Waving Not Drowning 1

Share the Care

2010-06-28T09:34:00.004+10:00

My Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in June 2003, just six months following the death of my brother, Peter from cancer. Peter was managed at home with the support of family and so Dad decided that this was to be his option as well. He also chose not to pursue any further tests or treatment for his illness. All of our family respected is decision, given that the memories of what Peter had endured during the seven years of his cancer were still very fresh in our minds. But this was not necessarily a negative.

Dad was aged 78 and was very satisfied with what he had achieved during his almost 79 years. He was still working and continued to do so until 6 weeks prior to his death. He virtually left work, went to hospital, transferred home to live out his last few weeks, during which he celebrated his 79th birthday and had many very memorable talks with his wife of 55 years, his remaining 6 children and all of his 25 grand children, as well as the numerous friends who called to have a chat. He would often ask us to be present if he had visitors, as his voice was very soft by this stage and he would tire easily, but we never managed to get a word in. He continued to hold court until 24 hours before he died. I think Dad chose his journey of death as a lesson to the rest of his family, just like Morrie Schwartz did in “Tuesdays with Morrie”, a book by Mitch Albom, which I’m sure a lot of you have read. He took all of us along for the ride and I’m sure we have all learned much about life and death from his great lesson.

To me, Palliative Care is about caring for a person with a terminal illness. It is not only about those suffering from cancer, but many other diseases as well. It is care that minimises pain and discomfort whilst enabling the patient to chose their own course of action, within reason, of course. The most important person during palliative care is the patient. This certainly was the case with my Dad and I will endeavour to explain how we as a family, a large family coped with the demands, what helped us and how we tried to keep the social and emotional impact to family members to a minimum.

Communication and inclusion were always high on our priority list and as we all like to talk, that certainly wasn’t a problem. As two of my brother’s commute and work in Sydney and with another brother living in Orange, it was vitally important to have an open means of communication. All of Mum & Dad’s 6 remaining children and their 25 grandchildren, ranging in age from 28 to 8 years were included at every opportunity. There were no secrets surrounding Dad’s illness or his imminent death.

Some of the things that certainly helped all of us cope with my father’s illness and ultimately his death included the following.

Dad’s attitude to life and to death. He often told us that we are all put of earth to die, and that some of us were very fortunate because we are given a time to “get our affairs in order”. He believed that he was on of those fortunate people

Dad’s need for all of us to know what was going on

Lunchtime meetings with Alison or Jenny, the palliative care nurses - talk of bowels, bladder, pain, tolerance or intolerance to food, drinks, breathlessness, showering, smoking and consultation with doctors

Dad would talk to us about his imminent death, how we would care for him, for mum, his funeral and much more. He was a person who was in control and fiercely independent all his life and wanted to remain so for as longs as possible. He certainly called the shots right up until his death.
Dad was admitted to hospital for a short stay because of symptoms associated with his illness, about six weeks prior to his death. Once his condition stabilised, we held a family meeting in his hospital room, with the palliative care nurse present and planned what we could achieve and how we would manage dad at home for what was to be the remaining weeks of his life. Dad and Mum were present along with their six remaining children and any of the grandchildren who chose to be there. It was school holidays, so some of the grandchildren didn’t really have a choice. A plan was actioned and we were able to take Dad home, with the support of the palliative care team, the community nurses, Dad’s GP, the ambos and us.

Generally, no-one was excluded from Dad’s room, except when we were sponging Dad in the last couple of days of his life. By this stage he was catheterised and was wearing an incontinence aid because of diarrhoea and he didn’t want his younger grandchildren to see him like that. We had approval to take photos including Dad in his last few days and all he asked was that we didn’t remember him like that. Family members ranged in age from 53 years to 8 years. Their questions were answered very openly and honestly at all times. We developed rosters during the last 6 weeks of Dad’s illness for a family member to stay the night with Mum and Dad. Even though Mum is very capable, Dad was very protective of her and as she has a severe hearing disability, someone staying was very appropriate as once Mum took her hearing aids out to go to bed, she didn’t really hear anything that happened. Dad thought that it was very important that Mum got her rest as well, as some of the days were really quite exhausting for both of them.

We had a ‘do-drop-in-centre’ for the family, which was an around the clock type of thing. Dad was set up in the lounge-room and had a very bright lamp and as he needed lots of fresh air, the door to the outside was mostly open. This light turned out to be a sign or a signal that either Dad was alright or that he was awake. The grandchildren were on duty for the night shift and would sleep there to be ‘on call’, so to speak. We purchased a remote door chime and Dad had the ringer and the chime was able to be located wherever it needed to be. Dad would check it every night before going off to sleep. It had to be positioned so that he could hear it as well as the sleep-over person hearing it. There would be panic stations if Dad couldn’t hear it, because he didn’t know if the person who was being summoned could hear it either.

The children and the grandchildren organised the roster on a weekly basis and Dad always knew who was going to stay the night. If Dad didn’t feel really comfortable as his condition deteriorated, he would let us know and so the second stage of our plan was put into place. Stage 2 was basically that one of the adult children as opposed to the grandchildren to stay and the sleeping arrangements changed, so that a second bed was set up in Dad’s room for us to sleep and at times one of the grandchildren as a back-up person. At all times, Dad knew what was happening, who was present and so on. We also made a promise to both Mum and Dad that if his condition deteriorated significantly during the night, Mum would be woken immediately. Mum would check on Dad several times a night as well as each time she would stir, she would get up and just check.

Whenever Dad’s medication was changed, we would get scripts filled, so that if an emergency rose, we would have the necessary drugs available. We checked with Dad’s GP as to whether he did house calls, because without the type of reassurance that a doctor gives his/her patients, Dad would not have been so comfortable with his situation. If Dad didn’t want his medication at a certain time, then he wouldn’t have it until he was ready. If he was ready for a sponge at 8 o’clock at night, then he would have it, even if it took us 2 or 3 hours to complete it, having to stop for a smoke in between washing arms and legs or face and back. Time was not a factor in Dad’s life at that stage and he thought it shouldn’t be in any one else’s either. He often told us that if we weren’t able to look after him at home, he would have died weeks before he did, because he would have told them all where to go if he had to be rushed or felt obligated to do something he wasn’t ready to do. He would eat when he wanted and not necessarily when it was meal time. Just as well there were many of us to share the load, because if we were beginning to get a little intolerant of the situation, we could have some time out and call on someone else.

We were in a position to be able to access and use an electric high/low bed, special mattresses, gel pad, oxygen concentrator, commode char, urinal, dressings, shower cloths and hair washing caps – absolutely anything that was needed. All of Dad’s physical comfort needs were able to be met with the generosity and assistance of the palliative care team and from within the community. We had all the important phone numbers and instructions on a chart that was displayed in Dad’s room and a second copy of the fridge in the kitchen.

This information was compiled with Dad’s assistance and wishes. It included information about nurses, doctors, and Dad’s wishes if he was to be transferred to hospital or wherever. As Dad required oxygen, there were instructions what to do if there was a black-out. The ambulance guys were asked about this when they transferred Dad home from hospital. This information was all written down, so that we didn’t have to rely on someone telling someone else. We tried to leave no room for error. It was important that Dad had the utmost confidence in each and everyone of us so that he did not have to have any unnecessary anxiety attacks as this was most distressing to him and anyone else there to witness it.

We talked to Dad about his funeral and he didn’t want a fuss or bother. He told us he didn’t want us to cry and make a show either. We have him an assurance that this would not happen. He chose his pall bearer and told us what hymns he didn’t want rather that what he did want. He told us that he would leave that up to us. He gave us specific instructions about when he arrived at the church for his own funeral and so on. We promised him what we knew was achievable and told him we would do our best for the rest. Everything that he requested was able to be organised.

This was made much easier because we went to the funeral home prior to dad dying. We asked them about any special requests so that if anything had to be checked out, there was time available to do so. We were able to choose the casket and the flowers without everything being such a rush. We weren’t so emotionally fragile either. There was never any pressure for any family to be present for any of these activities at any time. Everyone was encouraged to be involved but never pressured. If they didn’t feel comfortable doing something in particular, then that was OK.

When Dad did die, most of the family was round his bed, but some of the grandchildren who live in Sydney had to be contacted. Some of them requested that they wanted to see Dad at home before he was taken to the funeral home. Their wish was granted. The family prepared Dad for burial. We collectively chose what he wore and everyone who wanted to be involved was able to do so. We washed, shaved and dressed Dad so that we could all say our last farewell. We had a beer with him and other family and friends were able to way their farewells as well. The children were free to go and ‘talk to pop’ if they so desired and ask any questions of us. We considered that having a deceased person in the house was really no big deal and that the children would feel much more comfortable with death being able to touch, question and hold him if they so desired. The funeral home was not contacted until the following morning, nearly 12 hours after his death.

We also had frequent contact with our priest during Dad’s illness and he gave us books from which to choose readings and prayers to prepare for the funeral service. Because some of these prayers trigger an emotion within, it certainly helped to have the opportunity to browse over a period of time. We would often come together in prayer with Dad and even though this was an emotional time for all, it certainly helped us all come to terms with the fact that Dad was only to be with us for a limited time. These opportunities were very personal and gave individuals the opportunity to share their anxieties and thoughts.

We made a list of people who needed to be phoned once Dad had died. In a state of emotional turmoil, we thought we would not necessarily remember who had to be notified. So, a list was made and systematically worked through when the time came to make these calls.

Dad had tasks for most of his children during his illness; one was the cashier, one the book-keeper, one the ‘matron’ and so on. No-one was shielded from any of the pain and suffering. It was our way of minimising the social and emotional impact on all of us. Dad loved people to call and have a chat. He never turned anyone away and if he ever knew we asked someone to call back, he was most annoyed. He told us that if they were good enough to visit, then it was good enough for him to see them. Even though he didn’t want to be remembered in his emaciated state, he was never embarrassed by his appearance. He shaved himself almost every day and made sure his hair was combed and that he was always clean and presentable. It wasn’t hard to make conversation with him, as he did most of the talking on most occasions. If he knew boys were driving back from Sydney of an evening, he wouldn’t turn his light out until they had called on him. Many late nights were experienced by all.

In summary, I think that the most important part of the care of my father was knowing that he was happy and satisfied and comfortable with the care that he received. This was achievable because we talked to each other, listened to each other and planned with each other. We gave him a wonderful farewell; an open means of communication helped bring the many family members closer together and enabled us to ‘share the care’.

Jan Cameron

An Evening of Palliative Care Tales

2009-11-30T10:33:00.007+11:00

Tales from the Edge

On the 25th of November at the Orange City Library Dr Frank Brennan an internationally renowned Palliative Care physician read a collection of stories at the Orange City Library he has written based on his experiences working with people with the diagnosis of a life limiting illness. These stories inspired hope and resonated with compassion and humanity.

Dr Frank Brennan is a Palliative care Physician who currently works in Sydney at Calvary Hospital. He has an interest in all aspects of Palliative Care including how story telling and the humanities illuminate this area of human experience.

He has written a series of narratives drawn from his work with the dying; several of them have been broadcast on ABC Radio and published in the Griffith Review and Australian Financial Review. He has worked in Palliative Care for many years in Ireland and Australia.

The Evening was a great success Dr Brennan read his stories out to an audience of about 30 people. The stories seemed to cover the spectrum of Palliative Care experience and they all revealed a deep sense of compassion that underpins Dr Brennan's approach.

Stories also included Dr Brennan experiences of palliative care overseas, in Timor and Africa. These were moving vignettes of the experience of Palliative Care in communities were the need is high but resources shamefully low. For me what was striking about these stories was the support that dying people received from their communities.

Dr Brennan's stories not only painted pictures of the people but also of their environment, so as I listened to the stories I found myself imagining the surroundings, this made the stories feel so much more concrete. The stories highlighted for me also the range of emotions that can be experienced in working in Palliative Care. The sadness is always there but this is so often offset by the laughter and humour that as Palliative Care clinicians we experience when working with the dying and their carers.

This humour comes from a very deep place and for me rests on a foundation of courage nourished by love and as a Palliative Care clinician I can say that to experience this is a privilege.

For me one of the highlights of the program was the support we received from Orange community. Special thanks to Angela Owen from the local ABC who interviewed Dr Brennan and broadcast his stories over the week preceding the evening. Thanks to the staff at the Orange City Library in particular Jasmine Vidler and Elizabeth Barry who provided the venue and stayed back to help support the evening. Catherine Rogers from the Greater Western Area Health Service media unit also provided invaluable support in the promoting of this event.

If you would like to hear Dr Brennan's stories you can follow this link to the ABC blog
http://blogs.abc.net.au/nsw/central_west_mornings/index.html

Mindfullness Meditation

2009-10-21T15:57:00.006+11:00

You are invited to Mindfullness Practice. A four week programme commencing on Tuesday 10th November to Tuesday 1st December 2009. Costs: $40.00 to attend the whole program.

Sessions will run from 10.00 am -12.00 noon on:

1.Tuesday 10th November

2.Tuesday 17th November

3.Tuesday 24th November

4.Tuesday 17th December

The sessions will be held at Centacare: 107 Willliam St, Bathurst, NSW. Telephone 63318944.

Ask for Sandy Dengate for more details. The sessions will be run by Margret Wilson who has trained extensively in the Mindfullness Technique.

Mindfulness Meditation is about learning to experience life fully as it unfolds—moment by moment. One popular misconception about meditation is that it is a way to make your mind blank so you can escape from what you are feeling. However, author Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn wants you to understand that meditation is an invitation to wake up, experience the fullness of your life, and transform your relationship with your problems, your fears, and any pain and stress in your life so that they don’t wind up controlling you and eroding the quality of your life and your creativity.

It is not about running away, or manipulating mental states.Through the practice of mindfulness, you can learn to develop greater calmness, clarity and insight in facing and embracing all your life experiences, even life’s trials, and turning them into occasions for learning, growing and deepening your own strength and wisdom.

Motor Neurone Education and Information Day's

2009-10-09T11:05:00.008+11:00

The Motor neurone Diseaese Association of NSW have organised 2 really exciting education and information day's on the 13th and 14th October 2009 planned at the Orange Ex- Services Club, 241 Anson st, Orange

The Information Day: On 13th October; for people with MND and their families has been organised as part of our current focus on providing special educational programs for people with MND, and their carers living in regional NSW.

What you will learn:

By the end of the day you will know more
about:

• motor neurone disease
• the role of Community Options Projects and
the MND NSW Family Support Service
• how to access important support services
and benefits
• specialised equipment to help maintain
independence and care at home
• breathing difficulties in MND and how these
can be managed
• gentle massage and its benefits
•
You will also have the opportunity to:
• ask questions
• share ideas and experiences with others in a
similar situation

MND Directions in Care: has been organised as part of our current focus on providing special educational programs for health and community care professionals in regional NSW.

What you will learn:

By the end of the day you will know more
about:

• MND and recent trends in MND research
• breathing difficulties in MND and how these
are managed
• the role of MND NSW Family Support Service
• specialised equipment to help maintain
independence and care at home
• palliative care and its role in supporting
people with MND
• Community Options Services and
coordination of care for people with MND
• managing speech and swallowing difficulties
in MND

There is no charge for you to attend these program but to reserve your place you will need to to register.

For further information about the program please contact:

Jenny Judd, Regional Advisor
or Gina Svolos, Manager, Family Support
MND NSW.

Phone 1800 777 175 or 8877 0999
jennyj@mndnsw.asn.au
ginas@mndnsw.asn.au

Palliative Care 2009 Perth Conference

2009-10-02T14:28:00.006+10:00

Together ! Cultural Connections for quality care at the end of life.

I just got back from the 2009 International Palliative Care Conference held in Perth Thursday 24th -Sunday 27th. The conference combined the 10th Australian Palliative care Conference and the 8th Asia pacific Hospice Conference and there is no doubt that this conference provided a rare opportunity for so many representatives countries to get together and look at Palliative Care from a very broad international perspective. 35 countries were represented with over 1250 delagates attending. I heard that there was over 325 speakers.

The topics discussed represented the broad range of concerns in Palliative Care from the development of national and international standards, policy and economic descision making, symptom control, complementary therapies, psycho social, spiritual concerns, non malignant palliative care, aged care, Carers, HIV/AIDS, paediatric care, models of care, clinical issues, public health, rural Health challenges, grief and bereavement, cultural connections, Indigenous connections, ethics and law, creativity in palliative care and symptom management.

Ggreater Western Area health were well represented in the speakers. Myself (James Daley), Christine Symmington (Palliative Care Nurse specialist Forbes) and Mellissa Cummings (CNC Broken Hill).

I talked about this blog in a talk titled "Expanding Worlds: Creating a Cyber Palliative Community in the Bush.", at the conference I talked alot about this blog and it's potential. The aim of this blog is to try and offset the social isolation experienced by those with a terminal illness and their carers by creating a space on the internet where participants can share their experiences in a supportive space. I also talked about the useful links that are also incorporated into the site. My talk was very well recieved and I found that it connected with other peoples work particularly in Victoria.

Mellissa talked about a case study entitled "Lils" Story which (Mel was given permission by the patient's family to talk about this culturaly sensitive topic ) examined the journey of a 34 year old Indigenous woman, diagnosed with metastatic cancer of the cervix when heavily pregnant with her 7th child. Melissa presented the case using photographic images of the Broken Hill landscape as a visual background to to the verbal presentation. The presentation highlighted the issues that arise for cancer and palliative care patients in rural and remote communities. One of the startling revelations of this talk was the fact that "people living in remote NSW diagnosed with cancer are about 35% more likely to die as a result of their cancer in the first five years, than people in areas with greater access to services" (Jong et al 2004)

Christines presentation was entitled "How do we improve access? Making the Palliative care service more accessible for Indigenous people. Working from the fact that Indigenous clients are under represented in the referral to Palliative Care service.

In consultation with local Aboriginal health workers strategies were developed to improve understanding and access for Indigenous clients. One of the strategies involved the development of a brochure titled "Palliative Care for Indigenous Australians" which was developed with the assistance of local Aboriginal artists.

I came away from the conference with many ideas I was particularly impressed by the need to develop palliative care's presence in the support of patients with non cancer life threatening illness's, a new value's based approach to education in Palliative Care, the role of community development in extending palliative care services ability to help people in remote and rural areas (which is a public health approach to palliative care), the increasing utilisation of complementary care in supporting palliative patients and their carer's and also the increasing use of the creative arts in helping support patients.

The whole conference experience was quite overwhelming at times, I was struck by the respect that every body showed to each others work and the enthusiasm that participants shared there findings with each other. Listening to speakers from developing countries talk about how they manage to deliver palliative services to huge populations on very little resources reminded me that our committment to each other and those we serve is our greatest resource.

Reflexologist and Energy Healer

2009-09-22T15:49:00.004+10:00

Nicole Foxall is currently part of the "voluntary" Complementary and Supportive Care Clinic at Daffodil Cottage. Nicole offers Reflexology and Energy Healing therapy for patients and carers of the Bathurst Oncology/ Palliative Care service. Currently the Daffodil Cottage service offers 1 Complementary and Supportive Care clinic a month. (Bookings are essential. 63305347)

Nicole has been a Registered Nurse for 17 years. In 2007 she decided to take her interest in complimentary therapies a step further and studied Reflexology and Reconnective Healing. Since gaining her qualifications she has introduced many people to the benefits of both modalities. Nicole continues to expand her knowledge base and is currently studying a Diploma in Reflexology.

Nicole is an accredited and fully insured member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. You can contact Nicole at The Classical Herbalist (52 Keppel Street, Bathurst 6332 6799), or visit www.nicolefoxall.com.au

Understanding Reflexology

2009-09-22T15:10:00.008+10:00

What is Reflexology?

Reflexology is an art and a science that is based on the principle that the feet are a direct reflection of the body. It is a method for activating the healing powers of the body through the feet.

When the body is out of balance illness, pain or disease may occur. Reflexology can assist the body to move closer to its natural state of balance. It is much more than a "foot massage" as the techniques used are specific and directed to the areas of need of the receiver. It is a wonderfully relaxing therapy that works on many levels, soothing, calming and boosting your entire body.

Benefits of Reflexology

Reflexology can aid in: Relaxation, stress relief, pain reduction, increase in energy levels, feelings of well being and balance - people feel better on many levels physical, emotional and spiritual.
"Scientific research has supported the use of Reflexology for cancer care."

What happens in a Reflexology Treatment?

A medical history will be taken on your first visit to ascertain what your health needs are. After this is finished you need simply to remove your shoes and socks and lie down on a massage table with your feet supported by a pillow.

How will I feel during a Reflexology session?

Some people find Reflexology so relaxing they fall asleep. Others feel both deeply relaxed and highly alert at the same time. This is typical of alpha and theta brain wave states and is a great benefit of Reflexology. You may feel warmth or cold spreading throughout your body. A sensation of an electrical current is also a common experience. In addition to these physical sensations, some people feel deep emotions. Feeling emotions like this is normal and Reflexology can help bring things back to balance - making you feel free and lighter afterward.
During a Reflexology session you may feel all of the above sensations, some of them, or none of them, and that's okay. Reflexology is good for you regardless of what you feel and don't feel.

What to expect after having a reflexology treatment.

It usually takes 24 to 36 hours for the energies to settle in and your body find its new balance. During this time you may notice reactions such as needing to go to the toilet more often. This is a good sign as it indicates that the energy has been received and balanced.

Reiki Master

2009-09-22T14:50:00.003+10:00

Trish Casey is currently part of the "voluntary" Complementary and Supportive Care Clinic at Daffodil Cottage (Bathurst). Trish offers Reiki and Vibrational Therapy for patients and carers of the Bathurst Oncology/ Palliative Care service. Currently the Daffodil Cottage service offers 1 Complementary and Supportive Care clinic a month. (Bookings are essential. 63305347)

Trish has been working in the Health Care Industry for 14 years in all fields of nursing and is currently working as the Nurse Manager of Education. Trish is not only an Educator & Trainer in the Health Care Industry, but is also a Student Facilitator & Creator of a Staff Wellbeing Program.

Trish has completed studies in Adult Education and Advanced studies in Rural & Remote Nursing. She has a very keen interest in the field of Complementary Medicine and has worked and studied with Complementary Therapists in Australia, Asia and the US.

Trish is a trained Reiki Master Teacher & Vibrational Energy Therapist and her passion lies with holistic healthcare & helping people achieve optimal healthcare through the combination of conventional & complementary therapies.

One of the richest Men I have met.

2009-09-22T13:54:00.007+10:00

This is a snippet of Dick West's story, a man one of his close friends described as the "Richest man he Know's". That 's not because of the money he has but because of the richness of his "life journey" and the love for life which he so generously shares with his family, friends and community.

Dick was born in in 1932 at North Rocks Rd, Carlingford. His grandfather, Jim West used to operate a boat called the "Growers friend" on the Lane Cove and Parramatta rivers transporting produce to the markets and returning supplies to the settlers. The "Growers friend" sailed up and down those rivers between 1878-1912, some 34 years, before being sunk in Walsh Bay after a collision with a passenger ferry. His family all worked with horses and it was here that Dick learnt his skills as a blacksmith and wheelwright.

As a child he remembers walking four miles to school everyday to attend Hornsby High School. After leaving high school he started working on sheep and cattle properties where his skills as a blacksmith and welder came very handy. This gave him the background that he would later use in his fabrication business.

In 1953 he met the love of his life Betty Blome, and in 1956 they moved to Blackheath. In 1959 Dick set himself up in business fabricating boat and car trailers he also did general welding and ornamental iron work. It was also around this time that he became interested in fabricating playground equipment. He was further encouraged in this direction by a Blue Mountains City Council engineer Mr John Yeaman who had visited America and brought back the plans of a playground "rocket".

Dick built his "Moon Rocket" first in 1961 and it became known as the "Blackheath Moon Rocket". It stood an impressive 30 feet high it was subsequently installed in Blackheath Memorial Park. He made a total of 38 moon rockets and they were erected in locations such as Elizabeth in South Australia, Mooree, Broken Hill and Taree. Over the years Dick built a variety of interesting shaped play equipment including a stage coach, submarine, old woman's shoe, elephant slippery dip, HMAS Endeavour (which earned him a trophy at the 1970 Blackheath Rhododendron festival) a space capsule, a Tiger Moth biplane, a vintage car and a dinosaur. These were installed in playgrounds across Australia. A number of these were sponsored by the Blackheath Rotary and started life in the Rhododendron festival procession and then would be installed in the Blackheath Memorial Park.

The main work which launched "R.J.West Fabrications" was with a contract with the "World Wide Church of God" who were constructing a huge building which required 123 feet clear span roof trusses. This work was followed by other steelwork framing jobs. The firm also became renowned for it's artistic wrought ironwork.

Dick also built and sold magnificent regal coaches and in November of each year he would drive one in the Rhodendron Festival.

In 1965 his business was booming and he moved his premises from the "Igloos" to a larger building in Station St. It was here, that in 1973, he started fabricating "Westcar Sidecars". He built 2 models and they proved so popular that he built some 400 in total, over the years.

Dick and Betty bought a property down in the beautiful Megalong Valley and began to breed Clydesdales, a heritage from his pioneering family background. In the 1980's he was keen to set up a horse drawn coach service to show the tourists the sights but this was one dream that never eventuated for Dick although in later years he was to help others set their businesses up along similar lines.

Working hard all his life took it's toll on Dick's body and in 1988 he retired to his property in the Megalong Valley. From his back door he has a front row view of the Narrow Neck Penninsula and he is proud to say that he is one of only a few people who have witnessed the wonder of nature the "Phantom Falls!"

Dick is proud of his 4 children Ross,Richard, Danny and Alice as well as his gorgeous grandchildren. Dick say's he was a man who always recognised an opportunity and had faith in his ability to make a difference to his beloved Blackheath.

Dick continues to love his life in the Megalong Valley with his wife of some 56 years and even a nasty cancer has not destroyed his faith in life or his sense of humour.

2009-09-18T14:54:00.001+10:00

Glenda said...
We have just had one of our monthly support Group meetings at Daffodil Cottage as listed above I would like to encourage any new prospective members to come along. It is a great friendly, happy encouraging, instructive and wonderful morning. We have a delicious Morning Tea together with lots of laughter and good times together. Sometimes we have a discussion on a topical subject or a speaker. Next month we are all going to the Continental Restaurant for lunch. If you decide to come to this we would love you to let us know before hand so we can tell you the details.We would love you to join us. Please phone Gen at the above phone number.

Kandos Rylstone Pink Ribbon Day

2009-09-17T11:44:00.006+10:00

Dinner
Rylstone Club
5 October, 2009
Guest Speakers: A male and a female breast cancer survivor
Dress: PINK Preferred, Prizes for the most outrageous, most original, daggiest and of course most PINK
Auction on the night. All funds raised are for the Cancer Council NSW, for Breast Cancer.
COST: $20
Bookings: Judy Monaghan 6370 0981 OR Nicky Daniels 6379 1465

THINK PINK
Rylstone Multi Purpose Building, Bylong Valley Way
Thursday
8 October, 2009
11am
Women's Health Nurse Cathy Pattulo showing 'Think Pink' DVD which shows how to examine your breasts for Breast Cancer. Come along and learn how 5 minutes of your time each week could save your life.
Please bring a morning tea plate, cup of tea supplies
Raffle: A Dolly Parton Loaf of bread supplied by Rylstone Bakery (Thanks Rachel)

Friday 9 October, 2009
10am to 4pm
CWA Hall Rylstone
Cup of tea and cake $5
Trading table all day
ALL WELCOME

Saturday 10 October, 2009
10 am to 4pm
CWA Hall Rylstone
Cup of tea and cake $5
Trading table all day
ALL WELCOME

Spotted in Kandos

2009-09-14T21:53:00.006+10:00

In the main street in Kandos: Pink Ribbon day is on Monday, 26 October, 2009
http://www.pinkribbonday.com.au/home.htm

Skin Cancer (Cancer Council)

2009-09-14T16:36:00.001+10:00

Skin Cancer Facts

If you would like to learn more about skin cancer prevention,detection and teeatment follow this link to the NSW Cancer Council's website.
http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/editorial.asp?pageid=1315

If you want information regarding Melanoma follow this link.
http://www.melanomafoundation.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=23&Itemid=40

Brain Foundation of Australia

2009-09-14T15:55:00.004+10:00

Brain Tumour and Brain Cancer

Brain tumours affect adults of all ages. There are almost 1,400 new cases of malignant brain tumours in Australia and many more benign brain tumours that can be just as deadly if the tumour is in a vital area of the brain. More than 1,200 people die each year from malignant and benign brain tumours.

Brain cancer is also one of the few cancers which occur in children, with 115 new cases a year among children.

These pages have been prepared to help you understand more about brain cancer and brain tumour.

To find out more about Brain Cancer follow this link

http://www.brainaustralia.org.au/brain_tumour

Australian Thyroid Foundation

2009-09-14T13:16:00.005+10:00

The Australian Thyroid Foundation's Website.

We are here to help you understand the many aspects of thyroid disorders with information provided by Australia's peak thyroid patient organisation.

http://www.thyroidfoundation.com.au/index.html

Embrace your life workshop

2009-09-11T11:28:00.004+10:00

Hi Everyone

I was a participant in the Workshop which ran over 4 sessions at Daffodil Cottage where we learnt to express ourselves in different ways.

I chose to tell a story of old friends meeting and chatting with pictures cut from magazines to highlight aspects of our long friendship. I drew on the past and the present with laughs, tears and plans for the future.

I am not artistic in any way so the collage I produced was in need of a bit of professional help which was willingly given by Sarah and Cate who instructed the group with James and Christine.

I found the workshops very enjoyable and valued the opportunity to share my story with other people.

Judy Plater

Tales From the Bush

2009-09-11T09:54:00.013+10:00

RECOLLECTIONS OF HUGH KING: FIRST-YEAR JACKAROO “BARRATTA”

Station Deniliquin, Nsw: 1946

Hi my name is Hugh I’m eighty years of age. After attending the Embracing your Life workshop a few weeks ago I decided to have a go at telling my story, here's the first chapter.

I Grew up in Manly NSW. Went to the bush at age seventeen and eventually had my own sheep station at Mungindi on the NSW/Qld border. Left the bush in 1970 after twenty four years and spent twelve years as a futures broker in Sydney. Since 1982 have farmed at Perthville, near Bathurst and now have only sixty acres to look after. My wife died of breast cancer in 1996.

In January 1946 I took a train from Central Station in Sydney for Finley in southern NSW. I had spent the last two years as a junior in the Sydney office of Australian Mercantile Land and Finance Company (AML&F) and was now to start as a first-year jackaroo on the company’s Barratta sheep station west of Deniliquin. World War II had finished five months earlier. I had just turned seventeen.

I was somewhat disappointed to be destined for Barratta as the company had originally said I was to go to Victoria River Downs in the Northern Territory, then the largest cattle station in the world—approximately the size of Belgium! Barratta was about 80000 acres (32400 hectares) and while not as exciting as Victoria River Downs it was still a great adventure for a city boy who had always dreamt of living in the outback.

I was to be paid the grand sum of one pound (two dollars) a week and keep. The working week included Saturday mornings but I quite often worked on Sunday, for which I was paid overtime. That sounded reasonable. However, in reality, for a full Sunday’s work I got eleven pence (ten cents)!

Jackaroos were not allowed to have their own motor vehicle, motor bike or horse on the station. We were taken to town for half a day every few months but otherwise we could not leave the station without permission. It was forbidden to bring alcohol onto the property, but we managed to smuggle a few bottles of beer each on our trips to town. We hid these under bushes at various parts of the run. We always had a bottle of blow-fly dressing hanging on our saddles and it was easy to substitute it for a bottle of beer on the way home at the end of the day.

Keeping the beer cool was another problem. Bottles from under the bushes were cool enough for drinking in winter but were too warm in summer. We solved this problem by placing a bottle in a sugar bag and hanging the bag in the underground rainwater tank at the house. This was a daring manoeuvre as the water tank was in the homestead courtyard with very little cover.
One of my early jobs was to help with shearing. We had about eight shearers and the same number of rouseabouts. Shearing was still done on Saturday morning but Saturday work was abolished not long after this. The shearers’ quarters had rooms with two wooden bunks, one above the other. The shearers were given a hessian palliasse which they filled with straw. In later years shearing industry workers were awarded more civilised conditions.

On the first day the wool presser died with a heart attack. He was a middle- aged man who had recently been discharged from the Army. Probably he was not used to such demanding physical work but he obviously had a pre-existing heart condition. The shearers stopped work for the rest of the day as a mark of respect.

On the second day the shearers sacked the cook. For breakfast the cook had made rolled oats. It was tough and rubbery and the men did not eat it. When they came in for lunch the cook had served up for dessert, the cold rolled oats left over from breakfast together with dried apricots. Shearers are keen on their food and this was too much.

The shearing contractor made a rushed trip to town for a replacement cook and returned with an old bloke whose appearance was, to say the least, not impressive. He had several days growth of beard, his clothing was dishevelled and his shoes almost worn out. But this old man was a real shearers’ cook. When standing in front of a wood stove he created magic.

The kitchen had a brick oven. From memory this had a brick floor, brick sides and a domed brick roof. I think there was an outer brick shell and between this and the oven was a thick layer of sand. A wood fire was lit inside the oven several hours before baking was to begin. When the oven was at the correct temperature (this must have been an art) the fire was raked out and the article to be cooked was placed in the oven and the door closed.

I have read that one method used to gauge when the correct heat had been reached was when you could not hold your closed fist in the centre of the oven past the count of six! Such delights came out of that oven—sponge cakes and puff pastry jam tarts, Anzac biscuits and baked custard. But the real gems were bread and bread rolls and yeast buns with sultanas and a shiny sweet glaze. The bread was light and soft with a hard crust and carried the smell of wood smoke. I ate in the shearers’ mess for the duration of shearing; I can still recall meals with bread fresh from the oven and still warm, spread with salty homemade butter and washed down with a mug of tea.

Hope you enjoy my story!

Hugh

Camp Quality

2009-09-10T13:27:00.004+10:00

Kids and their families that belong to Camp Quality are living with cancer.

You might need some fun therapy!

You're probably here because you, a friend or a family member has been diagnosed with cancer. It's a pretty scary word isn't it?

Most of the time, cancer affects older people. Not many kids get cancer but when they do it can normally be treated.

We don't focus much on cancer itself at CQ. Our focus is on bringing optimism and happiness to our families through what we call 'fun therapy'.

We believe in positive psychology.
We are certainly not suggesting this is something that will immediately cause happiness. What we may be able to offer are ideas for the emotional journey and lots of opportunities to have loads of fun and meet new friends just like you!
So if you're a child affected by cancer, get your family to join CQ. It will be fun!

If your interested in finding out more about Camp Quality follow this link:

http://www.campquality.org.au/public/home.aspx

National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC)

2009-09-10T13:18:00.002+10:00

National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) is Australia’s national authority and information source on breast and ovarian cancer.

Funded by the Australian Government, NBOCC works in partnership with health professionals, cancer organisations, researchers, governments and those diagnosed to improve outcomes in breast and ovarian cancer.

NBOCC plays a vital role in the translation of worldwide cancer research into meaningful and evidence-based information to guide the work of Australian health professionals, improve health service delivery, inform people with breast or ovarian cancer about all aspects of their diagnosis and treatment, and raise community awareness about the diseases.

If you would like to find out more about breast cancer follow this link: http://www.nbocc.org.au/

Leukaemia Foundation

2009-09-10T12:42:00.003+10:00

We are dedicated to the care and cure of patients and families living with leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders.

How we can help you
Practical care and support
We offer assistance when and where it matters most to patients and families.

Funding research
We also fund vital research into better treatment and cures.

What you need to know about blood cancers and related disorders
Learn about leukaemias, lymphomas, myeloma and related blood disorders including causes, incidence, diagnosis and treatment. Includes general information on living with these diseases.

If you would like more information about these blood related cancers follow this link:

http://www.leukaemia.org.au/web/index.php

Melanoma Foundation

2009-09-07T14:32:00.005+10:00

The Melanoma Foundation was established as a charitable foundation of the University of Sydney in 1986. It arose from Australia's first melanoma clinic at Sydney Hospital and became the Foundation when the Sydney Melanoma Unit was transferred to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. At that time a major need to encourage early diagnosis of melanoma was obvious, so the Foundation took this need as its first area of endeavour. Very quickly its programs expanded to include raising community awareness of the damaging effects of sunlight, and a major clinical and biological research program. A close association has been maintained with the Sydney Melanoma Unit throughout the Foundation's development.

If you would like to find out more about melanoma: http://www.melanomafoundation.com.au/

Bowel Cancer Australia

2009-09-07T14:23:00.004+10:00

Bowel Cancer Australia

Founded in 2000 by generous benefactors, the Bowel Cancer & Digestive Research Institute Australia (Bowel Cancer Australia) has become a leading national charity in bowel cancer and digestive health education and research. Founded in 2000 by generous benefactors, the Bowel Cancer & Digestive Research Institute Australia (Bowel Cancer Australia) has become a leading national charity in bowel cancer and digestive health education and research.

This is a terrific site for those with an interest in Bowel Cancer. If you would like to have a look follow the link: http://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/bowel_cancer/mission.html

Australian Lung Foundation

2009-09-07T14:08:00.007+10:00

About the Australian Lung Foundation

Our Mission
The mission of the Australian Lung Foundation is to:
1. Raise awareness of lung disease
2. Promote lung health
3. Provide advocacy, education and support services to those impacted by lung disease
4. Provide resources to health professionals to assist in the management of lung disease
5. Facilitate and encourage medical research into lung disease
If you would like to find out more about what this site has to offer: http://www.lungfoundation.com.au/content/view/10/17/

Can Assist

2009-09-07T12:48:00.003+10:00

The purpose of Can Assist is to provide assistance and care to cancer patients and their families through our network of branches and accommodation facilities. Each year more than $1.8 million goes directly to supporting people with cancer in rural NSW through:

Direct financial assistance to support individuals and families facing difficulties because of cancer; for accommodation, travel, equipment, treatment, wigs and other items.

Subsidised accommodation and specialised care at the Jean Colvin Cancer Centre in Sydney and through Ecclesbourne (Sydney) and Lilier Lodge (Wagga Wagga).

In this web site you will find information about and how to access our services, ways in which YOU Can Assist people living with cancer through donations, volunteering and events, latest news and media coverage of Can Assist.

You can connect to this great resource using this link http://www.cancerpatients.com.au/

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia

2009-09-07T12:00:00.004+10:00

Here is a great Australian resource for people wishing to find out more about Prostate cancer.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is the peak national body for prostate cancer in Australia. It is dedicated to:
1. Funding research into the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of prostate cancer
2. Raising awareness about prostate cancer
3. Providing support, information and advocacy to men and their families impacted by prostate cancer
If you would like to have alook follow this link: http://www.prostate.org.au/articleLive/

Growth House

2009-09-07T11:48:00.004+10:00

Here is a great new site that I've added to our list of links. it's called Growth House this site is fantastic for patients,careers or health professionals anyone looking for information, books, internet sites or links to other blogs on Palliative Care issues.

"Growth House, Inc., provides this award-winning portal as your international gateway to resources for life-threatening illness and end of life care. Our primary mission is to improve the quality of compassionate care for people who are dying through public education and global professional collaboration. Our search engine gives you access to the Internet's most comprehensive collection of reviewed resources for end-of-life care."

To have a look at this treasure trove of information follow this link: http://www.growthhouse.org/

Embrace your life workshops

2009-09-04T11:29:00.007+10:00

These workshops promote the development of skills in creating objects and story telling. They are part of the Palliative and Cancer Services Supportive Care Program. The following images are participants' stories and participants working at a workshop.

Pricilla Davies and her daughter Gwenda. Pricilla was born Pricillan Anges Smith on 13th January 1910 at South Norwood, South East London. She has three children.

Complementary/Supportive Care Clinics at Daffodil Cottage

2009-09-01T12:11:00.002+10:00

Hi

We are in the process of setting up a Complementary/Supportive Care clinic at Daffodil Cottage (The Oncology and Specialist Palliative Care centre in Bathurst.) This is a project that will last for 6 months. 3 complemnetary therapists have kindly offered to run a clinic (on a voluntary basis) once per month. They will be offering a range of therapies including: Reiki Therapy, Massage and Reflexology.

If you would like to find out more about the clinic contact Desiree Burgess ACT NUM at Daffodil Cottage. 63305347 The clinic will be commencing on the 21st of September.

Embracing Your Life workshops

2009-07-24T16:25:00.007+10:00

We had our first workshop today. Sarah Parsons lead us in exploring words. We wrote 3 sentences about an object that we brought to the workshop. The sentences were then cut up into words. We were then asked to remove any words that we thought we didn't need. These words were then placed in the middle of the group and then offered to other members of the group to use if they wished.

This started us thinking about the stories we had to tell. Next Cate McCarthy encouraged us to find images of things that held associations for us in a range of magazines. We began to make collages which we could incorporate the words wrote, drawing, stories ....... we will work on these next workshop on 14 August, 2009. Other people are welcome to join this workshop. Participants enjoyed sharing their stories and trying something new.

The Dying Man and the Vulture

2009-07-21T09:12:00.010+10:00

Hi Everyone

In this poem Kahil Gibran creates an inner dialogue between man and death which shows a process of acceptance of death and the letting go of life. For me the poem captures the essence of a peaceful/natural death based on acceptance and faith in nature. Although the "Agony Overwrought" sounds like he needed an earlier referral to his local palliative care providers for good symptom control!!

This poem offers much to reflect and ponder on and has so much beauty and strength I thought I would share it with you.

I'd be very interested in hearing anyones comments on this poem.

THE DYING MAN AND THE VULTURE

Wait, wait yet awhile, my eager friend. I shall yield but too soon this wasted thing, Whose agony overwrought and useless Exhausts your patience. I would not have your honest hunger Wait upon these moments: But this chain, though made of breath, Is hard to break. And the will to die, Stronger than all things strong, Is stayed by a will to live Feebler than all things feeble.

Forgive me, comrade; I tarry too long. It is memory that holds my spirit; A procession of distant days, A vision of youth spent in a dream, A face that bids my eyelids not to sleep, A voice that lingers in my ears, A hand that touches my hand. Forgive me that you have waited too long. It is over now, and all is faded:

The face, the voice, the hand and the mist that brought them hither. The knot is untied. The cord is cleaved. And that which is neither food nor drink is withdrawn. Approach, my hungry comrade; The board is made ready. And the fare, frugal and spare, Is given with love. Come, and dig your beak here, into the left side, And tear out of its cage this smaller bird, Whose wings can beat no more: I would have it soar with you into the sky.

Come now, my friend, I am your host tonight, And you my welcome guest.

Kahil Gibran

Kahil Gibran

2009-07-10T10:50:00.009+10:00

HI Everyone

I read this beautiful poem today about Death by Kahil Gibran, and I thought others may also take some comfort from these inspired words.

Death XXVII by Khalil Gibran

Then Almitra spoke, saying, "We would ask now of Death."

And he said:

You would know the secret of death. But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life? The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light. If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life. For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.

In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond; And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring. Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity. For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun? And what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing. And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb. And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Lily D

Embrace Your Life

2009-07-06T11:29:00.002+10:00

Daffodil Cottage Specialist Palliative Care and Cancer Services
(Greater Western Area Health Service)

“Embrace Your Life” Workshops.

Four workshops focusing on “object making, writing and computer skills” are being offered. The workshops will be run by 2 professional artists and supported by the Bathurst Arts Health coordinator, Palliative Care Nurse Consultant and a Social worker. The aim of the workshops is to help people tell a story. Participants who wish to can publish their work on the “Waving Not Drowning Blog” sponsored by the “Greater Western Area Health Palliative Care Service”. This Blog aims to offset the potential for isolation experienced by many Palliative patients and their carers.
The workshops are intended to promote the development of skills in creating objects and story telling. The groups will be led by 2 local artists with much experience in helping people explore their own unique creativity.
Each workshop will be 2 hours long with a light lunch and tea/coffee provided.

Where are they being held?
Daffodil Cottage: Cnr of Howick and Commonwealth st’s. Bathurst.

Who can come along?
Anyone who has (or has had) a life threatening condition.
Anyone who is caring for a person with a life threatening condition. (or who has cared for someone with a life threatening condition)
A limited number of spaces are available for Palliative Care volunteers.
There are 20 spaces available.

When do they start?
Each workshop will be two hours long, the workshops are free to all participants and art materials will be provided. Workshops will start at 11.00 am and finish at 1.00pm.

1st
Workshop
24th July

2nd
Workshop
14th August

3rd
Workshop

28th August
4th

Workshop
11th September

How do I Register?

Fill out a registration form and hand it in at the administration desk at Daffodil Cottage. You need to get your registration form in quickly otherwise you might miss this opportunity to have some fun!

For all enquiries contact: James Daley CNC Palliative Care on 63395631

Black Fellows Hands Cave

2009-06-26T09:37:00.003+10:00

Heres a Picture of the two beautiful gaurdian spirits of the Black Fellows hands Caves in Lidsdale not far from Portland. My wife Sue took this photo last weekend when we went on a little photographic expedition into the area.

Bathurst Palliative Care Aqwareness table

2009-06-24T10:10:00.005+10:00

The Bathurst Palliative Care Service will be represented at Stockland Mall Bathurst 22 nd October between 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm. ( we are given different spots each month) we will be attending a "Palliative Care Awareness table" which will be staffed by a Specialist Palliative Care nurse and a representative of the Bathurst Voluntary Palliative Care group.

We will be there to answer any enquiries about palliative Care and in particular what our service has to offer our local community. We will have many pamphlets to give away on palliative care topics.

We will be attending this "Palliative Care Awareness Table" every 4th Thursday of the month at Stockland Mall (bathurst) from now on. It gives the local community an opportunity to meet the local Palliative Care team in an informal way and discuss issues that are important to them.

Carers Australia

2009-06-23T16:32:00.004+10:00

Carers Australia Supporting Family Carers

Carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail.

More than one in eight Australians provide care of this kind.

We provide important services like:

counselling
advice
advocacy
education
training.

Carers provide unpaid care and support to family members and friends who have a disability, mental illness, chronic condition, terminal illness or who are frail. http://www.carersaustralia.com.au/

What is Palliative Care?

2009-06-23T12:37:00.003+10:00

The World Health Organisation defines Palliative Care as :

An approach that improves the quality of life of individuals and their families facing the problems associated with life threatening conditions, through the prevention and the relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical,psychosocial and spiritual.

provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms.
affirms life and regards death as a normal process.
intends neither to hasten nor postpone death.
integrates the psychological and spiritual aspects of care;
offers a support system to help patients live as actively as possible until death.
offers a support system to help the family cope during the patient's illness and in their own bereavement.
uses a team approach to address the needs of patients and their families.
is applicable early in the course of illness, in conjunction with other therapies that are intended to prolong life.

Palliative Care is appropriate to many conditions that have a terminal phase and and are progressive in nature.

Greater Western Area (Southern and Eastern sectors) Specialist Palliative Care team

2009-06-23T12:01:00.004+10:00

Referrals to the Specialist Palliative Care Service can be made by any health professional a patient themselves or family and friends.

The Specialist Palliative Care Nurses are located at 4 major centres in the Greater Western Area.

Bathurst: "Daffodil Cottage" (02) 63 305347

Orange: "Anson" Cottage (02) 63 933380

Forbes: Community Health Centre (02) 68 50 2233

Parkes: Community Health Centre (02) 68 62 1866

The Specialist Palliative Care Nurses are available from 8.30 am -5-00pm Monday to Friday. The nurses can visit palliative patients/carer's in their homes in hospital or in a residential care setting.

The Palliative Care Specialist Nurses can offer a range of services to support palliative patients and their carer's (including professional carer's).

This includes:

Advice on symptom control.
Helping to cordinate or refer to a range of supportive services.
Links with Palliative Care doctor's.
Assessment.
Loan of special equipment.

If you think you might need the help of the Specialist Palliative Care team contact the nearest centre and ask to speak to a Palliative Care Nurse.

Bereavement Coordinator

2009-06-17T10:15:00.004+10:00

A Bereavment Coordinator has been employed by the Greater Western Area Health Service to provide and coordinate bereavment follow up to family members and carers of patients registered with specialist Palliative Care Services.

The Bereavment Coordinator can also provide consultancy and support to clinicians and service providers.

If complex or prolonged gref is identified, referral can be made to local available services to assist the family member/ carer.

There are also some bereavment support groups available in some towns across the Greater Western Area Health Service.

If you would like bereavement support please contact your local Palliative Care Service or the Bereavement Coordinator on 02 63933396 or 02 63933380

Helen

Helen Hodgkins

Bereavement Coordinator (Mon - Wed)
Greater Western Area Health Service
Anson Cottage
302 Anson St
ORANGE 2800
Ph 6393 3380

Community Social Worker (Wed - Fri)
Community Health Centre
129 Sale St
Orange
Ph 6393 3300
(Switch)

Belly Balm

2009-06-16T10:29:00.004+10:00

"Belly Balm' is a book of recipes and stories that has been published in the North West region of NSW. The objective of the book is in keeping with the 2009 National Palliative Care Awareness theme "If Only I Knew" and seeks to improve awareness of Palliative Care and the issues that surround it.

Belly balm is a wonderful collection of delicous recipes and personal reflections which have been contributed by Palliative Care carers and patients. These have been interspersed with contributions from a wide range of health care workers. This reflects the diverse group of Health Care workers who provide Palliative Care and how these teams come together to provide different levels of support needed to care for this group of patients and their carer's.

Alison Dawes
Lourdes Hospital
Dubbo

All Day Dreaming

2009-06-16T09:37:00.001+10:00

Dear All.
I wrote this poem when my beautiful Granny started to drift away from us, losing her memories and no longer recognising us.

Kind Regards

Lilly D

All Day Dreaming

2009-06-16T09:25:00.001+10:00

All Day Dreaming

A Stranger's crying in the kitchen.
I been all day dreaming.
These cups won't stop rattling.
And something's pulling me away.

These old hands got me questioning.
Into my eyes you've been searching.
Is It you I've been seeing.
Between my flickering dreams.

The airs full of whispers floating.
Too soft for me to be hearing.
But I'll be resting on them.
Because I'm tired again today.

I don't recall the growing.
I don't recall the losing.
I just got this feeling.
Something's pulling me away.
I remember the feeling.

You and me been singing.
But I just ain't remembering.
Any words to the song.
And the airs full of whispers floating.
Too soft for me to be hearing.
But I'll be resting on them.
Because I'm tired again today.

Lily D

Congratulations!

2009-06-12T15:32:00.004+10:00

Hi James,

I have been meaning to add to this blog for some time – wow what an achievement! You and Christine deserve huge congratulations as this blog is both informative and creative. So often I hear of the isolation felt both by people with chronic illness and their carers or loved ones. I really hope they may find this approach a supportive way to share stories / feelings / thoughts over time.

It would be great if you could add a link to the work underway at the NSW Central West Division of General Practice. They are involved in several programs supporting people with chronic healthcare needs. If any further information regarding this would be helpful, let me know and I can certainly provide this. I’ll have a think about some other potential useful links and send these on.

Congratulations again. I’ll keen watching this site with great interest and support!

Claudia

Orange Prostate Support Group

2009-06-12T12:49:00.002+10:00

The Orange Prostate Support Group. Providing a supportive and informative environment for men with prostate cancer and their partners or any person wishing to find out more about prostate cancer.

Meets: Anson Cottage (Orange)

When: 4th Monday of the month 6pm

Who to contact: Barry Spilstead 0427624067
Barry Moore 63926800
OR Cancer Council on 63920800

Thanks

Deb

Debbie Thornberry Office Coordinator
Western Regional Office - Orange
Cancer Council NSW
75 Kite St, Orange NSW 2800
PO Box 1977, Orange NSW 2800

Main Tel: 02 6392 0800 Direct : 02 6392 0802 Internal : 2802
Fax: 02 6361 7425

Email: debbiet@nswcc.org.au

Cancer Council is the leading cancer charity in New South Wales. Our mission is to defeat cancer.
For help and information call the Cancer Helpline on 13 11 20
P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail

On the way to work!

2009-06-12T09:13:00.002+10:00

Hi

I took this photo this morning on the way to work. It was taken on the Sunny Cnr rd near Portland. It just reminds me of what a beautiful place we live in.

Cheers

James

Bathurst Art and Health Program

2009-06-11T15:10:00.002+10:00

If you are visiting the Bathurst Health Service a walk around the
corridors will introduce you to some of the art works in the building.
The Quiet Room Level 3, which looks over the foyer is the site of Paddy
Robinson's Glass Work. It's worth a visit. Paddy is from Sofala. Paddy
said 'I aimed to use my glass work to create a space that is relaxing,
calm and encourages quiet contemplation'. The frosted areas in the
work have been sandblasted which helps to create privacy. The design
represents a map of the local area.

Cheers
Christine

Christine McMillan
Art and Health Coordinator
Bathurst Health Service

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Orange cancer Council

2009-06-11T14:49:00.002+10:00

Hi James

What a great site.

Keep up the great work!

Deb

Forbes/Parkes: Breast Cancer Support Group

2009-06-11T11:02:00.004+10:00

The Forbes/Parkes: Breast Cancer Support Group has been meeting since 1992 and has approximately 53 members. It provides an informal support network for people with Breast Cancer and their carer's.

Time: 12.00am

When: 1st saturday of the month

Where: Vandenberg Hotel, Forbes.

Contact: Yvonne Shaw 68524267

Companions Thru Cancer

2009-06-11T10:29:00.004+10:00

The (Parkes) Companions Thru Cancer is a support/friendship group for people who have had a diagnosis of Cancer or are caring with someone with Cancer. The group meets twice a month and has approximately 30 members. Share a friendly atmosphere with other people who understand what it means to have or had cancer or care for someone with Cancer.

When: 1st Monday of the month and 2nd Wednesday of the month.

Where: Parkes Neighbourhood Centre
Currajong St.

Contact Person: Pam Moule 68623189

Bathurst Prostate Cancer Support Group

2009-06-09T16:21:00.003+10:00

The Prostate Cancer Support Group aims to increase the awareness of issues surrounding Prostate cancer, it's treatment and control. The group also provides an opportunity for men to discuss their concerns with other men who understand what it means to have a diagnosis of Prostate Cancer.

The group provides information around issues related to men's health and well being. The group meets every 3rd Tuesday of the month at Daffodil Cottage (cnr of Howick and Commonwealth St's, Bathurst) at 5pm. If your interested in finding out more about what this group has to offer call Arthur Cheers on 63321369.

Bathurst Regional Cancer Support Group

2009-06-09T11:09:00.004+10:00

The Bathurst Regional Cancer Support Group aims to provide support for those people with Cancer and those that care for them. The group offers a friendly place to to meet with other like minded people who understand what it means to have or to have been treated for cancer.

Time: 10.00am
When: 2nd Monday of each month
Where: Daffodil Cottage (Cnr Howick and Commonwealth St's, Bathurst
Contact Person: Gen Croaker on 63371109

Orange & District Gynae Cancer Group

2009-06-09T11:02:00.002+10:00

The Orange & District Gynae Cancer Group aims to support those women (and their carers) diagnosed with a gyneacological cancer. The group meets every two months 10.30-am to 12.30 am at Anson Cottage Orange. To find out more about this group call Nancy Gordon on 63933381

Bathurst Voluntary Palliative Care Group

2009-06-09T10:39:00.004+10:00

The Bathurst Voluntary Palliative Care Group This group's aim is to support those people with a life threatening condition and their carers. The group offers respite in peoples homes and members visit palliative patients in hospital and aged care facilities. The group meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 4 pm. At Daffodil Cottage cnr of Howick and Commonwealth Sts, Bathurst.

Members of the group participate in activities which supports the work done at Daffodil Cottage. To find out more about the group give Janine Donnelly a call on 63371634 or Glenda Bosanquet on 63371634

Orange & District Breast Cancer Support Group

2009-06-09T10:07:00.002+10:00

The Orange & District Breast Cancer Support Group aim is to support those people with breast cancer and/or their carers. It is for people who would like the support of a group of people who understand what it means to have breast cancer or support someone with breast cancer. The group has been meeting for the past 16 years presently there are about 60 members.

The group meets the 1st wednesday of the month (except January) at 4.00pm at Anson Cottage (Orange) for more details contact Libby Douglass on 63384069, mobile 0411518266, ldouglas@csu.edu.au

Orange Bereavement Support Group

2009-06-04T17:09:00.002+10:00

The Orange Bereavement Support Group meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 2.00pm at the Orange Base Hospital Chapel. Here they light candles in rememberance of lost loved ones. After talking to the hospital Chaplain they go to Anson Cottage (A short walk from the hospital) and have afternoon tea. This group offers an opportunity for people who have experienced the death of some body close to them to talk with people who understand how they feel. If you are interested in finding out more about the group contact Lorraine Flanagan on 63628610

Orange Cancer Support Group

2009-06-04T16:56:00.004+10:00

The Orange Cancer Support Group meets at Anson Cottage every 3rd Monday of the month. 4.30pm to about 6.00pm. The group offers informal support to people who have cancer or have been treated for cancer. It also welcomes their carers.

The group offers an opportunity for people to meet with people who understand what it means to have had or have cancer. If you are interested in finding out more about the group contact
Joan Heffer on 63623551 or Margaret Kingham 63665080

Correct Email Address for Posts

2009-06-04T14:38:00.000+10:00

wavingnotdrowning1.power@blogger.comThis is the email address for posting to the blog (Note: a change from the one on the flyer). If you click on the link it should work automatically.Labels: Christine.

Commonwealth Repite & Carelink Centre

2009-06-04T13:43:00.003+10:00

Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centres are information centres for older people, people with disabilities and those who provide care and services. Centres provide free and confidential information on community aged care, disability and other support services available locally, interstate or anywhere within Australia.

You can contact your nearest Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre by phoning a national telephone number Freecall™ 1800 052 222*. Anyone can contact a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre and to date Centres have assisted over 500,000 people.

When you contact a Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre the staff at the Centre will discuss your situation with you, and give you information about the local services available or those you may benefit from. However, if you would like to search for services in your area yourself you can use our online search facility.Welcome to the Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre Website

National Association for Loss and Grief

2009-06-04T13:21:00.004+10:00

The NALAG NSW Inc Dubbo Chapter offers ...Support - both group and one on one support is offered at no cost through a referral process. To access the service please request a referral form by writing email to mailto:info@nalag.org.au?subject=Referral.Education - regular Loss & Grief training addressing many areas.Good Grief Camps - promoting grief education, resilience building for young people are very much in demand.Healing Days - addressing the needs of community after a tragedies and disasters.Seasons for Growth - peer support programs for children, adolescents and adults are conducted by our NALAG volunteers.Response to Trauma - a team of NALAG members have completed training and regularly respond on request to local and distant communities.

Palliative Care Gala night and Professional Development Forum

2009-05-30T08:48:00.002+10:00

Hi

I've just had an amazing couple of day's. I attended the NSW Palliative Care Gala night on 28th. It was held in the Holme building at Sydney University. It was a bit weird for me because it brought back powerful memories of me as a 20year old wandering around (1978-1980) the university with not much of clue trying to complete a fine art's degree. It just didn't happen I completed 2 years and dropped out. But so many good memories of friends and doing really silly things, fun things. Better to have loved and lost than never loved at all!!

The Holme building has that old style university feel, it reminds you of the "Hogwarts" panaled walls covered by old dark oil paintings ( Isaw a John Passmore which I liked) Panaled walls. On the back wall was a huge mural. It reminded me of Michelangelo's last Judgement, (without the judgement, angels, demon's and God) all about human progess through academic achievement despite all the hardship etc. It was a very grand setting.

James Valentine was the compare and he was very entertaining! He payed for a little while in his jazz ensemble. Linda Hanson (one of the organiser's) sang a beutiful "Georgia" The minister of Health was there John Della Bosca. He said that he had a 1954 Les Paul and that he should of brought it all long! I can't remember alll the categories for the awards but Dr Richard Chi the director of Sacred Heart Hospice in Darlinghurst got the award for innovation in Palliative Care.If you are really interested I think if you go to the Palliative Care NSW site (It's one of our links) they will probably post more details. It was lovely to see that Claudia Guigni and Sue Netherwood from our area nominated.

The education day was one of the best I'd attended it started off with a talk by Dr Frank Brennan on the role of Palliative Care in Renal medicine. We had talks from other prominant physicians, Pain Specialists, Intensive Care, interesting research on the impact of Loss and Grief on Palliative Care Staff, Paediatric Palliative Care, Pain Management in Patients with drug dependency and Advances in the treatment of Brain Metastases. It really highlighted for me the range and diversity of issues areas of medicine that palliative Care intersects with. The issues surrounding death and dying really are everyone's concern. The day was a huge success thanks to Joan Ryan and her team for all the hard work organising the day.

I spoke to Janeen Folfani about the Blog and what we were hoping to do to develop and expand it's potential. Janeen who through PEPA funding helps to promote Paliative Care through education, placements for health professionals and other events which promote the understanding of Palliative Care. She has agreed to help fund our writing workshops. That is so exciting!!

I better wrap, it's Saturday morning and my wife is trying to get everyone organised, house tidy so we can get on with the day. I'd love to hear from anyone interested in the blog, Christine has made it so easy to post a blog just click on the link! And if you get a chance have a go at completing the evaluations it will only take a few minutes and it will give us an indication as to how the blog is working for people. I've got to go.

Look forward from hearing from you!

James

wavingnotdrowning1.power@blogger.com

2009-05-28T13:20:00.002+10:00

wavingnotdrowning1.power@blogger.com

This is the email address for posting to the blog (Note: a change from the one on the flyer). If you click on the link it should work automatically.

Blood Cancer Chat Group

2009-05-28T13:08:00.003+10:00

The Blood Cancer Chat Group is located in Forbes and is run by Claire Whatmore ph 68563146. It meets every 4 months for afternoon tea from 2-4pm. The next meeting is scheduled for 4th July.
Claire describes the group as an informal gathering of people who have experienced a blood Cancer (Care's and Patients) and would like a place were they can share their experiences with a group of supportive and caring people.

Workshops

2009-05-28T12:34:00.001+10:00

Hi ALL,
I would really like to get some workshops running with the local palliative care community and the users of this blog page. The workshops could help people tell their stories, teach the photographing and videoing of stories, show how to use the blog and help people to enjoy the time they spend together.
Do you have any ideas for workshops?

Christine
Art and Health Coordinator
Bathurst Health Service

James

2009-05-28T08:55:00.006+10:00

Hi

It's a cold and foggy day to day. Christine and I are very excited about the potential of Waving Not Drowning in the last 24 hours 32 people have visited the site and we can't wait to actually start to see the posts arrive!

Communication can be empowering especialy when your communicating to people who understand what you are going through and who have the information and understanding that you might need to help you through a difficult time!

At the moment Christine and I are collating all the contacts of the support groups in our area ie the Southern and Eastern clusters of the Greater Western Area Health Service (which is quite an undertaking given the fact the area encompasses places such as Totenham, Tullamore, Lake Cargelligo in the southern area to areas such as Oberon, Blayney in the eastern end.) We hope that getting this information all in one place online will make it easier for people to access the groups in their area .

If you can think of any groups in your area that you think people may be interested in let us know about them, you never know it might be just the group that someone needs to know about.

Today I am off to Sydney, the NSW Palliative Care group is having a Gala dinner, then on Friday I'm attending a Palliative Care education day. It's a very busy time.

Over the last 3 days the Bathurst Palliative Care team (Nurses and Volunteer's have been manning a Palliative Care Awareness table at Stockland Mall in Bathurst. It was a very interesting and rewarding experience for all involved. People stopped and were able to talk about situations that were troubling them. One person's relative was dying in another Australian state and she was very unsure about what she could expect from her family, we were able to talk to her about our experiences of similar situations and provide her with reading material and other contacts. After talking to us for about 30 mins she felt alot more able to deal with her difficult situation. The table was so successful that we intend to run it once a month for 3 hours. Once we have organised I will post the details on the blog.

Hope to hear from people soon

Have a wonderful Day

James

CanAssist: Cancer Assistance Network

2009-05-27T17:12:00.004+10:00

Financially supporting people in our community suffering from cancer.
How can we help?
Funds are available from CanAssist (Bathurst) to provide assistance for:

equipment hire/purchase
dietary aids
travel and accommodation expenses while receiving treatment
purchasing pharmaceuticals

If you wish to discuss how you or one of your relatives might seek such financial support, you should approach a health care professional or social worker at

Bathurst Health Service 6339 5311

Daffodil Cottage 6330 5347

Centrelink 6334 8412

Patients assisted by CanAssist remain anonymous and all requests for help are treated confidentially.

Need more information: June Turner 6337 1146

Playing for Time Transcript

2009-02-19T12:10:00.002+11:00

Playing for Time TranscriptPROGRAM TRANSCRIPT: Monday, 2 October , 2006CAROLINE JONES: Hello, I'm Caroline Jones. When Australian Story first met the brilliant young pianist Aaron McMillan five years ago, it was at the start of the most intense week of his life. He'd just been given a piece of news that changed his outlook on everything and, as our cameras began recording, nobody knew how the story would end. Tonight we revisit that award-winning program to find there are new twists and turns in the Aaron McMillan story, and the drama continues to unfold.AARON MCMILLAN: Just as a game, tell yourself that you could be six weeks from the end of your life right now. You could be. Suddenly, a lot of complicated things become very simple. You can forget about all the things that revolve around you and start focusing on the reason you were given this life in the first place. Find what it is that binds you to this life, because we're given the opportunity to work on that every single day, and then one day, suddenly, it can all be taken away. Twelve days ago, out of the blue, something happened that changed my life. I always prided myself on how healthy I was. I've never, ever had a cold in about 10 years. I had absolutely no symptoms at all. I felt fine. The only thing that I was feeling just in the last couple of weeks was a bit of pressure in my head and then, just by total coincidence, I had a little eye infection. And I thought, oh, no, this is a bit of a pain, 'cause I had a photo shoot coming up and things like this. So that was the one reason why I finally said, "Oh, I better go down to the GP and just get some antibiotic or something for it." She saw the eye problem straightaway and wrote me out a prescription, and off I went.For complete transcript: http://www.abc.net.au/austory/content/2006/s1754700.htm

Emailed blog entries

2009-01-08T16:16:00.003+11:00

Submitting a blog entry by email.
send to wavingnotdrowning1.power@blogspot.com
The subject of the email becomes the title.
You can include images by attaching them to the email.
Your entry will be entered by the blog administrator as soon as possible.