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📣 Upcoming Webinar: Cancer and Planning Ahead - Understanding Wills and Powers of Attorney
A cancer diagnosis can bring many decisions and uncertainties. While planning ahead can feel difficult to think about, having the right information can help you feel more prepared and in control. 💙 Join this free webinar to learn more about important legal documents and decisions that may become relevant during treatment, survivorship, or end-of-life care, including: ✅ Wills ✅ Powers of Attorney ✅ Advance care planning ✅ How to access legal and support services 🗓 Tuesday 24 November 2026 🕚 11:00am - 12:00pm AEDT Presented by Olivetree Legal and the McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer. Whether you're newly diagnosed, living well after treatment, or supporting a loved one, this session offers practical information to help you plan for the future with confidence. 🔗 Register here10ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments👋 Monday Mingle Meet & Greet - Welcome New Members Oct12-18👋
Welcome to members who recently joined our online community in the past week! We hope you are connecting with others and finding support. Robyn450 JRH lindarella Ajames henrystevie Rose13 Kirsty1 gopa0006 hamishbarrett KristyG74 Niknak12 lanielu123 Joliel Bayside10 Simsonic Paulo70 This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. 👉 Start Here: Community Resource Hub More Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message our community manager Christina_BCNA, BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA, Mez_BCNA, Astrida_BCNA, Risha_BCNA, Beth_BCNA, Elena_BCNA Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the online network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at [email protected] or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsAnastrozole and teeth issues
I have been on anastrozole for about 1 1/2 year, every week I have had teeth issues, i iam going to go off anastrozole when I see my oncologist. Iam at triage at the free dental clinic as iam not on “the List”and the last time I was at the dentist I had a root canal but now iam on a waiting list to see a specialist dentist in Melbourne because they couldn’t finish my root canal as my roots in my tooth have shrunk and this week I have a crack in my tooth, it never ending. .My vitamin D is very very low and iam trying to my levels up, tablets are not working as I have a malabsorption problem from weight loss surgery. Has any one tried a drug that stops the teeth problems. The drug it great, just the teeth problems.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsFezolinetant tablets for surgical menopause
Hi Everyone I was put on these tablets after my breast cancer treatment as I had my ovaries removed. During the 3 months on this medication my 'normal' joint pain was heightened. One day off the medication and onto low dose antidepressant tablet my pain has reduced dramatically. Has anyone else experienced this? ThanksViewsSign in to react to this postComments💻 Webinar: Chemotherapy ends, nerve pain can persist
Many people are surprised to find that nerve pain, tingling, numbness or discomfort can continue long after chemotherapy treatment has ended. Known as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), these symptoms can affect mobility, independence and everyday life. Join this upcoming webinar from VCCC Alliance to learn about new research exploring a non-drug approach to managing persistent nerve pain after chemotherapy. Researchers will share findings from the TMaC Study, which investigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), along with insights from people living with neuropathy after cancer treatment. 💙 This webinar may be particularly relevant for anyone experiencing ongoing nerve symptoms after treatment or wanting to learn more about emerging supportive care options. 📅 Monday 19 October 2026 ⏰ 1.00pm to 2.00pm AEDT 💻 Online and free to attend 🔗 Learn more and register ❓Have you experienced neuropathy or lingering side effects after treatment? You're welcome to share your experiences with our community below. 💕ViewsSign in to react to this postComments👋 Monday Mingle Meet & Greet - Welcome New Members Oct5-11👋
Welcome to members who recently joined our online community in the past week! We hope you are connecting with others and finding support. Butterfly74 ZaZa14 Samj Ree_creates1 wahine73 cynborg MichPf VanessaH82 Ange70 Sky8 KBellie Llucas60 SuzyF No1mum Luce Suzywong Kazza12 Fignog This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. 👉 Start Here: Community Resource Hub More Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message our community manager Christina_BCNA, BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA, Mez_BCNA, Astrida_BCNA, Risha_BCNA, Beth_BCNA, Elena_BCNA Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the online network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at [email protected] or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsSmall hard lump in armpit
Hi ladies, hope you're doing well. I saw my oncologist yesterday for usual follow up - I saw clinical nurse. Diagnosed early stage breast cancer in Oct 2024, had lumpectomy and radiation. Everything was going great in discussion - she checked my breasts, all good. Checked my underarm and she felt a grapeseed size lump in my armpit. I've only just got most sensation in armpit after over a year after lumpectomy/radiation. Tumour margins were clear, sentinel lymph nodes all clear. It's a bit sore in underarm area which is good because it's been numb and nerve tingly for so long! Clinical nurse wanted to bring forward my yearly mammogram to 2 weeks time instead of next month. I got a little bit nervous but she said it's most likely nothing. Oncologist came in briefly to reassure me and she also said not to worry it's just a precaution because I've had BC. My gut feeling is to stretch the armpit gently. I also burnt myself near my elbow a couple of days ago. Anyone else had a small hard 'nodule' a year after lumpectomy?ViewsSign in to react to this postComment🎬 Conquering Breast Cancer - Film Screening in Coffs Harbour
Join the special screening of Conquering Breast Cancer at BCC Cinemas Coffs Harbour on Sunday 16 August at 3pm. This inspiring documentary brings together breast cancer survivors, families, advocates, researchers and medical professionals to raise awareness, share stories, and highlight the progress being made in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and research. Featuring powerful stories from: 💪 Dyna Eladaief initiated the idea for this film. This young mum shares how breast cancer has impacted her and her family. Her cultural and personal insights of getting informed, taking action and becoming a bc advocate highlight her hope for others to overcome fears about breast cancer and see the benefits of early detection and diagnosis. 💪Lyn Swinburne who transformed the face of breast cancer at the grass roots level, many years ago, because she wasn't afraid to speak up to everyone ( doctors, governments, politicians and communities) about breast cancer. She has always championed the needs of so many people affected by breast cancer. 🎥Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjH_6telBlU&t=9s 📰 Review: https://www.filmink.com.au/reviews/conquering-breast-cancer/ For questions please contact: Di Holt Coffs Harbour Breast Cancer Buddies 📞 0423 336 048ViewsSign in to react to this postComments👋 Monday Mingle Meet & Greet - Welcome New Members Sep27-Oct4👋
Welcome to members who recently joined our online community in the past week! We hope you are connecting with others and finding support. Gracie100 Loz85 mon_03 Ieam BellaKs livvwx HM1 JL28 Cadence Mollytoo Tyco JS26 Arlcass Beepee Chilledranga Candice This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. 👉 Start Here: Community Resource Hub More Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message our community manager Christina_BCNA, BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA, Mez_BCNA, Astrida_BCNA, Risha_BCNA, Beth_BCNA, Elena_BCNA Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the online network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at [email protected] or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsIf you (or family members ) have permanent and severe Incontinence, Gov Assistance is available.
Incontinence is a very real disability that can impact people badly - it is often embarrassing, it can cause low self esteem, people may not socialise for fear of an incident - and it is expensive! If you or a family member has incontinence that is permanent and severe as a result of age or a variety of medical conditions (in women, it may be caused by prolapse/weak pelvic floor muscles, pregnancy) and with men - prostate or other cancers, overactive bladder, infections ...) the cost of buying pads/pull ups (when sometimes 5 or more may be used daily) can be costly, specially if on limited income eg pension. The Gov has an assistance scheme called CAPS (Continence Aids Payment Scheme) to contribute towards the cost of urinary pads/pull-ups. It is currently set at $740 a year. You need to discuss it with your GP and/or specialist who fills in the initial paperwork on your behalf & it is sent in for assessment & all going well, you will be eligible to receive the payment. All info re the payment can be found here - including a helpline: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/continence-aids-payment-scheme-capsViewsSign in to react to this postComments🌱Wednesday Wellness - Creativity, Self-Care & a Special Giveaway! - 29July26🎁
We have an extra special Wednesday Wellness for you today..... When life feels overwhelming, creativity can be a powerful form of self-care. Whether it's painting, knitting, photography, colouring, gardening, scrapbooking, sewing, baking, writing, pottery, or any other creative pursuit, making something with our hands can help us slow down, focus on the present moment, and express emotions that can sometimes be difficult to put into words. 💗 During your experience with breast cancer, creativity can provide a sense of accomplishment, distraction from worries, connection with others, and space to simply enjoy doing something for yourself. There doesn't need to be a goal, and it certainly doesn't need to be perfect. The process itself can be just as valuable as the finished result. ✨ 🎁 This week's giveaway! 📸 Share a photo of something you've created in the comments below. It could be anything from a craft project, artwork, garden, baked treat, knitted creation, photograph, journal page, or any other creative endeavour. 🏆 The photo with the most likes will win a special home wellness pack! 🎨 Show us your creative side in the comments below! 💕ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsOnline Event: Improving Breast Cancer Risk Prediction with AI 🤖
Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in breast cancer research, and this upcoming online Breast Cancer Grand Round explores how AI could help personalise breast cancer screening in the future. 💗 Presented by A/Prof Davis McCarthy, this session will discuss the BRAIx risk score, an AI-based tool developed using BreastScreen Victoria mammograms to help predict a woman's current and future breast cancer risk. Researchers found the tool was a strong predictor of intermediate-term breast cancer risk and may help support more personalised, risk-based screening approaches. 📅 Wednesday 7 October 2026 🕐 1:00pm to 2:00pm AEDT 💻 Online 🎯 Mainly aimed at clinicians and researchers, but suitable for anyone interested in the future of breast cancer detection and screening. As technology continues to evolve, research like this is helping explore new ways to identify risk and improve breast cancer outcomes through more tailored screening pathways. 💕 🔗 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/bcgr-featuring-aprof-davis-mccarthy-tickets-2000232079996 Have you heard much about the use of AI in breast cancer screening and diagnosis? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. 💬💗ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentFrustrated by Perfect Survirors
Please realise I am not I am not criticizing anyones cancer journey, their diagnoses, treatment, support, or what they have done to cope with having cancer. I am needing to have a vent... I am frustrated that all of the people that I see in my local community or in the media that have had treatment for breast cancer appear to the public to be the perfect role models - chirpy, people fund raised for them during their treatment, involved in anything cancer, promoting cancer workshops, mentoring other survivors, dressed immaculately, have lovely thick healthy hair that matches their age, are able to work their own hours... they seem to have come out the other side winning. I know what I see in public is not what might be happening behind closed doors, but I am none of those things. I am not ok. I am not ok most days. I recently started a fitness group for women affected by breast cancer. The lady running it is lovely, but she had cancer only 6 months before me and she seems perfect and is mentoring and helping me!! I am the same age, same timing of cancer treatment. I have **bleep**ty white thin hair, my face is getting brown splotches, my body is 15 years older than it should be, they seem surprised when I say I have to work fulltime. I just want to know that there are other people out there 5,6,7, 10 years after their cancer treatment that are still not ok. I feel seen as stupid --> it happened 6 years ago I should be back to my old self. I honestly don't remember who she wasViewsSign in to react to this postComments🌟Join the LeanOn Lymphoedema Self-Management Study
About this opportunity Have you been diagnosed with breast cancer and are currently living with, or at risk of developing, breast cancer-related lymphoedema? Researchers from Flinders University are inviting people to participate in the LeanOn Lymphoedema Self-Management Study, which is evaluating a new online platform designed to support self-care and improve quality of life for people affected by lymphoedema. Your participation will help researchers understand how well the platform supports people in managing their symptoms and navigating their lymphoedema care. What you'll do: If you choose to take part, you will: Access the LeanOn online platform. Explore evidence-based information and self-care resources. Receive a personalised care plan. Use tools to monitor symptoms and track your progress. Complete short surveys at the beginning of the study, and again at 6 and 12 weeks. Optionally participate in a feedback interview. Who can take part? 👥 You may be eligible if you: Have a history of breast cancer. Are currently living with, or at risk of developing, breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Are aged 18 years or older. Can read and understand English. Why get involved? By participating, you'll have the opportunity to: Access a new self-management support platform. Build confidence in managing your lymphoedema. Help improve resources and support available to people affected by breast cancer-related lymphoedema. Contribute to important research that may benefit others in the future. Interested? 📝 To learn more, read the Participant Information Sheet and register your interest here: If you have any questions, please contact the research team: Navaz Naghavi – [email protected] | 0433 805 014 Katia Ferrar – [email protected] | 0411 234 885ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsTrigger finger / thumb and Tamoxifin
Hi All, I've had trigger finger in my left thumb for at least 6 weeks. It started prior to that with severe pain at the base of my thumb. That subsided and moved to trigger finger. I've had x-rays and scans and finally I wear a splint day and night. I've read here of ladies getting this while taking letrozole but has anyone developed trigger finger while taking tamoxifen? Will it subside while still taking the drug or am I stuck with it for as long as I am on tamoxifen? I'm definitely not keen on having a cortisone shot which is the next step suggested by the hand therapist at RNSH I had it in my ring finger on my right hand but that settled down and was much milder. Any help or advise appreciated. Thank you.ViewsSign in to react to this postComments👋 Monday Mingle Meet & Greet - Welcome New Members Sep21-27👋
Welcome to members who recently joined our online community in the past week! We hope you are connecting with others and finding support. Oz-Cleo ks-51 Linlinnylinda KMCOceanView Danny Kino27 Paris16 Rozie_Rain xe SARA23 Monkeytail Sonali_BCNA Elgatito MargiJ Jebrimac Breathing sunshine40 Sandta benny This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. 👉 Start Here: Community Resource Hub More Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message our community manager Christina_BCNA, BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA, Mez_BCNA, Astrida_BCNA, Risha_BCNA, Beth_BCNA, Elena_BCNA Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the online network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at [email protected] or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentOctober - Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Bloom Again Event, Coffs Harbour
Hello Everyone, October is a special time of year! especially for anyone affected by breast cancer. Here in Coffs Harbour, our Breast Cancer Buddies Group will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary with a community event called 'Bloom Again' - on Thursday October 22nd at Coffs Harbour Racing Club. There will be lots of fashion wear (and wigs) modelled by some of our Buddies - plus Afternoon Tea (and good company!) For anyone interested in coming, I've attached an event flyer with more details. Keep sharing and caring for each other. With gratitude, Diane HViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsLarge breast Bras - no choices
Hi! I have been searching through past posts before I did a new one as know this question will have been posted many times but couldnt quite find something recent. I am getting rather upset at the moment as I am looking for post-op bras and just cant find ANY my size. I am 34HH ( 12HH ) and nothing and I mean nothing goes over an E. Also it's often only XL or L versus any signal for upsize. I am going to continue my research but been on many larger bust websites as I know them well and cant find a thing - not even Berlei which I know can offer you one for free in your care kit. Getting very stressed about it as I am very self conscious of the size of my breast right now and post Op ( having a lumpectomy on left breast) - how I will walk around and what they will look like if I cant find anything supportive enough...really hard. Any tips or advice would be appreciated as I have a relatively small backside in comparison to cup size.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsAnyone with this subtype of Breast Cancer ? IMPC
Hi, iam new to this group. i was diagnosed with Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma stage 3 grade 2 breast cancer. Iam PR+ ER+ and HER 2 -( diagnosis back in June). It is extremely hard to find anyone that has this particular subtype. Just wondering if anyone on here, has had similar...... Thankyou ❤️ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsChanging insurance within Super - will it trigger a total review?
I'm purchasing a property to live in and, as it's the first time I've had a mortgage without a partner, I've been looking into income protection insurance. As it looks like I can't get it due to having had breast cancer (5 years ago), I decided to investigate the insurance that automatically got set up with my Super (12 years ago). I was also advised when I set up my Will to increase the Death/TPD cover on my super insurance so my mortgage can get paid off with super+insurance. However, I'm now stressed to change anything within that super insurance as I'm unsure if it will be considered a new application. All the documentation refers to "applying" for an increase in cover and answering medical questions. My biggest fear is that I'll try to increase my cover and end up with them cancelling my insurance entirely. Has anyone been through this or similar and can advise what the outcome was?ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
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