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🌏Take A Global Deep Breath on May 13th
On May 13th, take one big pause together In a world full of constant news, chaotic schedules, and fast-moving technology, we could all use a big, deep breath. Join Headspace for a free, live virtual event on May 13th at 12pm EDT that connects the mind, the body, and communities around the globe. Meditation teacher Dora Kamau will lead a free, guided breathing exercise. No app or login required — just bring your open mind. Please see link below. Link for additional information38ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsBaring 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?392ViewsSign in to react to this post7CommentsToday's feelings in poetry
Lucky So lucky, people say. That they caught it when they did That it hasn’t spread That they got it all That I have insurance So, so lucky. That my friend told me about her cancer That I finally moved my arse and Went and had that mammogram That I live in the lucky country So lucky That my prognosis is good That my job will be there for me That I am surrounded by family and friends With their love, soup and casseroles. Lucky. That my new set are perkier Smaller, Scar-rier, numb-ier. A bit lopsided Like me. Some days though, I just feel A tiny bit Unlucky.335ViewsSign in to react to this post5CommentsSome ideas on ‘keeping busy’ - a ‘Coping Calendar’ - during Covid but relates to any time, really!
I found this Calendar a little while ago - and thought it was quite good (even tho it related to Covid Lockdown!) Even if you only do a few of the things on the list …. It may help create new routines and hobbies!! And No - you don’t have to do one each day - just as you feel up to it!! Keeping busy & trying new things really helps to pass the time …. They have a new calendar every month with new suggestions! https://actionforhappiness.org/calendar#download-block-anchor And if helping others …. It’s a real win/win there for both of you ;)184ViewsSign in to react to this post2CommentsReaching out
Hi, Just reaching out with the hope of getting things off my chest to people who understand the worry and may have similar experiences. Luckily I did not end up being diagnosed with cancer, for which I am blessed. But I guess at the age of 32 and going through this I have found it hard to find answers and talk to anyone who can understand.. So long story short after going for a first time breast check for a concern on my right side I ended up in a whirlwind with the sonographer finding “architectual distortion” on my left side. After ultrasound, mammo, mri, core biopsy, this ended up in Birads 5 finding of with “2 enhancing spiculated masses (9.1mm & 12mm) that join together in an irregular linear NME (26mm) ” and a whole lot of worry… The core biopsy result was “radial scar” (lucky I know compared to the alternative), so I ended up having a wide excision biopsy 3 weeks ago. Pathology from this included: 2x radial scars, florid UDH, sclerosing adenosis, columnar cell change, columnar cell hyperplasia, PASH, duct ectasia, fibrocystic changes, apocrine adenosis and benign calcification. My concern is the surgery was at site “1’ 3” but my MRI report had also shown an “6mm arterially enhancing focus” in the central breast parenchyma at 12 o clock’4.5 The focus was not biopsied even though mentioned on the report.. is that normal for a focus? also in the final pathology from surgery it stated the “radial scars extend into the inferior and anterior margins” I know it is wonderful news no malignancy was found at surgery, but somehow the mind still wonders if anything would have been missed.. I have follow up imaging in 12 months, Also has anyone else had any of these benign conditions- are they normal? Just feels like so many questions and not much information out there or people who can share their experiences :) Thank you :)296ViewsSign in to react to this post2CommentsAfter 13 years and 2 diagnoses today the biggest celebration yet...
After 13 years and 2 diagnoses today my Oncologist gave me a discharge. A day I NEVER believed would come or would be possible. To anyone who is at the beginning, don't let go of hope that you will get through this. It's definitely not lost on me the many that don't make it this far. So I feel humbled and incredibly reflective of the 13 years that have brought me to this day and to my new normal of who I have become. In 2011 I was diagnosed with ER+ left breast cancer, underwent biopsies, surgery, radiation and tamoxifen. Until 2015 at my yearly checkup the unthinkable, impossible happened, I had a recurrence in the same spot in spite of all the treatment. My world shattered for a 2nd time, another surgery and chemo which was no picnic but I look back and think wow kid...you did that! it was damn hard and you were so sick, but you made it out the other side, put on Arimidex and switched to Aromasin. 1 year on 2017 I was recommended to follow with a mastectomy, so I had a single done and diep flap reconstruction, massive op and difficult. So 6 monthly visits to the Surgeon and Oncologist since 2015. I gave the AI's away about 2 years ago, I had been taking them for 10 years. Thrust into menopause during Chemo, so that was hard to contend with. 6 months with an Exercise Physiologist to help me. Prolia injections 6th monthly for 8 years and today is the day the Oncologist gave me wings to fly...a feeling I've not known throughout the whole ordeal. A closure to this chapter and a possibility of moving forward with my new normal. I managed to get back to work in 2017 and haven't stopped. I work full time in Education particularly in behaviour management and my biggest passion was to publish a book of Poetry which I did recently. Something I may never have done if not from walking this path. I feel more connected to me than I ever was. So today I celebrate just for now I will sit with no thought of what tomorrow might bring. Live a great life everyone, and trust that you are brave enough and strong enough to get through it. PS: This is a link to my first book https://amzn.asia/d/i1vI8JN for anyone who is curious. Hugs xo Melinda1KViewsSign in to react to this post37CommentsAnxious wait after MRI
Moderator moved @CeeCee post from 'Activity' section to main Discussion page: CeeCee 9:30am i have not been an anxiety type person before but I am struggling big time. I had an MRI 4 weeks ago where something cracked in my right rib area, since then I have had constant chest/rib pain and struggled to get a full breath. I’m hoping this is anxiety and nothing more sinister. Bone scan booked in this week. i am keeping exercise up as best that I can, doing meditation and getting a daily massage from hubby. Any other suggestions? I was diagnosed with having a 4cm tumour in right breast, booked in for a Mastectomy 14/3. I had DCIS 5 years ago which was surgically removed.109ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsNew diagnosis triple negative BC
Hi all, I'm having a bit of difficulty reaching out to talk to anyone going through a similar experience - I'm 27 and just diagnosed with triple BC. I've joined the young persons group and awaiting to join triple negative group. I'm in the limbo period of waiting to be referred to oncologist and awaiting appt with the surgeon, so I really don't know anything yet. I suppose I'm just wanting reassurance and support from someone that has go e through a similar experience or maybe if anyone has any recommendations for other places I can go to for support, I've contacted a breast cancer nurse, but I haven't heard back yet. Thank you! Oops posted twice!232ViewsSign in to react to this post4CommentsDepression suicide ideation
Hello, I have had a rough time with agitated depression/anxiety and continue with suicide ideation since being diagnosed with BC in March 23, unilateral mastectomy, recon, infection and chemo, hormone treatment to come. I have a psychiatrist, psychologist and am on medication, I am a mother of two young boys with no depression history. I feel like I am living someone else’s life, so strange. Has anyone else struggled in this way and made it through? Thank you319ViewsSign in to react to this post3CommentsFeeling anxious and insomnia post treatment .
Hi, Ruth here, living in Cannonvalley, Queensland. I had r/o small cancer surgery and Radiotherapy 4 months ago. I thought I was doing well and went back to work, part time. Then collapsed in a mess of anxiety and insomnia, one feeding the other. So hard to get help and support. My G.P said - oh just meditate or listen to a podcast if you can't sleep!! That makes it worse and I get more anxiety. Then facing people who know me and they say you look so well, but you just want to curl up and cry. I am now off sick and started some medication and some counselling. I would love to connect to other Members suffering the same. I listened to Dr Charlotte podcast number 6 and thought it was great.209ViewsSign in to react to this post4CommentsWhy can’t I find a local support group???
I live on the Central Coast which everyone is telling me has the second most prevalent cases of breast cancer in Australia. I was diagnosed with early breast cancer in August and have since undergone 2 surgeries. Currently have the “Dracula” drain which I hate with a vengeance. I am lucky enough to have a very loving sister who has come to help me during this trying time but she doesn’t live close by normally. I am soon to start the radiation/maybe chemo/medication treatments and Iv’e been trying to find a local support group to help me through. I NEED people who have gone down the exact same track as me, who understand the emotional roller coaster the this experience actually is. I don’t think anyone who has not been actually through it, including the medical professionals, who can totally understand the impact on your mental state. I have always prided myself as being a very strong person but this has all brought me down to a feeling of despair.188ViewsSign in to react to this post3CommentsCounselling
Hi I am new to all of this, I have recently been diagnosed and undergone a full right breast mastectomy. My appointment with my surgical specialists is this Thursday to discuss results from all the tests done on the tissue and tumours. I am unsure how to navigate through this online tool and also feel I need counselling. I need to talk to someone who understands what I am going through, how this affects me as a mum, a person and a wife. How to navigate back to being normal and able to let my husband look at me without me crying or feeling less of a woman. How to navigate through to letting my girls feel comfortable and me feel comfortable with them seeing me as I am now (we don't wander around naked but not have to warn then not to come into bedroom or bathroom would be nice)721ViewsSign in to react to this post19CommentsFOODS TO AVIOD DURING CHEMO
So i have just stated chemo for breast cancer and i have read different things of what to avoid. Sushi Raw Seafood - Raw soft cheeses honey Alcohol It feels like Iam pregnant all over again !!!! no good food, morning sickness, insomnia Can anyone tell me if these are correct and have i forgotten anything?498ViewsSign in to react to this post5CommentsWhyalla Pink Spirits Breast Cancer Support Group (SA)
@Raele original post moved by moderator from the 'Activity' discussion to main discussion page:85ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsAnnabel Crabb - Q&A on Recurrence & Fear of Recurrence - 11th May 5-6.30pm
Annabel Crabb is doing another online presentation on Recurrence & fear of recurrence this time (last one was on mets) I have registered & will hopefully watch it later as that is hubby's chemo day, so I may not be able to watch 'live'. You can also put up a specific question if you like when you register (tho as thousands attend, it may not be addressed 'live') I've put one up about Lobular recurrence - as it can also recur in the bowel/gut/stomach/bladder - but if a biopsy is done & the pathologist doing the tests is not aware of the Lobular status - it can be missed if they only use 'regular' cancer testing ..... it has to be specifically added on the 'request' to look for lobular. Symptoms are cramping, diarrhoea, pain, bloating, reflux, incontinence .... so if you ever get any of this & it persists - get checked out & if you are ILC - mention it. Join us for our next online Q&A all about breast cancer recurrence. We're bringing together leading Australian breast cancer researchers to answer your questions on this important subject. Moderated by Australian TV presenter, commentator and author Annabel Crabb. https://www.breastcancertrials.org.au/news/qa-events/qa-registration/280ViewsSign in to react to this post1CommentSupport near you (support groups)
Having been asked in pms by a few members I thought the link below may be helpful to others also. You can type in the search bar your area and follow up from there, but I am not sure if these groups are running as usual now. Find services and support in your area (bcna.org.au)173ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsA new daily Brain Game for your mental health ..... Wordle or worse still, Quordle
A few months ago, my sister put me onto this new 'brain game' called Wordle!! Initially I hated it .... now, I'm hooked!!! You get a new one every day. https://www.nytimes.com/games/wordle/index.html You need to guess what the word is, in just 6 goes!! No hints are given!! So it is important to choose 'good words' in the first 2 lines to give you the best shot at getting as many letters as possible, specially the vowels!! They then tell you if the letters are correct, in the right spot or in the wrong spot - and then you start trying to work out the next 'line' .... MY opening word is AUDIO (lots of vowels) and the 2nd word always includes an 'E' .... so I've covered ALL the vowels early on. You can use whatever opening words that you want!! They CAN also double up on letters too - which makes it a bit tricky ..... but it is such fun!! The Keyboard is 'coloured' as you use the letters, so you can see which letters you haven't used .... and mentally you are trying different letters before putting them in 'permanently'. If the word is not in their data base, you can't use that word. Delete the letters & try a different word. Yellow/beige = correct letter, wrong spot Green = correct letter, correct spot Black/Grey = wrong letter Here is one I tried a few weeks back - and I just COULDN'T get that final word .... I knew that the 2nd last letter was E .... and my sister 'got it' within minutes of showing it to her!! What do you think the final word was? (You can message me with it, if you like, so others can work on it too ..... I'd never heard it before!) So at this point in time, NONE of the letters were in the correct spot! Then, when you think you've got Wordle 'sorted' ..... have a go at 'Quordle' .... it is the same as Wordle, but you work on 4 different Wordles at the same time - and need to guess them all in just 8 lines!! It can be VERY tricky. You can do as many 'Practise' games as you want in one day ..... but once you hit the 'daily' one - you only get the one, daily. https://www.quordle.com/?fbclid=IwAR3CnrsSJBLN0QCJPs7cu6crRuJMwl_GHWkBo04dgWyOKR0nX8u6nwB8sSE#/practice Here's one I did a while back - and 'wasted' a few goes, trying to get the bottom left word .... SO annoying when the word can have so many 'single letters' in it, that waste guesses til you luck onto the correct one! ... End result = I ran out of lines to finish the top right word, which was probably STINK or STINT .... (they DO actually show you the correct word, if you miss it, too.) Here's one of my better ones .... even having a line to spare at the end!! After you've finished each game, you can 'copy' your result and share it with friends (not giving away the words) as it shows like this! Wordle 285 6/6 - I thought it was a Tricky one today ..... it took me all 6 lines to 'get it'! (My best go has been 2 lines!&nb…574ViewsSign in to react to this post6Comments
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