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Worried I’ll overdose on salt!
Hello, I’m new here. I’ve only had one round of chemo (last Tuesday) and I’m completely weirded out by my mouth turning into a foreign entity! The only thing that seems to give me any sense of my old self is salty liquid. I’m talking stock powder dissolved in boiling water - it’s now one of the few ‘foods’ that gives me any joy! I’m trying to eat a balanced diet, but finding it hard to do with zero appetite and a rebellious mouth. Worried I’ll overload my system with salt! Help!
Wishing everyone a Safe & Happy Xmas.
Wishing everyone tomorrow - a very Happy and Safe Christmas. xx And may 2026 be kind to you xx You've done the hard yards, so I hope you can relax & put your feet up & have others fuss around you xx Take care on the roads if you need to travel - take care on the roads anyway!! (The invasion usually happens on Boxing Day here!) I hope that those undergoing treatment are also able to enjoy the day xx I'll be visiting friends for a '2 house' celebration - we skip between her & her sister's house (next door) for various parts of the celebration, then back to the first house for a welcome swim in their pool in the afternoon (as it it is supposed to get up to about 40˚ tomorrow!) I don't often swim ... maybe once every 5 years ... I prefer to be on TOP of the water (in my fishing kayak) than in it, swimming! LOL I don't even have a swim suit - I just wear a pair of boardies & a rashie! 😆 l'll take them and a towel, just in case I decide to dip a toe in the water! 😂 I am taking my famous blueberry & raspberry twisted tart for dessert (recipe below) .... it is yummy with whipped cream or ice cream and super easy to make. Don't 'overfill' with the berry mix - it will just spill out onto the tray & become toffee - this is one recipe where 'less is more'! It is equally yummy, hot, warm or cold!! I thought the '16 slices' looked a bit stingy, so usually make 12 slices! ENJOY
ENCORE - Hunter Region
Hi ladies, Many of you may be familiar with the YWCA ENCORE program. Just a quick one to let you know we're still going strong in the Hunter region, NSW! ENCORE is a FREE eight week program designed specifically for women who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their life. Incorporating exercises, relaxation techniques and information. It is safe, fun and therapeutic. The exercise program is specifically designed to target areas that have been affected by breast cancer surgery and treatment. These exercises improve strength, mobility and flexibility whilst the warm water in the pool sessions relieve affected muscles. The program also offers information through guest speakers, links into local services, and opportunity to connect with local women who share a similar experience in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Many great friendships have been formed at our Encore programs! We're now taking enrolments for two upcoming programs, and we'd love for you to join us. VALENTINE: Tuesdays | 3 February–24 March 2026 | 11:00am–1:15pm MAITLAND: Thursdays | 5 February–26 March 2026 | 1:45pm–4:00pm Please reach out if you have any questions: info@ywcahunterregion.org.au / 02 4929 2954 . More info on the program and enrolments here: www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore Thanks Nat, Caz, Cindy, Jodie & Yela YWCA Hunter Region Inc. 02 4929 2954 info@ywcahunterregion.org.au www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encoreWhat are your easiest, tastiest meals - quick to prepare when you can't think of anything!!
Hi guys I have a few 'standard' easy meals that I always have the ingredients handy, in case I seriously can't be bothered cooking a 'fancy' meal ....... feel free to add your own 'Favs'! ;) Last night, we had our winter favourite 'comfort food' - Lamb Shanks!! I cheat, and buy the Aldi FROZEN Lamb Shanks (2 for $12 already cooked - they usually cost that 'RAW'!!) - that way you can always have a couple in the freezer. I often take them with me when I am camping too - SO easy to just cook in the microwave with some sweet potato 'on the trot'! Take them out of the box and they are even easier to store in the Freezer. If you decide to cook them up later in the day - just pop them in the sink (or big container) with cold/lukewarm water & they'll thaw out pretty quickly. Change the water if you want them to defrost quicker. They come in 'individual Vac Pacs' - and because they are already Pre Cooked - when you open them, the 'cooked fat' is already 'in solid form' and you just pull it out - so they are healthier for you too!! There are 2 flavours - one with Mint in the gravy & the other one based on a red wine gravy. Both are LOVELY! This is how I prepare them for 2 people ....... In a BIG casserole pot, add 1 tin of diced tomato & 1 drained tin of Chickpeas. Add 1 x Cubed Potato, 1 x cubed small Sweet Potato, 1 x chopped/cubed Carrot. Mix them into the tomato/chickpeas sauce. Remove any 'solid fat' from both of the Shanks and add them to the casserole pot along with all the gravy in each pack. Mix the gravy well with the tomato mix. Cover the pot & cook at 180 degrees Celsius oven for 2-3hrs ..... stir every hour. The meat will just fall off the bone and I bet you enjoy them! BONUS: After serving up with the gravy and veggies (and cabbage or your choice of greens...) whilst the remaining gravy & veg are still hot - use a Bamix (or similar) to pulverise it all ..... this will make a wonderful soup for the next day or so! I usually water it down a bit as it can be quite thick. Lovely with some toast for lunch. One of my other favs is the 'Vac Pac'd' 'FLAT CHICKEN' .... once again, Aldi do a lovely one - with yoghurt & garlic with NO BONES - so you just cut up the chicken in slices when cooked. Just do a BIG ROAST - I do it in 2 dishes - the chicken in one (with alfoil under the chicken on a cake rack to reduce the cleaning!) and all the potato, sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot & onion in another tray, all into the oven at the same time as the chicken - and it takes a bit less than 1hr to cook at 170 degrees Celsius. Turn the chicken & veg around after 1/2 hr. Cook greens in the microwave 5 mins before serving time. This gives us 2 full sized meals for 2 for 2 nights. Once again - keep one of the chickens in the freezer - as they are 'flat' they store really easily & don't take long to defrost in the sink in cold/lukewarm water - great for when unexpected guests turn up, too. When my Grandmother first went into secure living (with her own kitchen) I suggested that she cut up a whole chicken (for numerous meals) and put it into a casserole dish with a packet of Chicken Noodle Soup & the required amount of liquid, as well as a chopped onion & sliced red capsicum ..... cook it for about an hour - and it was YUMMY - and gives lots of meals too - served with salad. (Whole frozen chickens are VERY reasonably priced ......) Here's the 'after pic' of my lamb shanks last night ....... just as well we don't have a dog .... nothing much left! ;)💊Have you checked the compatibility of your breast cancer treatment and dietary supplements?
Wellness isn’t just about exercise and healthy meals - it’s also about the little choices we make every day, like whether to take dietary supplements. Many of us use supplements to support our health, but did you know they can sometimes interact with other treatments? If you’re on hormonal therapy for breast cancer, it’s worth having a quick conversation with your healthcare team before adding new supplements, or checking in with your GP if you are currently taking any. This isn’t about avoiding them altogether, it’s about making sure everything works together for your best health. Simple tips to keep in mind: ✅Check in with your healthcare team before starting something new. ✅ Remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean risk-free. ✅ Stay informed so your wellness plan supports your goals. Want to learn more? This article explains how supplements can interact with hormonal therapy: 👉 Supplement Interactions With Hormonal Therapy Your breast cancer journey will be unique, and awareness is an important part of your empowerment 💙
Best Supplements for Hair Growth and Thickness | Recommendations by Expert
I researched the best supplements for hair growth and thickness for the past few days because I have been noticing my hair getting thinner and dull lately. I read reviews on Healthline, Forbes Health, and Medical News Today, and they are marking these two as the best options in 2025: Nutrafol Men's Hair Growth Supplements https://www.amazon.com/Nutrafol-Supplement-Clinically-Thicker-Looking-Stronger-Feeling/dp/B00LTZEEGQ Divi Scalp Serum for Thinning Hair https://www.amazon.com/Divi-Hair-Scalp-Serum-Women/dp/B0BQ3Z7NV7?th=1 From what I found, Nutrafol helps nourish hair from within by providing essential vitamins like biotin, zinc, and marine collagen, which can improve hair thickness and reduce shedding. On the other hand, Divi Scalp Serum works externally by revitalizing the scalp with caffeine, peptides, and amino acids, creating a healthier environment for stronger hair growth.However, I am still unsure which one might work best in the long term. My main goal is to reduce hair fall, promote thicker strands, and maintain a healthier scalp overall.Has anyone here tried either of these or found a supplement that truly worked for you? I would love to hear some real experiences or expert advice before deciding which one to go for.thanks in advance for your suggestions🏃TREK4BCNA🏃 - Who here has a case of the Trekking bug?!
Take on the adventure of a lifetime! You’re invited to join BCNA community ambassador Kristal in the TREK4BCNA to Mount Kilimanjaro this February. Whether it’s a chance to challenge yourself physically and mentally, a way to show support for others, or to do a life changing trek in memory of someone you love, a group of like-minded people will walk by your side. Click here to check out more: https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/bcna-kilimanjaro-2026/
Baring all
News story about showing off the scars doesn’t consider the trauma of seeing this. There’s a lot of discussion about bringing breast cancer to the attention of the public. With one in seven women likely to experience this disease I’d think it was already noticed, without having women undress to show scars. Also some of us don’t appreciate being reminded. And some think their medical history is a private matter. I was having a coffee with a dozen people in a cafe when my friend casually announced to everyone that I’d had breast cancer. Why is this okay?
