President : Mr. Geoff Keith
Unit1/ 39 Broderick Rd, Carrum Downs Vic 3201
Mobile 0409 438 645
Vice President : Mr. Alf Glover
Unit 2/31 Argyle Ave Chelsea Vic 3196
Telephone (03) 9772 3028
Secretary : Mrs. Robyn Stark
3 Naples St, Box Hill South Vic 3128
Telephone (03) 98089264
Treasurer : Mr. Lorrance Lancaster
14 Hoddle St , Sale Vic 3850
Telephone (03) 5143 3307
Editor : Mrs. Robyn Stark
School Program Co-Ordinator:Mr.Noel Stedwell
Mobile Number 0408506037
Committee :Ms Jennifer Goon Mr. Bill Crump
Ms Lorraine Lancaster Mr. Noel Stedwell
Subscription : Fifteen dollars a year, payable January.
Note: Receipts will only be issued if requested, and a stamped self addressed envelope would be appreciated.
Loan of Speech Aids : A loan instrument is available for members while awaiting for provision under A&EP or when a member has to return instrument to a supplier for repair.
Mr. John Fardell Mob: 043 206 4807
Mr. Lorrance Lancaster 5143 3307
Laryngectomee Association of Victoria
Acknowledges the support of Victorian Government
All correspondence:
Laryngectomee Association of Victoria
14 Hoddle St SALE VIC 3850. (03) 5143 3307
l
Following items available by post or at meetings.
Stoma Covers: White, Navy, Black and Maroon stocked
Single (1 bib on a neck band) $5.00 + p/p
Double (2 bibs on a neck band) made to order only.
Shower Collar: (vinyl bib type) $22.00 +p/p
Shower Shield: (molded pvc ‘nose’) $28.00 +p/p
Stoma Patch Kits: (foam + double-sided tape)
Make-Your-Own $25.00 +p/p***
Double sided tape: $12.00 +p/p***
Ready Made Patch: 30 pack $34.00 +p/p
Battery rechargeable Ni-Mh:
Suit ‘Servox’ ‘Romet’ $25.00 +p/p
Postage and packing please allow $6.90 minimum on each order.
SPOUSE’S SUPPORT
Ring if you need a sympathetic ear.
Mrs. Robyn Stark, (03) 9808 9264
MEETINGS:
Normally held on the THIRD SUNDAY of each month Support Group at 11.30am.
Followed by a light lunch and a General Meeting
(no meeting December / January).
Venue: 383 Toorak Rd. South Yarra.
(Melway 2M-B6) Tram Rout 8, Stop 33. Met Station is on this route, or a stroll of four or so blocks along Toorak Rd will find us.
Next Meeting 16th March 2014
Starting at 11:30 am
1
WELCOME
Geoff our President extended a warm welcome to all our members, the first meeting for 2014. It was pleasing to see nineteen laryngectomees and their carers and guest in attendance. We all enjoyed the general discussion that followed as well as the luncheon and the afternoon meeting.We welcome visitor Nancy Frazer as well to the meeting.
NEW REGISTRATIONS
Welcome to the following new registrations:
Barrie Goldsmith of Bentleigh.
Bob Curtis of Sebastopol.
Alan Jones of Cheltenham.
Stanley Edmonds of Reservoir.
VALE
Gwen Blake passed away last year.
Noel Anderson advised by wife Denise passed away in October 2013.
John Tongue passed away last year.
John Kenworthy passed away 14th of December, advised by wife Grace Kenworthy.
Keith Littley passed away advised by wife on 19th November 2013.
Condolences to their families and friends from our Association. Our thoughts are with you.
SICKNESS REPORTS
Our thoughts and prayers are also with Alex Barrant of Skye whose cancer has returned.
LARYNGECTOMEE BIRTHDAYS
Nil.
LARYNGECTOMEE ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations from all the members of our association to Brenda Millar who will be celebrating her 30th Anniversary as a laryngectomee in March this year, what a magnificent achievement Brenda.
I omitted to mention in the summary of our Christmas Luncheon in last month’s newsletter that Jim and Sheila McDonald from Upwey had attended. It was the first time that they had visited us since Jim had his operation. It was lovely to have them both, and we hope they will come again.
Our Vice-President Alf Glover said that he is to visit a new patient who is having a complete laryngectomy at Moorabbin Hospital next week. He will also, with other laryngectomees, be involved in helping speech pathologists to demonstrate how to change valves.
Mavis said she has had a new little great granddaughter arrive. She was premature and weighed just 1.5K. Thankfully the little one is doing well. Her name is Zahlia.
A PROPOSAL WAS MADE TO THE MEMBERS AT THE MEETING NOT TO HAVE OUR NORMAL MEETING ON THE 20TH OF APRIL AS IT COINCIDED WITH EASTER SUNDAY. ALL MEMBERS PRESENT AT THE MEETING WERE IN FAVOR OF THIS PROPOSAL. SO WE WILL NOT BE HAVING A MEETING IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
MOVED BY GEOFF KEITH. SECONDED BY JENNIFER GOON.
A concern was raised about the inclusion of our members' private addresses and contact details in our newsletter. There have been instances, in some groups who issue a newsletter, (but thankfully not with us),where the listed person has received prank calls or has had people arriving unexpectedly at their doorstep. Naturally this would be scary and unsettling for anyone. As well, sometimes newsletters have a way of ending up in the most unexpected places. Our members, particularly those whose names and addresses do appear in our monthly newsletter were then asked how they felt about this issue. From the feedback received, all listed members were happy to continue to include their information in our monthly newsletter.
Geoff, our President, thought we may be interested in having a Guest Speaker from Equip4life come and talk to our members on Health and Wellness. Guest Speakers are Allied Health Professionals specializing in evidence-based lifestyle education for adults aged 55+. Their aim is to improve their health and quality of life. It is a free one hour session and we get to choose the topic we would like them to talk about. We would like some feedback from our members as to what topic would interest them so we can organize a speaker. The topics offered are as follows:
7 Keys to Healthy Ageing,
How to Prevent Diabetes,
Heart Disease and Stroke
How to Increase Energy and Improve Fitness,
Diet and Exercise Misconceptions, Improving Sleep,
Reducing Stress,
How to Lose Weight and keep it off,
How to Understand and Read Food Labels,
Increasing Strength and Reducing Falls, Fat, Sugar, Salt and Fibre-How to have a healthy diet for life.
The speaker may be able to make the topics specific to our special needs as laryngectomees. Please let us know at the next meeting or contact me by telephone as to what topic from the list you would liked discussed.
A few of our members have been away on holidays since our last meeting including Jennifer. Jennifer was asked to share her experience when she went to Queensland for a week. She said while in Burleigh Heads she caught up for four hours with a girlfriend she went to primary and secondary school with and they had a great time. Jennifer said that this meeting all came about because of Facebook. They found each other on there (so it does have its good side said Jennifer). Geoff and Laurel are planning a trip to Sydney to celebrate the first birthday of their grandson, while Jennifer and Alf are off to Adelaide for the Labor Day Weekend. Jennifer mentioned it had been eight years on the 27th February since she and Alf first met. Congratulations to you both. Alf said he played some golf at the club where fellow laryngectomee, Harry Hudson plays and that he did enjoy it.
Jennifer said the little water fan which she had won recently in our raffle came in handy during the hot weather period. This simple device consisted of a small bottle which you filled with water and a little fan on the end. She said it worked amazingly well.
Mavis was interested in how other laryngectomees coped with the recent smoggy conditions as a result of the bushfires. Geoff said that he spent a lot of time with the air conditioner on and that he also had the fan going at the same time. He said that when the outside temperature was 40 degrees Celsius it was 30 degrees Celsius in his house, so at least he got some relief. Mavis said that she had her humidifier going nonstop, this also helps to prevent crusting around her stoma. It’s most important to wear your stoma cover during these smoggy periods as it can help to filter the air before it goes into your lungs.
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER AT OUR NEXT MEETING ON SUNDAY THE 16THMARCH WILL BE KATE HARDING, PROGRAM MANAGER, CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS, CANCER COUNCIL VICTORIA. KATE WILL BE GIVING A PRESENTATION WHICH SHOULD BE VERY INTERESTING. PLEASE COME ALONG AND SHOW YOUR SUPPORT. SHE HAS GIVEN UP PART OF HER SUNDAY TO COME AND SPEAK TO US.
LUNCHEON
Thank you ladies for another delicious luncheon. Thank you again to all those who prepared and served the lunch and cleaned up the kitchen and vacuumed, your help was greatly appreciated.
APOLOGIES
Gwen Sedgman (says hello).
Bill and Valma Crump (sends their regards).
Dot Pockett (Dot was attending the anniversary of Ash Wednesday function and was sorry she could not attend).
PREVIOUS MINUTES
Moved by Jennifer Goon. Seconded by Lorraine Lancaster.
BUSINESS ARISING
As reported in the minutes in last month’s newsletter, Dot Pockett is looking for carers and family members to write to her in regard to how they have been affected following their partners/parents laryngectomy especially the changes that have occurred to their lives. The closing date for Dot to receive these responses had been extended so there is still time to drop Dot a line. Dot said you can post these letters to her at her address which is as follows: Mrs. Dot Pockett, Unit 6 / 36 John Street, Pakenham, Vic 3810.
It is proposed that a DVD will be produced for families and carers. Dot said from her own experience and from the experience of others she has known or talked to, life does not simply return to normal. There are adjustments to be made both physically and socially for the laryngectomee as well as his or her family. Even information available both pre-operative and post-operative may vary from hospital to hospital, and may be sufficient or insufficient. That’s why this project is so important. Please put your feelings down in writing and send them to Dot. All information collected will be kept confidential.
SCHOOL VISITS
Noel Stedwell, our School Coordinator reported in the last calendar year the panel did 38 presentations at 29 schools to 4900 students which was an increase on the previous year. Since the inception of the program we have spoken to just on 27,000 students.
We already have firm bookings for six schools and before the March meeting will visit Mullauna and Hastings Colleges. On Friday I circulated by email all the schools we have on the mailing list and within ten minutes had responses that will cover an additional eight schools. It would seem another busy year is assured.
SCHOOLS PROGRAM – No. 2 as at 18th February 2014.
SCHOOLDATEMEET.
Mullauna S/C25.02.1410.30am
WesternPort S/C07.03.1410.50am
NarreWarren S/C20.03.14 Noon
Kurnai College24.04.14 11.30am
Panel. L.Lancaster. N. Stedwell
Vermont S/C07.05.14 1.00pm
Viewbank S/C12.05.14 10.30am
Pakenham S/C 20.05.14 10.30am
Ballarat H/S27.06.14 08.30am
Panel. L. Lancaster, N.Stedwell plus locals
Genazzano Girls 26.08.14 TBC
Luther College17.09.1410.50am
Thank you Noel for all your hard work co-ordinating our school program.
NOTE: WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER FOR OUR SCHOOL PANEL PRESENTATIONS. IT IS A VERY REWARDING EXPERIENCE AND WE ENCOURAGE ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED TO CONTACT NOEL STEDWELL ON HIS MOBILE OR BY EMAIL (HIS DETAILS ARE ON THE FRONT OF OUR NEWSLETTER).
CORRESPONDENCE
General
Letter from Grace Kenworthy of Avenel advising of the death of her husband John on the 14th December. She wanted to thank the association for their help and support to both of them. Their questions and calls were always promptly answered.
Letter and brochure received from Victorian Interpreting and Translating Services announcing that it is the new provider of the language services to DHS.
Email from Denise Anderson advising of husband Noels passing last October.
Emails Patrik Hutzel (Intensive Care in the Home) in relation to calls for changes in end of life care, Nelson Mandela receiving intensive care in his home, and the 5 things you didn’t know INTENSIVE CARE AT HOME can do for your ICU.
Newsletters
Clan (UK) newsletter includes an article on Dr Blom course recently held in Australia.
Newsletters from) our New South Wales counterparts, “Still Talking”. The December issue included an article on the St George Swallow Centre in NSW. The staff have successfully obtained a large National Grant to conduct a swallowing trial in head and neck patients, the results of which will have a great benefit for the laryngectomee population. The February issue contained an interesting article on Hypothyroidism, (often, when patients are undergoing their laryngectomy, a partial or total thyroidectomy is performed at the same time).
Cancer Council Victoria
Update received which included details of the Culturally Specific Cancer Support Groups which are now available.
Disability Services
From Disability Services Commissioner a letter and booklet on Learning from Complaints, Family and Service Providers Working Together.
DHS
Emails from Natalie Lillee from South Division DHS containing Weekly Update Information. Email also from Natalie in regard to the Disability Self Help Grants Program 2013-2015. Funding is now open.
Email from Belinda Duffield DHS advising of new language service provider for DHS.
Email regarding Arts Access Victoria Program for 2014.
Email regarding testing of new DHS Notification of a Red Code Day, Emergency Management Notifications and Heat Health Alerts (occurs when mean temperatures for some areas within Victoria (Central District) will meet and exceed the threshold of 30 degrees Celsius).
Email regarding Police Check Policy for Funded Organizations-Amendment Records.
SACS email in regard to pay equity case second installment payment.
Email nominations now open for the 2014 Victorian Disability Sector Awards
SMICS
Email from Seelena Sherwell in regard to a participation opportunity initiated by Professor Roger Daly (Monash University). He isseeking cancer consumers and advocates in the development of a grant application to Cancer Australia This participation opportunity applies specifically to Pancreatic Cancer.
Correspondence moved by Harry Hudson. Seconded by Alf.Glover.
TREASURER’S REPORT as at 31st January 2014.
Receipts $12566.05
Expenditure $13790.81
Stock On Hand $7948.85
Banking Credits $36461.13
Outstanding Debits $2225.36 (Unpresented cheques and Petty Cash).
Moved by Lorrance Lancaster. Seconded by Lorraine Lancaster.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Some suggestions for future guest speakers at our meeting included Rosalie Russo, Kate Harding, Cancer Council Victoria (Kate will be here in March), a speaker from Sanity Education for Seniors, (they train seniors in the use of a Computer, iPad, Mobile Phone, Digital Cameras etc). We would be pleased to hear from members as to whom else they would like us to invite to our meetings to speak.Please contact our President Geoff with your suggestions, as we would like to know what you are interested in hearing about.
Mavis then brought up the importance of having regular blood tests every six months. Specific blood tests can detect cancer in the blood stream, as well as any vitamin deficiencies and many other important health issues.Harry said he always hasa regular blood test.
Alf mentioned at the meeting that he had at least twenty phone calls in the past five days and when he goes to pick up the telephone to answer it the person hangs up immediately. Alf said on another occasion when he answered the telephone he received a comment from the person on the other end that he spoke much better than half the people in the office where he was working. Other members told us they have had varying comments some complimentary and not so complimentary when they answered their telephones. They also said that sometimes people don’t seem to listen to them or they simply give up or hang up which can be very frustrating. Harry said he got a phone call once when he was in hospital at about 2 o’clock in the morning. Apparently the person on the other end was having a barbeque and had dialed a wrong number. Harry said he donates money to certain things when someone rings him up however he refuses to sell raffle tickets on behalf of charities.
Lorrance said one of the biggest problems laryngectomees can experience when speaking on the telephone or just talking to people face to face is that they sometimes try to speak louder so that they can be heard and understood more clearly. Lorrance said that speaking much louder can have the opposite effect in fact it tends to make the laryngectomee’s speech more unintelligible. Some people when talking to laryngectomees also tend to speak more loudly as they think the laryngectomee will understand them better or even that they are also deaf. Speaking at your normal tone at a normal level is far better.
Geoff our President said that he got a letter from the Government about a Health and Wellbeing Survey which asked him how he felt about his general health. Geoff said in his opinion he thought that it was a bit of a waste of time.
Lorrance mentioned a point in regard to sending out information to multiple email addresses and maintaining privacy. He said that some well known organization recently sent out information to a large number of email addresses and all the email addresses were on display to all the other recipients. Lorrance subsequently wrote to the organization to complain as obviously other recipients had also done and received a letter of apology. Lorrance said funny enough the same day he received the apology another big organization did the same thing. Lorrance said to combat this privacy issue, he sends emails out blind (see below).
If you send emails to multiple recipients, it is important to use the Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) facility of your email program. Using BCC protects the privacy of your recipients and helps reduce spam. When you send an email to several people using the normal "To:" or "Cc;" fields, all of their email addresses are clearly displayed in the message. If the email is forwarded, the email addresses of all previous recipients may also be forwarded,