@wendy55 - I am SO sorry that you had to go thru this added stress when you were already feeling 'down' - specially when all you wanted ... was some compassion and understanding. Thank you for posting your heartfelt, sad post.
Your recent (non) helpline experience (
and it was 2 weeks BEFORE the supposed 'stop date') is EXACTLY why I put the email up for everyone to read & respond to (and remember this is a PUBLIC POST!)
This shouldn't have happened to you and I don't want it to happen to anyone else (but sadly, I know it already HAS! :( )
More than one member has already said they did not receive the email so there would still be more who are not even aware that the Helpline has been mutilated .... we were so blessed having Nurses like Rosie and Giovanna on board - who knew the ins & outs of the whole Breast Cancer scene - and their absence is a sad loss to the members' credibility of BCNA.
You are 100% correct, Wendy, that without the Breast Cancer Nurse and Mets Counselling Service, the helpline almost becomes redundant, as people will mostly be directed offsite for counselling, or to already published material on the site - that friendly 'I understand what you are going thru, I may be able to help' chat (eg the indepth knowledge off the top of their heads about existing trials and new ones coming up) just won't be there. :( I think that just the thought of not having that expertise available to members - may drive members away from BCNA.
Basically ... If it ain't broke - DON'T try & FIX IT!
The Patient's perspective of Breast Care Nurses (keeping in mind that a LOT of members - particularly in rural areas - don't get to see one at all during their breast cancer treatment.)
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.5172/conu.2006.23.1.46 ;
For those in Vic that live around the Mornington Peninsula area ... Jo Lovelock is A Breast Cancer Nurse, who's HAD breast cancer who you can contact.
0477 770 360https://www.morningtonpeninsulamagazine.com.au/jos-loving-touch-is-making-a-difference/
