Friday Update 23rd December 2022 (BCNA Christmas Closure Details)

Friday update 23rd December 2022

Welcome to the last Friday Update of 2022!

First, I would like to shout out to all the members of the Online Network who have provided support to so many others on the forum throughout the year. Myself and my colleagues are incredibly lucky as moderators to witness first-hand, how the simple act of conversation and sharing stories can empower someone affected by breast cancer.      

BCNA Helpline over Christmas and New Year

As happens every year, BCNA’s Helpline will be closed for a few days during the Christmas and New Year break.  The BCNA Helpline will be closed between 24 December 2022 and 2 January 2023. 

Mez_BCNA and Kate_BCNA will be moderating the Online Network over the closure period should you need to send a private message for urgent matters you can include both moderators in your message. 

To send a private message from your laptop/desktop click the envelope next to your profile picture and click on the highlighted picture below; type in the moderator’s names in the ‘recipients’. Type the body of your message and hit ‘Post Message’ button.

To send a message from your mobile device you will click on your profile picture and then the envelope will be on the top-right (screenshot below):

To access our extensive array of digital resources during this period, please visit our website or sign up to My Journey.

If you haven’t been there already, My Journey is where you can find information and support tailored to your specific needs, including early breast cancer, DCIS, metastatic breast cancer and survivorship.  

We encourage you to stay in touch with your existing support networks such a family or friends; your GP pr member of your medical team Additionally, if you need to speak to someone the following services are available:

Cancer Council 13 11 20 during this time if you are seeking support about your breast cancer diagnosis. Please be aware that they are working reduced hours during this time. 

Lifeline 13 11 14 is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 also available 24 hours a day 7 days a week

If you would like to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter, 13YARN is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week on 13 92 76.

Christmas Funnies

In the spirit of Christmas Funnies… 

You can check out more of these Christmas posts in the discussion link below: https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/20086/christmas-funnies-put-them-up-here-for-a-laugh/p17

Popular forum discussions

Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments in December:

1. Christmas Funnies ....... put them up here for a laugh!

2. New member planning double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction

3. Insulting and Judgmental Comments

4. Cooler Sleep - Mattress, Gel Pad, Sheets

5. New look online network

BCNA News 09 December 2022 – New alert for scam door knockers

It's come to our attention that people claiming to represent Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and BreastScreen are knocking on doors in South Australia and asking for donations.

BCNA does not door knock and these people do not represent our organisation.

Please be alert for scams and if you believe a person asking for funds at your door is fraudulent, report the incident to the Scamwatch website.

BCNA News 19 December 2022- Call to improve airport screening

Women wearing a breast prosthesis after a mastectomy are being insensitively treated during airport security screening, including being asked to remove their prosthesis. To read the full article please CLICK LINK 

BCNA News 22 December 2022- Call for increased access to subsidised psychological support

Reducing the number of Medicare-subsidised psychologist appointments from 20 to 10 a year on 1 January 2023 will negatively impact people with complex comorbidities such as cancer, say two leading cancer organisations. To read the full article please CLICK HERE 

BCNA’s Field of Women is back at the ‘G’ in 2023!

Save the date for AFL Round 23, on the weekend of 17 - 20 August, when Melbourne takes on Hawthorn at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The exact date of the 'Stand with me at the 'G' event will be confirmed in conjunction with the next part of the AFL fixture release in May, 2023.

Show your support for all Australians affected by breast cancer and be a part of this iconic event as more than 10,000 people stand in the shape of BCNA’s Pink Lady on the hallowed turf of the MCG.

To register your interest and sign up click the following link https://bcna.live/FieldOfWomen2023 to get access to early bird tickets, offers and priority updates! 

Living with cancer and loss at Christmas – Cancer Council

Christmas is often a difficult time for many people who have experienced a diagnosis of cancer or loss in their life. Check out the Cancer Council Victoria’s tips to help support you during this time Living with cancer and loss at Christmas - Cancer Council Victoria (cancervic.org.au)

BCNA Digital Resources (Webcasts/Podcasts/Forums)

To access our extensive array of digital resources during the office closure period, please visit our website or sign up to My Journey

Our popular Upfront about Breast Cancer Podcast series: What you don’t know until you do with Dr Charlotte Tottman  reached 50k listens this year. The podcast series explores a range of topics including diagnosis shock, body image, emotional isolation and fear of recurrence, drawing on Charlotte’s lived experience while providing practical strategies to help you during and beyond your cancer journey.

Rockhampton Information Forum - You can also watch BCNA's recent face-to-face forum held in Rockhampton QLD: To watch the on-demand videos of each presentation, please click here.