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I am currently living with cancer

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I have recently been diagnosed At the time of diagnosis, it can feel like you are in an emotional whirlpool, being buffeted from side to side, swept along at an enormous pace with no still waters ahead to rest and consider.  So much to take in, so much to absorb, so much to fully understand, then often, no time to consider treatment options or even begin to know what to do next. What should be the next step to take?  You can hear that voice in your head trying to anchor you into some logical thinking, searching for questions that will give you a definitive answer, something black and white would be good, but your emotions can be running high and they can be dominating at this time.  Of course, not everyone will experience the moment of diagnosis in the same way but what we know is, there is a time lag from hearing the words to being able to fully absorb the meaning of your diagnosis.  So the first step to take is, find a cancer buddy one or even two just might do.  Your cancer buddy can play the role of your secretary, going to cancer appointments with you to take notes because history tells us that you will ‘pass so much through to the keeper’, will miss so much information but your buddy has it all written down, they hear it all. They may be the allocated person to take phone calls on your behalf, and also give updates to friends and family over email.  Whatever, you feel you need then you and your cancer buddy can work that out together.  Learn your treatment regime, make your appointments, decide how you will share your news and who with, state your boundaries clearly and call Cancer Wellness Support.  We meet with you so we can together create a wellbeing path for you right from the beginning of your treatment.   At this early stage your wellbeing path is mainly the mix of complementary therapies designed to suit your needs. Later when you are able to socialise more your wellbeing path may include more groups, workshops and outings with Cancer Wellness Support. From the beginning of treatment to your post treatment years Cancer Wellness Support is able to meet your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. 

CANCER WELLNESS SUPPORT ECOSYSTEM

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CANCER WELLNESS SUPPORT

CANCER WELLNESS SUPPORT ECOSYSTEM

Caring for someone So often it is hard to officially identify as a carer as you are often a wife, husband, mother, daughter or any relative or friend who is able to step forward to support someone during a difficult phase of their illness. After all, isn’t this what you do if you care for someone? In fact, using the term carer can be sensitive for all concerned as it may hint at a loss of independence, a burden or even raise fear that the illness is far worse than it is believed to be.  No matter how long your role as a carer goes on for, the effects of caring may stay for quite some time after this role finishes. Caring is not a job you apply for, sign up to, it is an arrangement that just evolves. Often it is believed to be an arrangement for ‘just the time being’ but it may roll on for months and at times years.  Caring is a loving and nurturing role, it can be a full time role as well as mixed with a paid job but what is consistent in the world of caring, it is an invisible role. Carers are resistive to raising their hands for help, they sacrifice their own needs for the needs of the person they care for, even though the caree doesn’t ask this of them. From invisibility to isolation, from isolation to loneliness is often the carers journey. It’s not that friends and family forget about you but they come to believe that you are too busy to join them, they may come from a place of kindness and not wish to disappoint you so they don’t extend an invitation.  The caring role begins to define you as just a ‘carer’ and you lose sight of the roles you have held through your life, daughter, son, sister, brother, wife, husband, partner, mother, father, worker, friend and community member.  Cancer Wellness Support recognises the importance of supporting the person playing the caring role. Not because you need to be emotionally and physically well so you can continue your caring role, it is simply, because you exist and you need to be able to maintain your health so you can begin again to be more than a carer.

I am currently undergoing treatment You may be just days or weeks into your active treatment and there are still many questions swirling around in your head. Active treatment can actually cover both medical and holistic approaches. If taking a total holistic approach, you will, at the time of intake work with our nurse to determine the most appropriate selection of complementary therapies to support your healing process. The choice of therapies is based on a mix of personal choice and most importantly, those therapies known to best suit your specific diagnosis.  If adopting medical treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and/or radiation then there is a potential to experience some side effects.  These can, for example, range from feeling tired, taste changes and some tingling of nerve endings in hands and feet. Complementary therapies play an active part in addressing your signs and symptoms and your therapist designs a specific therapeutic approach to meet your needs be they in the short or long term.  At all times we seek to find a way to soothe your physical and possible emotional distress you may experience when faced with outcomes from your treatment regime, just as your treating medical team seek to cover any possible responses your body may have to the dosage regime your particular diagnosis may require. As you continue through your treatment choices your body may continue to change so be assured that your complementary therapist will monitor this with you and may suggest a referral to another therapy to further support you.  Each therapist is fully versed on how best to serve your changing needs and how an appropriate mix of therapies goes towards enhancing your healing process.  There is more to Cancer Wellness Support than providing a rich choice of 20 different therapy approaches shaped to suit your unique needs.  You may be isolated from family and friends; Cancer Wellness Support can give you a Wellbeing Buddy. This person is your support friend, they lend a listening ear, share a cuppa, they can attend a medical appointment if you need a note taker on that day to name just a few creative ways a Wellbeing Buddy can support you through your journey.  Always remember to ask, you never know what we might be able to do to support you to wellness. 

If you are interested in accessing Cancer Wellness Support's subsidised Therapies and Services, or would like more information, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon to get you started on your journey. Your information is transmitted securely and will always be kept private and confidential. We will never sell or give your information to any other party. You will not receive spam emails. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.

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First Name*Last Name*Email*Phone**Please note that your phone number is required so we can get back to you directly Please select:* I have recently been diagnosed with cancer I am currently undergoing cancer treatment I am the Carer for someone who has cancer I am a supporter for someone who has cancer I want to contribute to Cancer Wellness Support Returning Client/Carer N/AYour Location* Upper Mountains Lower Mountains Penrith Area Hawkesbury Area Lithgow Other - please specifyOther LocationDiagnosis Bladder Bone Bowel Brain Breast L Breast R Breast (unknown side) Colon Endo/Cervical Endometrial GBM Kidney Leukemia Liver Lung Lymphoma Melanoma Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Oesophageal Cancer Ovarian Pancreatic Prostate Rectal Testicular Throat Thyroid Uterine Other Date of DiagnosisCommentsSubmit

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I am currently living with cancer The busyness of the active treatment days may have ended and the focus on your treatment regime is lessened but so often it is at this time more questions can arise as you begin to live with the experience of a cancer diagnosis.  Questions such as, ‘what now, what do I do now, I have some continuing side effects from my treatment so how do I manage these and, with this new uncertainty, I feel a need to feel safe and nurtured within a bubble of therapeutic care’. Living with cancer does not stop you from engaging in our complementary therapies, we are here for you, for the days and years ahead, as you navigate your post treatment life.  Also what can often be etched strongly on your mind and, is often not shared is the fear of the cancer coming back. This is a very common and universal fear.  It is true some cancers come back and at this time you learn the term ‘metastatic’ cancer, or more simply, secondaries. These secondary tumours have spread from the original or primary cancer site.  It is important to understand if you experience metastatic cancer it signals a beginning of a new phase. Today, the trajectory for cancer is about living with a chronic disease just as people with heart or lung disease do over many years.  Interestingly, many treatment choices open up for you and you may find you can be more empowered in this new phase than with your first round of medical approaches. What always remains the same, is the therapeutic bubble of care Cancer Wellness Support continues to make available to you.  If you have already been a client it is important that we meet again to complete a re-assessment to update your present body, mind and spirit needs. Of course if you are a new client we meet with you to do an intake history to also design the most appropriate wellbeing path for you.  During this time, you may still carry or develop the physical and emotional side effects from your first round of treatments and/or with a holistic approach only, you may hold some uncertainties since the beginning of your diagnosis.  It is important to know that over the long term, cancer is recognised as a chronic disease and treatment approaches are many and varied and can be easily changed to meet the changing nature of the disease.  What never changes, is the capacity of Cancer Wellness Support to meet your specific physical and emotional needs.

I have recently been diagnosed with cancer

I am caring for someone who has cancer

Your Guide to Cancer Wellness Support 

If you have any questtions, please call us on 02 4784 2297 or Send us an email 

START YOUR JOURNEY WITH US

SHOW ME MY WELLBEING PATH

I have recently been diagnosed At the time of diagnosis, it can feel like you are in an emotional whirlpool, being buffeted from side to side, swept along at an enormous pace with no still waters ahead to rest and consider.  So much to take in, so much to absorb, so much to fully understand, then often, no time to consider treatment options or even begin to know what to do next. What should be the next step to take?  You can hear that voice in your head trying to anchor you into some logical thinking, searching for questions that will give you a definitive answer, something black and white would be good, but your emotions can be running high and they can be dominating at this time.  Of course, not everyone will experience the moment of diagnosis in the same way but what we know is, there is a time lag from hearing the words to being able to fully absorb the meaning of your diagnosis.  So the first step to take is, find a cancer buddy one or even two just might do.  Your cancer buddy can play the role of your secretary, going to cancer appointments with you to take notes because history tells us that you will ‘pass so much through to the keeper’, will miss so much information but your buddy has it all written down, they hear it all. They may be the allocated person to take phone calls on your behalf, and also give updates to friends and family over email.  Whatever, you feel you need then you and your cancer buddy can work that out together.  Learn your treatment regime, make your appointments, decide how you will share your news and who with, state your boundaries clearly and call Cancer Wellness Support.  We meet with you so we can together create a wellbeing path for you right from the beginning of your treatment.   At this early stage your wellbeing path is mainly the mix of complementary therapies designed to suit your needs. Later when you are able to socialise more your wellbeing path may include more groups, workshops and outings with Cancer Wellness Support. From the beginning of treatment to your post treatment years Cancer Wellness Support is able to meet your physical, emotional and spiritual needs. 

CANCER WELLNESS SUPPORT ECOSYSTEM

I am currently undergoing treatment You may be just days or weeks into your active treatment and there are still many questions swirling around in your head. Active treatment can actually cover both medical and holistic approaches. If taking a total holistic approach, you will, at the time of intake work with our nurse to determine the most appropriate selection of complementary therapies to support your healing process. The choice of therapies is based on a mix of personal choice and most importantly, those therapies known to best suit your specific diagnosis.  If adopting medical treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and/or radiation then there is a potential to experience some side effects.  These can, for example, range from feeling tired, taste changes and some tingling of nerve endings in hands and feet. Complementary therapies play an active part in addressing your signs and symptoms and your therapist designs a specific therapeutic approach to meet your needs be they in the short or long term.  At all times we seek to find a way to soothe your physical and possible emotional distress you may experience when faced with outcomes from your treatment regime, just as your treating medical team seek to cover any possible responses your body may have to the dosage regime your particular diagnosis may require. As you continue through your treatment choices your body may continue to change so be assured that your complementary therapist will monitor this with you and may suggest a referral to another therapy to further support you.  Each therapist is fully versed on how best to serve your changing needs and how an appropriate mix of therapies goes towards enhancing your healing process.  There is more to Cancer Wellness Support than providing a rich choice of 20 different therapy approaches shaped to suit your unique needs.  You may be isolated from family and friends; Cancer Wellness Support can give you a Wellbeing Buddy. This person is your support friend, they lend a listening ear, share a cuppa, they can attend a medical appointment if you need a note taker on that day to name just a few creative ways a Wellbeing Buddy can support you through your journey.  Always remember to ask, you never know what we might be able to do to support you to wellness. 

I am currently living with cancer The busyness of the active treatment days may have ended and the focus on your treatment regime is lessened but so often it is at this time more questions can arise as you begin to live with the experience of a cancer diagnosis.  Questions such as, ‘what now, what do I do now, I have some continuing side effects from my treatment so how do I manage these and, with this new uncertainty, I feel a need to feel safe and nurtured within a bubble of therapeutic care’.   Living with cancer does not stop you from engaging in our complementary therapies, we are here for you, for the days and years ahead, as you navigate your post treatment life.  Also what can often be etched strongly on your mind and, is often not shared is the fear of the cancer coming back. This is a very common and universal fear.  It is true some cancers come back and at this time you learn the term ‘metastatic’ cancer, or more simply, secondaries. These secondary tumours have spread from the original or primary cancer site.  It is important to understand if you experience metastatic cancer it signals a beginning of a new phase. Today, the trajectory for cancer is about living with a chronic disease just as people with heart or lung disease do over many years.  Interestingly, many treatment choices open up for you and you may find you can be more empowered in this new phase than with your first round of medical approaches. What always remains the same, is the therapeutic bubble of care Cancer Wellness Support continues to make available to you.  If you have already been a client it is important that we meet again to complete a re-assessment to update your present body, mind and spirit needs. Of course if you are a new client we meet with you to do an intake history to also design the most appropriate wellbeing path for you.  During this time, you may still carry or develop the physical and emotional side effects from your first round of treatments and/or with a holistic approach only, you may hold some uncertainties since the beginning of your diagnosis.  It is important to know that over the long term, cancer is recognised as a chronic disease and treatment approaches are many and varied and can be easily changed to meet the changing nature of the disease.  What never changes, is the capacity of Cancer Wellness Support to meet your specific physical and emotional needs.

Caring for someone So often it is hard to officially identify as a carer as you are often a wife, husband, mother, daughter or any relative or friend who is able to step forward to support someone during a difficult phase of their illness. After all, isn’t this what you do if you care for someone? In fact, using the term carer can be sensitive for all concerned as it may hint at a loss of independence, a burden or even raise fear that the illness is far worse than it is believed to be.  No matter how long your role as a carer goes on for, the effects of caring may stay for quite some time after this role finishes. Caring is not a job you apply for, sign up to, it is an arrangement that just evolves. Often it is believed to be an arrangement for ‘just the time being’ but it may roll on for months and at times years.  Caring is a loving and nurturing role, it can be a full time role as well as mixed with a paid job but what is consistent in the world of caring, it is an invisible role. Carers are resistive to raising their hands for help, they sacrifice their own needs for the needs of the person they care for, even though the caree doesn’t ask this of them. From invisibility to isolation, from isolation to loneliness is often the carers journey. It’s not that friends and family forget about you but they come to believe that you are too busy to join them, they may come from a place of kindness and not wish to disappoint you so they don’t extend an invitation.  The caring role begins to define you as just a ‘carer’ and you lose sight of the roles you have held through your life, daughter, son, sister, brother, wife, husband, partner, mother, father, worker, friend and community member.  Cancer Wellness Support recognises the importance of supporting the person playing the caring role. Not because you need to be emotionally and physically well so you can continue your caring role, it is simply, because you exist and you need to be able to maintain your health so you can begin again to be more than a carer.

I am currently undergoing cancer treatment

Please click the  item that best describes you

I am caring for someone who has cancer

I am currently living with cancer

I have recently been diagnosed with cancer

I want to learn more about Cancer Wellness Support

I am currently living with cancer

CANCER WELLNESS SUPPORT ECOSYSTEM

ABOUT CANCER WELLNESS SUPPORT

VOLUNTEER

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If you are interested in accessing Cancer Wellness Support's subsidised Therapies and Services, or would like more information, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch soon to get you started on your journey. Your information is transmitted securely and will always be kept private and confidential. We will never sell or give your information to any other party. You will not receive spam emails. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.

Copyright © Cancer Wellness Support | 02 4784 2297

Copyright © Cancer Wellness Support | 02 4784 2297

THERAPIES With over 50 fully trained and insured therapists, Cancer Wellness Support provides our member clients and their families/carers with a large range of subsidised therapies including Acupuncture, Bowen Therapy, Counselling, Lymphoedema Management, Massage, Naturopathy, Reflexology and Reiki. Cancer treatment can be enhanced by the use of natural therapies. Therapies may assist in managing the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy through reducing the severity of symptoms and promoting self care and relaxation. Massage (Oncology) This therapy is constantly in demand for clients. Massage assists in reduction of muscular tension, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and nausea. Oncology trained therapists provide the expert gentle touch which is essential when clients are undergoing cancer treatment or recovering from it. Lymphoedema Management Lymphoedema can occur after treatment for cancer when the body’s lymphatic system is damaged by radiotherapy or surgery. Many clients require regular and long-term assistance. Management of lymphoedema by a qualified therapist includes specific drainage techniques, compressive bandaging, fitting of appropriate compression garments and education about specific limb exercises. Yoga Classical Hatha Yoga combines gentle movements with the breath to relax and calm mind, body and spirit. Groups are conducted weekly. Reflexology This type of bodywork is where the practitioner massages zones on the feet that relate to different parts of the body. By pressing on reflex points, energy meridians are unblocked, which may relieve pain, nausea and fatigue and assist the body to eliminate accumulated toxins. Acupuncture A traditional form of Chinese medicine in which fine sterile needles are inserted into points along the energy channels in the body to re-balance energy. Acupuncture may address both the symptoms of various cancers as well as the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Qi Gong This mind-body approach uses gentle physical activity and meditation to harmonize the body, mind and spirit. Medical Qi Gong for health and healing consists primarily of physical movements and breathing exercises combined with meditation. Group sessions are held weekly at both Cancer Wellness Support centres. Art Therapy A form of psychotherapy in which participants create pieces of visual art to help them express their feelings in a non-verbal way. Clinical studies show that art therapy helps reduce tiredness, anxiety, pain and depression. Artistic talent is not necessary for people to benefit from art therapy. Groups are held at both Cancer Wellness Support centres. Mindfulness Meditation Research shows that regular mindfulness practice is effective in reducing stress and thereby improving immune function and health outcomes. It also results in improved mental function and reduced levels of anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Strategies and techniques are introduced that can be carried into daily health practice. Reiki This safe, natural and simple method of promoting well being, benefits physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energies. Clients often find that Reiki relieves pain, anxiety, nausea, and fatigue. Reiki may also support surgical recovery and reduce side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Counselling Allows exploration of problems and emotions in a safe, objective environment, helping to improve self-esteem, communication, relationships, decision making and emotional healing. A counsellor's task is to provide a non-judgemental 'listening', to allow the client to talk through events that are causing confusion, anxiety, guilt or conflicting emotions. More information...

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THERAPIES With over 50 fully trained and insured therapists, Cancer Wellness Support provides our member clients and their families/carers with a large range of subsidised therapies including Acupuncture, Bowen Therapy, Counselling, Lymphoedema Management, Massage, Naturopathy, Reflexology and Reiki. Cancer treatment can be enhanced by the use of natural therapies. Therapies may assist in managing the side effects of radiation and chemotherapy through reducing the severity of symptoms and promoting self care and relaxation. Massage (Oncology)This therapy is constantly in demand for clients. Massage assists in reduction of muscular tension, pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression and nausea. Oncology trained therapists provide the expert gentle touch which is essential when clients are undergoing cancer treatment or recovering from it. Lymphoedema ManagementLymphoedema can occur after treatment for cancer when the body’s lymphatic system is damaged by radiotherapy or surgery. Many clients require regular and long-term assistance. Management of lymphoedema by a qualified therapist includes specific drainage techniques, compressive bandaging, fitting of appropriate compression garments and education about specific limb exercises. YogaClassical Hatha Yoga combines gentle movements with the breath to relax and calm mind, body and spirit. Groups are conducted weekly. Reflexology This type of bodywork is where the practitioner massages zones on the feet that relate to different parts of the body. By pressing on reflex points, energy meridians are unblocked, which may relieve pain, nausea and fatigue and assist the body to eliminate accumulated toxins. AcupunctureA traditional form of Chinese medicine in which fine sterile needles are inserted into points along the energy channels in the body to re-balance energy. Acupuncture may address both the symptoms of various cancers as well as the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Qi GongThis mind-body approach uses gentle physical activity and meditation to harmonize the body, mind and spirit. Medical Qi Gong for health and healing consists primarily of physical movements and breathing exercises combined with meditation. Group sessions are held weekly at both Cancer Wellness Support centres. Art TherapyA form of psychotherapy in which participants create pieces of visual art to help them express their feelings in a non-verbal way. Clinical studies show that art therapy helps reduce tiredness, anxiety, pain and depression. Artistic talent is not necessary for people to benefit from art therapy. Groups are held at both Cancer Wellness Support centres. Mindfulness MeditationResearch shows that regular mindfulness practice is effective in reducing stress and thereby improving immune function and health outcomes. It also results in improved mental function and reduced levels of anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Strategies and techniques are introduced that can be carried into daily health practice. ReikiThis safe, natural and simple method of promoting well being, benefits physical, emotional, mental and spiritual energies. Clients often find that Reiki relieves pain, anxiety, nausea, and fatigue. Reiki may also support surgical recovery and reduce side effects of radiation and chemotherapy. CounsellingAllows exploration of problems and emotions in a safe, objective environment, helping to improve self-esteem, communication, relationships, decision making and emotional healing. A counsellor's task is to provide a non-judgemental 'listening', to allow the client to talk through events that are causing confusion, anxiety, guilt or conflicting emotions. More information...

GROUP THERAPIES Support Groups, Gentle Exercise, Mindfulness Meditation and Art Therapy groups are held regularly, providing emotional and psychological support for clients and their carers in a group setting. Yoga and Qi Gong have been conducted regularly at Leura and in the lower Mountains/Penrith regions. These groups can provide added insight, education and expanded life skills for participating clients. Art Therapy Art Therapy is the therapeutic use of art within a professional relationship and works across health & medical fields.  Art therapy is rapidly gaining popularity for people who are experiencing illness or trauma, and be people who are interested in personal development. Creating art and reflecting on the experience lets people find: an increased sense of awareness of self and otherscopy more easily with symptoms, stress & traumatic experiencesenhance cognitive abilitiesenjoy the life-affirming pleasures of being creative and having funArt therapy groups are small, intimate and confidential.  They allow people with similar experiences to come together over a number of weeks in a non-judgmental, friendly and respectful group environment. "But I can't draw!" Art Therapy is about the process of making art, not the final product.  No art experience is necessary to benefit from this process.  Art therapy is suitable for people of all ages.  It is not about art techniques but rather using art materials and the creative process to bypass verbal defences and connect with our inner wisdom and strengths.  The therapist's role is one of guidance, rather than interpretative or analytic. These groups are suitable for people who are:currently living with or have had any kind of cancercaring for someone with cancerfinished intensive treatment Gentle Yoga Over the past decade more and more studies have shown the benefits of yoga. Here’s 4 fabulous reasons why you might like to try therapeutic yoga: Improves sleep - Research has found yoga to help improve sleep quality, efficiency, and durationLowers fatigue - A comprehensive study showed that there was 57% decreased fatigue, and up to 20% decreased inflammation in breast cancer patients, 6 months after the study beganPromotes relaxation and helps manage stress - regular yoga practice lowers cortisol (the “stress hormone”) levels and blood pressure, and increases serotonin and endorphin productionPromotes circulation and the flow of lymph - Australian research has shown how yoga movements and breathing promote the flow of lymph, and can even be used to help manage lymphoedema.Our teacher Helen Laird has over 12 years experience in therapeutic yoga and specialist training from Australia’s leading Yoga for Lymphoedema researcher. Classes combine gentle movement with breathing and are tailored to your needs. For more information please call Helen on 0404 180 481. Lymphoedema Support Group Providing an opportunity to discuss any issues you may be facing with Lymphoedema and strategies for coping with it. Alternating monthly between our Blue Mountains and Penrith Valley centres, on the third Friday of each month.  Please check the calendar for details. Mindfulness Meditation This mindfulness meditation course is based on the famous Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979.  It teaches the art of mindfulness and develops the ability to meditate.  Research shows that regular mindfulness practice is effective in reducing stress and thereby improving immune function and health outcomes.  It may positively impact mental function, reduce levels of anxiety and depression, and help us deal more effectively with chronic pain.  Best outcomes can be expected when participants undertake the recommended home practice of 45 minutes, six days per week for the duration of the course. In each session there will be guided mindfulness practice.  Sitting, lying and movement practices can be adapted to individual physical limitations.  Sessions include discussions on meditation practice, emotional regulation and experiential work with reducing patterns of stress reactivity.  All activities are optional and you will be encouraged to choose the level of participation that works for you. Mindfulness Meditation in 8 sessions Mindfulness Fundamentals: paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.  Mindful awareness of the body.Perception & Creative Responding: it's not the stressors themselves, but how you handle them, which determines their effect.There is pleasure & power in being present: attitudinal foundations, the nature of what we think is real, and understanding our responses to pleasant and unpleasant experience.What is Stress? A little neurophysiology.  Using mindfulness to reduce the negative effects of stress reactivity.Mindfulness of thoughts & emotions: Stuckness, conditioned reactions and escapes -v- mindful responses.Mindfulness in everyday life:  Interpersonal mindfulness, staying present under stressful conditions.Mindfulness in everyday life: Making conscious choices, trying new perspectives.Review, keeping up the practice, where to from here.Notes on the content of each session are provided, along with audio guided meditations to use at home. Movement, Stretching & Meditation for all Come join a gentle class that will mobilise all your major joints, lightly stretch your large muscle groups plus give you peaceful thoughts by doing a short meditation too! Music will help us flow, spiral and stretch – all of the movements can be done in a chair & about half the class will be supported movement while seating.  (your music requests are most welcome). The goal of the class is to feel fabulous!  No special clothes, equipment or anything needed.  This class is open to all fitness levels, all levels of health, all ages. You will be comfortable, the moves will be easy to follow, you can do as much or as little as suits you. If there are people looking to be more energetic – we can accommodate that too. Support Group “but I have to put on a brave face, I don’t want my family to worry ..”“some days I just don’t feel like visitors but I don’t feel I can be rude and not see them”“.. this is all my fault” These thoughts and others like them are normal but are they helpful? At times these past two years would have seemed like a never ending roller coaster ride of emotions, bouncing up and down and all the time trying to look absolutely okay.  How many times have you heard yourself say, “I’m fine”, “Yes, I’m good, thank you.”  It is such a relief to learn it is okay to say what it is really like for you. It is also a relief to hear others say they have the same thoughts and feelings. A support group enables you to say it all out loud, what you feel, what you think, share your highs and lows in the knowledge that you will be heard by others who experience so much the same as you.  This support group is specifically for those who have received their diagnosis within the last two years. The facilitator, Viv Maitland is a Counsellor/Psychotherapist her role is to create a welcoming, safe and confidential space in which you can freely navigate your way to feeling comfortable to share. Qi Gong Qigong is a mind-body approach developed over 5000 years ago. Increasingly, this ancient practice, well known in China, is being used in the West as a way to develop health and wellbeing in the general population. It uses physical activity and meditation to harmonise the body, mind and spirit (Oh, Butow, Mullen, Clarke, Pavlakis, Kothe, Lam and Rosenthal, 2010). Almost anyone can learn to practice Qigong because it is a simple and easy exercise. The word Qigong is a combination of two concepts - qi is the vital energy of the body and gong is the skill of working with the qi. Medical qigong for health and healing consists primarily of meditation, physical movements and breathing exercises.  (Sancier, 2006). Weekly Qigong sessions at Cancer Wellness Support involve a 10 minute discussion reporting on participants’ practice during the week; 10 minutes breathing and mindfulness meditation practice, either sitting or standing; 30 minutes gentle stretching and Qigong exercises in standing posture to stimulate the energy channels; 20 minutes serenity visualisation, mindfulness meditation practice or viewing an excerpt from a DVD demonstrating Qigong; 10 minutes closure discussion.

GROUP THERAPIES Support Groups, Gentle Exercise, Mindfulness Meditation and Art Therapy groups are held regularly, providing emotional and psychological support for clients and their carers in a group setting. Yoga and Qi Gong have been conducted regularly at Leura and in the lower Mountains/Penrith regions. These groups can provide added insight, education and expanded life skills for participating clients. Art Therapy Art Therapy is the therapeutic use of art within a professional relationship and works across health & medical fields.  Art therapy is rapidly gaining popularity for people who are experiencing illness or trauma, and be people who are interested in personal development. Creating art and reflecting on the experience lets people find: an increased sense of awareness of self and otherscopy more easily with symptoms, stress & traumatic experiencesenhance cognitive abilitiesenjoy the life-affirming pleasures of being creative and having funArt therapy groups are small, intimate and confidential.  They allow people with similar experiences to come together over a number of weeks in a non-judgmental, friendly and respectful group environment. "But I can't draw!" Art Therapy is about the process of making art, not the final product.  No art experience is necessary to benefit from this process.  Art therapy is suitable for people of all ages.  It is not about art techniques but rather using art materials and the creative process to bypass verbal defences and connect with our inner wisdom and strengths.  The therapist's role is one of guidance, rather than interpretative or analytic. These groups are suitable for people who are:currently living with or have had any kind of cancercaring for someone with cancerfinished intensive treatment Gentle Yoga Over the past decade more and more studies have shown the benefits of yoga. Here’s 4 fabulous reasons why you might like to try therapeutic yoga: Improves sleep - Research has found yoga to help improve sleep quality, efficiency, and durationLowers fatigue - A comprehensive study showed that there was 57% decreased fatigue, and up to 20% decreased inflammation in breast cancer patients, 6 months after the study beganPromotes relaxation and helps manage stress - regular yoga practice lowers cortisol (the “stress hormone”) levels and blood pressure, and increases serotonin and endorphin productionPromotes circulation and the flow of lymph - Australian research has shown how yoga movements and breathing promote the flow of lymph, and can even be used to help manage lymphoedema.Our teacher Helen Laird has over 12 years experience in therapeutic yoga and specialist training from Australia’s leading Yoga for Lymphoedema researcher. Classes combine gentle movement with breathing and are tailored to your needs. For more information please call Helen on 0404 180 481. Lymphoedema Support Group Providing an opportunity to discuss any issues you may be facing with Lymphoedema and strategies for coping with it. Alternating monthly between our Blue Mountains and Penrith Valley centres, on the third Friday of each month.  Please check the calendar for details. Mindfulness Meditation This mindfulness meditation course is based on the famous Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979.  It teaches the art of mindfulness and develops the ability to meditate.  Research shows that regular mindfulness practice is effective in reducing stress and thereby improving immune function and health outcomes.  It may positively impact mental function, reduce levels of anxiety and depression, and help us deal more effectively with chronic pain.  Best outcomes can be expected when participants undertake the recommended home practice of 45 minutes, six days per week for the duration of the course. In each session there will be guided mindfulness practice.  Sitting, lying and movement practices can be adapted to individual physical limitations.  Sessions include discussions on meditation practice, emotional regulation and experiential work with reducing patterns of stress reactivity.  All activities are optional and you will be encouraged to choose the level of participation that works for you. Mindfulness Meditation in 8 sessions Mindfulness Fundamentals: paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.  Mindful awareness of the body.Perception & Creative Responding: it's not the stressors themselves, but how you handle them, which determines their effect.There is pleasure & power in being present: attitudinal foundations, the nature of what we think is real, and understanding our responses to pleasant and unpleasant experience.What is Stress? A little neurophysiology.  Using mindfulness to reduce the negative effects of stress reactivity.Mindfulness of thoughts & emotions: Stuckness, conditioned reactions and escapes -v- mindful responses.Mindfulness in everyday life:  Interpersonal mindfulness, staying present under stressful conditions.Mindfulness in everyday life: Making conscious choices, trying new perspectives.Review, keeping up the practice, where to from here.Notes on the content of each session are provided, along with audio guided meditations to use at home. Movement, Stretching & Meditation for all Come join a gentle class that will mobilise all your major joints, lightly stretch your large muscle groups plus give you peaceful thoughts by doing a short meditation too! Music will help us flow, spiral and stretch – all of the movements can be done in a chair & about half the class will be supported movement while seating.  (your music requests are most welcome). The goal of the class is to feel fabulous!  No special clothes, equipment or anything needed.  This class is open to all fitness levels, all levels of health, all ages. You will be comfortable, the moves will be easy to follow, you can do as much or as little as suits you. If there are people looking to be more energetic – we can accommodate that too. Support Group “but I have to put on a brave face, I don’t want my family to worry ..”“some days I just don’t feel like visitors but I don’t feel I can be rude and not see them”“.. this is all my fault” These thoughts and others like them are normal but are they helpful? At times these past two years would have seemed like a never ending roller coaster ride of emotions, bouncing up and down and all the time trying to look absolutely okay.  How many times have you heard yourself say, “I’m fine”, “Yes, I’m good, thank you.”  It is such a relief to learn it is okay to say what it is really like for you. It is also a relief to hear others say they have the same thoughts and feelings. A support group enables you to say it all out loud, what you feel, what you think, share your highs and lows in the knowledge that you will be heard by others who experience so much the same as you.  This support group is specifically for those who have received their diagnosis within the last two years. The facilitator, Viv Maitland is a Counsellor/Psychotherapist her role is to create a welcoming, safe and confidential space in which you can freely navigate your way to feeling comfortable to share. Qi Gong Qigong is a mind-body approach developed over 5000 years ago. Increasingly, this ancient practice, well known in China, is being used in the West as a way to develop health and wellbeing in the general population. It uses physical activity and meditation to harmonise the body, mind and spirit (Oh, Butow, Mullen, Clarke, Pavlakis, Kothe, Lam and Rosenthal, 2010). Almost anyone can learn to practice Qigong because it is a simple and easy exercise. The word Qigong is a combination of two concepts - qi is the vital energy of the body and gong is the skill of working with the qi. Medical qigong for health and healing consists primarily of meditation, physical movements and breathing exercises.  (Sancier, 2006). Weekly Qigong sessions at Cancer Wellness Support involve a 10 minute discussion reporting on participants’ practice during the week; 10 minutes breathing and mindfulness meditation practice, either sitting or standing; 30 minutes gentle stretching and Qigong exercises in standing posture to stimulate the energy channels; 20 minutes serenity visualisation, mindfulness meditation practice or viewing an excerpt from a DVD demonstrating Qigong; 10 minutes closure discussion.

EVENTS Getting To Know New PeopleAttending events will help you expand your social circle which can be helpful in your future endeavors. It is a good thing to expand your social circle whenever you can, and getting to know new people with it brings new opportunities and new adventures. While nowadays you can meet new people from the comfort of your home using the internet, good old socialising still mostly happens at events. Furthermore, you will meet people with whom you can relate. Learning Something NewEvents will help you socialise, and they bring new experiences, which means you will learn something new. It will expand your sense of life understanding, and this is something you should not miss out on doing. Learn something new whenever you can, and do not forget that each person you meet can also teach you something new in your life, so listen carefully, throw your prejudices through the window and open your eyes, your mind, and your heart to let new people and ideas in. Enriching Your LifeSocialising, attending events and meeting new people will help you enrich your life. It is so easy to get yourself stuck in a routine, that every once in a while we need to shake it up a bit. If you are looking for the best way to do something new and have some new adventures, acquaintances and escapades that you can talk about make sure you do something interesting, plan on attending an event when you can so that you have something new to talk about apart from your regular routine. More information...

EVENTS Getting To Know New PeopleAttending events will help you expand your social circle which can be helpful in your future endeavors. It is a good thing to expand your social circle whenever you can, and getting to know new people with it brings new opportunities and new adventures. While nowadays you can meet new people from the comfort of your home using the internet, good old socialising still mostly happens at events. Furthermore, you will meet people with whom you can relate. Learning Something NewEvents will help you socialise, and they bring new experiences, which means you will learn something new. It will expand your sense of life understanding, and this is something you should not miss out on doing. Learn something new whenever you can, and do not forget that each person you meet can also teach you something new in your life, so listen carefully, throw your prejudices through the window and open your eyes, your mind, and your heart to let new people and ideas in. Enriching Your LifeSocialising, attending events and meeting new people will help you enrich your life. It is so easy to get yourself stuck in a routine, that every once in a while we need to shake it up a bit. If you are looking for the best way to do something new and have some new adventures, acquaintances and escapades that you can talk about make sure you do something interesting, plan on attending an event when you can so that you have something new to talk about apart from your regular routine. More information...

TOURS Isolation is a side effect of living with cancer in both the short and long term. You may find your days are filled with medical and therapy appointments so there is no time left for socialising and you just might be exhausted. The day long tours give you an opportunity to sit, relax, enjoy the passing scenery and be completely cocooned for the day.  The tour may include visits to interesting sights, even wineries for wine tasting, lunch is always provided and time enough is left for sleeping on the way home.

TOURS Isolation is a side effect of living with cancer in both the short and long term. You may find your days are filled with medical and therapy appointments so there is no time left for socialising and you just might be exhausted. The day long tours give you an opportunity to sit, relax, enjoy the passing scenery and be completely cocooned for the day.  The tour may include visits to interesting sights, even wineries for wine tasting, lunch is always provided and time enough is left for sleeping on the way home.

PROGRAMS There are opportunities to attend live in retreats which focus on different areas of mind, body and spirit care. You may choose a particular themed workshops which best meets your needs at the time, and then pack your bags for some time away to focus, reflect, explore and rest. We have a relationship with two major leaders in complementary therapies, Gawler Foundation Victoria and Quest for Life NSW.

PROGRAMS There are opportunities to attend live in retreats which focus on different areas of mind, body and spirit care. You may choose a particular themed workshops which best meets your needs at the time, and then pack your bags for some time away to focus, reflect, explore and rest. We have a relationship with two major leaders in complementary therapies, Gawler Foundation Victoria and Quest for Life NSW.

WORKSHOPS Workshops give you an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of a particular issue you may be experiencing. These workshops may be delivered by one of our therapists who specialised in the issue and/or by an invited guest who is a leader is this field. Workshops can be a mix of one day or two day events and are often delivered from our centres.

WORKSHOPS Workshops give you an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of a particular issue you may be experiencing. These workshops may be delivered by one of our therapists who specialised in the issue and/or by an invited guest who is a leader is this field. Workshops can be a mix of one day or two day events and are often delivered from our centres.

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