Do you see yourself as a breast cancer victim, survivor or conqueror?
Your journey from a breast cancer diagnosis to recovery can be pretty scary!
It’s usually a marathon challenge instead of a 100 yard sprint.
You would benefit from time-tested strategies on how to last the course… and leap over the hurdles ... or just knock them flat!
Knowledge is powerful when you know in advance what the unexpected pitfalls could be and the solutions… to be fore-warned is to be fore-armed!
It's not all doom and gloom!
The Pink Ribbon Kit offered from our Mastectomy Recovery Centre is worth considering as a valuable source of information, support and encouragement...more about that resource further down this page...
Breast cancer treatments and recovery back to a full life can take longer than you expect.
It's likely to be 'uncharted waters' for you (and those who love you).
Most people don't know how to handle this new situation.
Patients are just thinking about their treatment plan rather than unknown and unexpected issues that might crop up along the way.
Just because you have finished your treatments doesn't mean that your breast cancer journey is over.
You will benefit from being aware of common issues that need help to get the best outcomes… in all areas of your life.
Physically, emotionally and sexually.
Most ladies give a big sigh of relief when their last treatment is finished and they say ...
“Well, thank God that’s all over now”!
However...
It’s usually a marathon challenge instead of a 100 yard sprint.
You would benefit from time-tested strategies on how to last the course… and leap over the hurdles ... or just knock them flat!
Knowledge is powerful when you know in advance what the unexpected pitfalls could be and the solutions… to be fore-warned is to be fore-armed!
It's not all doom and gloom!
- You are likely to make new relationships with fellow patients and their loved ones, breast cancer survivors, support groups, oncology nurses and so on ...
- Unexpected blessings can arrive in different shapes and sizes.
- Your sense of humour can take on a whacky flavour and everyone around you can enjoy a great deal of laughter.
- Shaky relationships can be strengthened.
- You discover who really is 'in your corner'. Often as surprise.
- You gain a new appreciation of life and the beauty of the earth.
- Life skills and coping strategies can be learnt that help you post-cancer.
The Pink Ribbon Kit offered from our Mastectomy Recovery Centre is worth considering as a valuable source of information, support and encouragement...more about that resource further down this page...
Breast cancer treatments and recovery back to a full life can take longer than you expect.
It's likely to be 'uncharted waters' for you (and those who love you).
Most people don't know how to handle this new situation.
Patients are just thinking about their treatment plan rather than unknown and unexpected issues that might crop up along the way.
Just because you have finished your treatments doesn't mean that your breast cancer journey is over.
You will benefit from being aware of common issues that need help to get the best outcomes… in all areas of your life.
Physically, emotionally and sexually.
Most ladies give a big sigh of relief when their last treatment is finished and they say ...
“Well, thank God that’s all over now”!
However...
It's common for ladies (and their loved ones) to still feel the impact of breast cancer on their bodies, emotions, self-esteem and sexuality for years to come.
Yes, you will be grateful to reach the end of energy-sapping surgery and treatments, especially if you are told that the cancer has gone, but it is such a shame that so many ladies settle for an incomplete recovery … physically, emotionally and sexually.
Many patients are not given any information about possible lymphedema!
Ladies who are not sure how to help themselves towards recovery tend to do less rather than more and can end up with long term complications such as:
- A dysfunctional shoulder
- Lymphedema
- Poor self-confidence
- Intimacy issues
- Decreased general fitness
- Ongoing fear
- Depression
- Then there’s the issue of your sexuality. Will you feel like a real woman again? Are you wondering if you turn your husband or a future partner off? Men are also nervous about this issue and often appreciate some discreet advice.
- It’s important to know what to wear after a mastectomy, bras, clothing and swimwear, so you can feel good about your appearance.
- The possibility of lymphedema is often not discussed because the doctors may be too busy or prefer not to give you something else to worry about. Many ladies have gone on a holiday when their treatments are finished, but arrive at the destination airport with an arm twice the size of when they flew away. Knowing how to minimize your chance of getting lymphedema is vital information, as well as self-help guidelines and treatment options.
- I wish I had a dollar for every time a lady has presented with lymphedema, (months or years post mastectomy) who said “I wasn’t given the information on how to look after my arm and now look what’s happened!”
When the breast cancer treatments are over...
Down the track, when the breast cancer treatments are over, loved ones and your family doctor may see the after-effects ... but often don’t know how to help. It can be quite a shock for everyone that after breast cancer it’s not so easy to just pick up a life and carry on as normal. It’s a traumatic journey from the initial diagnosis and then soldiering on through all those debilitating treatments and appointments.
Independent-minded women sometimes think that they can cope with anything without help, but submerged concerns have a way of showing up as illness, lack of emotional and mental peace or dysfunctional relationships.
Like a long shadow following you around…
Even if you are married or surrounded by people, they may be unable to give you the support that you need…especially confidential support.
Of course, your doctors have been righty focused on the life-saving cancer treatments. When you have come to the last treatment doctors often feel that their job is over.
Independent-minded women sometimes think that they can cope with anything without help, but submerged concerns have a way of showing up as illness, lack of emotional and mental peace or dysfunctional relationships.
Like a long shadow following you around…
Even if you are married or surrounded by people, they may be unable to give you the support that you need…especially confidential support.
Of course, your doctors have been righty focused on the life-saving cancer treatments. When you have come to the last treatment doctors often feel that their job is over.
Your breast cancer medical team does not have time to tell you
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Oncologists are usually not trained to think about psychological and emotional needs, for both patients and their family.
It’s not unusual for patients to comment on their oncologist’s cold or impersonal approach.
However, think about it from their perspective.
They have to survive emotionally themselves as they are dealing with cancer patients for decades.
Just appreciate their medical or surgical skills and knowledge and go elsewhere for support.
You may be advised to “get on with the rest of your life”….but you can still have a range of concerns ranging from niggling doubts at the back of your mind to full blown worries for the rest of your life… if they are not addressed.
Research has proved that to make the best long term recovery, you need the right information and positive, ongoing support for as long as you need it...which is probably longer than you think!
Unfortunately, research has also shown that depression is common during and after breast cancer. It can vary in depth and frequency.
Appropriate support and helpful options are vital instead of just trying to “snap out of it”.
That support can be from many and unexpected people.
It’s not unusual for patients to comment on their oncologist’s cold or impersonal approach.
However, think about it from their perspective.
They have to survive emotionally themselves as they are dealing with cancer patients for decades.
Just appreciate their medical or surgical skills and knowledge and go elsewhere for support.
You may be advised to “get on with the rest of your life”….but you can still have a range of concerns ranging from niggling doubts at the back of your mind to full blown worries for the rest of your life… if they are not addressed.
Research has proved that to make the best long term recovery, you need the right information and positive, ongoing support for as long as you need it...which is probably longer than you think!
Unfortunately, research has also shown that depression is common during and after breast cancer. It can vary in depth and frequency.
Appropriate support and helpful options are vital instead of just trying to “snap out of it”.
That support can be from many and unexpected people.
If sadly, you do not have a good prognosis and are planning on making the most of what time you have left, then there are added challenges that also need information and timely support for you and those who love you.
Having worked in Palliative Care and Hospice for many years, I found it rewarding to care for patients and their loved ones.
Ladies who do have a good prognosis would want to make the best recovery possible and regain fitness, self-confidence and sexuality.
‘Cancer Forum’ published alarming research showing that 73% of survivors (and their loved ones) report some degree of fear that their cancer will come back.
This fear of recurrence can often trigger chronic aches, pains, and rest-resistant fatigue that make returning to work or normal relationships quite challenging.
Can you relate to some of the most common worries that continue cause patients and loved ones sleepless nights and stressful days?
Having worked in Palliative Care and Hospice for many years, I found it rewarding to care for patients and their loved ones.
Ladies who do have a good prognosis would want to make the best recovery possible and regain fitness, self-confidence and sexuality.
‘Cancer Forum’ published alarming research showing that 73% of survivors (and their loved ones) report some degree of fear that their cancer will come back.
This fear of recurrence can often trigger chronic aches, pains, and rest-resistant fatigue that make returning to work or normal relationships quite challenging.
Can you relate to some of the most common worries that continue cause patients and loved ones sleepless nights and stressful days?
- Did my doctors give me the best treatments?
- What questions should I still be asking and who should have the answers?
- Will I look stupid (or annoy the doctors) if I keep asking questions?
- How can I get normal movement in my shoulder and arm?
- Will I ever get back to sport or even reaching to the top shelf in my closet?
- Can I get rid of the ugly swelling around my scars?
- Am I going to be emotionally impacted for the rest of my life?
- Will my husband (or new partner) be turned off by my scars?
- Is my sex life going to be badly affected?
- My sex life is a disaster now
- Can someone talk to my husband? I can’t seem to!
- I’m frightened of getting a recurrence of the cancer later on in life
- How likely am I to get lymphedema?
- How do I know if I am developing lymphedema and what is the treatment?
- What do I wear so that I feel attractive and normal?
- I’m just tired…physically and emotionally!
- Who can I really talk confidentially to about all this…someone who I won’t meet in the mall or church and know that they know all about me?
- I need support, but feel I shouldn’t be needing it by now
- My cancer group think I should be should be “over it” all now and I should leave to allow new ladies to join the group
- Am I eventually going to die from breast cancer?
- Where will I go when I die?
- Will I ever be able to lead a normal life again or will some issues never go away fully?
All of these issues need to be addressed or you may experience what we could call the “long shadow” after the treatments are over and you are supposed to be “getting on with your life”.
Remember…research has proved that to make the best long term recovery, you need the right information and positive, ongoing support for as long as you need it...which is probably longer than you think!
To help you with the long list of common concerns listed above, I have spent a great deal of my own time and money compiling a compendium of information from international resources and experts as well as links to the top breast cancer websites.
Together they can you help you to get answers to your questions, solutions to long term breast cancer issues.
I can also offer you compassionate and confidential, one-on-one support for as long as you and your loved ones need it.
Remember…research has proved that to make the best long term recovery, you need the right information and positive, ongoing support for as long as you need it...which is probably longer than you think!
To help you with the long list of common concerns listed above, I have spent a great deal of my own time and money compiling a compendium of information from international resources and experts as well as links to the top breast cancer websites.
Together they can you help you to get answers to your questions, solutions to long term breast cancer issues.
I can also offer you compassionate and confidential, one-on-one support for as long as you and your loved ones need it.
Whatever your prognosis is, these resources will help you and your family to finish your marathon breast cancer journey with better relationships, life skills and inner strength to help you to tackle any challenge that has the nerve to show up in your life!
People benefit from different types of information, such as print, audio, videos, webinars, interviews, so you can pick and choose 24/7 depending on what is worrying you…for the rest of your life, with ongoing updates.
If you would like some free “golden nuggets” from the Resource Centre to check out then simply leave your name and email address in the box next to the video at the top and bottom of the page.
My aim is to save you time, stress and money by bringing you relevant information with an option of confidential support.
It’s so sad for the ladies who settle for an incomplete recovery emotionally, physically and sexually to spend the rest of their lives feeling inadequate or a “lesser woman”.
People benefit from different types of information, such as print, audio, videos, webinars, interviews, so you can pick and choose 24/7 depending on what is worrying you…for the rest of your life, with ongoing updates.
If you would like some free “golden nuggets” from the Resource Centre to check out then simply leave your name and email address in the box next to the video at the top and bottom of the page.
My aim is to save you time, stress and money by bringing you relevant information with an option of confidential support.
It’s so sad for the ladies who settle for an incomplete recovery emotionally, physically and sexually to spend the rest of their lives feeling inadequate or a “lesser woman”.
The Pink Ribbon Kit
The Pink Ribbon Kit aims to help YOU to tackle the unexpected challenges that most patients face throughout their breast cancer journey ... and for months after treatments are completed.
The Kit is available to you as a lifetime resource and designed to assist you from diagnosis to the point when breast cancer is no longer an issue in your life.
The ‘long shadow’ after breast cancer can include lymphedema, body image and sexual issues, mild depression, changed relationships.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
The Pink Ribbon Kit includes:
The Resource Library has links to the best international breast cancer websites and unique multi-media resources … saving you time (and stress) instead of frantically searching on the internet for answers to questions you were not expecting to ask!
Learn from international health professionals and breast cancer survivors using the compendium of videos,radio interviews, e-books, audio, research articles and TV programs etc.
Coupled with the FB support group, you will have tools 24/7 to dip into before or during a challenge. You (the patient) can invite a loved one or personal VIP into the FB group. They often need as much support as yourself.
Contributors to the Pink Ribbon Resource Library:
You are very welcome to join our international mastectomy recovery community!
Click here to check out the contents of the Resource Library
Click here to obtain your lifetime Pink Ribbon Kit
Ladies who are single or have a partner who feels unable to support them throughout their treatment and recovery can choose the option of additional ‘one-on-one ' support.
Enlightened health professionals know that you benefit from ongoing encouragement and information for at least the same time period as your treatments last. That means if your treatments lasted for one year, then you usually still need support and information for a year afterwards. Helping you to make the best recovery possible physically, emotionally and sexually.
When your treatments are completed, the medical team may tell you to “Get on with your life now” ... but some ladies are left feeling abandoned, bewildered
and possibly traumatised afterwards.
At this point, some cancer support groups wish you luck and expect you to make room for new patients.
The Mastectomy Recovery Centre is still ‘there for you’ until you no longer need us …although you might like to visit the FB support group from time to time to encourage ladies travelling on their breast cancer journey.
The Kit is available to you as a lifetime resource and designed to assist you from diagnosis to the point when breast cancer is no longer an issue in your life.
The ‘long shadow’ after breast cancer can include lymphedema, body image and sexual issues, mild depression, changed relationships.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
The Pink Ribbon Kit includes:
- A comprehensive, multi-media Resource Library with practical tips and solutions to speed up your recovery …physically, emotionally and sexually.
- A private Facebook group focused on being supportive, helpful and positive!
- Make new friends in the FB group who 'get' where you are at this point in your life.
- Prayer support is offered.
- You have an option to invest in yourself with ‘one-on-one’ support.
The Resource Library has links to the best international breast cancer websites and unique multi-media resources … saving you time (and stress) instead of frantically searching on the internet for answers to questions you were not expecting to ask!
Learn from international health professionals and breast cancer survivors using the compendium of videos,radio interviews, e-books, audio, research articles and TV programs etc.
Coupled with the FB support group, you will have tools 24/7 to dip into before or during a challenge. You (the patient) can invite a loved one or personal VIP into the FB group. They often need as much support as yourself.
Contributors to the Pink Ribbon Resource Library:
- Breast cancer surgeon
- Family Doctors
- Breast Cancer Nurse
- Senior breast cancer Physiotherapist
- Breast cancer survivors and their loved ones
- Best-selling authors on Amazon.com
- Award-winning documentary maker
- Ongoing new contributors and resources
You are very welcome to join our international mastectomy recovery community!
Click here to check out the contents of the Resource Library
Click here to obtain your lifetime Pink Ribbon Kit
Ladies who are single or have a partner who feels unable to support them throughout their treatment and recovery can choose the option of additional ‘one-on-one ' support.
Enlightened health professionals know that you benefit from ongoing encouragement and information for at least the same time period as your treatments last. That means if your treatments lasted for one year, then you usually still need support and information for a year afterwards. Helping you to make the best recovery possible physically, emotionally and sexually.
When your treatments are completed, the medical team may tell you to “Get on with your life now” ... but some ladies are left feeling abandoned, bewildered
and possibly traumatised afterwards.
At this point, some cancer support groups wish you luck and expect you to make room for new patients.
The Mastectomy Recovery Centre is still ‘there for you’ until you no longer need us …although you might like to visit the FB support group from time to time to encourage ladies travelling on their breast cancer journey.
If you choose the option of ‘one-on-one’, Trish Duke is your key support person and recovery coach who can communicate with you by email, WhatsApp, Skype, phone, Messenger etc.
Trish has been a qualified cancer support group facilitator for many years and treated breast cancer patients over four decades as a physiotherapist. (About)
This option has limited places to ensure adequate care and time for each person.
Applicants for 'one-on-one' support are accepted only after a chat with Trish to make sure that it's a right fit for you.
Contact Trish through the contact form to request a phone call to discuss the opportunity to take one of the five one-on-one slots available per year.
We invite YOU to join the mastectomy recovery community!
Click here to check out the contents of the Resource Library
Click here to obtain your lifetime Pink Ribbon Kit
Trish has been a qualified cancer support group facilitator for many years and treated breast cancer patients over four decades as a physiotherapist. (About)
This option has limited places to ensure adequate care and time for each person.
Applicants for 'one-on-one' support are accepted only after a chat with Trish to make sure that it's a right fit for you.
Contact Trish through the contact form to request a phone call to discuss the opportunity to take one of the five one-on-one slots available per year.
We invite YOU to join the mastectomy recovery community!
Click here to check out the contents of the Resource Library
Click here to obtain your lifetime Pink Ribbon Kit
We would be honoured if you joined our breast cancer recovery community!