Friday Update 20th December 2024 (BCNA Christmas Closure Details)
Mez_BCNA
Administrator, Staff, Member, Moderator Posts: 1,144 ✭
As we find ourselves in the last month of the year, we reflect on the activities BCNA have undertaken in 2024 (Highlights shared in the update), while acknowledging the work still ahead. This December, we are filled with gratitude for the strength, resilience, and hope that defines the breast cancer community. Whether you are a someone living with or beyond breast cancer; metastatic breast cancer; a caregiver or loved one - we hope the Online Network continues to be a safe place you can turn to for support and information.
To our regular contributors to the Online Network that 'stick around' to support others, we appreciate the invaluable support you spread throughout the forum and the positive ripple effect that you may not see.
Enjoy the update!
BCNA Helpline over Christmas and New Year
BCNA’s Helpline will be closed from BCNA’s Helpline will be closed from 5pm Monday 23 December and will reopen on Monday 6 January at 9am (AEDT). During this time, you can request the Helpline team to call you back when we reopen by filling out this FormIf you are looking for information about breast cancer visit our website https://www.bcna.org.au/resources-during-the-festive-season/
If you require additional support through this time, please contact one of the following organisations:
Cancer Council https://www.cancer.org.au/ or 13 11 20 (available 27-31 December from 10am – 2pm (AEDT))
Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ available 24/7
Lifeline www.lifeline.org.au/ available 24/7
For First People, 24/7 support is available at 1300YARN (12 92 76) https://www.13yarn.org.au/
For LGBTIQ+ people call or webchat with QLife at http://www.qlife.org.au/ or 1800 184 527 (available everyday 3pm-midnight)
Online Network over Christmas and New Year
You can continue to connect with others with a breast cancer experience here on BCNA's Online Network (available 24/7)Mez, Daina and Kate will be moderating the Online Network over the closure period should you need to send a private message for urgent matters you can include all moderators in your message.
To send a private message from your laptop/desktop click the envelope next to your profile
picture and click on the highlighted picture below; type in the moderator’s
names in the ‘recipients’ Mez_BCNA Kate_BCNA Daina_BCNA . Type the body of your message and hit ‘Post Message’button:
To send a message from your mobile device you will click on your profile picture and then the envelope will be on the top-right (screenshot below):
Community highlights
Christmas Funnies
In the spirit of Christmas Funnies ....... put them up here for a laugh!
Popular forum discussions
You may be interested in several forum discussions that have received the most comments in December:BCNA Community News - 2024 Highlights
Counting people with metastatic breast cancer: a step closer - 05 Feb 2024
A roadmap to finally count the number of people diagnosed with incurable and life limiting metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a step closer thanks to the $1.5 million announced Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to fund a cancer data alliance on Saturday 3 February Read full article here
Carman's Fun Run raises $285,000 for BCNA - 22 Feb 2024
Melbourne turned on perfect weather as 6,100 participants ran or walked to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
With your support, BCNA has raised over $285,000 through Carman's Fun Run this year, and the donations are still coming in!
All funds raised help BCNA to continue our work to ensure that all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support. We are incredibly grateful for everyone's efforts through online fundraising and by getting involved on the day. We would also like to thank the Gaudry Foundation for their generous dollar matching donation of $10,000.
BCNA Impact Report- 29 Feb 2024
We hope you enjoy reading about our many achievements, the significant milestones we’ve reached, and the personal messages from individuals who, with your support, have been helped in numerous ways by BCNA. Please read the report via the link 2024 Impact Report
BCNA welcomes pharmacy prescription changes for breast cancer medications- 05 March 2024
From 1 September 2023, people will start to pay less to access 325 medications on the PBS – with the Federal Government allowing a 60-day supply to be dispensed each time a person goes to the pharmacy, instead of a 30-day supply Read full article here
Pink Bun Campaign raises $2 million for BCNA - 5 June 2024
BCNA gratefully extend a heartfelt thank you to our foundation partner Bakers Delight, along with every person who purchased Fun Buns or made a donation in-store between May 9-29. It is you who made the 2024 Pink Bun campaign a huge success! With your help, Bakers Delight raised an incredible $2 million, which will go directly to help Breast Cancer Network Australia support all Australians affected by breast cancer.
https://youtu.be/RIjY93A7AVIPink Lady Match raises $165,000 for BCNA - 28 June 2024
The power of connection was on full display last Saturday night at the MCG with almost 30,000 fans attending to support Melbourne FC and North Melbourne FC in the 2024 Pink Lady Match. Our Mini-Field of Women tribute outside the ground and light up display from partners Opal ANZ and Red Energy welcomed fans to the ground before filling the Pink Lady Bays with a sea of pink beanies, scarves and ponchos.
Greater access to life-extending drug for people with metastatic breast cancer - 28 Aug 2024
https://youtu.be/1MS3SHQVRGg?si=7M6_8C5joIHQW2wVNew data captures true number for metastatic breast cancer
In a world first, people with metastatic breast cancer are now being counted – at least in New South Wales. And work by the Cancer Institute New South Wales shows numbers have been wildly underestimated.
Previously, the national estimate was of 10,553 people living with the disease. This new, verified data shows 7,900 people (7,850 women and 50 men) with metastatic breast cancer in NSW alone Read full article here
https://youtu.be/n5c94wdEkd0BCNA Webcasts / Information Forums in 2024
Webcast 'Persistent pain after breast cancer, addressing quality of life' - 07 Feb 2024
https://youtu.be/SGWv6HhHn3QBCNA Information Forum (Murray Bridge SA) - 06 March 2024
The Information Forum covered topics including:
- Current and emerging treatments
- Managing emotional impacts
- Lymphoedema
The Information Forum covered topics including:
- Current and emerging breast cancer treatments
- Managing the emotional impacts of living with breast cancer
- The role of exercise in breast cancer care
- A guided meditation.
Webcast 'Let's cut through all the hype! Why exercise?' - 22 May 2024
https://youtu.be/ACwFpR1M32QWebcast 'Global insights and local voices on metastatic breast cancer' - 13 Aug 2024
https://youtu.be/vId3tnJ-wnkOnline support session 'Dealing with fear or doubt about treatment choices' - 09 Sept 2024
Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti discuss ways to recognise, manage and overcome emotions that media coverage may have caused. It includes qualified advice and strategies on how to manage what you may be feeling. (Mez's top pick for 2024!!)
https://youtu.be/Eb6hKrI1rhsBooks/Movies/TV Series/Docos
This Cancer Council video is a few years old now, however still relevant for people navigating a breast cancer diagnosis over the holiday period. You may like to check it out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkVCLbsvp74On a lighter note, I still believe these are my favourite movies in recent years and worth a watch:
As I always say if you are not feeling Christmas this year there is always 'The Grinch who stole Christmas'!
Our Helpline team, moderators and BCNA send you warmest wishes of happiness, rest and good times with the people (and pets!) who bring you joy. Hope to connect with you all again in 2025!
The Mod Team - @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA @Daina-BCNA @Kate_BCNA @Denise_BCNA @Risha_BCNA
If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEDT), alternatively you can email helpline@bcna.org.au
"May your days be merry and bright" - White Christmas
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Comments
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Wishing everyone at BCNA a very Happy & Safe Xmas and New Year - and a special thank you to all the Mods and support staff for all your help this year xx
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Hi @Mez_BCNA and all at BCNA thanks for everything this year , the highlight for me was the PBS decision on Enhertu for HER 2 low, as well as the “ making metastatic patients count” advocacy but the many amazing resources on this website continue to grow and are fantastic as is this online forum.
Keep up the good work.
And @arpie , you are the “ gold standard” when it comes to online contributors , thoughtful, compassionate, insightful and ( much appreciated) funny! Not to mention indefatigable.
There are many other great contributors including in the private groups and on that note I would like to make special mention of @wendy55 who sadly passed away earlier this year , she was also a great support to many in the Mets group and is very much missed.
Take care all and wishing all the best for the festive season and into 2025.
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