Welcome to the 'Engaging online communities' online group

Hi everyone!

I'm Di from Safety Beach NSW - about 30kms north of Coffs Harbour.

It's just over 4 years since my bc diagnosis.

When I joined BCNA online network, I'd finished my treatment and felt a bit lost. By reading the blogs and connecting with different groups, it comforted and inspired me. It also helped me reconnect with myself, as a whole person and a woman, not just a cancer survivor. My quality of life improved, too.

I want to help our online communities to continue to grow and learn from each other. To keep supporting women in caring and creative ways. To facilitate online discussion, sharing personal stories and practical resources.

Look forward to meeting you at the Summit.

Di

Hi...... My name is Deb & I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. 11 years after my mother died from this disease. I underwent a double mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy & herceptin. I found out in 2014 I'm BRCA2 positive & have passed this gene on to my 21 year old daughter. I would like to be able to help women living with the gene connect to the resources available to them from the BCNA. These women need support too, often undergoing double mastectomies & oopherectomies without having had cancer. 

Hi Paula, it will be great to meet you finally as Ive talked to you many times in the recon group. I have a post with pictures. Don't forget to bring your winter woolies, that is if you have any! I have a sister who lives in Cairns but havnt been your way for a couple of years.

Hi,My name is Keryn, Im from Sale in East Gippsland in Victoria, so not so far to travel for the summit but at least I know how cold it is down here.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and had a mastectomy and axillary clearance of the 21 nodes removed 16 were involved. Ive had the book of treatments, Chemo, Radio and as I was HER2+ I had 12 months of Herceptin as well. Ive also had a complete hysterectomy and removal of my ovaries as I had large cysts on the ovaries for many years and didn't want to go down that path also. In 2014 I had a DIEP reconstruction and then a nipple sharing op that didn't work. I have since had my "tittoo" and think that not having a "Barbie" boob is great.

I have been a CL since 2011 and have been heavily involved with the Pink Bun campaign with my local BD owner. (By the way - I'm pretty sure our store, Sale, topped donations in Victoria this year!!!!!!)

Im really looking forward to meeting my new friends and generally getting together with like minded people.

Hi there. My name is Paula and I am from Cairns in Far North Queensland. I was first diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2009 and again in 2011. After lots of treatment and surgery I eventually went on and had a double TRAM flap reconstruction in 2013. Whilst researching my reconstruction I made contact with Louise Turner and was one of the first members of the Breast Reconstruction Online Group. I found so much support from this group that I hung around and offered support to others in the group. I now have the privilege of being one of the facilitators of this group. A role that I find incredibly rewarding. It feels good to help others along the way. I am both nervous and excited to come to summit and can't wait to meet everyone. I am looking forward to learning more about the new site and ways that I can improve what I am already doing. 

Paula x