Welcome New Members - 15th August 2024

Mez_BCNA
Mez_BCNA Administrator, Staff, Member, Moderator Posts: 1,131
edited August 22 in Community news and events

Welcome to our newest members of the Online Network:

@Cindy74 @caz84 @Shinewithhope @BreaMee24 @hdahm @AndreaW @julzb2509 @wave @BJp47 @amyf798 @Kelki @LVeibataki @28007842 @zarhnie @KKrish33 @Caroran000 @Gazgin12 @DaisyGirl @Bear04 @theviewisclear @Pocketdiva @Miah @Em78 @sadeface48 @msarao @debraf @Dutchy1_kim @Hiker123 @LisaR @Geneenrita @Netty50 @Mmbunchy @FiJane @Positivejac @Alijjj @Xrisoula @imy65 @sheriecheers @Elisek @kh_sarika @happy007 @tootie @Inspiration @red_sleep @Chrisnsw @ShellH @Lorii @Gill_L @KimR @bonniedog @healwithme @Tripletwice @ST_Brissy @mirad @betteb @Desiree72 @Mcn0

You have found your way to Breast Cancer Network Australia's (BCNA's) Online Network. This is a forum where you are not alone and can engage with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with other members. Please explore our various Groups for members who are looking for greater peer-to-peer support. 

The following links may also be helpful in getting you started: 

Our long-time members (newbies too!) are a wealth of information regarding the useful discussion topics and information available through BCNA's Online Network, therefore please do not hesitate to post your questions. You have the option to add details about yourself to your  'Profile' (Update your profile image by clicking 'Change My Picture')  and if you would like more targeted responses, you may like to add where you live (e.g. Sydney; Melbourne; Regional Victoria). 
 
If you need help navigating the Online Network please message myself @Mez_BCNA or one of our other moderators: @Denise_BCNA , @Risha_BCNA , @Pat_BCNA@Kate_BCNA , @Daina_BCNA
 
Please note: the Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on the weekends, however if you need something actioned, the quickest way to resolve your query is to contact the Helpline Team via email helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm AEST

Comments

  • June1952
    June1952 Member Posts: 1,935
    @Mez_BCNA, can you please pop the post from @Stillstanding on its own so others will see it and respond ?  Thanks.
  • Stillstanding
    Stillstanding Member Posts: 8
    Hi Melzzs I’m a newby also, but the more I explore the more I learn and the connection of others who really do understand the overwhelming feelings. Do you have a date for your operation? The waiting was hard but I look back and am great full that I had time to process the roller coaster of emotions. 
  • melzzs
    melzzs Member Posts: 57
    Hi thanks for contacting me, how are you going? ,,no date not as yet, I was at the hospital Friday for the MRI results but I worry having the mastectomy (left breast) plus reconstruction might be to long 
  • Stillstanding
    Stillstanding Member Posts: 8
    Hi it’s 6.30am and I’m awake, sleeping is hard at the moment. My story started at Breastscreen, recall to hosp, diagnosed a wk later, to my dr, then breast surgeon, then mri, then reconstruction surgeon, then op 2 wks ago. Left breast, no chance of lumpectomy, so mastectomy and latimuss dorsi from my left side back. I’m strapped up and helpless, so in the healing phase, it will be a long one. Hope your coping ok.
  • melzzs
    melzzs Member Posts: 57
    Hi,your story sounds very much like mine  ,I am frightened cannot sleep my happy self is now a depressed walking zombie waking at odd hours,,,
    I hope you  feel better very soon,& your pain eases ❤
  • Stillstanding
    Stillstanding Member Posts: 8
    hi again.i did a lot of preparing at home to make the recovery as best as possible. All these little things do help to make the journey barable. Let me know if you need the hints. Hope all goes well, it is overwhelming, the unknown is scary, I just cry when I want too, at least I’m in control of that. 
  • melzzs
    melzzs Member Posts: 57
    Hi,hope your feeling better less pain?Yes,please hints,would be good I went to kmart today & bought 2 padded bras that zip at the front I have a appointment next Wednesday with plastic surgeon 😬
  • Stillstanding
    Stillstanding Member Posts: 8
    This wk an oncologist visit was full of good news, and I really felt comfortable with her. Yes I can do this. Then the recon surgeon, hmm took all the dressing off my back, that was bliss, but front not so good and will be going back to another op. Hmm didn’t need that surprise. Tip 1. I got a special breast pillow from Temu, so cheap and it sits across and under each arm, luv it, protects your chest from seatbelts. 2. Kmart U pillows x 2 covers so cheap, protects my back and lifts arm to rest. My best friends. 3.Wedge pillow from Clark rubber, cannot sleep on my back without it. I have bunch of others. Good luck with the surgeon, do your research, it will help you to understand the choices.
  • melzzs
    melzzs Member Posts: 57
    Are you OK?,did they find something else,hope you are doing OK,,, I have appointment with pre opp surgeons via phone not face to face .🤔
    I see plastic surgeon next Wednesday that one is face to face

  • Stillstanding
    Stillstanding Member Posts: 8
    yes im ok, it’s a complication with the recon, was unset naturally, but has to be fixed, just not sure when. Lots of variables with recon. I’m not sure yet that I chose the right one.
  • melzzs
    melzzs Member Posts: 57
    Hi how are you doing? I had appointment today looks like I will get an implant still has its risks 
  • Stillstanding
    Stillstanding Member Posts: 8
    Hi, I’ve had a small break from media, I was getting overwhelmed reading everything every day. So you decided on an implant, I went with my own tissue, as I have a sister that had mast, expander and has had 3 implants. Just her personal journey, so I was trying to avoid that and had a lat dorsi. I’m at the recon surgeons 2mrw, should know when the next surgery will happen. Then my breast surgeon, she did the skin saving mastectomy. Have you got a date yet? 
  • Mez_BCNA
    Mez_BCNA Administrator, Staff, Member, Moderator Posts: 1,131
    Hi @Stillstanding @melzzs would you like me to move your conversation to your own independent discussion thread or you can continue via private msg? As you may lose this conversation under the 'Welcome post' when it is closed 
  • melzzs
    melzzs Member Posts: 57
    Yes ok through my own independent discussion 
    Thankyou.
  • Stillstanding
    Stillstanding Member Posts: 8
    Yes, thank you.