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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…
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I don’t like my lymphoedema compression sleeve
does anyone else wear a compression sleeve? I just got mine yesterday and it makes it very uncomfortable for me to use my IPad. I am right handed and my right arm is the one with Lymphedema. And 6 years after surgery. Any suggestions?
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CanTeen forum for parents with cancer
Hi Everyone, I'm not sure if it's ok to post this here, but a friend works for CanTeen and passed it onto me. CanTeen are looking to set up an online parent community and are looking for input as to needs (information, support), web design etc. If you're free, this would be a great opportunity to provide your experience…
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Meditation and Mindfulness Can be Beneficial.
How Meditation and Mindfulness Can Be Beneficial for Breast Cancer Patients Breast cancer can be emotionally draining and stressful for women. Depending on the consequences of the disease, the after-effects can range from minimal to drastic. Many women who have more advanced cases end up getting breast alterations, and…
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question for musicians
Has anyone had any experience of returning to playing their violin or viola after mastectomy? I play the viola and am very worried about the impact of forthcoming surgery. thank you
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Ballarat forum
Today I was an attendee at a BCNA Forum held in Ballarat for both Early Breast Cancer and Metastatic Breast Cancer. It was an extremely well run forum with opportunity for questions either of the presenters direct or through an open panel discussion towards the end. I urge all of you to consider a forum when there's one…
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Anyone in to kayaking?
Just bought my very own Dragon fishing kayak. I am not sure if I will be game enough to fish yet but I do like paddling. I over did it on the first day and spent the next day in bed lol. I am determined though and will hopefully have it in the ocean again this afternoon. My big 25 year old son who is grossly over weight…
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Are there dental impacts of hormone therapy ?
Hi all , I take Letrozole/ Femara daily and 6 monthly Prolia injections and seem to be in bother with teeth chipping/ splitting or breaking. Is anyone else in the same boat ?Also am on a week off from Prolia to get some dental work done - a filling done.Am worried about the safety of extractions in my circumstance.Any…
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Counseling/Support Information- desperate to talk - while I try to put my life back together
Hi all I am on the north side of Brisbane looking for a centre that provides support, particularly counseling, diet advice, physiotherapy, acupuncture, other natural therapies etc would be a bonus. I have tried the following avenues: (Name removed as per Community Guidelines) - I went here for a massage and the service was…
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The use of Lipegfilgrastim for the prevention/easing of febrile neutropenia in breast cancer patient
I had febrile neutropenia after chemo 3 so as a preventative measure was given an injection of Lipeg. to take 24 hours after chemo 4. Unfortunately, I developed all the side effects of Lipeg. (the main 1 in 10 ones - not the ruptured spleen further down the page ones!) except for diarrhoea. One was a temp of 38.2 so off I…