to your wellbeing as you travel through any life challenge.
We pray for all our members daily and also offer prayer through the private Facebook group.
Our spiritual base is non-denominational Christian .
Click here to gain access to the Pink Ribbon Kit
Breast cancer treatments
We do NOT offer advice on treatments, but we do have a list of questions to ask your doctor, so you can understand and agree with their recommendations.
We believe that useful and comprehensive information on common challenges for mastectomy patients, plus appropriate support from diagnosis to long after the your breast cancer treatments have finished, greatly assists a speedy recovery physically, emotionally and sexually.
We believe that useful and comprehensive information on common challenges for mastectomy patients, plus appropriate support from diagnosis to long after the your breast cancer treatments have finished, greatly assists a speedy recovery physically, emotionally and sexually.
About Trish Duke
- Founder of the Mastectomy Recovery Centre
- Trained under the Australian Cancer Council as support group facilitator
- Best selling author of 'Mastectomy Recovery' ebook series on Amazon.com
- Recovery Coach
- Physiotherapist
- Speaker
- Former radio presenter for the "Healthy Living" program
Trish is available to speak at conferences, podcasts, radio and TV etc
Trish's physiotherapy clinical experience spans 40 + years, (including treatment and support for breast cancer patients).
Senior Physiotherapist on the Breast Cancer Unit in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Born and trained in the U.K., lived in Zambia and South Africa for 14 years and settled in Australia since 1989
University tutor and guest lecturer for post-grad medicine:
- Alternative & Complementary medicine
- Palliative Care
Hospice and Palliative Care Physiotherapist
10+ years of Holistic Health & Wellness Coaching coupled with Physiotherapy treatments
Licensed non-denominational minister under AFCM Global, Sydney, Australia
Founder of the Mastectomy Recovery Centre
Certified Australian Cancer Council support group facilitator
Certified Australian Cancer Council support group facilitator
Author of ‘Mastectomy Recovery’ the best-selling, 7 e-book series on Amazon.com
Awarded, Honorary speaker at the annual Breast Cancer conference in China 2018
Community radio presenter of the ‘Healthy Living’ show for 7 years
Community TV Health Presenter for ‘Wake Up’ Breakfast Show
Producer and Presenter of the documentary series called 'Dying To Live'.
Awarded in Los Angeles and Phoenix film festivals.
The series shows cancer patients and families sharing about how they coped with the diagnosis and what helped them along their journey.
Writer/developer of the DEEP program for Edith Cowan University research on cancer fatigue.
(DEEP stands for Duke Energizing Exercise Program)
Presenter and producer of health education DVD’s:
(DEEP stands for Duke Energizing Exercise Program)
Presenter and producer of health education DVD’s:
- Rest & Restore’ relaxation and meditation CD
- How to physically recovery after a Mastectomy
- 50 Ways to Feel Better with Cancer & Other Diseases
- 20 Ways for Seniors to Stay Independent & Mobile
- Dying to Live DVD series
Five star Amazon reviews by patients , doctors and nurses for the ebook series 'Mastectomy Recovery'
It appears like Trish has done her research by finding out the common questions on women's and men's minds after a mastectomy and has got the answers that people are searching for.
I most certainly will recommend it to anyone looking for information on this matter.
- Dr Vik -
I just had a biopsy on my left breast and found it was cancer. Reading this book was very enlightening.
Wow, what an amazing book! It will help so many people. It has a lovely, relaxed conversational style which will make readers feel comfortable, yet is also comprehensive in coverage of medical detail.
This is a very scary time in my life. I know there is over 90% recovery rate with breast cancer, but it’s that little word ‘cancer’ that fills me with fear.
This book helped me to put it all in perspective with strategies to keep me calm and focused on the rest of my life to follow as I progress through the treatment plan. I learnt life skills that will help with any challenge down the track. The spiritual content went straight to my heart. Why has no-one ever shared all this with me before? A little gem of a book!
The medical team are focused on my treatments, but I needed help on the inside as well. No-one told me how to ‘weather the storm’ and it was affecting my family as well. Lots of wisdom and supportive solutions that I couldn’t have thought of by myself.
This is an excellent resource for anyone after breast cancer surgery from day one. Easy to follow, practical suggestions. A ‘must read’ if you want to regain the use of your arm and shoulder and how to get fitter throughout and after treatments.
- Marlene Ullery -
Wow, what an amazing book! It will help so many people. It has a lovely, relaxed conversational style which will make readers feel comfortable,
yet is also comprehensive in coverage of medical detail. I really enjoyed reading it, and have learned a lot.
- Julia Glover -
This is an easy to read and comprehensive series which will benefit anyone who has to cope with a Mastectomy. It will also help friends and family. As it is written by a Physiotherapist, it is of use to other health care professionals such as myself. I was a Registered Nurse for over thirty years.
- Jennifer Lockley -
Congratulations to Trish Duke for her books on mastectomy recovery, This series is a must for any woman undergoing or recovering from a mastectomy, or any of her family and friends. Trish presents all the information in such a clear, no nonsense manner, demystifying all the medical terminology. She presents it in an easy to read style, with gentle humour.
- Lokamo -
As a doctor myself I can tell you it's true that doctors don't have time to tell you all this...in fact we do don't know some of this great advice.
Patients and health professionals will find this series a valuable resource.
- Dr Genovese -
'Having been in the medical profession for over 15 years, I am always on the look out for books I can recommend to patients and their families when it comes to sensitive issues. And most certainly, Trish has done her work here by laying down all that is important about how a mastectomy can affect sexuality. But it is not just an overview. Within it is first hand information from a doctor and an interview that I am sure many women and couples can relate to. The information is put together in simple language and an easy to understand format. It appears like Trish has done her research by finding out the common questions on women's and men's minds after a mastectomy and has got the answers that people are searching for.
I most certainly will recommend it to anyone looking for information on this matter'.
- Dr Vik -
How to find the courage ebook
Just what I needed!
This is a very scary time in my life. I know there is over 90% recovery rate with breast cancer, but it’s that little word ‘cancer’ that fills me with fear.
This book helped me to put it all in perspective with strategies to keep me calm and focused on the rest of my life to follow as I progress through the treatment plan. I learnt life skills that will help with any challenge down the track. The spiritual content went straight to my heart. Why has no-one ever shared all this with me before? A little gem of a book!
- Anonymous -
Talk about intimate! ebook
This is the ‘elephant in the room’! I want to know how my husband and I can get over the difference in my body and enjoy the intimate part of your relationship. This book talks to husbands, wives and singles. It has got us talking like we did years ago. We feel confident that we can have a renewed (maybe even better) sex life than before breast cancer showed up.
- Anonymous -
Treatment options ebook
Header line: Answered lots of my questions
Review text: Great book that tells me what my doctors didn’t have time to explain to me over and over again until I ‘got’ it. It helped me to understand what the doctors and surgeon were doing and why. When I went to the doctor’s office my mind was in such a whirl that I didn’t take it all in and was too embarrassed to keep asking lots of questions. It also gave me information to help me to make informed decisions about my treatment plan.
- Anonymous -
Recovering emotionally ebook
Header line: So many helpful strategies
Review text: A comprehensive ‘emotional guidebook’. The medical team are focused on my treatments, but I needed help on the inside as well. No-one told me how to ‘weather the storm’ and it was affecting my family as well. Lots of wisdom and supportive solutions that I couldn’t have thought of by myself.
- Anonymous -
Recovering physically ebook
Header line: Excellent resource
Review text: I was sent home with an exercise sheet, but precious little follow up. I didn’t know how much I could do with my shoulder, when I could go back to sport or even just push a shopping cart. This is an excellent resource for anyone after breast cancer surgery from day one. Easy to follow, practical suggestions. A ‘must read’ if you want to regain the use of your arm and shoulder and how to get fitter throughout and after treatments.
- Anonymous -
Sexuality
Header line: Talk about intimate!
Review text: This is the ‘elephant in the room’! I want to know how my husband and I can get over the difference in my body and enjoy the intimate part of your relationship. This book talks to husbands, wives and singles. It has got us talking like we did years ago. We feel confident that we can have a renewed (maybe even better) sex life than before breast cancer showed up.
- Anonymous -
What to wear ebook
Header line: Confidence builder
Review text: Short and sweet, this little book de-myths what to wear after breast cancer surgery. I don’t want people looking at my chest all the time. I want to look ‘normal’ when I walk down the street and feel good in my clothes. Sexy bras can still be an option. I swim often for exercise and found the information about swimwear helpful.
- Anonymous -
Lymphedema
Header line: Everyone should read this!
Review text: No-one told me all this information about how to decrease my chance of getting lymphedema. This is vital information for all breast cancer ladies after surgery. I now understand what lymphedema is, how I know if it’s sneaking up on me and what to do to help myself. Without this helpful book I could have been in real trouble!
- Anonymous -
It appears like Trish has done her research by finding out the common questions on women's and men's minds after a mastectomy and has got the answers that people are searching for.
I most certainly will recommend it to anyone looking for information on this matter.
- Dr Vik -
I just had a biopsy on my left breast and found it was cancer. Reading this book was very enlightening.
Wow, what an amazing book! It will help so many people. It has a lovely, relaxed conversational style which will make readers feel comfortable, yet is also comprehensive in coverage of medical detail.
This is a very scary time in my life. I know there is over 90% recovery rate with breast cancer, but it’s that little word ‘cancer’ that fills me with fear.
This book helped me to put it all in perspective with strategies to keep me calm and focused on the rest of my life to follow as I progress through the treatment plan. I learnt life skills that will help with any challenge down the track. The spiritual content went straight to my heart. Why has no-one ever shared all this with me before? A little gem of a book!
The medical team are focused on my treatments, but I needed help on the inside as well. No-one told me how to ‘weather the storm’ and it was affecting my family as well. Lots of wisdom and supportive solutions that I couldn’t have thought of by myself.
This is an excellent resource for anyone after breast cancer surgery from day one. Easy to follow, practical suggestions. A ‘must read’ if you want to regain the use of your arm and shoulder and how to get fitter throughout and after treatments.
- Marlene Ullery -
Wow, what an amazing book! It will help so many people. It has a lovely, relaxed conversational style which will make readers feel comfortable,
yet is also comprehensive in coverage of medical detail. I really enjoyed reading it, and have learned a lot.
- Julia Glover -
This is an easy to read and comprehensive series which will benefit anyone who has to cope with a Mastectomy. It will also help friends and family. As it is written by a Physiotherapist, it is of use to other health care professionals such as myself. I was a Registered Nurse for over thirty years.
- Jennifer Lockley -
Congratulations to Trish Duke for her books on mastectomy recovery, This series is a must for any woman undergoing or recovering from a mastectomy, or any of her family and friends. Trish presents all the information in such a clear, no nonsense manner, demystifying all the medical terminology. She presents it in an easy to read style, with gentle humour.
- Lokamo -
As a doctor myself I can tell you it's true that doctors don't have time to tell you all this...in fact we do don't know some of this great advice.
Patients and health professionals will find this series a valuable resource.
- Dr Genovese -
'Having been in the medical profession for over 15 years, I am always on the look out for books I can recommend to patients and their families when it comes to sensitive issues. And most certainly, Trish has done her work here by laying down all that is important about how a mastectomy can affect sexuality. But it is not just an overview. Within it is first hand information from a doctor and an interview that I am sure many women and couples can relate to. The information is put together in simple language and an easy to understand format. It appears like Trish has done her research by finding out the common questions on women's and men's minds after a mastectomy and has got the answers that people are searching for.
I most certainly will recommend it to anyone looking for information on this matter'.
- Dr Vik -
How to find the courage ebook
Just what I needed!
This is a very scary time in my life. I know there is over 90% recovery rate with breast cancer, but it’s that little word ‘cancer’ that fills me with fear.
This book helped me to put it all in perspective with strategies to keep me calm and focused on the rest of my life to follow as I progress through the treatment plan. I learnt life skills that will help with any challenge down the track. The spiritual content went straight to my heart. Why has no-one ever shared all this with me before? A little gem of a book!
- Anonymous -
Talk about intimate! ebook
This is the ‘elephant in the room’! I want to know how my husband and I can get over the difference in my body and enjoy the intimate part of your relationship. This book talks to husbands, wives and singles. It has got us talking like we did years ago. We feel confident that we can have a renewed (maybe even better) sex life than before breast cancer showed up.
- Anonymous -
Treatment options ebook
Header line: Answered lots of my questions
Review text: Great book that tells me what my doctors didn’t have time to explain to me over and over again until I ‘got’ it. It helped me to understand what the doctors and surgeon were doing and why. When I went to the doctor’s office my mind was in such a whirl that I didn’t take it all in and was too embarrassed to keep asking lots of questions. It also gave me information to help me to make informed decisions about my treatment plan.
- Anonymous -
Recovering emotionally ebook
Header line: So many helpful strategies
Review text: A comprehensive ‘emotional guidebook’. The medical team are focused on my treatments, but I needed help on the inside as well. No-one told me how to ‘weather the storm’ and it was affecting my family as well. Lots of wisdom and supportive solutions that I couldn’t have thought of by myself.
- Anonymous -
Recovering physically ebook
Header line: Excellent resource
Review text: I was sent home with an exercise sheet, but precious little follow up. I didn’t know how much I could do with my shoulder, when I could go back to sport or even just push a shopping cart. This is an excellent resource for anyone after breast cancer surgery from day one. Easy to follow, practical suggestions. A ‘must read’ if you want to regain the use of your arm and shoulder and how to get fitter throughout and after treatments.
- Anonymous -
Sexuality
Header line: Talk about intimate!
Review text: This is the ‘elephant in the room’! I want to know how my husband and I can get over the difference in my body and enjoy the intimate part of your relationship. This book talks to husbands, wives and singles. It has got us talking like we did years ago. We feel confident that we can have a renewed (maybe even better) sex life than before breast cancer showed up.
- Anonymous -
What to wear ebook
Header line: Confidence builder
Review text: Short and sweet, this little book de-myths what to wear after breast cancer surgery. I don’t want people looking at my chest all the time. I want to look ‘normal’ when I walk down the street and feel good in my clothes. Sexy bras can still be an option. I swim often for exercise and found the information about swimwear helpful.
- Anonymous -
Lymphedema
Header line: Everyone should read this!
Review text: No-one told me all this information about how to decrease my chance of getting lymphedema. This is vital information for all breast cancer ladies after surgery. I now understand what lymphedema is, how I know if it’s sneaking up on me and what to do to help myself. Without this helpful book I could have been in real trouble!
- Anonymous -
Comments posted by viewers of the YouTube snippets of the award-winning documentary series 'Dying to Live'.
Trish Duke produced this and included it in the Pink Ribbon Kit
Amazing! I wish I was able to view this program, however, being in America that's not possible. I watched snippets on YouTube, and I was simply amazed.
Should you ever distribute these films on DVD, please let me know! You are doing such incredible work, God Bless!
I really want to see this come to television. Such a touching program and Suzie was like my mum!! I want her story to be shown to everyone and all these people have stories worth showing!!
Death and dying is surrounded by mystery to those of us still in the "land of the living." We don't know what to expect, and as far as our mind can tell, we have always been here. (No remembers their conception.) There is no guide on how to die gracefully. We only see our loved ones go.
This documentary brings an important discussion to the forefront, and allows for the needed dialog to offer grace and dignity in the experience of death.
Thank you for taking on this challenging topic.
What a stunning and compassionate program!
Those of us called "Boomers" became parents when birth was not discussed. When doctors said, "face the wall and we'll medicate you." We demanded knowledge and self-control. It's now time to do the same with death and dying.
The challenges of such stressful times should not be borne alone or in silence. This powerful program is certain to stimulate thought and conversation.
Another great video. Can’t wait to see the entire series on prime time TV. Congratulations on bringing more awareness to such a 'taboo' subject to many. Thanks.
Such thought provoking content and should be watched by everyone. Add your comments to support Trish and her amazing work.
This is very good to see.
Wow! I was in tears within 4 minutes. Incredible stuff, impossible not to be moved. Everyone should see this. My heart goes out to all those involved.
I’ve had a quick look and the other members of our support services team were “eavesdropping” whilst I was watching. We are all impressed and looking forward to seeing the whole programs!
This is a very moving documentary series and I would highly recommend this being viewed in prime time TV to show another aspect of the Euthanasia debate. I am very proud of the families here that have touched my heart. Thank you for sharing your sorrow, your grief and your extraordinary will to live.
Everyone needs to be seeing this clip...life don’t get more real than this.
Such a beautiful documentary...the untold stories of so many people just like us...only who have bravely triumphed over the very thing that should seem more likely to have defeated them.
My husband and I just watched your documentary on "Dying to Live"
Still wiping the tears from my face!
Very moving, thought provoking and presented extremely well.
Trish, well done. You've done a superb job on bringing this documentary series to the awareness of the public. We all have a fascination about death and it is so great to see people who are real, who want to talk about the things that we don't say and should say. Good work!