MASTECTOMY RECOVERY CENTRE
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  • Home
  • About
  • During Treatment
    • Info for Patients
    • Info for Loved Ones
    • Common Concerns
    • Confidential Support
    • Coping with emotional challenges of breast cancer
    • Physical Challenges
    • Treatment Options
  • After Treatment
    • Common concerns
    • Lymphedema
    • Celebrity breast cancer survivors
  • Library contents
    • Legal Disclaimer
  • Access Pink Ribbon Kit
  • Contact
Support for the loved ones of breast cancer patients... 
You are important too!

If you are reading this then someone you care for has been diagnosed with breast cancer
and either facing o
r ​already going through treatments... such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy,

mastectomy, lumpectomy or a breast reconstruction.

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That can be just as stressful, scary and challenging for YOU as for your loved one!
​
​It’s often the loved ones who do most of the research and when you are emotionally involved with the patient that can be overwhelming…
​to say the least.
​
Right now you may be spending frantic hours researching all over the internet for helpful information on mastectomy and breast cancer treatments.

Most people don’t know what they are looking for and get disjointed or conflicting information. This can just increase everyone’s stress levels and the easiest way to cope often is to leave what you find to read later.

Problem is that when you finally get to it later, you could be kicking yourself for not looking at it when all the big treatment decisions were made.
Don't be stressed and overwhelmed by frantically searching on the internet!
We have done the homework for you and have a list of links to the relevant websites.

Pink Ribbon kit

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The PINK RIBBON KIT includes a private Facebook support group, the option of 1-on- 1 support , the international  24/7 Resource Library, 
with instant links to the top, international breast cancer organisations and websites.


A group of health professionals, cancer survivors and loved ones share their expertise and wisdom through videos, radio interviews, best selling Kindle e-Books, TV programs, articles, etc.
​

Together they have aimed to help you to get answers to your questions, solutions to common breast cancer issues and offer appropriate information and compassionate ​support throughout your loved one's breast cancer journey, facilitating the best recovery possible physically, emotionally and sexually.

​Our Resource library was compiled because of the huge need for comprehensive, multi-media resources to save YOU time, energy, pain, frustration, money and sleep!

Research has proved that to make the best recovery, breast cancer patients need the right information and positive, ongoing support for as long as they need it….that could be for years!

Click here to gain access to the PINK RIBBON KT

YOU have full access to the Pink Ribbon Kit... if your loved one gives permission.

Doctors do the best they can, but are rightly focused on the patient who is undergoing the cancer treatments.

However, those close to the patient, both adults and children, can feel side-lined, exhausted (emotionally and physically), often scared
and totally overwhelmed…trying to be strong and supportive in unknown territory.

Trouble is… you probably have not traveled this path before and don’t know what to do or say and scared that you might make matters worse.   
       
As well as helping your loved one with breast cancer, we would like to help YOU.
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Later on I treated some of these breast cancer ladies, as well as others who had not been my patients immediately after cancer surgery.

Some of them presented with the usual Physio ailments, but others came with lymphedema or aches and pains that were linked to their physical and emotional challenges lingering after the breast cancer.

They were often angry about the lymphedema as they had not been informed adequately by the doctors
(who were often too busy or thought it better not to worry them).
Check out the Resource Library contents
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​One in four ladies have suffered sexual and/or emotional abuse.
The exposure of their breasts, even to a caring professional medical team, can be traumatising.
This makes the breast cancer journey more emotionally painful and challenging.
We aim to address and help that issue if possible.
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The breast cancer treatments were over, but they still had ‘unfinished business’ that needed dealing with as it cast a lasting shadow over their lives.

It troubled me that I didn’t have the counselling skills to support my patients whose every-day physical ailments were probably made worse by what was going on inside of them. They often shared intimate details about how their sex life had stopped and it obviously had an impact on their relationships.
 So, what do you do as a health professional? Shrug your shoulders and say “not my problem” or get some training…

Because I see my patients holistically, (as a whole person and not just a body part to treat), I chose to go on several counselling courses and also sought out health professionals and breast cancer survivors who had the wisdom and experience to help my precious ladies…and were more than willing to share it.

As a partner or husband, you would settle your anxiety by reading the e-book in the Resource Library about how
to help your loved one to restore her body image and sexuality after breast cancer surgery.
A doctor and a breast cancer survivor shared intimate details and strategies for you both. 


I’m sure your loved one doesn’t want to settle for an incomplete recovery emotionally, physically and sexually
to spend the rest of her life feeling like a cancer victim or a 'lesser woman'.
​

Remember... YOU as a loved one are just as important as the patient...whether you are a spouse,
parent or child

You don’t want masses of information that will overwhelm you, but you do need a package of informational resources that you can access 24/7
to answer your questions and find solutions to what’s bothering you and your loved one at that particular time.
What most people want is someone to put it all together for you.

Have a look at the Resource Library contents below.
It will save you time, money, sleepless nights by bringing you relevant information and confidential support.
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Don't be stressed and overwhelmed by frantically searching on the internet!
We have done the homework for you and have a list of links to the relevant websites.


Everyone learns in a different way, so the resources are multi-media as well as printed information.
You can also opt for one-on-one support for both yourself and your loved one who is on the breast cancer journey.
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The PINK RIBBON KIT includes:

 - Lifetime access to the Resource Library
 - A unique Facebook support group 
 - Additional option of one-on one mentoring. 



Our private Facebook support group is different to most ....

Once your treatment is completed, most groups expect you to leave. We know that you need support etc usually for as long as the treatment phase, so we encourage to you to still 'hang out' in the group... for yourself and to help new patients... or you may just 'pop in' to say "hello".

You gain insight about treatments, recovery strategies, wisdom and friendship from patients  around the world 

We offer prayer and spiritual support  (The Founder, Trish Duke, is a non-denominational minister)

People who care about you can be invited to join the group (with permission from the patient)

Exclusive updates for the Resource Library will be posted on the FB group.

Members are welcome to share insights, articles, videos etc on the FB group.  After review, your input could be added to the Resource Library. 

24/7 access to the FB group and Library...for the rest of your life
 
Contributors to the Pink Ribbon  Resource Library:
  • ​Breast cancer surgeon
  • Family Doctors
  • Breast Cancer Nurses
  • Senior breast cancer Physiotherapist                                                                                 
  • Breast cancer survivors and their loved ones
  • Best-selling authors
  • Award-winning documentary maker
  • Ongoing new contributors and resources
 
Some of the resources in the Resource Library …
 
1. Links to the best, relevant, international breast cancer organisations. (This can save you hours of researching)

2. A female breast cancer surgeon gives a five part radio interview and patiently explaining the medical terms, treatment options and issues that
her patients want to know about.  How invaluable would a whole hour consultation be to you?

3. A lady family doctor talks about coping with cancer and how patients find the courage. She also talks about how the carers cope and what help they need.

4. A male doctor wrote man-to-man about how to help their wife to regain her self-esteem and sexuality….wait till you read the intimate letter from a
cancer survivor (twice) sharing about her experiences!

5. A four part interview series with a breast cancer nurse gives insight into breast cancer surgery and treatments, lymphedema, how much to exercise,
bras and clothing…and so much more.

6. Breast cancer survivors and family members share how they coped…valuable insights.

7. The 6 e-book series called “Mastectomy Recovery”  They teach you about physical recovery of your arm as well as your fitness, emotional and
sexual recovery, what to wear, lymphedema, treatment options, finding courage and pain management.

8. Watch Jan, who is a mastectomy/breast reconstruction patient . We follow the easy-to-do exercise program from day one at home, with weekly visits
until you see her on the golf course just a few weeks later. Your loved one can copy her exercises and stretches to get her arm functioning well.
This video also shows how to avoid or minimize lymphedema.

9. The award winning documentary series 'Dying To Live' includes families who talk about their cancer journeys from diagnosis onward.
3 x 1 hour special programs. One program 'A Family Affair', features a young mother, Sonia who is going through the treatments phase.
She and her husband talk about how they coped with the initial diagnosis and what they told the children.
Her mother talks about her own breast cancer journey. Both husbands share their intimate thoughts.

10. Exclusive Webinars designed to educate and inspire you along your cancer journey

11. 'Rest & Restore' meditation/relaxation MP3 has a simple relaxation technique and comforting Scriptures to lift your spirit and soul.

12. '50 Ways to Feel Better with Cancer' video is packed full of easy options to make you feel better and find your ‘get up and go’ when it has ‘got up and gone’.

13. Information and treatments for lymphedema

NEW UPDATES 
  • Axillary Cord Formation: Research paper on why the armpit can be excessively restricted post-op and the best treatment options.
  • Bathing and dressing after a Mastectomy: Article
  • Questions you should be asking your doctors: Article
  • How stress affects breast cancer: TV program
  • New research on how to increase the uptake of chemotherapy by 50%: TV program
  • Research on how prayer improves your recovery: Article
  • How past sexual, emotional or physical abuse affects your breast cancer recovery and where to get help
​Ongoing updates...
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Click here to gain access to the PINK RIBBON KIT

​If you would like to explore the option of one-on-one support then you can expect:
  • You will be listened to without judgement
  • Confidentiality
  • We will be there for you throughout the entire breast cancer journey (until it is just a memory)
  • Motivate and encourage your loved one to make the best recovery possible
  • Celebrate  the victories with you
  • Help you to find the answers you need
  • We will be open and honest with you
  • If you would like prayer, we can pray with and for you and your loved one

What we  can’t offer is individual treatment advice, but I can help you to research your treatment options and teach you how to ask your medical team the right questions, so you are confident that your treatment plan is right for you.  (There's an article with all the questions to ask in the Library)

Understanding the treatment plan plus self-help recovery information plus good support, goes a long way to relieving stress as well as emotional and physical pain. 

This is not the time to struggle alone!

Get the help you deserve to help you throughout your breast cancer journey and get the best recovery possible...physically, emotionally and sexually.


We would love to help you and your loved one to make the best recovery possible...physically, emotionally and sexually.
​
Click her to access the help you deserve.

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Trish Duke
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.

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