Forum Discussion
Get Connected Day!
This is the Get Connected post.
The purpose of the Get Connected post, is to provide a place where you can introduce yourself if you'd like to widen your connections.
What to do...
Comment to this post (use the comment form at the bottom of the page) with a short note about yourself and who you're looking to connect to. Easy!
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 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 post' to find out a bit more about our members, you can find it here: http://www.bcna.org.au/network/groups/538/blog/4866).
62 Replies
Hi Paula,
I was diagnosed with metaplastic breast cancer in late October 2010. Now in Sydney at end of first week of radiotherapy, with carboplatin chemo to increase its effectiveness. The medical oncologist says there is no systemic chemotherapy treatment proven to be of value for metaplastic breast cancer. As it is very rare, I can't see that there ever will be specific evidence. What treatments have been recommended to you?
Hoping you're are travelling ok.
MargB
I follow with interest everyone's posts about treatments received and coping with it. No one really mentions lifestyle changes one can make during and after treatment for cancer and as a preventative measure. There are so many lifestyle issues that can contribute to a cancer diagnosis, but fortunately many changes (all proven scientifically) one can make to make one feel better about life in general and to contribute to one's recovery. For me the UK web site www.canceractive.com has provided the most useful and balanced tips to support and implement this - I am implementing aspects of their Activ8 Programme (with support of my wonderful GP) and have found it very supportive . It is not easy changing one's lifestyle - and there are many days I fail to not eat absolutely healthily (or not drink a 2nd glass of bubbly over Xmas!!) or forget to do my yoga/meditation - but surely one of the positive aspects of a cancer diagnosis is that it pulls us up quick and sharp to make us question our lives and how we are living it.
This has been a New Year's thought to you about something that is working for me. Everyone tackles this challenge in a different way, but we can also learn from others, take from it what works for us and support one another in the process.
May 2011 be the healthiest and happiest year of your lives!
Blessings
I follow with interest everyone's posts about treatments received and coping with it. No one really mentions lifestyle changes one can make during and after treatment for cancer and as a preventative measure. There are so many lifestyle issues that can contribute to a cancer diagnosis, but fortunately many changes (all proven scientifically) one can make to make one feel better about life in general and to contribute to one's recovery. For me the UK web site www.canceractive.com has provided the most useful and balanced tips to support and implement this - I am implementing aspects of their Activ8 Programme (with support of my wonderful GP) and have found it very supportive . It is not easy changing one's lifestyle - and there are many days I fail to not eat absolutely healthily (or not drink a 2nd glass of bubbly over Xmas!!) or forget to do my yoga/meditation - but surely one of the positive aspects of a cancer diagnosis is that it pulls us up quick and sharp to make us question our lives and how we are living it.
This has been a New Year's thought to you about something that is working for me. Everyone tackles this challenge in a different way, but we can also learn from others, take from it what works for us and support one another in the process.
May 2011 be the healthiest and happiest year of your lives!
Blessings
Thanks Tanya,
Sometimes you just have to hear that what you're feeling is ok and normal, from others that have been there. Am hoping to return to work in Feb, radiation ends at end of January, but am a bit apprehensive about it, don't feel as confident as I was pre diagnosis.
ANyhow happy new year to you, and thanks again, Kath x
Hi Kath
Firstly let me wish you a Happy New year and hope that 2011 sends you health, love and happiness.
Secondly, sorry you are feeling like this, but i think how you are feeling is normal, well it is how I felt. I seemed to go through the motions while going through surgery and chemo and then when chemo finishes everyone assumes you are "better" and life should return to how it was before....WRONG!!. I actually spoke to a physcologist (spelling??) and told her that I was not copeing with my "new" life after all the drama of the past.
Give yourself time to adjust and ask for help. I got some day care for my two year old and some home help for the household chores and just gave myself some time and here I am three years down the track and I am still adjusting to my new life. I think when you are diagnosed there is so much going on and life is busy with appointments etc, then when it slows down you have time for all the emotions of the past 6 months or so to catch up and sink in,
Good luck with radiation.
Tanya xx
I am very happy. Thanks . You have a great Christmas too. Deb
Goldcoast Kath - I was diagnosed a week before you; been through two ops, chemo and in January will start radiation. My body has been through alot too, just have to keep going and stay occupied and socialise with your friends. It will keep you sane. But of course there will be down days. Deb
Hi GoldCoast Kath, and welcome to the network. :) Sorry you're having a hard time but I'm glad you found your way here. Take a look at the Help page if you haven't already as it will give you some tips on how to find your way around. You might also like to make a post in your own blog, which will then show up on the All posts page (this post is a bit old, so others might not find you here.)
The other thing you can try is typing the subjects you're interested in into the 'search' field (top of the page, just above the main navigation bar). In the results page, just look at the right side and you'll see whether each one is a web page or a blog post -- that way you can find others posting on the same topics as you.
Hope that helps -- just shout if you need a hand with anything.
Hi,
This is my first time on line, have been trying to find support from others going through same.
Its 6 months since diagnosis finished chemo, just started radiation and wondering why I'm finding it such a struggle now. Seemed to cope better early on, but its been such a long road. Why am I finding it so hard now?
Hazza and Anna all the very best to you both, Anna i too had 29 lymph nodes removed only 1 was affected by cancer but even though it is very frightning you will get through this, i know it is early for you but trust me it will be over before you know it, i have had to have 16 rounds of chemo over a period of 6 months and now im at the last of my treatment on thursday, i have had a few up's and downs druing this time but being positive really helps. i wish you both all the very best and hope you have a lovely Xmas.
All the very best for Xmas everyone kind regards Tracey
