Dear <<firstname>>

Coping  with Christmas, Fundraiseonline, Fiona Paterson, Latest Woman of the Month and More!

How to Cope with Christmas when you have Cancer

From an article by Jennifer Weiss:

"Even though the Christmas season is a time to rejoice and find joy within loved ones, it can be a time fraught with depression and distress. When you have cancer, Christmas can remind you that you're not as healthy as you once were or wish you could be. You're too weak from the chemotherapy and/or radiation to do some of the activities you once loved.

On one hand, it's a time that you are grateful for the things you have in life, but long for the things you don't. We can make it through this holiday with all its activities foods that may make our stomach curl even though we once looked forward to them. There are ways we can make it through and even enjoy some of those things."

Click here to read more about how to choose your food carefully, how to manage tiredness and how to still get to those Christmas parties!

Battle on to Realise Dream of Rowing Gold

"Fiona Paterson was regarded as one of New Zealand's most promising rowers when she was diagnosed almost four years ago with cervical cancer.

But the determined Paterson, now 26, underwent treatment and not only recovered but got back on the water competitively. Less than a year out from the 2010 world championships at Lake Karapiro, Paterson is aiming to make her mark in front of her Kiwi fans.

She starts her Waikato Times diary which will run as we build up to the world championships.

First off, a little bit about me."  Click here to read the full article featured recently in the Waikato Times. 

We will continue to update you from Fiona's regular diary.

Gynaecological Cancer Symptom Refresher!

While you are enjoying Christmas drinks and having some of that 'girl talk', or for our gents, overhearing some girl talk, take a few minutes to brush up on the signs and symptoms.  It might just save a life...

Ovarian Cancer

Most frequent symptoms:

• Persistent pelvic and abdominal pain
• Increased abdominal size / persistent bloating - not bloating that comes and goes
• Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly

Uterine (Endometrial) Cancer

Abnormal bleeding: 

• bleeding after the menopause
• bleeding between periods
• heavier periods than normal

Abnormal discharge: 

• more than normal or strong smelling

Cervical Cancer

• As with Uterine Cancer (above), plus:
• Painful sex
• Bleeding after sex

Vulval Cancer

• Vulval itching, soreness
• Obvious change in colour of the vulval skin
• A noticeable lump

If these symptoms have persisted for more than 2 weeks, consult your doctor. If a doctor has already been consulted but the symptoms persist, continue to seek opinions - you know your body better than anyone.

Library Book of the Month

"Ovarian Cancer Journeys: Survivors Share their Stories to Help Others"

Edited by Ayala Mirou, 2004

Women of ages 17 to 78 join to tell their true stories.  Find out about the lessons they have learned along their ovarian cancer journeys; from symptoms to diagnosis, trough treatments, and survival.

The most complete source book for cancer information. Answers your questions on latest treatments, medications, procedures, break throughs and the many options available.

Click here to read more about this book and others available from our Library.

Click here to request this book.

Research of the Month

Ovarian Cancer

New Targeted Radiotherapy Destroys Ovarian Tumour Cells

A Swedish study has found that a new radioactive therapy that seeks and destroys tumour cells appears safe in women with metastatic ovarian cancer.

This was a preliminary study in 9 women with ovarian cancer to determine the distribution of the substance in the body. The active substance is injected into the abdominal cavity. The study showed that the active substance reached the tumour cells in the abdomen without any measurable side-effects.

Click here to visit the website and read more new research articles.

Stuck for Christmas Present Ideas?

Stuck for Christmas present ideas?

Merchandise

Why not look at our wesbite for the solution to your problem?  You can choose from two Silver or one Gold Surreal charms, pendant, brooch or an inspirational book of New Zealand women's stories in Sharing the Journey.  If you are in Auckland many of the jewellery items can also be purchased at Orsini Fine Jewellery at 243 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland. 

Click here to go to our Merchandise page to place your order.

Christmas Donations

We invite you to donate the money you would spend on a Christmas gift to Silver Ribbon Foundation  We will send you a card to give to the intended recipient, describing your generosity and what the money will be used for.  Click here to make this wonderful gesture at Christmas.

Present Ideas for Cancer Patients

Have you got a family member coping with cancer this Christmas?  Perhaps facing chemo or a hospital stay?  Some Christmas gift ideas could include: a lovely pair of cool pyjamas or a lovely fresh nightie.  How about a heat pack (wheat bags),or  family photos, photo albums, journals and make up.

Fundraiseonline

Please set up a fundraising page for an upcoming sporting event you or a family member might be undertaking next year. Perhaps the Great Lake (Taupo) Relay in February 2010 or the Ironman.

It is really easy to set up a page. Just go to www.fundraiseonline.co.nz and follow the instructions to set up your page. Nominate Silver Ribbon as the recipient for donations made, email your contacts about your page and you will be amazed what happens next.  

You will be making a real difference to our fundraising efforts.

Seasons Greeting to you and Your Families

<<firstname>>,

We hope you have a wonderful safe, joyous, warm, family filled and restful December and January. 

We are having a well deserved break over January, with the next newsletter being published on 1 February.

We wish to thank all our sponsors and supporters for your support for Silver Ribbon Foundation over the past year. 

2009 has been a busy year for us: 

• With the support of some fabulous women and their families we have launched a book "Sharing the Journey". 

• We introduced our wonderful spokesperson, Fiona Paterson, who represented us on TV3 and Woman's Day magazine. 

• In September we held Share and Care events throughout New Zealand during Gynaecological Cancer Awareness month, raising awareness to over 500 attendees.  These events were held in both private homes and businesses. 

• We are also appearing in the latest Her magazine.

Our mission statement is to educate our community to raise awareness about all gynaecological cancers and support those affected. Until 2010, Seasons Greetings and happy holidays,

The Team at Silver Ribbon Foundation