Member: BlackWidow | BCNA Online Network

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Re: UTIs ... Do you get them often? What do you use to 'fix it'?
Call your GP clinic immediately so they can pop you in for a visit pronto (they usually do) and get a test to be sure of the issue. After that get onto whichever Ural flavour you fancy to take away the symptoms. that way, if the issue is a bit different you have not impacted the result and treatment by taking the Ural too soon. Good luck.
1 year ago Place Living with breast cancer
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Re: A MUST READ IF FACING MASTECTOMY EARLY BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS DCIS LCIS
Thank you, I wish I'd read your post all those years ago. I was not far behind you but was offered nothing except a mastectomy and silly me accepted that as 'normal'. I was not offered any reconstruction. Unfortunately ladies being treated in regional areas are not given much choice as, to put it simply, the so-called specialists are either unaware or untrained (or both) - or are they just too ignorant as to how the diagnosis and treatment affects women ? Hopefully this post can remain near the top to inform newcombers.
1 year ago Place Surgery
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Re: Tamoxifen and inflammation
Do discuss the problem with your oncologist. After a long discussion re the benefits vs side effects mine agreed to cease the damned drug. What will be will be but in the meantime I can live a happier more comfortable life. A friend has never been on it and she is cancer free 10 years later. All the best.
1 year ago Place General
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Re: Protecting family from Chemo medication
Thank you for this post @GorgyS as it is not something some ladies have been warned about. Yes, COVID is on the rise again all over the country so it has to be mask time again ? Not many people are wearing them and apparently it is not longer necessary to stay at home and isolate so we need to protect ourselves.
2 years ago Place Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
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Re: Weight gain
@Atlantic. I have not been on here for a while so I am wading through the posts. As with most of us women your title attracted my attention. Ha Ha. I am on the chubby side and recently told my GP I am concerned. I mentioned the Keto diet as I had heard of it. The reaction was a strong one "if you have not been diagnosed with any other issues it is simple - reduce your portion sizes and increase your exercise". He also said that these are permanent ways of eating and you may lose weight but once you add 'normal' foods back in the weight will come back on. His other comment was to look back at the past when families ate good-sized meat and three veg type of meals - they did not need these fashionable diets. He also referred me to my oncologist for comment. I think all his comments are valid so I will reduce my portion sizes and see how I go (yes, I love my food). Let me know what method you lose and how you get on.
3 years ago Place General
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Re: Reminder - 'New Look' Online Network 15th December 2022
As most people know I am pretty computer illiterate. Imagine my distress when I tried to sign in at the library and found the site was different. I was too scared to ask the library for help so went home and cried (as one does !). My friend is now giving me a s-l-o-w lesson and I am getting there. I apologize to those who have been asking where I am but I am here now, Hope all are doing OK. Anne.
3 years ago Place News and events
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Re: DCIS
Thank you @Kallen. Is there any reason you did not use a specialist closer to home ?
3 years ago Place DCIS
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Re: DCIS
I was given a mastectomy and that was that. No discussion of any other options. No need for other treatments as the nodes which were taken were apparently OK. No other tests were recommended either. Guess what will be will be. @Kallen, I have not been on for a while but see you are in Ballarat. Can I ask who your surgeon was (PM me if you are happier to do that).
3 years ago Place DCIS
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Re: Letrozole & thining hair
@Hendrix, my hair is thinning on top. My mother always had beautiful thick hair. Thinking back, my paternal grandmother thinned on top. Is this a family thing or simply a matter of age ?
4 years ago Place General
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Re: Oncotype
For many years I have paid a heap for private health insurance yet I was quoted over $20,000 for a reconstruction and I pay out of pockets for the surgeon, anaesthetics, medications, tests, etc where if I had been in the public system it would have all been free. WTF ? By the way, my husband and I paid the same as a family of 6 for private health insurance for 50 years. Someone somewhere needs to work all this out.
4 years ago Place Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
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Groups

Connecting rural, regional & remote areas
We understand that living outside major cities can bring unique challenges when it comes to accessing care, support, and information. From long travel distances to limited local services, these experiences can feel isolating—but you're not alone. This is a space to connect with others who truly understand what it’s like to face breast cancer while living regionally or remotely. Share stories, ask questions, and support one another through the frustrations and the wins - this group is here for you.
Let's talk: vaginas, menopause & me
PRIVATE GROUP. This group is a safe, supportive space to talk about sexual health and emotional wellbeing during and after breast cancer. We discuss topics like menopause, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, UTIs, and changes in libido, and share ideas and products that may help. Whether you're navigating intimacy with a partner or reconnecting with yourself, you're not alone here. This is a place for open, respectful conversations and shared understanding.
Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.
Carers corner
Whether you're caring for a partner, parent, child, or family member, this group offers a safe and understanding place to connect with others in similar roles. Share your experiences, talk through the personal challenges of being a carer, and find support from a community that truly understands the emotional and practical realities of caregiving for a loved one with breast cancer.
Breast cancer without children
Whether by choice or circumstance, navigating breast cancer without children is a unique experience that can feel unsupported or isolating. This group offers a compassionate space to connect with others who understand, share experiences, and find strength in community also living breast cancer without children.

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BlackWidow

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Connecting rural, regional & remote areas

Let's talk: vaginas, menopause & me

Choosing breast reconstruction

Carers corner

Breast cancer without children