Best Of
Re: Advocating for Exercise in Breast Cancer Groups
wow 8 years later im reading this... it was so dissapointing for me to be hissed out of the groups at the time and as a result i stopped using these forums all together. it could have been a place where we all learned from eachothers experiences... i never forgot how the women who jumped on my back about strength training at the time.. and i hope that now that exercise science and cancer science has caught up to my strength training advocacy nearly one decade ago, that more and more people with breast cancer will explore the benefits of strength based exercise. since i wrote this, exercise physiology has now taken over most cancer centres and encouraging people to do strength based exercises alongside cancer treatment. i am damn proud that i was one of the first to advocate for this. i am damn proud of my body and now retaining my youth, my amazingly strong body, being able to outlift the cis men in my gym, being able to carry things at age 43 that not many Presumed Female At Birth people can, like bales of hay, 20kgs of groceries without any trouble, being able to have been one of the only people in my entire group of cancer experiencers to have full range of motion and no complications with movement or nerve or lymphatic complications due to lack of exercise. im so proud of the shine on my skin from strength training, i am so proud of looking like the athlete that i am, and being physically more fit and stronger than most people half my age; and beating cancer to a pulp, empowering myself and others with physical strength and mental strength that goes with it. i am damn proud that i wrote this back in 2016 and now reading it 2024. i will always continue to advocate for the empowerment of women to gain strength.
Otis Foundation Fund Raising
I came across this information. Otis foundation gift time away for breast cancer patients and their families are listed on the Victorian container donations list. I'm sure they would be grateful for any donations.
Locksley
1
Re: 37 year old - just diagnosed
So sorry to see you join 'the club', @ninica - but you'll get a wealth of support and tips here, from those who've gone before you.
I was lucky & dodged the chemo bullet & went straight to Rads & Tabs - but my husband had one node affected (out of 50 tested) with his stomach cancer - and altho he didn't 'want to' - he did decide to go with chemo, as it is to mop up those 'randoms' that may have snuck thru the net. Both your opinions have suggested chemo - not everyone gets really crook - quite a few here have continued working thru their treatments - if you go down that road, fingers crossed, it may be you.
There is a 'Young Women' group here that you may like to join, to discuss issues with in private (only group members can see the posts.) . You can raise any issue you like with them. Clicking on it will show BCNA, @InkPetal and @jane84 as contacts for joining ...
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/10-young-women
All the best with your decision making xxx
I was lucky & dodged the chemo bullet & went straight to Rads & Tabs - but my husband had one node affected (out of 50 tested) with his stomach cancer - and altho he didn't 'want to' - he did decide to go with chemo, as it is to mop up those 'randoms' that may have snuck thru the net. Both your opinions have suggested chemo - not everyone gets really crook - quite a few here have continued working thru their treatments - if you go down that road, fingers crossed, it may be you.
There is a 'Young Women' group here that you may like to join, to discuss issues with in private (only group members can see the posts.) . You can raise any issue you like with them. Clicking on it will show BCNA, @InkPetal and @jane84 as contacts for joining ...
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/10-young-women
All the best with your decision making xxx
arpie
1
Re: Time to process
All the best for your rehearsing and the national comp @JenD!! That's good to get help setting up your Tuba and that it is comfy enough to play, sitting down xx
My uke group has been suggested for the local Eisteddfod next month .... but we are happy just playing for local aged care centres ....
take care
My uke group has been suggested for the local Eisteddfod next month .... but we are happy just playing for local aged care centres ....
take care
arpie
1
Re: Slow Down Project
Those of you quilting may like this one then. A home project I did this over several years (as time and motivation allowed, during my boys school years, so over about 15 years!).
Started as I found a pattern I liked in a quilting magazine, then collected fabrics and put together a combination I liked. Ended up King Size. Bargello quilt on front, then so as not to waste an opportunity, a scrappy design on back, so it is two sided.
It is machine quilted finished (that bit was outsourced, too much for my little janome!).
I am in no hurrry to tackle anything quite as ambitious again, but might get back to a couple of ufo bundles that need finishing in the coming months too. Clean out the cupboards a bit...
P.S , my minischnauzer Tisha, photobomb, not shy in being in a photo..or on the bed!)
Started as I found a pattern I liked in a quilting magazine, then collected fabrics and put together a combination I liked. Ended up King Size. Bargello quilt on front, then so as not to waste an opportunity, a scrappy design on back, so it is two sided.
It is machine quilted finished (that bit was outsourced, too much for my little janome!).
I am in no hurrry to tackle anything quite as ambitious again, but might get back to a couple of ufo bundles that need finishing in the coming months too. Clean out the cupboards a bit...
P.S , my minischnauzer Tisha, photobomb, not shy in being in a photo..or on the bed!)
JenD
4
Re: New to This
Totally understandable @RenataW I recall feeling a bit scared ahead of my pre surgery lymphoscinctigram and a hookwire (just the name of the procedure could do with a ‘rebrand’ ☺️, it sounds much worse than it is).
The team were empathetic and very gentle. Hope the sun shines and it’s a beautiful day when you come out of hospital and very best wishes.
Tri
2
Re: Slow Down Project
I love this thread (pardon the pun), and the colours in your creative projects are gorgeous.
@JenD your title “slow down project” resonated - just yesterday I was walking to the beach for a swim and motivated to take a photo of the sign on the path (I’ll include it) - aside from the spectacular colour of the sky, cliffs and water I decided “slow” (but steady) needs to be my 2024 mantra.
My fingertips have been a bit numb but when I am finished with the current treatment I think getting the sewing machine out will be both a pleasure and great OT.
Tri
3
Re: Going public - will I have any choices
I am going through the public system as I don’t have private health insurance and I live regionally so no choice of drs but have been quite fortunate so far.
My med onco I have to pay $225 then get $125 back. Surgeon consult is $110 and $85 back but no charge for surgeries.
Radiation onco is free due to cancer centre being at the hospital under NSW health.
Definitely take a trusted person with you to your appts to write everything down.
If you are in the city you’ll probably get the opportunity for a second opinion if needed.
I didn’t because we don’t have enough drs but they were okay and didn’t feel the need.
Do heaps of research on all your options. Double mastectomy is a massive op but if you think it’s right for you then definitely be your own advocate. One thing I have learnt is you need to be clear in your wishes but keep options open and room for change if need be.
Best wishes to you xx