Member: Brenda5 | BCNA Online Network

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Re: chemo question please?
During chemo I kept a log as with chemo brain fog, often I would forget half of what side effects I had. My oncologist was very appreciative of it and we tailored the chemo and adjunctive medicines according to how my body was doing with it all.
3 years ago Place General
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Re: DCIS and mastectomy
I do remember the loss of my breast. You will mourn it and it can take years to get used to it being gone. I would suggest you have some times with either your breast screen McGrath nurse and or get regular appointments with a psychologist. I love seeing my psychologist as I can pour out all my fears and hangups that I wouldn't dare share with family or friends. I didn't commence it soon enough in my treatment and ended up with PTSD so your mental health is really as important as your physical battle with cancer.
3 years ago Place DCIS
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Re: Chemo first and surgery after
I think the chemo first idea is to potentially reduce any chance of the cancer extending into other areas. Nip that one in the bud and the bonus is to shrink the existing cancer before opening up the blood stream in surgery. Make it sick first then remove it. Good plan.
3 years ago Place General
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Re: Happy birthday for 5 July to @Brenda5
Thank you all. <3 I did have a lovely 61 birthday at home. My parents came and we had cake! When I was diagnosed and treated at 53, I didn't know if I would even make it to another birthday. Still in remission today. :D
3 years ago Place General discussions
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Re: Skin checks
I had 3 skin things came up very aggressive and within 12 months biopsies said it was cancer. They were quickly nipped in the bud with theatre and surgery and that was the end of it which was a good thing. Unfortunately the whole theatre thing messed with my mind as all the memories of breast cancer surgeries came flooding back and that then messed with my heart rhythms. Turned out a good thing as I finally got the psychological help for healing from the breast cancer. I thought I was fine but apparently I really wasn't so not only keep an eye on skin checks but also check your mental health and get help if needed too.
3 years ago Place General
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Re: Heart aflutter again.
Apparently I wasn't taking the right dose of one of the heart meds lol. It came in a little bottle and the label was a wrap around with a kink halfway thru the dose rate. The new ones came in a box with a good big flat label I can read so instead of half a tab morning and night, its actually half in the morning and full tab at night. It seems to be working better now with no middle of the night atrial fibrillation. I survived breast cancer, I am surviving heart troubles, I survived covid. Now if I can just survive this house move on 23rd March things should go much easier.
3 years ago Place General
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Re: The last treatment and feeling cut loose and lost
I have asked doctors why not just do a full scan to rule out any cancer. Their answer has been scans turn up all sorts of quirks we have in our bodies and then they have to investigate it with further testing and its usually nothing and is very expensive so unless you have constant pain or some part of your body isn't working properly, its best to let sleeping dogs lie. I have survived for 7 years post treatment now so I am doing pretty good. I do see a psychologist (she deserves a medal for putting up with me) regularly where I can down load all my frustrations and worries and she gives helpful links to what ever I need in life. Just be happy you are off the merrygoround of treatment and do your best to get back to some normalcy in life. It's the little things will bring you joy. One of my best was when my nails could finally open a ring pull can. Another was when I actually needed a hair cut again.
3 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
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Re: Heart aflutter again.
I finally got a disability pension. I just cannot get back to what I was before breast cancer 7 years ago but at least now I have some financial security and can pay my bills again. My heart meds are cheaper too as they are all covered on the pbs scheme so I don't have a heart attack getting the bill for heart meds any more. I can also see my doctor now for free as he only bulk bills pensioners. The rest have to pay and I haven't had the income for that especially for full skin cancer checks which are about $200. Interestingly, my mum also has Atrial Fibrillation and recently had a pacemaker inserted. That is after she had covid like me and the heart meds she was on decided not to work either. I visited her in the same hospital I had been in and the stress of if brought on my Atrial Fibrillation that night while I was asleep (reliving the hospital in my mind) but an extra heart pill and then another in the morning finally quietened my heart back in to rhythm. We find out if the contract on the house sale is unconditional on Monday. They have finance but are arguing the price down some more. You can't get blood out of a stone and we are as low as we can go so they will have to decide if they want the house at the price in the contract or not. We have a new house to move to which will be no loan to buy. It's only a 3 bedroom but there is a 4th one we could make out of a formal dining room when we save up some money for someone to put a wall and a door in. Monday I will be chasing our bank, or our solicitor will, to get a mortgage release and a payout figure on the loan. Twice I have tried contacting them but because its a business structured loan, none of the regular staff can touch it. Someone must be handling it as the interest rate went up again to 7.93%. It is very frustrating. I hope there aren't too high a penalties or we will be short on settlement on the new house or may not have enough moneys for a removalist. Just hoping it will all work out alright and on 23rd March we will be in our new house, albeit a long way from any beaches.
3 years ago Place General
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Re: Fishing brag pics
Always enjoy your pics @arpie
3 years ago Place General
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Re: Heart aflutter again.
I have been feeling the pull of fishing but its as windy as atm and due to my heart meds often having me dizzy, I don't go out much. Agoraphobia doesn't help either. Mind you I am still scheming with the new house, the possiblity of me having a kayak close to water. I can dream. As to calming myself, it is deep breathing, meditation to make myself relax every portion of my body and listening to calming music on youtube. There are several to choose from. You just have to find the one with the right tones for you.
3 years ago Place General
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Groups

Let's talk: vaginas, menopause & me
PRIVATE GROUP. This group is a safe, supportive space to talk about sexual health and emotional wellbeing during and after breast cancer. We discuss topics like menopause, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, UTIs, and changes in libido, and share ideas and products that may help. Whether you're navigating intimacy with a partner or reconnecting with yourself, you're not alone here. This is a place for open, respectful conversations and shared understanding.
Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
This group is for anyone diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC), which begins in the milk-producing lobules and accounts for around 10% of invasive breast cancers (US statistics). Connect with others, share experiences, and access peer support from people who understand the unique aspects of an ILC diagnosis.
First Peoples yarning circle
This group is a culturally safe and respectful space for First Peoples affected by breast cancer. Whether you're newly diagnosed, in treatment, or navigating life after breast cancer, you're welcome to share your story, connect with others, and find strength in community. Think of this space as a virtual yarning circle - where you can speak freely, listen deeply, and feel supported by others who truly understand your journey.
Christianity & breast cancer
This group offers a welcoming place to share how your Christian faith supports you through the breast cancer journey. Connect with others who find comfort and strength in Scripture, prayer, and reflection. Whether you're seeking encouragement, community, or a place to explore spiritual resilience, you're warmly invited to join in fellowship and support. Prayers and Bible study are welcome.

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