Hello all,
Here is an update for the end of July. Hope all are keeping cool in this warm weather and being protected by the sun when out and about.
NEWS + RESOURCES
Email Troubles
Please note that I tried to send out emails letting members know that there was in fact a session on July 18 but GMAIL was bouncing the mail as spam due to the high number of people going out on this group email list. Hoping that this issue has been resolved. Apologies for error made in the last update where July 18 session was missed.
Upcoming Support Groups
The next meeting will be this Saturday, August 1, at Rockwood centre from 1-3pm.
Please note: the August 15 session will be held at Davis Bay Hall at 1:00 pm Thanks to Sue.
CAMP RUBY - A ladies weekend retreat
October 3 - 4, 2015 at YMCA Camp Elphinstone
The Ruby Slipper Fund is making 10 spots available at no charge for women who have had a cancer diagnosis to attend the retreat. If you would like to register for this event please email: rubyslipperfund@gmail.com or send a private message on the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CampRuby
CAMP RUBY promises to be a fun, zany, memory-rich getaway at the beautiful YMCA Camp Elphinstone on the Sunshine Coast. A roster of fun planned which includes art, kayaking, yoga, a Saturday night celebration and many more joy-filled activities. Get ready to make new friends, kick back and enjoy the FUN! $150 per person inclusive. (10 spots open for women facing cancer at no cost - email to register!) Visit and "Like" the Facebook page for more updates to come… www.facebook.com/CampRuby
JULY 18 RECAP
The Ruby Slipper Support Group met at Rockwood Lodge in the living room, July 18th and this week we had 14 participants.
Member checked in and missing members were inquired about.
A book called “Mailbox Blessings” was recommended by a group member. She said it was very readable and full of pithy advice.
A discussion about priority boarding from BC Ferries was held and many members did not realize because the information was not readily available, that priority boarding is available free for cancer patients. One member said that she had 3 years of chemo without being told this by either the doctors or the cancer centre. She paid each time for her reservation. Another member said that they had booked her chemo on a Friday of a long weekend, and she missed ferry after ferry waiting to board. This created some anxiety as she said she was in pretty bad shape at the time.
A note from Ashley on priority boarding: I believe that you need a written letter from your doctor in order to receive priority boarding or you must fill out this document.
Another member talked about being discharged too early from the hospital before she was ready. She said that if you feel you have been discharged too early then you can walk out the front door and return right away to the emergency door and report that you are not feel well and they are required to reassess you.
Kits were discussed and a member showed her own kit which was very comprehensive and answered questions as well as suggesting other questions to ask of your doctors and treatment team. This kit was given by Sechelt Hospital but another member said she was unable to get one. The cancer clinic should have them. They come in a large plastic file folder case and include the book “The Intelligent Patient’s Guide to Breast Cancer” and a Coping Support Calendar and Patient Safety, among other invaluable resources. (A note from Ashley: These packages for breast cancer patients are distributed by your oncologist or your surgeon. Usually by the person you are initially referred to after diagnosis)
A reminder about Genoanalysis for hormone receptive breast cancer - you will receive a score on how effective the chemo treatment will be for your particular tumours.
There was a discussion about Advanced Directives in case of pending death and it was suggest by a member that Tracy Chapman is willing to come to discuss legal matters regarding advanced planning. Mary will inquire.
The August 15th session will be held at Davis Bay Hall 1:00 pm, Thanks to Sue.
A reminder of the YMCA Camp in October which has 10 spaces for cancer patients at no cost. Registration info is above.
There will be a different format for future groups which will include a slightly shorter check in with time for guest speakers. Not every group will have a guest speaker but some suggestions were Dr. Ron Munday, (death and dying) Petrina Wing, (death and dying), Tracy Chapman, (legal matters), Coleen Haynes (blood panels)
Here is an update for the end of July. Hope all are keeping cool in this warm weather and being protected by the sun when out and about.
NEWS + RESOURCES
Email Troubles
Please note that I tried to send out emails letting members know that there was in fact a session on July 18 but GMAIL was bouncing the mail as spam due to the high number of people going out on this group email list. Hoping that this issue has been resolved. Apologies for error made in the last update where July 18 session was missed.
Upcoming Support Groups
The next meeting will be this Saturday, August 1, at Rockwood centre from 1-3pm.
Please note: the August 15 session will be held at Davis Bay Hall at 1:00 pm Thanks to Sue.
CAMP RUBY - A ladies weekend retreat
October 3 - 4, 2015 at YMCA Camp Elphinstone
The Ruby Slipper Fund is making 10 spots available at no charge for women who have had a cancer diagnosis to attend the retreat. If you would like to register for this event please email: rubyslipperfund@gmail.com or send a private message on the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/CampRuby
CAMP RUBY promises to be a fun, zany, memory-rich getaway at the beautiful YMCA Camp Elphinstone on the Sunshine Coast. A roster of fun planned which includes art, kayaking, yoga, a Saturday night celebration and many more joy-filled activities. Get ready to make new friends, kick back and enjoy the FUN! $150 per person inclusive. (10 spots open for women facing cancer at no cost - email to register!) Visit and "Like" the Facebook page for more updates to come… www.facebook.com/CampRuby
JULY 18 RECAP
The Ruby Slipper Support Group met at Rockwood Lodge in the living room, July 18th and this week we had 14 participants.
Member checked in and missing members were inquired about.
A book called “Mailbox Blessings” was recommended by a group member. She said it was very readable and full of pithy advice.
A discussion about priority boarding from BC Ferries was held and many members did not realize because the information was not readily available, that priority boarding is available free for cancer patients. One member said that she had 3 years of chemo without being told this by either the doctors or the cancer centre. She paid each time for her reservation. Another member said that they had booked her chemo on a Friday of a long weekend, and she missed ferry after ferry waiting to board. This created some anxiety as she said she was in pretty bad shape at the time.
A note from Ashley on priority boarding: I believe that you need a written letter from your doctor in order to receive priority boarding or you must fill out this document.
Another member talked about being discharged too early from the hospital before she was ready. She said that if you feel you have been discharged too early then you can walk out the front door and return right away to the emergency door and report that you are not feel well and they are required to reassess you.
Kits were discussed and a member showed her own kit which was very comprehensive and answered questions as well as suggesting other questions to ask of your doctors and treatment team. This kit was given by Sechelt Hospital but another member said she was unable to get one. The cancer clinic should have them. They come in a large plastic file folder case and include the book “The Intelligent Patient’s Guide to Breast Cancer” and a Coping Support Calendar and Patient Safety, among other invaluable resources. (A note from Ashley: These packages for breast cancer patients are distributed by your oncologist or your surgeon. Usually by the person you are initially referred to after diagnosis)
A reminder about Genoanalysis for hormone receptive breast cancer - you will receive a score on how effective the chemo treatment will be for your particular tumours.
There was a discussion about Advanced Directives in case of pending death and it was suggest by a member that Tracy Chapman is willing to come to discuss legal matters regarding advanced planning. Mary will inquire.
The August 15th session will be held at Davis Bay Hall 1:00 pm, Thanks to Sue.
A reminder of the YMCA Camp in October which has 10 spaces for cancer patients at no cost. Registration info is above.
There will be a different format for future groups which will include a slightly shorter check in with time for guest speakers. Not every group will have a guest speaker but some suggestions were Dr. Ron Munday, (death and dying) Petrina Wing, (death and dying), Tracy Chapman, (legal matters), Coleen Haynes (blood panels)
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