Get Connected Day!
Hi all!
First off, welcome to all of you who've joined in the first few weeks of this year. I thought it would be a good time for a "Get Connected Day" post -- first for 2011. 
So, for everyone who's new, and those who haven't posted yet, here's your chance to introduce yourself by leaving a comment here, or by making a post in your own blog.
As always, the purpose of the Get Connected post is to provide a place where you can widen your connections, so everyone is welcome.
Don't be nervous about giving it a go if you've never posted before -- you can't really break anything, and you might make a whole bunch of new friends.
What to do...
Comment to this post (use the comment form at the bottom of the page). Tell us something about yourself -- your diagnosis, treatment, family, favourite recipes/craft/exercise, anything at all -- and who you're looking to connect to. Easy!
If you'd rather make a post in your own blog, then just go to the 'blog' section of your profile, click on 'create a post' and type in the fields. To see everyone else's posts, go to the Network homepage, click on the Latest posts tab and scroll down (or you can bookmark this link: http://www.bcna.org.au/node/all/blog/network).
If you see someone with experience similar to yours, who you'd like to connect to, then just click their username (in their post) and you will end up on their profile page. Then all you need to do is look on the left side of the page under their picture and you'll see an "add contact" link and follow the prompts.
Why connect to others?
One of the good things about connecting to others, is that all of their blog posts will show up on your homepage in a reading list. So if you haven't visited the site in a few days, you'll still see what everyone is up to!
*Important note!*
Remember to check your own privacy settings on your "edit" page. There's no need to reveal anything personal or private, but if you want others to connect to you, you should make some of your My Profile settings "public" so others can see them and find out a bit about you (eg. 'my story', 'about' me' and 'breast cancer experience').
If you're not sure what to do, you might like to read this post on how to change your privacy settings.
Have fun!
Di
(if you want to go back and browse the old 'get connected posts' to find out a bit more about our members, just click on the 'get connected' tag).
Comments
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HI Everyone,
I am 43 years, but back in Sept when I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was 42. I had a lumpectomy where my magical surgeon removed a lump of cancer. It was a massive 7.5cm. I am very thankful I found it and when he removed it the surrounding area was clear as was the lymph nodes. I am still undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy will follow. I already consider myself cured. I have a 7yo son, who has taken on all information and he seems very brave but I find it hard to know exactly what he thinks about everything.
Nice to meet you all
Raelene
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HI Everyone,
I am 43 years, but back in Sept when I was diagnosed with breast cancer I was 42. I had a lumpectomy where my magical surgeon removed a lump of cancer. It was a massive 7.5cm. I am very thankful I found it and when he removed it the surrounding area was clear as was the lymph nodes. I am still undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy will follow. I already consider myself cured. I have a 7yo son, who has taken on all information and he seems very brave but I find it hard to know exactly what he thinks about everything.
Nice to meet you all
Raelene
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Raylene
welcome to our online family. My sons were 7 and 9 when i was diagnosed 17 years ago. They are now 27 and 25. My 25 year old cannot remember a time before breast cancer. But if you ask him he will tell you that because of the support we have received from bcna and our local support group (the Waratah's) his life has been pretty good. My sons have participated in so many breast cancer activities and are both important members of the waratahs and have been since its inception.
My 27 got married last year, something i did not think i would live to see.
I look on my disease as a chronic disease that we are treating. It is responding well and behaving itself at the moment.
good luck
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Raylene
welcome to our online family. My sons were 7 and 9 when i was diagnosed 17 years ago. They are now 27 and 25. My 25 year old cannot remember a time before breast cancer. But if you ask him he will tell you that because of the support we have received from bcna and our local support group (the Waratah's) his life has been pretty good. My sons have participated in so many breast cancer activities and are both important members of the waratahs and have been since its inception.
My 27 got married last year, something i did not think i would live to see.
I look on my disease as a chronic disease that we are treating. It is responding well and behaving itself at the moment.
good luck
?0 -
Welcome to the new members. I have found, on my journey with breast cancer, that it is a kind of 'club' (one that no one wants to join, but gee, there are some nice people there!) Happy Easter to you all.0
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Welcome to the new members. I have found, on my journey with breast cancer, that it is a kind of 'club' (one that no one wants to join, but gee, there are some nice people there!) Happy Easter to you all.0
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Thanks marls40 for responding. Its great your family are involved in bc activities. THey are aware of your disease but hopefully not overwhealmed with it. Its like a new, unwanted lifestyle. The first thing I thought is I havve to see my sons 30th birthday to know what kind of life path he will walk. And know he is ok.
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Hi my fellow pink sisters,
my name is Donna I am 55 and was diagnosed in late November, I had a right breast Auxillary clearance with a biopsy on some nodes, still waiting for my results as silly me had my surgery just before christmas.
I have managed to remain positive and concentrate on getting through the christmas break but as my appointment gets closer its getting difficult.
I see my team on Tuesday and thats when I find out exactly what we are dealing with.
My family are being super supportive as are my friends.
So I guess I will take this journey with you all.
Cheers
Donna
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Hi my name is Steph and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2012, completing Chemo January & currently having Radiation.
I am building up energy and would like to connect with people for coffee or just socialising in the Gold Coast area.
Cheers Steph.
zoose@****
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Hi Steph,
I just wanted to say Hi and welcome you to the online network. It looks like your finding your way around but if you have any questions just shout :-)
To find support in Gold Coast area there are two things you could do.
1. You might want to search for support and services in your area through our Directory (use your postcode - http://www.bcna.org.au/ldirectory/listing )
2. You could set up an online group for women in Gold Coast and ask others join you, (See groups here and set one up: http://www.bcna.org.au/og/all )
Let me know how you go :-)
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Hi everyone,
My name is Sandra and was diagnosed with very early breast cancer in Nov 13.
Wide Local excision of L breast lesion and sentinel node biopsy Dec 13. Clear margins and lymph nodes were fine. Found another 1mm lump which was a different type to the 1st lump detected. At followup we decided the best option was to have a mastectomy which for me is the best option.Surgery will be in 2 weeks time. I have now decided for various reasons to have the R breast removed as well and will be discussing with breast care nurse and surgeon tomorrow.
So much information to take in regarding recovery, wearing a prosthesis, reconstruction etc kind of doing my head in but I have the support of family and friends so just taking one day at a time.
Would like to hear from other women who have decided to have their healthy breast removed as a preventative measure.
Great to have BCNA available will b good support.
Cheers
Sandra
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Hi Sandra
I also opted for my disease free breast to be removed.
My story is a little different as i was diagnosed in 1993 with radical mastectomy of my left breast. Due to a high number of positive nodes in my left armpit I participated in a clinical trial during 1994 and life continued until 2000 when new tumors were found in a couple of nodes left in my left armpit. Radiation then again life resumed.
During the following years numerous lumps were found in my right breast and i made the decision to have it removed in 2004. It was a large breast and weighed over 1 kilo when removed.
I have never regreted my decision. I hope my story helps in any small way.
i wish you luck with your surgery and hope to hear from you when its over.
Take care
Marls0 -
Hi Sandra
I also opted for my disease free breast to be removed.
My story is a little different as i was diagnosed in 1993 with radical mastectomy of my left breast. Due to a high number of positive nodes in my left armpit I participated in a clinical trial during 1994 and life continued until 2000 when new tumors were found in a couple of nodes left in my left armpit. Radiation then again life resumed.
During the following years numerous lumps were found in my right breast and i made the decision to have it removed in 2004. It was a large breast and weighed over 1 kilo when removed.
I have never regreted my decision. I hope my story helps in any small way.
i wish you luck with your surgery and hope to hear from you when its over.
Take care
Marls0
