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Everything is shrinking!
I haven't been here for a while and thought this would be a good place for advice. Its 4 years since diagnosed with BC and 2.5 years post treatment. I have been so focused on my general health, resuming work and looking after sick elderly parents that I have neglected my sexual health. Basically everything is shrinking…
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Life after active treatment
I found this network early in my treatment and interacting with others on here helped to change my view of myself. During the months of treatment, I began to see that people who opened themselves to sharing and learning from others seemed to cope better. I think before all this I was a private and closed sort of person. I…
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Encore Program - Central Coast NSW, April 26 - June 14
For ladies on the Central Coast of NSW, if you are interested in going along to the next lot of free YWCA Encore sessions, Term 2 starts on Thursday, 26th April, 11.30am-1.30pm at Erina, and they have some vacancies. You can enrol, or get further details by calling Vicki 02 9285 6264 or emailing: encore@ywcansw.com.au. For…
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So my family have asked me to get help
I'm coming up to my 1st anniversary of being diagnosed. In a recent conversation with my family I have been told that I need to get help, that I need to find someone to talk to because my feelings are not healthy, that I'm not dealing with things very well. I'm honestly a bit dumbfounded as I thought I was doing…
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Anyone tried a detox retreat after chemo??
Hi I'd love to know if anyone has done a 7day detox retreat after chemo?? What are your experiences?? Any recommendations?? I'm considering doing one once chemo finishes in three weeks and just after my lumpectomy late April! Jane
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Inspiration for the week
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Why I like science
So we may be able to combat superbugs by using platypus milk! Which makes you wonder how that link was made. Female platyplurals don't have teats. Milk comes through pores, a bit like sweat glands, and runs through the fur to be consumed by the young. Huge chance of being contaminated by whatever bugs may be on the body,…
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Treatment, hysterectomy, mastectomy, and now an emotional mess!
Hi everyone, I had had my last chemo on Jan 11th for triple neg BC. I have BRCA1 and in the last 6 weeks since finishing treatment I have had a full hysterectomy with uterus & ovaries removed 3 weeks after chemo and then a double mastectomy 3 weeks after the hysterectomy. I have been doing pretty well throughout my journey…
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Feeling apprehensive
Not sure what's going on with me. I'm sitting in the car outside the Look Good, Feel Better workshop venue, waiting for it to be time to go in. I'm feeling excited about doing something fun but also incredibly anxious and I don't know why. It's just not the usual me. I know there'll be a bunch of strangers there but it's…
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How mental health affects physical health
Note from BCNA: The following is a guest post in a series we're bringing you this year. Dr Helen Donovan is a health psychologist specialising in initiating and maintaining long-term health behaviour change. Her experiences encompass:* health coaching with individuals and groups * developing, implementing and evaluating…
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Exercise during chemotherapy
I am halfway through my chemotherapy today. I have walked almost every day during treatment so far. I like walking and did it a fair bit before BC. When I was diagnosed I asked about what I could do, and was advised to eat well (a very nebulous statement with which I was NOT satisfied, and rectified soon after with visits…
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That was naughty
This week marked twelve months since I finished chemo. I'm still feeling like shit a great deal of the time but, hey, any day above ground... I was lying in bed yesterday morning moaning about my aches and pains while my partner moaned about theirs, a truly joyous chorus. We've been talking about going away for a holiday…
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Thought for the week
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Food, drink and metal mouth food suggestions please!
I had my last docetaxel (chemo 6) last Monday (yeeha!) and noticed that unlike the first three rounds of FEC, mostly everything tastes yucky and metallic on docetaxel. Well, for me. I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions for food and drink choices? I know they may not be nutritious but better than not eating! Even…
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Has anyone heard of the "Move" programme through Calvary Hospitals?
I was speaking to my onc (at Calvary Hosp) last week and saying that I thought I needed access to a whole raft of programs - programmed excercise, cording, phsych, nutrition, (and the list goes on). He said that Calvary run a programme called Move and that he would refer me to see if I liked it. Now, I'm guessing from the…