Helpful information

Accommodation

1. ‣Cancer Council Qld - provides accommodation for regional cancer patients and their carers when they need to travel for cancer treatment in major cities.  There is an extremely high demand for this service and therefore no guarantee of availability.  However, if the facilities are fully booked, staff will refer you to another organisation who can assist you with your accommodation enquiry.  Lodges are in Rockhampton, Toowoomba, Cairns, Townsville & Brisbane.   Ph 131120   www.cancerqld.org.au    
   

2. ‣Rockhampton, Central Queensland Cancer Support Centre - 2 self-contained one bedroom units and 6 motel style rooms with equipped kitchenette.  Phone in rooms, laundry facilities and free transport service for patients without a vehicle (48hrs notice).  Phone 4932 8600
   

3. ‣Toowoomba, Olive McMahon Lodge, 2 Scott Street - provides accommodation to patients undergoing cancer treatment that don’t require nursing care or assistance.  Phone 4690 5900
   

4. ‣Cairns, Marylyn Mayo Lodge, 564 Mulgrave Road, Woree  - provides accommodation to patients undergoing cancer treatment that don’t require nursing care or assistance.   Phone 4047 5600
   

5. ‣Cairns, Central Plaza Apartments, 255-257 Lake Street - 1 & 2 bedroom fully self-contained apartments.  200m to Cairns Base Hospital. Patient & out-patient accommodation - PTSS.   Phone 1800 197197   www.centralplazacairns.com.au
   

6. ‣Townsville, Gluyas Rotary Lodge - 20 self-contained units at 24 Warburton Street, close to beach, bus stop and shops.  A courtesy bus takes residents to and from hospital at set times during the day.  Support sessions are held at the Lodge to help those with cancer.  Phone 4796 8400  www.cancerqld.org.au/page/need_support/support_during_treatment/gluyas_rotary_lodge
   

7. ‣Brisbane, Charles Wanstall Apex Lodge, 35 Fleming Road, Herston near RBWH - 25 self-contained family units and 10 single accommodation units with microwave, kettle and toaster.  Community dining, lounge, kitchen and laundry facilities also available to residents.  Volunteers available  for shopping, craft activities, weekend outings and support, and also transport to and from hospital.  Phone 3250 3555
   

8. ‣Brisbane, Ellis Lodge, 24 Edmonstone Street, South Brisbane - provides accommodation to patients undergoing cancer treatment that don’t require nursing care or assistance.  Phone 3170 0900 
   

9. ‣Near RBWH, Swan Inn Brisbane Bed & Breakfast, 36 Swan Tce, Windsor - 2 private suites, close to everything.  Great reviews!  Host Catherine Eastes Ph 3315 6468 Mobile 0419 399447  www.swaninn.com.au   
   

10. ‣Near RBWH, Herston Place Motel, 27 Wyndham Street, Herston - participates with PTSS scheme, long term rate.  Mens share house, free after PTSS.  Phone 32160111                          www.herstonplacemotel.com.au
    

11. ‣Wesley Hospital Accommodation Services - The Wesley Rotary Lodge, Ph 33772177   Lang Parade Lodge, Ph 38711780   Auchenflower Gardens, Ph 38708411                   www.wesley.com.au/services/accommodation-services
    

12. ‣Near Wesley Hospital, Milton Motel Apartments - (long term special rates/hospital treatment - just ask)  Phone 3876 2360  www.milton-motel.com.au
    

13. ‣Near Chermside Hospitals, Essence Apartments, 541 Rode Road, Chermside - Only metres from Prince Charles and the Holy Spirit hospital and a few minutes drive from the airport, shops and transport.  Hospital rates available.  Phone 36137400    www.essenceapartments.com
    

14. ‣Chermside Apartments, 22 Thomas Street, Chermside - short stay serviced apartments 1-3 bdrm.  Walking distance to Westfield shopping centre.  Discounts apply for hospital patients & families.  Ph 1800 829 291 or 32565500 www.thechermside.com.au   
    

15. ‣Mater Hospital - Reg Leonard House & Mater Hill Place, South Brisbane for patients and families receiving treatment at the Mater.  Phone 3163 8111 www.mater.org.au/Home/Services/Accommodation
    

16. ‣QCWA offers low cost accommodation in Brisbane and at many other Queensland centres.    Phone 3026 1219    www.qcwa.org.au
    

17. ‣Red Cross Australia operates emergency hospital accommodation facilities close to a number of major hospitals throughout Queensland. Designed to assist patients and their families who have had to travel considerable distances for medical care, these centers offer accommodation at low cost to the individual.                           Freecall 1300 554 419      Phone 3367 7222       www.redcross.org.au 
    

18. ‣Cancer Care Co-ordinator has information about accommodation.  Ph 4652 5500
    

Transport

Cancer Council Qld offers volunteer airport or transit centre pick up services.             Phone 13 11 20

Central Qld Cancer Support Centre, Rockhampton, has a free transport service for patients without a vehicle (48hrs notice).  Phone 4932 8600

Charles Wanstall Apex Lodge, Herston, Brisbane, has a volunteer transport service from airport or transit centre.  Qld Cancer Fund Volunteers can take you to and from hospital for your treatments and are available for shopping, craft activities, weekend outings and support.  Phone 3250 3555

Gluyas Rotary Lodge, Townsville, has a courtesy bus to and from Townsville hospital at set times during the day and is close to a bus stop for the city bus service.               Phone 4721 1644

Financial assistance

1. ‣PTSS (Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme)  – www.health.qld.gov.au/ptss forms & information.  Forms also available from local public hospitals and assistance includes accommodation.
   

2. ‣$500 grant from BPCAQ toward any cost during treatment  – West’n Breast & Prostate Support Group deliver this together with a complimentary and helpful pamper pack.  Contact Care Cancer Care Co-ordinator  Ph 4652 5500
   

3. ‣$2,000 accommodation/special circumstances grant from BPCAQ - arranged by the Cancer Care Co-ordinator  Ph 4652 5500
   

4. ‣Cancer Council Qld has a financial assistance program that you can be referred to by Health Professionals and the Cancer Care Co-ordinator can explain the guidelines.  Phone 4652 550
   

Flu Needle

People who’ve had a chronic illness (cancer) are entitled to a free annual influenza needle.  For details contact your doctor.

Schooling children away

If you need to take your children with you during a long treatment, schooling them at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital School may be beneficial - 501 Stanley St, South Brisbane.   Phone 3068 1111   http://lcchschool.eq.edu.au  www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/lcch 

Kim Walters Choices Program

Offers you, your family and your friends access to a network of professionals, volunteers and others affected by breast or gynaecological cancer - who you choose to interact with is your decision.  The programs are offered FREE of charge to everyone (regardless of where you are receiving treatment) and they aim to improve the quality of your life.

1. -  Help making decisions about surgery and treatment
   

2. -  Connection with breast care nurses and peer support
   

3. -  Provision of complimentary relaxation therapies
   

4. -  Post surgery exercise classes
   

5. -  Advice about stress management, sexuality & fertility, survivorship,   menopause, exercise and nutrition
   

6. -  A range of support services like the wig & turban library, rural and regional workshop program, and community education programs
   

Information, appointments or bookings - Ph 3232 6548  www.uchealth.com.au/choices

Prosthesis

Cancer Council  -  Have a very extensive list of ‘qualified fitters’ in towns and suburbs all over Queensland of prosthesis/bras.  Phone 13 11 20

Purely Venus, 1/111 East St, Rockhampton - Travels west to do prosthesis fittings.  www.purelyvenus.com.au 

Ph 4927 9999

David Jones, cnr Gympie & Hamilton Rds, Chermside - To arrange a fitting appointment Phone 36241478

Spirit of Life Boutique, 628 Sandgate Road, Clayfield -  They are very helpful and will mail order.    Phone 3262 9144    www.spiritoflifeboutique.com

We would recommend getting fitted for a prosthesis while away having treatment. 

Our cleaning tip is to use ‘Earth Choice’ dishwashing detergent, works just as well as the expensive product usually recommended for prosthesis care.

Alternatives to buying a new prosthesis bra

1. -  Heidi Ho’s Embroidery can sew pockets into your own favourite bras to accommodate padding/prosthesis.  Phone 4787 6488    www.heidihoembroidery.com.au
   

1. -  The Genie Bra (as seen on tv) is very supportive, comfortable and has no seams.  If you carefully unpick one piece of overlocking inside that will allow you to insert your prosthesis between the two layers of the bra.     www.geniebra.com
   

Depression

Beyond Blue helpline

www.beyondblue.org.au  

Ph 1300 224636

Lymphoedema

Things that may help -  Yoga, acupuncture, Bowen therapy, lymphatic drainage massage and special exercises for lymphoedema.  For heaps of good information visit -      www.lymphqld.org

Shopping favourites

Sun Smart Shop (Cancer Council Qld) - 553 Gregory Tce, Fortitude Valley

Variety of sunsmart gear & other things, including comfy headcover turbans.

Open 9am-4.30pm   Free parking available   (across from the Old Museum)

Phone  3634 5222    Toll free  1300 363 433    www.sunsmartshop.com.au 

Online stores  - www.gotchacoveredhats.com.au  Geelong Vic Ph 0401 224300

                       - www.hathouse.com.au    Elsternwich Vic  Ph 0407 820126

                       - www.hatshow.com.au     Adelaide   S.A.   Ph 0400 131042                    

These Australian stores have a great range of stylish headcover caps, beautiful bandanas, beanies and hats designed for chemotherapy patients.

Starkles Stores - Myer Centre Brisbane, Pacific Fair Gold Coast & Robina Town Shopping Centre for wigs, scarves, headwear and accessories. 

Complimentary home and hospital visits are available on request. 

(Cancer Council Qld funding available to those eligible - Ph 13 11 20)

Ph 3229 0005 Brisbane  -  Ph 5538 4545 Gold Coast  -  Ph 5575 8000 Robina

www.starkles.com.au

Helpful tips

Radiation

Aloe vera gel or mist to help cool and soothe skin

Zinc & castor oil cream for skin damage repair after radiation course completed

You will need organic deodorants with no aluminium for use during treatment

Use pure natural soaps avoiding perfumes, aluminium and chemicals

Chemotherapy

Biotene mouthwash, spray and toothpaste helps promote saliva for dry mouth

Tooth mousse strengthens/hardens weakened teeth

Plastic cutlery for ‘metal mouth’ (a side effect of chemo) 

Eye pillow - filled with flaxseed &/or aromatic herbs, can relieve headache and assist with relaxation.  Enquire at local chemists

‘Kooly Band’ - a crystal pack you can use hot or cold for discomfort

Phone 0413 323725    www.koolyband.com   

Carry a container or large press seal plastic bag wherever you go in case you suddenly feel sick

Disclaimer  -

Please ensure you read the ingredients of all products you use and test on a small area of skin for an allergic reaction before general use.  Whilst every care has been taken to ensure products and information listed on this webpage are of a high standard, West’n Breast & Prostate Support Group and Breast & Prostate Cancer Association of Queensland Inc. cannot be held liable for any reactions or for the quality of the products listed on this webpage.  If you do have any reaction to any listed product please discontinue use and contact your doctor immediately.  If you would like to provide feedback about the products or information in this webpage please do not hesitate to contact us.  BPCAQ does not specifically recommend or endorse any of the products or information listed in this webpage.  This website is put together with the best intentions and good wishes of our volunteer support group members.