Think Pink Events 2021 - Think Pink Foundation

– Menopause and Breast Cancer with Assoc. Professor Amanda Vincent & – Assoc. Professor Caroline Girvich

(This event was held on Friday 12th November 2021 for all Think Pink clients)

Menopause can be a really challenging time in a woman’s life whether it occurs naturally or is medically induced due to treatment side effects. This session was presented by Assoc. Professor Amanda Vincent who explored menopause and breast cancer, the effects and reasons why this occurs. Amanda was joined by Assoc. Professor Caroline Gurvich to explore the cognition effects and menopause. Discussion will take place around their collaborating research regarding early menopause and cognition and encouraging individuals to participate if they are interested and meet the criteria.

Associate Professor Amanda Vincent

Amanda has clinical, research and translation expertise with national and international recognition in the area of menopause. This is demonstrated by her roles as a Consultant Endocrinologist for 25 years in the multidisciplinary Monash Health Menopause Clinic including the development of the Early Menopause, Menopause Oncology and Turner syndrome Long-term care clinics; as an invited speaker at national and international meetings (professional and consumer); as a Board member and President of the Australasian Menopause Society and as an invited member of the Cancer Australia working group on management of menopause in women with breast cancer.

Associate Professor Caroline Gurvich

Caroline is an Associate Professor and a clinical neuropsychologist. She is the Deputy Director of Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre and Head of the “Cognition and Hormones Group”. Caroline combines neuropsychological assessments with eye movement research to clearly characterise cognition. She has a particular interest in how hormones influence cognitive functioning in mental health and illness and has over 90 publications that have ultimately contributed to a better understanding of how biological factors influence symptoms and cognition in mental health and mental illness.

– Q&A Session with Dr David Speakman –

(This event was held on Wednesday 3rd November 2021 for the Supporting Blokes Group)

Dr David Speakman was invited to join the Supporting Blokes group for a Q&A session.

Dr David Speakman is a surgeon specialising in breast Disease and Melanoma. He has over 20 year’s sub-specialist experience in these areas. Dr David Speakman is currently the Chief Medical Officer at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac), having held this position since 2013. He has previously held positions as the Executive Director Clinical Services and Director of the Melanoma and Skin Service both at Peter Mac. David was intimately involved in the conception, design and build of Peter Mac’s new facilities in Parkville, Victoria which delivered a purpose designed future proofed and patient centred facility for patients with cancer.

David is also a practicing clinician working in both the Breast and Melanoma and Skin Units both at Peter Mac and in private. He has over 20 year’s sub-specialist experience in both these areas. David is the Chair of Breast Screen Victoria’s Quality and Accreditation Committee. David is a member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Council representing both melanoma and surgical oncology groups.

David remains actively involved in teaching programs for medical, nursing and allied health students of all levels from under to post graduate trainees. In addition, David is a long standing facilitator in the “Breaking Bad News” training program run through the Cancer Council of Victoria.

David has sat on numerous government advisory, NHMRC guideline, and optimal cancer care pathway committees. He is currently the Deputy Chair of the NHMRC.

– Medical Cannabis with Daniel Tan –

(This event was held on Wednesday 6th October 2021 for the Supporting Blokes Group)

The use of Medical Cannabis in Victoria continues to raise a lot of questions in the cancer setting. We invited Daniel Tan to help address some of these questions as well as provide some answers.

How can I access Medical Cannabis?
How much will it cost?
What symptoms could it help manage?
Who can prescribe it?
Does it interact with other drugs like chemotherapy?

Daniel works as a Medical Liaison for Medlab Clinical, a medical research and development company involved in support and education around the use of Medical Cannabis.

He has been a pharmacist for the past 10 years and a Medical Liaison with Medlab for the last few years. As a Medical Liaison, he is responsible for providing medical information to health care professionals and patients.

– Sex and Cancer with Dr Amanda Hordern –

(This event was held on Friday 1st October 2021)

Cancer can rob you of many things but the loss of intimacy, sexuality and confidence in yourself and your body are rarely talked about. This ground breaking book combines the latest neuroscience with simple, powerful and practical techniques to help you reclaim your sexual confidence, desire, and happiness from the inside out.

“As a 2-year breast cancer survivor who has been struggling significantly with the misplacement of my sexuality, I have to confess to crying (quite a bit!) whilst reading this book! I recognised myself, I recognised my partner and overall, I felt seen and heard.” Mailin Colman, President Australian Hypnotherapy Association.

This Q&A session with Dr Amanda Hordern, PhD and Doreen Akkerman, AM, was hosted by Breast Care Nurse Andrea Cannon as they answered the difficult questions about sex, intimacy and body confidence after cancer.

Dr Amanda Hordern is a leading expert who strives to lift the lid off the great taboo of sex and cancer. She draws on many years of experience as Executive Director Cancer Information and Support, at Cancer Council Victoria, Australia and decades of counselling, teaching and research in cancer care. Dr Hordern is an international keynote speaker and has lectured in cancer and palliative care at Post Graduate, Masters and PhD levels. She has assisted thousands of patients to reprogram their mind through her private practice, Bayside Healthy Living. She draws upon the latest findings in neuroscience to embrace measurable and uplifting changes, no matter what age, culture, gender, type or stage of cancer.

– Making Touch Choices – in the era of Google and global uncertainty with Samantha Rennie –

(This event was held on Monday 6th September 2021 for the Second Hope and HOT Pink Sisters Support Groups)

We recently had Dr Sophie Lewis present to the group findings from her research into the lived experience of Metastatic Breast Cancer. One of the themes she presented was around the subject of “Choice”. To follow up on this topic we will be joined by Samantha Rennie, who will explore this topic further and provide strategies to assist with the decision-making process in your cancer journey. Are you struggling with the overwhelming number of choices you have to make and the day to day decisions you are confronted with?

To what extent does your family or significant others influence the choices you make
Have your lifestyle choices been limited by the treatment you are receiving?
How do you make treatment decisions when there are several options on offer?
How do you navigate choices around the mass of information on complementary treatments
How do you make the choice to live well now whilst knowing the future is uncertain?

The Covid environment has limited some of our choices even further, adding a whole other layer where choice is taken away. This session offers to gain some tools that will equip us to live fully and deliberately in spite of the uncertain times in which we live.

After completing her Bachelor of Education, Samantha found her true calling in nursing and has been working as a nurse, facilitator, educator and therapist for over 25 years. Little did she realise that her nursing career could lead to working in the funeral industry but it was a critical meeting in coming to understand the full cycle of life and death and the importance of grief in that process.

Samantha has been working both nationally and internationally with corporations, groups and individuals around the topic of grief and empowerment to provide people with tools for greater communication, compassion and fun.

– Medical Cannabis with Daniel Tan –

(This event was held on Monday 9th August 2021 for the Second Hope and HOT Pink Sisters Support Groups)

The use of Medical Cannabis in Victoria continues to raise a lot of questions in the cancer setting. We invited Daniel Tan to help address some of these questions as well as provide some answers.

How can I access Medical Cannabis?
How much will it cost?
What symptoms could it help manage?
Who can prescribe it?
Does it interact with other drugs like chemotherapy?

Daniel works as a Medical Liaison for Medlab Clinical, a medical research and development company involved in support and education around the use of Medical Cannabis.

– Carers Victoria with Helen Carr –

(This event was held on Wednesday 4th August 2021 for the Supporting Blokes Group)

Helen Carr explored the services that are available to carers – this session followed on from the wellness theme during 2021 for the Supporting Blokes Group.

Helen started at Carers Victoria in 2010 as a Carer Support Worker and joined the Education Services Team in 2014. She has extensive experience in aged and community care services.

Currently Helen enjoys facilitating a variety of workshops for carers and staff that supports their well-being and capacity building.

Helen has a unique blend of managerial and direct experience working in aged care and has a Graduate Diploma in Aged Services Management and is a qualified trainer.

– Nutrition and Breast Cancer with Caity Smith –

(This event was held on Tuesday 20th July 2021 for all Think Pink clients)

Caity’s online class explored the unique nutrition needs of those going through breast cancer treatment, recovery and optimising diet for survivorship.

Nutrition plays a powerful role in managing energy levels and side effects during treatment, optimising weight and body composition during and after treatment and reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence.

Nutrition advice can be overwhelming and confusing, Caity will clarify the fact from fiction and there will be plenty of opportunity to answer your individual questions.

Caity is committed to providing evidence-based dietetic care that is equitable, accessible, and culturally appropriate for her clients. She has several clinical areas of interest including oncology nutrition, women’s health and reproductive nutrition, disordered eating, Non-Diet Approach and Health At Every Size®, and preventative and general nutrition.

Prior to realising dietetics was her dream career, Caity completed a bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology. These skills are something she now uses to enhance her dietetic approach and to create a supportive and safe environment for her clients. She is also passionate about evidence-based nutrition advice, having contributed to prostate and lung cancer nutrition research at Deakin University and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

In her down time Caity can be found curled up with a good book, trekking across Melbourne in search of the best almond croissant/strong latte combo or still trying to perfect that sourdough bread that she started during the Melbourne lockdown.

– Breast Care Fitting with Genevieve Gort –

(This event was held on Tuesday 13th July 2021 for the Fabulous Over 50s and Beyond Support Group)

After breast cancer surgery women need bras that are comfortable and gorgeous, and for some women, a breast form (prosthesis) or breast shapers to restore visual symmetry of breasts. Genevieve Gort displayed from her studio a range of bras, breast forms and breast shapers, lymphoedema bras, swimwear and swim forms.

Genevieve Gort is a registered nurse and a specialist breast-care/surgical garment fitter with 30 years of nursing experience.

Every woman’s needs are different – Genevieve offers a discreet and confidential service helping clients begin the important journey of regaining comfort and confidence after surgery.

– Covid-19 Vaccine Q&A Session with Dr Anita Muñoz –

(This event was held on Friday 9th July 2021 for all Think Pink clients)

As we continue to navigate ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks around the country and the vaccine roll-out, it is important to try to keep everyone safe and informed. With the ever changing challenges that we are faced with due to COVID-19, we have invited Dr Anita Muñoz to join Think Pink via Zoom on Friday 9th July from 12.30pm to 1.30pm for a Q & A session with Andrea Cannon, Think Pink Breast Care Nurse. Think Pink hopes that this session will clarify and answer the many questions you may have regarding COVID-19.

Dr Anita Muñoz is a GP in private practice in Melbourne’s CBD and has a dedication to evidence-based medicine, lifelong learning, and promoting the role of general practice in the health of patients, communities and in public health more broadly. Anita worked as a Clinical Editor and Clinical Advisor for 6 years with North Western Melbourne PHN through which a passion for health system improvement, innovation, sustainability and equity emerged. She sees general practice as the key to a rational health system that produces better outcomes for patients and practitioners alike. Anita has held advisory positions with Better Care Victoria and Safer Care Victoria and has been a medical educator for over 9 years. She is particularly preoccupied with the wellbeing and experience of general practice registrars, and of securing a high-quality general practice workforce for the future. Anita is Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Victoria.

– Mens Health with Dr Bernie Crimmins –

(This event was held on Wednesday 7th July 2021 for the Supporting Blokes Group)

Dr Bernie Crimmins was invited to talk with the Think Pink Supporting Blokes group for an educational and entertaining session about Men’s Health.

Dr Bernie Crimmins graduated from Melbourne University in 1980 and completed his Residency years at St Vincent’s Hospital. He began General Practice in 1983 and has completed a Graduate Diploma of Human Nutrition and a Masters Degree in Public Health.

Bernie has special interests in Nutrition and Weight Management, and Sports Medicine – having been the Hawthorn Football Club’s Medical Officer for 15 years and author of multiple men’s health books.

Specialities in General Medicine include: Nutrition; Weight Management; Sports Medicine.

– Making Hard Decisions with Dr Sophie Lewis –

(This event was held on Wednesday 30th June 2021 for Second Hope and HOT Pink Sisters Support Groups)

Dr Sophie Lewis shared her findings from her research exploring the experiences of women living with Metastatic Breast Cancer.

One prominent theme that emerged from interviews with women was around choice and the challenges of making hard decisions. The process of making decisions was far from straightforward for women, and added to the work of managing cancer. Women talked about how choices – ranging from decisions about treatment options to participation in work – were complicated by family dynamics, and considerations about how to spend finite time and money. Choice was described as one of the few avenues through which women could assert some control in their lives. Yet difficulties around trying to judge different (often expensive) treatment options in a fast-changing and complicated treatment space made decision-making more difficult for many women.

Dr Sophie Lewis, is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney.

A health sociologist with expertise in qualitative research methods, her research broadly focuses on understanding the experiences of living with long-term health conditions, and how to support people to live well with these conditions. This includes projects on people’s experiences of loneliness; experiences of uncertainty in the context of advanced and incurable cancers; and how people make choices about their healthcare.

– Essential Oils (Part 2) with Monique Poppelaars –

(This event was held on Monday 28th June 2021 for all Think Pink clients)

Following on from her workshop in May, join Monique as she takes us through some of the most popular oils, their benefits and common uses. This session will demonstrate practical and simple techniques (a combination of Reflexology on your hands and Aromatic Kinesiology™) to be used in your daily life with the oils that you may already have at home.

Did you know that the scent of essential oils activate the release of natural hormones through our Limbic system, also called the emotional brain? Our sense of smell is strongly linked to our memory association. The scent of freshly cut grass, the scent when walking in the forest or when it has rained.

Monique graduated as a Reflexologist and has been a professional member with the RAoA ever since.

She has joined the Victorian Branch of the RAoA on various occasions as a general committee member and also worked as a Special Events coordinator for several years.

In 2014 she was the Convenor for the bi annual RAoA Reflexology conference held in Melbourne which was a big success.

Monique has been studying Aromatic Kinesiology® with Robbi Zeck for more than 3 years now and loves exploring how essential oils can assist on a daily basis and enhance the treatments.

– Essential Oils with Monique Poppelaars –

(This event was held on Monday 31st May 2021 for all Think Pink clients)

This session will teach you about the power of nature whilst tapping into the world of plants and flowers. You will also be learning practical and simple techniques (a combination of Reflexology on your hands and Aromatic Kinesiology™) to be used in your daily life with the oils that you may already have at home. Did you know that the scent of essential oils activate the release of natural hormones through our Limbic system, also called the emotional brain? Our sense of smell is strongly linked to our memory association. The scent of freshly cut grass, the scent when walking in the forest or when it has rained. Join Monique and learn how essential oils can support you on your path to physical, emotional & spiritual wellbeing.

Monique graduated as a Reflexologist and has been a professional member with the RAoA ever since.

She has joined the Victorian Branch of the RAoA on various occasions as a general committee member and also worked as a Special Events coordinator for several years.

In 2014 she was the Convenor for the bi annual RAoA Reflexology conference held in Melbourne which was a big success.

Monique has been studying Aromatic Kinesiology® with Robbi Zeck for more than 3 years now and loves exploring how essential oils can assist on a daily basis and enhance the treatments.

– Managing Loss with Samantha Rennie –

(This event was held on Monday 10th May 2021 for the HOT Pink Sisters Support Group)

Sam Rennie, a nurse and grief facilitator will join us to help us to develop some healthy strategies that can support us through the sadness and fear that may arise with these losses and challenges. When we face our fears together and weave nets of support for the hard times, it is possible to grow stronger as a group and as individuals.

Samantha finished her Bachelor of Education in 1988 but found her true calling in nursing and has been working as a nurse, facilitator, educator and therapist for over 25 years. Little did she realise that her nursing career could lead to working in the funeral industry but it was a critical meeting in coming to understand the full cycle of life and death and the importance of grief in that process.

– Radiation Therapy & Metastatic Breast Cancer with Dr Janet Yeh –

(This event was held on Friday 7th May 2021 for the Second Hope & HOT Pink Sisters Support Group)

This presentation looked at what is new in the management of metastatic breast cancer and an overview of the latest evidence and research to support this. Janet also answered some of the commonly asked questions about radiotherapy in general and questions from the groups were answered on the day.

Janet is a Radiation Oncology Fellow working at the Olivia Newton John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Austin Hospital, with a special interest in breast cancer management and research, playing an integral role in the breast cancer multi-disciplinary team since 2020.

Janet is also a Masters candidate with Monash University, undergoing research projects looking into improving accuracy and consistency in the delivery of radiation therapy following lumpectomy surgery for breast cancer.

Since starting her training in 2014, Janet has had experience working in multiple Radiation Oncology centres in Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania.

– Carers Grief with Samantha Rennie –

(This event was held on Wednesday 5th May 2021 for the Supporting Blokes Group)

This workshop was presented by Samantha Rennie who discussed the tools and skills needed to navigate the stormy waters of cancer, it’s treatments and the changes that it brings to carers and the ones they love.

– Lubrication and Communication with Dr Amanda Hordern –

(This event was held on Friday 23rd April 2021 for all Think Pink clients)

Many people experience changes to intimate and sexual aspects of their lives after a diagnosis of cancer, yet it has been well documented that sexuality remains one of the greatest taboo topics in patient/ health professional communication. Dr Amanda Hordern, PhD, has spent decades exploring and researching the taboo topic, through educating, counselling and more recently providing sexual health and wellbeing in private practice. Bring your questions, reflections and open mind to share practical strategies that have the potential to assist you to reclaim your spark after breast cancer.

– Sleep and Relaxation with Maree Chambers –

(This event was held on Friday 16th April 2021 for the Second Hope and HOT Pink Sisters Support Groups)

Maree Chambers teaches Yoga and Meditation and explored strategies to assist the group with sleep and relaxation. This was a practical and interactive presentation and the group was invited to share ideas which they have found to be helpful.

Maree has worked in the field of health and health promotion for over 4 decades as an RN, Yoga and Meditation teacher and more recently as a Bowen Therapist.

Maree is also a Think Pink Volunteer/Facilitator who offers Meditation classes to all Think Pink clients.

– Cancer Related Fatigue with Dr Elizabeth Pearson –

(This event was held on Tuesday 11th May 2021 for Fabulous Over 50s and Beyond & Pink Sisters Support Groups)

Fatigue is a common symptom after cancer treatment. Cancer related fatigue is different to normal tiredness because it doesn’t always go away with rest or sleep.

Feeling tired, weak and physically or mentally exhausted can be frustrating and isolating. Managing fatigue is an important part of cancer care and there are things that can help. Elizabeth will discuss practical strategies for managing fatigue.

Dr Elizabeth Pearson has worked at Peter Mac since 1996 in roles including Occupation Therapist, Department Head and currently as a health services researcher. Her main goal in all roles has been to help people with cancer live their lives as well as possible, for as long as possible. Her recent research explored how to use guidelines to help people with cancer related fatigue.

This year Elizabeth will be working on a strategy for supporting family caregivers, and establishing cognitive behaviour therapy for people with fatigue.

– Lymphoedema with Kate Rogers –

(This event was held on Tuesday 13th April 2021 for the Fabulous Over 50s and Beyond Support Group)

Kate Rogers joined the Fabulous Over 50s Support Group and spoke about breast cancer, lymphoedema and physiotherapy.

Kate Rogers has been working as a physiotherapist since 1988 and has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy as well as a Master of Physiotherapy.

Kate has completed a long list of professional development initiatives, which includes level one and level two lymphoedema courses, and has spoken at various programs, seminars and conferences related to breast cancer, lymphoedema and physiotherapy for incontinence.

In 2015, Kate received a Lord Mayor’s Commendation, acknowledging and celebrating her long-term commitment and contribution to the City of Melbourne municipality.

– Cancer Related Fatigue with Dr Elizabeth Pearson –

(This event was held on Monday 22nd March 2021 for the Second Hope and HOT Pink Sisters Support Groups)

Fatigue is a common symptom after cancer treatment. Cancer related fatigue is different to normal tiredness because it doesn’t always go away with rest or sleep.

This year Elizabeth will be working on a strategy for supporting family caregivers, and establishing cognitive behaviour therapy for people with fatigue.

– Hypnotherapy with Dr Amanda Hordern –

(This event was held on Friday 12th March 2021 for all Think Pink clients)

Do you want to reclaim your calm, confidence and self esteem?

What would you do with more energy, motivation and happiness in your life?

If you could ‘reprogram’ your mind to work for you, rather than against you, what would you change right now? Amanda will explain how the latest findings from Clinical Hypnotherapy, neuroscience brain retraining techniques and mindfulness can assist you to break the cycle of fear and ‘negative thought viruses’ and reset your mind and body to a happier calmer place.

– Nutrition and Breast Cancer with Naomi Lawrance –

(This event was held on Friday 19th February 2021 for all Think Pink clients)

Naomi’s online class will explore the unique nutrition needs of those going through breast cancer treatment, recovery and optimising diet for survivorship. Nutrition plays a powerful role in managing energy levels and side effects during treatment, optimising weight and body composition during and after treatment and reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Nutrition advice can be overwhelming and confusing, Naomi will clarify the fact from fiction and there will be plenty of opportunity to answer your individual questions.

Naomi is highly experienced in supporting those touched by cancer and has spent many years working at Peter MacCallum Cancer centre as well as providing private oncology care. Naomi understands the complex and evolving needs of those living with cancer, through all stages of their journey. She recognises the confusing and overwhelming nature of advice people receive, and ensures that everyone feels understood and empowered to make their own educated decisions.

Naomi is passionate about supporting people to make lasting changes to enhance their health and improve their relationship with food. She recognises that each person has a unique background and goals therefore requires a tailored plan to optimise their health. Her approach to nutrition is holistic, individualised and evidence based.