Forum Widgets
Recent Discussions
💌 You’re Invited: Free Online Sessions for Carers
If you’re caring for someone with cancer, you know it can feel overwhelming at times. These free online sessions from CarerHelp could be a great way to feel more supported and connected. The sessions offer: 💗 Practical tips to help make caring a little easier 💗 A chance to connect with others who understand 💗 Expert advice and resources you can use every day Simply register for the sesssions here, and join from the comfort of your home. We hope you find these helpful!53ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsHelping make decisions
Hi, my Mum is 78 and was diagnosed with hormone positive breast cancer in 2023, she has had her surgery and radiotherpay and is now on her hormone blockers. She now needs to make a decision about taking zometa, weighing up side effects with quality of life in your later years. She wants me to help her make a decision she is really struggling with, anyone have any tips on making decisions when your elderly and for loved ones they rely on to assist them.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsWith or without a plastic surgeon? How common is a mastectomy and reconstruction without p.surgeon
Hi everyone, my family member’s breast cancer doctor said she can perform her mastectomy and reconstruction without the help of a plastic surgeon. This makes my family member nervous. As she was told by friends theirs was done in tandem with a plastic surgeon. Whilst she is happy to have the cancer removed, the mastectomy is the finish line hopefully at the end of the chemo. She will be able to keep her nipples and needs a reduction and removal of skin as has lost weight and only wants the smallest of implants/expanders put in. Her surgeon said she does this all of the time by herself. My question is how common is this? She feels she may want a second opinion.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsIs anyone on a home care package & NOT in the Carer's Group? MORE Changes being made ....
I have posted this link into the Carer's Group but think that not all who are on a Home Care Package are in the group .... so posting it here as well. This is for members who actively CARE for friends or relatives, too. It seems they are making MORE changes (after big changes were made last June as well) that you should be aware of ..... from the web .... Do you want to stay updated on the reforms to in-home aged care? Join the webinar for older people, their families and carers, and the aged care sector. Thursday 18 May 2023 2:00pm to 4:00pm AEST You will have the opportunity to submit questions during the webinar. This webinar will have Auslan interpreters. You can register to be a part of the webinar HERE: https://www.agedcareengagement.health.gov.au/engagement/reforming-in-home-aged-care-update/ If you are on facebook - feel free to read all the comments already made ..... it may arm you with more information to discuss on the webinar if you want to put a question to them .... Facebook 'Name'/link - it might be worth 'following' them .... https://www.facebook.com/healthgovau Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care Also - Learn more about a new model for regulating aged care and the changes we’re proposing to improve transparency and accountability in the system. We invite you to share your feedback as part of our consultation on ‘A new model for regulating Aged Care, Consultation Paper No.2: Details of the proposed new model’ open till 23 June 2023. Get involved in building a better aged care system. Visit the Aged Care Engagement Hub to read the consultation paper and register for our 9 May webinar You can leave feedback HERE: https://www.agedcareengagement.health.gov.au/regulatorymodel/ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsFirst time lump: from a concerned husband's POV
Hi all I'm not really sure if this is the place to be asking this, but I've tried looking and reading online to get info, but it all seems fairly general, a little all over the place, and mostly american-based, which I don't find all that helpful, given the difference in standards / practises between our two countries. Anyway, a quick snapshot of the situation before I ask my question/s. My wife is 30 years old, and from a very conservative culture. Basically, unlike many girls her age, you'll never see her wearing clothing that shows more skin than it covers! We're relatively recently married (2 years), both each other's first loves, etc, so neither of us have had any reason (need or want!) to expose certain parts of either of our bodies to anyone other than each other. *Note: this point will be relevent shortly.* Pretty much until now. About a week-and-a-half ago, I discovered a small, hard lump in my wife's breast. (Y'know, because I'm a good husband and all that! :P). With Christmas happening last week, we only got around to seeing a doctor the other day who has given her a referral to get an ultrasound next week. That's great, but we don't really know what to expect from the whole thing. Again, online articles provide conflicting and varied answers, so I'm hoping I might find some answers in here. I should state that I'm not jumping any guns and thinking / presuming what she has is cancer. Far from it, actually. I'm 99% sure it's nothing of any concern, but right now we just don't know. What actually will happen at this appointment? When they see the lump, will they know what it is, or will there be other x-rays, ect, to determine that? I really want to be in there for everything with her, as if the roles were reversed, I'd really want my wife there with me. No-one other than her has seen my 'bits', so I'm putting myself in her shoes at the moment and I know my being there to hold her hand in support would make her feel a lot more at ease. I know that she's really nervous about the idea of someone else seeing and, even moreso, FEELING her breasts, so I've taken the day off work to be there for her. I spoke to the imaging place the other day and they said I MIGHT be allowed in to the ultrasound room with her, but there were no guarantees. I would like to think all places would allow someone to join the patient, as I'm sure it's not just a scary thing to just my wife and I! Anyway, any personal accounts or recounting of similar situations would very much appreciated. Thankyou in advance!ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsFinding ways to support my Indonesian fiancé - I’m a fast learner.
Hello everyone, I’m looking for some guidance and help. I’m still learning the terms. My fiancé and I met earlier this year online. We were planning on an engagement and first time to meet in person mid-May in Indonesia where she lives. I am in Australia, a citizen by birth. we’re both in our mid-30s. Three days ago we were diagnosed with breast cancer, after urging her to get a mammogram for ongoing breast pain and a reduction in size in one breast. The doctor didn’t perform a biopsy to send a sample of her lump to pathology, they just told her she has it. Her church community have told her to fly to Singapore to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment. I don’t know where to start; I’ve been following the literature from BCNA on taking it one day at a time, not to use ‘Dr. Google’,and to let her take the lead in the kind of help she wants from me, but also to educate her on medical truths that are simply not taught to people there. I wish I could fly her to Australia to receive the help we have access to here, perhaps I can but I don’t know where to start looking. Can anyone relate?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsSupporting a loved one with post-cancer depression
Hi there, I'm looking for some guidance as to supporting a loved one who has developed symptoms of depression after surviving breast cancer. She has actually experienced breast cancer twice, as well as losing a close friend to metastatic breast cancer, all before the age of 50. Since completing chemotherapy the last time, she has really struggled. She's lost all self-confidence, lives in fear of it returning, and feels isolated and angry. When she's feeling really low, she asks "why me?" and feels as though she's being punished for something. I just wish she could be happy, but don't know what to do. I can't say anything that helps because I haven't lived in her shoes. Anytime we mention support groups, therapy or medication to help with her struggles, she becomes very defensive and feels even more isolated. I just don't know what to do. Perhaps if there was anyone who has shared a similar experience would have some insight? If so, I'd really appreciate it.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsSupporting wife diagnosed with HER+ breast cancer
Original post created by member @AaryBee moved to own discussion in 'Supporting someone with breast cancer' category:ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsThe things people say
Someone posted this link on fb. Enjoyed it and sharing for you all. 3 weeks ago someone suggested i juice 8 times a day, especially carrot juice. Ive been given crystals, essential oils. I was warned by well meaning friend about chemo - err sorry I said, Id like to give myself a chance. Someone else said to me "if you ever need go talk....i have a friend who had breast cancer 10 years ago, actually she has died". Bit of a conversation stopper. What are some if your real liffe conversation killers? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mKovm8HINjI&noapp=1ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsSupporting a friend Overseas.
Evening Everyone. I am so glad we have such an incredible service online. The resources on here are very good, and easy to navigate. I hope this is ok. I have been hit with the news that my very amazing girlfriend has been recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We have shared our tears, we have talked lots and that has been great. Just one issue. I cannot give her a hug or deliver a meal. She resides in the USA (however she is Australian), with her beautiful husband and two small children. I am wondering if anyone knows of something kind, something that will help with her to prepare for what is ahead. I was thinking of sending money to help pay for some meals. I guess I am looking for ideas. Open to suggestions. Thank you in advance.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsHusband not coping
Does anyone have any advice dealing with a husband who is not dealing with a diagnosis? He’s leaning on me for emotional support and has spent most of the holidays drunk (he was a heavy drinker before) but he just sees the diagnosis as using drinking as a way to cope. I’m trying to stay strong and recover from chemo while caring for our daughter. I’ve been dealing with things pretty well but his outlook is just causing tension and frustration. I understand he’s doing it tough but I need support now. I nursed him through a cancer diagnosis 5 years ago but he says he can’t handle it because it’s me. Sorry for the rant. Does anyone have any suggestions?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentshusband not coping with my physical appearance since failed reconstruction
Hi I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction on breast that was prev radiated - I was aware of risk might fail and unfortuantely that has happened. 'I am left with a mound with nipple and v confronting to look at as sort of collapsed on itself. My husband is really struggling with my appearance and cant bear to look at it. I think he has been in denial and now cant avoid fact.. he is quite angry and tells me is more that he is put off/disgusted by fact have put on weight(about 8kg) that fact have no breast. Does anyone know of a support group for partners/husbands or any ideas how I can support him? He is v resistant to counselling....:(ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsStrataXRT
Hi All, I need some advice from our great hive mind I have a question, on behalf of a close contact who isn't on the forum at this stage. She's had a lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy, and is having her radiotherapy planning session soon. The hospital where this is happening doesn't use either mepitel or strataXRT gel. I mentioned it to her, she's done some reading but is wondering if she should or shouldn't use another moisturiser as well, during treatment. I wasn't able to answer, as it wasn't an option that I even heard about when I had radiotherapy. @JoeyLiz, would you know? Hoping someone can help. Thanks in advanceViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsUnderstanding pathology terminology in overseas diagnosis of breast cancer
I am 3 years post breast cancer surgery and have just found out that a family member overseas has been diagnosed with malignant breast cancer. The pathology report states Nottingham Grade 3 and I would like to know if anyone has come across this grading in Australia and how I can support.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsScreaming inside
I need to vent. I want to scream, slam doors, hit something Two days ago my daughter visited & told me she has been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. She was strong, composed, not emotional as she talked about it being treatable, not curable, talked about updating her will. I think I am still in shock. We have since spoken on the phone, particularly about how & when she will tell her two children. We are taking her tomorrow to her first chemo appointment & I need to remain calm, as that is what is necessary. When I told her in 2011 of my diagnosis of early breast cancer, we were calm & positive together, though she did blink away tears. I always felt throughout my journey that things are more difficult for the carer than the patient - now I am experiencing that role & I can't stop the tears. My dear husband is quiet as he always is, but I know he is shattered. Now that he has gone to bed I can let tears flow & write this. We are angry - why didn't she have regular mammograms after my diagnosis? Why did no-one pick it up earlier? I feel guilty - is it genetic - my mother, myself - even though both diagnosed later in life? Guilty too because I just want to hold her while we both sob – but that won’t help her. Fortunately she has a best friend, one who supported her through her marriage breakup; there are also other friends, but my help will be needed too & I must be strong when I feel like collapsing in a heap. Any advice, suggestions on how best to support her & the kids would be welcome.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsSeeking support and friendship
Hello lovely people, My mum was diagnosed with early breast cancer last Thursday. I felt a rush of mixed emotions and thoughts. I felt scared, upset, sad, and isolated. My dad passed away just over a year ago and that left mum, my sister and me. My sister is not very helpful. She has her own health issues. So it's up to me, mainly, to support my mum through this. My mum is a fighter, she's the strongest person I know, she's been through so much. I'm so proud of her and how far she's come in life. I'm just so confused, and don't really know how I should feel. The doctors are being really positive and said that the cancer is quite early and a small lesion. The surgeon is planning on operating. And then maybe radiotherapy. But we will know a lot more after they excise the lesion. The reason for being confused is: I don't know whether we should go private or public. Finances are not an issue. I also feel guilty. I feel guilty about writing on here and reaching out, when there are so many stories of people who are going through a lot worse. I feel like a fraud. But cancer is cancer. My mum has always prayed that she shouldn't get it. So now that she has, I don't really know how scared she is, and how she is going to get through this. There is always going to be that fear that it would come back after treatment. I guess I am just reaching out, to anyone who is going through a similar situation. Thanks for reading.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsI would like to connect with other carers....
This discussion was created from comments split from: Community Guidelines September 2019.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsGood news and thank you to the network
Dear friends ( that's how I think of you) I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2018. After over 18 months of aggressive treatment - chemo, bilateral mastectomy and radiation, my specialist has sounded the all clear. I know that it could all re-occur but I am clear for now. I wanted to say thank you for all your online help and support over the treatment. Your patience and understanding with all my questions has been an enormous help. Just a big thank you. Keep up the good work. JudyViewsSign in to react to this postComments
53Views
0Comments
