Astrida_BCNA
Community Manager
Joined 1 year ago
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Re: Chest Cancer Breast Cancer
Hi SC , Thank you for taking the time to share your perspective. Breast cancer affects people of all genders, and we recognise that each person’s experience can be different and, at times, very challenging. We also know there is more to learn and improve in how support and information reaches different communities, and this is something we continue to work on. BCNA provides a range of information and support specifically for men affected by breast cancer. You can access these resources here: Breast Cancer in men Personal stories of men with breast cancer Health information for men with breast cancer Podcast episode: Men get breast cancer too Webcast: Men and breast cancer If you’d like help exploring any of these or want to talk through what you’re experiencing, please feel free to reach out and call 1800 500 258 or email mailto:helpline@bcna.org.au 💚👋 Monday Mingle Meet & Greet - Welcome New Members March 9-15 👋
Welcome to members who recently joined our online community in the past week! We hope you are connecting with others and finding support. Elliebug MonicaMaree blushplastic Janine2 JadeN MickeyMoo ddale Wade Nels Cloe87 J_o_C SliFi belbay UKNurse VioletB33 kcw Patchworkezza MariaL Gordon2026 hk21 Pai91 Clio Dominica Lollipop sg Lynp18 This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message our community manager Christina_BCNA BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA Mez_BCNA Astrida_BCNA Risha_BCNA Denise_BCNA. Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the online network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEDT.Let’s Get to Know Each Other – What Languages Do We Speak? 🌍💬
Our CALD community is incredibly diverse, and we want to make sure the content and information we share genuinely support everyone here. One way we can do that is by understanding the different languages and cultural backgrounds represented in our group. So, we’d love to hear from you: What languages do you speak or understand? This could be your first language, a language you learned later in life, or even one you don’t use as often anymore. I’ll go first: I speak Latvian, and I know a little bit of German (although I’m slowly losing my touch!). Sharing your languages helps us tailor information, resources, and support so they’re as helpful and accessible as possible. 💗🌏 There’s absolutely no pressure — only share what you're comfortable with.👋 Monday Mingle Meet & Greet - Welcome New Members Feb 9-15👋
Welcome to members who recently joined our online community in the past week! We hope you are connecting with others and finding support. MelK MelMc GC003 Soda56 miche Catta Moonhirl chrissyd3 Flashturtle YvetteM Fynnlove Kmec74 kmf Lizzles Michelle_2026 Jodi1 CaptnK Dorothy80 abombeta kerriefrances Betty123 CathyT Katiepea CorinneWhy Flea77 ABhog This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message our community manager, Christina_BCNA BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA Mez_BCNA Astrida_BCNA Risha_BCNA Denise_BCNA. Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the online network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEDT.Re: How Do you decide what treatment when there are so many options?
Hi CaptnK, I'm so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, but glad to see you reaching out for support here in our wonderful community. 💛 While we wait for others to respond, you might like to read Getting through the first few weeks and Treatments for early breast cancer or listen to Just diagnosed - what's next?. If you wish to chat to our Helpline, please feel free to reach out at 1800 500 258.BCNA’s Online Network – Public Holiday Update
Please note that BCNA’s Online Network will not be moderated on the public holiday, Monday 26 January 2026, as the BCNA Helpline will be closed. During this time, please ensure you are familiar with the following support services: BCNA’s Website Information & Resources Hub - Explore articles, stories and podcasts to help navigate breast cancer 24/7 Support Services Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; available throughout the day) Although moderation will be paused, the Online Network will remain open and active. You are warmly encouraged to continue asking questions, sharing your stories, and reaching out for support within the community whenever you need it. If you would like a callback from the Helpline, please submit a request via: https://www.bcna.org.au/helpline-self-referral-form/Re: So confused, scared and teary
Hi Tangerine, I’m so sorry to hear what you’re going through, and I’m glad you reached out here. Everything you’re feeling right now —the speed of it all can feel overwhelming, and the financial stress on top of your diagnosis is a lot to carry. You might also find these resources helpful: Questions to ask a surgeon about breast reconstruction Questions for your surgeon/medical team when diagnosed Think Pink Foundation – provides psychological, emotional, physical, and practical support for anyone affected by a breast cancer diagnosis Please know you don’t have to navigate this alone. If you’d like to talk things through, you can call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm AEDT). We’re here to listen and support you.Re: 👋 Monday Mingle Meet & Greet - Welcome New Members Dec 1-7 👋
Welcome Everyone, I hope you’re all doing okay. Just a reminder that we’re always here to help, so please feel free to reach out if you need any support navigating the Online Network, have questions about your treatment, or simply want to have a chat. You can send us a private message or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 (Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm AEDT). We’re here for you. 😊 Take care and don’t hesitate to connect! ❤️Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
On this Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, we acknowledge that Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) is treatable but incurable. Katie shares what she wants others to know about living with MBC and her message for other young women. Watch the full video here BCNA has information and resources for those living with MBC. Read more about our latest international MBC advocacy efforts here: Count Us In. From Australia to the world: Leading the push for global metastatic breast cancer visibilityRe: IMPLANT OR AUTOLOGOUS FLAP
Hi SamL8900 Thank you for sharing your story and starting the conversation. While we wait for others to share their own lived experience, we thought you may find the following resources useful: You can check out some stories that our members have kindly shared over the years. I have attached a previous discussion here: Reconstruction implant If you haven't seen it already, you may find the Types of tissue flap reconstruction and About breast implant surgery pages on our website helpful too. Wondering if May2024 you may be around to share your own experience with SamL8900 Please feel free to contact BCNA's Helpline 1800 500 258 if we can assist further.
Groups
CR Connect
This is a dedicated space for BCNA Seat at the Table (SATT) trained Consumer Representatives (CRs) to connect, collaborate, share ideas, experiences and resources.CALD Connection
A welcoming space for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and support one another. This group celebrates different languages, traditions, and stories while building strong, respectful connections. Join us to learn from one another, celebrate diversity, and contribute to a community where every voice matters.BCNA Mod Squad
