Hello everyone, Hope you are all having a great 2021, and welcome to the cooler season of autumn. It can often be challenging to maintain our exercise programs as we move into the colder and slightly darker months with daylight savings approaching.   Here are a few tips to encourage you to keep moving; Revisit your SMART goals If you’ve been exercising outdoors maybe try a new class indoors, this could be yoga, reformer pilates or even joining a gym which may offer a variety of classes Setting up a workout area in your home for those raining days and revisiting some of our suggested exercise videos. These can be found here  (scroll to the bottom of the page) Join a local community group often they may have a walking or exercise group running For those working from home try to take regular breaks throughout the day, step away from your computer, complete a few stretches and take time out to go outside for a walk Additionally, if you’ve joined this year’s Cancer Council March Charge, at this stage you would have reached the half way point. Keep powering through and marching to achieve those goals 😉.    We'd love to hear from you, do you have any suggestions to keep motivated and active during autumn/winter?     The Survivorship Team ... View more

Hi everyone, Hope you are all staying safe and warm during these very chill winter months. Now more than ever is a time to continue to stay connected.   A common challenge and concern for cancer survivors is a fear of the cancer coming back (a recurrence). The fear can have an impact on your physical wellbeing, your ability to enjoy life again and to make plans for the future. People find that their most concerned at certain times these include: special occasions such as birthdays anniversaries (date of diagnosis or completion of treatment) before follow-up appointments when symptoms like those when you were first diagnosed are present again the death of a family member or friend The risk of cancer recurrence varies for each person and can depend on several factors including the type and stage of cancer, genetic factors, type of treatment and time since the completion of treatment. It is best to talk to your doctor about your risk of recurrence.     Here are some suggestions for managing the fear: focus on what you can control (e.g. positive lifestyle changes) talk to your specialist & GP about your risk of recurrence speak to a counsellor or psychologist if the fear becomes overwhelming joining a support group consider being involved in a creative activity such as pottery or art classes talk to a doctor about how to distinguish normal aches and pains from cancer symptoms How do or have you managed with these challenging times? Please share your experiences/ perspectives in the comments below.   Cancer Council has a range of resources available including on the website, click here to view the information there is a link to download the pdf version of the ‘Living Well After Cancer’ booklet (pg. 17-22).  There is a podcast on ‘Managing fear’ click here to listen.   You might also like to take a look at our webinar which discusses “Fear of cancer coming back. What can I do to stop feeling this way?”, click here to view.   Other related resources; Peter Mac also have some information and a webinar on ‘Fear Less’, click here to be directed to their website Peter Mac factsheet, click here BCNA information and support visit their website Thank you The Survivorship Team ... View more

Hello everyone,   Hope you are all well.   Here are a few resources on changes in thinking and memory which can happen for some during their cancer journey.   Cognitive problems can occur before, during or after cancer treatment. Some people notice small subtle changes and for others the effects are obvious. These changes in thinking and memory are called cancer-related cognitive impairments or cancer fog or chemo brain.   Some of these changes may include; Difficulty focusing or concentrating A felling of mental fogginess Difficulty finding words during conversations Finding it hard to do more than one thing at a time Tiredness or fatigue Unable to keep up with conversations Difficulty processing information Memory changes (forgetting names, dates and numbers) Cancer Council has several resources available to help you understand some of these changes and ways to support you to cope with some of these issues. You might like to read our ‘Understanding Changes Thinking and Memory fact sheet’, click here for a pdf version or visit our webiste.   Please take a look at our webinar which discusses “Chemobrain”, click here to view.   Thank you The Survivorship Team     ... View more

Hello everyone,   Hope you’re all staying safe and well. It’s important to stay connected especially during these uncertain times.  Remember we are all in this together.   A cancer diagnosis comes with many changes and adjustments for not only the person diagnosed with cancer but also the carers this might be wives, husbands, children, siblings, parents, other family members and or friends. You may not see yourself as a carer rather someone taking care of a person who needs you. You may have had to balance caring with conflicting demands such as work, family or study.   Your role as a carer is valuable. Although caring for someone with cancer can be difficult and stressful at times, many carers have said they are better people for the experience of caring. Some people find that it can be rewarding and life changing.   It would be lovely to hear from carers, please share your experiences/perspectives in the comments below. What are or were some of your thoughts and feelings? What helped you to cope during those difficult times?   Cancer Council has a range of resources available for carers, family members or friends. A great place to start is with our webinar on caring for the carer click here to view.     You might also like to read our caring for someone with cancer booklet or visit the website below for some other resources https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/for-family-and-friends/   Where to find carer support; Our peer support team runs a carers telephone support group, this is for people who are providing primary care for a family member, friend or loved one with a cancer diagnosis. To get in contact with them call 1300 755 632, email tsg@nswcc.org.au or for more information visit https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/1375/uncategorized/telephone-support-groups/   Carers Australia offers counselling through Carer Gateway please visit https://www.carersaustralia.com.au/ which will guide you to services and programs available within your state.                             The Survivorship Team   ... View more