Pancreatic cancer: have your say and help make a difference :)

[#1]

Hello to everyone who is posting and viewing  I am Helen Gooden, the Pancreatic Support Project Coordinator at The Cancer Council NSW and for the NSW Pancreatic Cancer Network at The Garvan Institute of Medical Research. The Live Forum on Tuesday was the first of three planned for this year. These Forums are your opportunity to ask those questions you were never game to ask and have time with specialists in the field. Your participation can help make a difference for many  others who have similar experiences. Your question will have relevance for many others, there is no such thing as a silly question. It is also an opportunity to speak directly to those who are passionate about making a difference for people affected by pancreatic cancer.The next one in August, "Clinical Trials and Pancreatic Cancer" will be with Associate Prof David Goldstein, Staff Specialist in Medical Oncology, Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney. David Goldstein is a Director of the Australasian Gastro- Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) and is President Elect for the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA). David is passionate about research into pancreatic cancer. He is excited about the upcoming Live Forum and the opportunity to engage with you and answer your questions about clinical trials. It is not too early to think about what are your queries and questions. Discuss them together here.The third Live Forum for this year, "Coping with the Festive Season",  will be in November with Maxine Rosenfield. Maxine offers therapy which specialises in cancer, crisis and relationships and coaching which helps people make practical changes to enable coping.I am also keen for feedback from you all, is this what you want? What other topics would you like explored? Did you find the Dietitians Live Forum with Kathy and Belinda useful, interesting or not? And why not, what could we do better for you?The Cancer Council NSW has a range of supportive care services for people affected by pancreatic cancer, starting with Helpline 13 11 20:-Peer Support through Cancer Connect, we have two Connect Volunteers ready to talk to you now. As they have had pancreatic cancer they completely understand how you are feeling. -Telephone Support Groups, held fortnightly for people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  Carers Groups for families and carers and a Bereavement Group if you are struggling with loss.-SPRING UP! Community Support for people affected by pancreatic cancer, carers, family and friends. Two Groups have started in Northern and Western Sydney but if you would like to start a SPRING UP! Group in your area The Cancer Council NSW will assist you with training and resources and a complete 'How To Pack'.-Pancreatic Cancer Support and Information Packs are available through Helpline and Online information at our website.Not all these services are NSW specific. Margro is looking for Sponsors and supporters to walk with her in the City to Surf August 11. If you are interested you may contact The Cancer Council NSW to register you sponsorship or to join the TeamIf you would like to have your say to make a difference for Pancreatic Cancer, don't hesitate, register here and start posting Cheers heleng@nswcc.org.au