Hello everyone,
Welcome to our community update and a warm welcome to all of our new members who have joined us in the last month or so. I hope that you have settled into our welcoming online community and are finding the peer support that you require. Wishing you all well.
Wow it’s been a very busy October with lots of breast cancer awareness activities this month. BCNA held their final forum for this year at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. Around 250 people attended the survivorship conference over the weekend. It was split over two days with early breast cancer on the Saturday and metastatic on the Sunday. It also saw the launch of Cancer Australia’s Influencing best practice in metastatic breast cancer Statement, with assistance from BCNA (see more information below). Here is a snippet from the Gold Coast conference that you can view.
Community highlights
1. Newly diagnosed… Glad I’ve found a safe place
Thread commenced by @Hils who after a routine mammogram was found to have a large breast mass. She has had a biopsy and is awaiting results of the biopsy and bone scan. Hils has been a carer for her husband for the last 6 years and now finds herself in the position of needing some care herself. Wonderful support provided for Hils by our community members including this comment from
@Nefertari ‘I never know what to say when I read about a new person
starting on this rollercoaster but I do know how I feel.
If you were standing right in front of me I'd
give you a big hug and tell you I understand. The emotions are so intense
and it is important to let them come out, that is why this forum is good
because everyone "gets" it and doesn't say be positive, it's so hard
to be up all the time. For me it's impossible. Hopefully once you get your plan you will start
to feel better. I know I was so busy in the first few weeks that
the shock was delayed. I am just feeling the effects now at the end of
the line but I have found a counsellor and it is really helping me. We are all
different, so do anything that you feel is right for you, regardless of what
others say.
Be kind to yourself, it is a lot for anyone to
deal with and try not to worry, easier said than done I know. Xxx'
Great question asked by @cranky_granny “How do I tell someone to ease up on the questions, especially when I don’t even have the answers myself!” Some great responses
@kmakm "I love you dearly and I truly appreciate your
interest, but right now I really don't want to talk about it. I hope you don't
mind." or
"Do you mind if we don't talk about it
anymore? I just want to focus on other things for a bit."
@Zoffiel 'I don't want to talk about it today, if I find out anything new, you'll be the first to know.'
My personal favourite from @Afraser ‘Or you could try the alternative strategy. Bombard her with information. Go on and on and on. Only for use if desperate but it just might work!’
3. Breathing Techniques for Anxiety
Great thread commenced by @KarynJ with some breathing techniques that can be helpful in managing stressful situations that you may find yourself in.
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Community News
Influencing best practice in metastatic breast cancer.
After the successful launch of Cancer Australia’s – Influencing best practice for Australians with breast cancer Statement in 2016, BCNA is pleased to have been able to work with Cancer Australia to develop the new Influencing best practice in metastatic breast cancer Statement.
We know Australians living with metastatic breast cancer need strong support, information and access to treatment and supportive care. But our members often report significant frustration and disappointment about the gaps and disparity of care that exist in meeting those needs.
The Cancer Australia best practice Statement aims to deliver better care across the health continuum and ensure people living with metastatic breast cancer know what their treatment options are and are involved in the decisions around that treatment.
The Statement also acknowledges that multidisciplinary care is particularly important for people with metastatic breast cancer due to their complex management and supportive care needs. Effective, sensitive communication in a culturally safe environment, and a patient-centred individualised approach are key elements of care.
The Art of Living
To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has asked members to think of what they can do rather than what they can’t. Julia Domigan can - and will - celebrate The Art of Living. Click here to read more
Male Breast Cancer Day
Sunday 20 October 2019 was male breast cancer awareness day. Rob Fincher was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010. Over the next nine years, Rob worked with BCNA to help us raise awareness of male breast cancer. While men represent a tiny proportion of all breast cancer diagnoses – less than one per cent – the statistics are very significant to the 164 men who will be diagnosed in 2019.
As you all know, Rob died in June this year but before he did, he asked us to help him compile a video of advice for men affected by breast cancer. On Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day we were able to share Robs video and recognise the legacy that Rob made in destigmatising myths around breast cancer in men.
This week’s reflective quote
“The real man smiles in trouble, gathers strength in distress, and grows brave by reflection”
Thomas Paine
Have a good week everyone,
Regards Giovanna and the moderation team
