Member: Melhay | BCNA Online Network

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Re: Worried about new treatment plan!!!
So glad to hear Kelli was supportive & helpful. Just to be taken seriously is a very positive step forward from where you were at a few days ago. Hope the new oncologist is more supportive of the original treatment plan & at least actively listens to your concerns. Mel
9 years ago Place General
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Re: Worried about new treatment plan!!!
Hi Karen, Well that's a very different treatment approach indeed - no wonder you're feeling so anxious. As well as your GP, you could also try talking with Joanne Woodlands (Breast & Gynecology Cancer Nurse Specialist) at the Mid North Coast Cancer Institute. Mel
9 years ago Place General
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Re: It took months to finally be diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancerening
Hello Pepper, thanks for sharing your experience. Good for you for sticking to your gut instinct that something wasn't right. I was lucky my Specialist was very pro biopsy. He even apologized for possibly being over cautious - thank goodness he was. All the best with your treatment Mel xx
9 years ago Place General discussions
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Re: Just saying hello
Hi Anna, Welcome to the network. Sorry for the circumstances that have brought you here but I can assure you you're in very good company. I agree cats can be good therapy for the mind & soul. We have an indoor Russian Blue who melts my heart & makes us laugh at his acrobatic antics. All the best with your upcoming treatments. Mel xx
9 years ago Place General
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Re: Breast Cancer has changed my fitness ideas to another level
Hi Karen, Congratulations on your achievement. Some of the side effects of breast Cancer treatment you mentioned really resonated with me - you've inspired me to get back out there pounding the pavement with my dog who is missing the exercise as much as me!
9 years ago Place Exercise
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Re: Post Re-Excision Seroma
Thanks for those suggestions @xpataus :) Have also sent you a private message.
9 years ago Place General
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Re: Diagnosed one month ago, aged 24.
Hello Emma, Very sorry for the reason you've found yourself here. Your head must be spinning right now with the barrage of information coming at you. Just know that your treatment team are doing their very best to ensure you don't have to go through this again down the track. That said, you are still the one who has to live with the effects of the surgery & treatment so be sure to ask all the questions you need of your health care team & or here. Take care Mel xx
9 years ago Place General
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Re: Not sure how to react, what to expect...
Hello Fate81, Very sorry for the reason you've found yourself on this network but I can assure you that you're in good company here. You are absolutely entitled to feel cheated, worried, uncertain about the future & what's more, it's absolutely normal given everything that's happened in your life so far. Keep asking questions here & of your health care team & don't deny yourself time & space to grieve. Most importantly you need to focus on taking care yourself physically & emotionally - however that looks like for you right now. Mel xxx
9 years ago Place General
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Re: Post Re-Excision Seroma
@xpataus we walk our dog at Lighthouse Beach! I only just worked out how to actually get to Shelly Beach (via the car) the other day - thanks to my family. The kids prefer Flynns Beach so far - while they've been boogie boarding I've been watching the whales. Didn't know there are goannas around so thanks for the tip :) I've noticed there a lots of cafes around - any recommendations?
9 years ago Place General
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Re: Breast Cancer second time around
Hi Mazoz, So sorry to hear of your second diagnosis. It just plain stinks to have to go through the whole process - again. I too have had bilateral breast cancer. First diagnosed in 2015, second in Aug 2016 during my 12 month checkup. Compared to 1st time around when I found the lump & had history of benign lumps in the breast, I felt completely blind sided by the second diagnosis. Due to the type & size of the cancer I was lucky to be given the choice of lumpectomy or mastectomy & chose lumpectomy both times. I just wanted to assure you though you will find plenty of support here from those who like yourself, have had no choice. Hard as it is, your priority right now is to take care you. This means finding activities that you enjoy to take you away (even momentarily) from the stress, anxiety & fear surrounding what lies ahead. Everyone is different in regards to what works for them .1st time around I found cleaning out my studio & selling off stuff I no longer used was a good diversion. Whereas second time around, asking questions & venting here on the forum & packing up to move (we had just sold our house!) was a good diversion. You are not alone & you can do this - one day, one step at time. Mel xxx
9 years ago Place Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
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Flat Chat - no breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. This group is a safe space for those considering, actively choosing or not have had a choice to stay flat after a mastectomy. Whether personal decision or one shaped by circumstance, you're invited to connect and share your experience and images with others on a similar path. Information shared is based on personal experience and not intended as medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️Posts may include images of surgical outcomes, which some may find distressing. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline—we’re here for you.
Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.

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Melhay

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Flat Chat - no breast reconstruction

Choosing breast reconstruction