Welcome New Members 12th January 2022

Hi @Fernweh, thankyou for sharing your story and hope that you find some valuable connections here with online network members.

You mentioned you are worried that you may be missing something critical, therefore I thought I would share BCNA resources and external information that may be of support to you:

Cancer Council - Your Guide to best cancer care

https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/breast-cancer-optimal-cancer-care-pathway This resource can help to guide you as to the national standard of high-quality cancer care that all Australians should expect. 

Breast Care Nurse

Your treating hospital should link you in with your breast care nurse over the coming days , however if you haven't received a call you can  contact The McGrath Foundation  provides specialist breast cancer information and their Breast Care Nurses can be contacted on 1800 183 338. Referral to a McGrath Breast Care Nurse is available to you for free, whether you’re in the private or public health system. McGrath Breast Care Nurses can support you from diagnosis and throughout your treatment and provide support for the various stages of breast cancer.

BCNA’s My Journey  resource which is accessible online or as a downloadable app. This resource provides high quality, evidence-based information which can be tailored to your  individual diagnosis and which provides insights from others diagnosed with breast cancer (It also has a symptom tracker). It is easy to access via computer, tablet or smartphone.

My Journey was developed with assistance from breast cancer specialists and offers:

•             Information and support tailored to specific needs at all stages of the breast cancer journey including DCIS, early breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer.

•             Immediate updates as new insights, research and clinical trials become available

•             Videos, webcasts and podcasts

Charlotte Tottman’s Podcast mini series ‘What you don’t know until you do’ https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/resources/podcasts/ 

You may enjoy listening to Dr. Charlotte’s journey, which lays out her lived experience, provide explanations of psychological triggers and responses, and practical strategies that may help someone on their own cancer journey.

Just Diagnosed: what’s next?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRW7g5tBx5A This is an on-demand webcast for people recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  This video will provide practical tips about the information need to help you through this time and guidance on how to make the treatment decisions that are best for you.

My Care Kit

My Care Kit for women who have recently had breast surgery. It contains a specially designed Berlei bra and soft form/s, provided through a partnership between BCNA and Berlei. Available free of charge to women in Australia who undergo surgery for breast cancer, and is ordered by your health professional (or you can call our member support team 1800 500 258)

I hope this above information if helpful for you. If you would like to chat with one of our Member Support Team please contact us on 1800 500 258. We can discuss and identify any additional supports you need.