Member: Dh5Wy83 | BCNA Online Network

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Re: Radiotherapy side effects
Hello Cathy1919 , The side effects from radiotherapy really depend on what (so organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, bowel, etc, etc) is in the radiation field and the total dose of radiation you are treated with. In terms of late effects, in addition to the radiation field and radiation dosage, age at the time of treatment is an important factor to consider (particularly where radiation treatment occurs before the age of 30yrs). Have your doctors discussed how they plan to manage side effects should they occur? Do they plan to protect your lungs, heart and remaining breast tissue while you undergo radiotherapy? When I underwent mantle radiotherapy, lead shields were used to reduce radiation exposure to my heart, lungs and breast tissue. It is also worth asking the doctor what late effects are associated with the radiotherapy regime you are undergoing and how will you be monitored for the development of late effects once treatment is completed.
9 months ago Place Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
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Re: More information about Elle MacPherson's breast cancer treatment
Elle Macpherson once dated Andrew Wakefield. It speaks volumes as to the types of "experts" Elle seeks out and surrounds herself with.
1 year ago Place General discussions
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Re: More information about Elle MacPherson's breast cancer treatment
This story appeared on The 730 Report tonight. Elle's guru sounds like another Belle Gibson https://www.facebook.com/share/v/imjhCZt3YA4GQxSm/
1 year ago Place General discussions
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Re: Insulting and Judgmental Comments
@klf wishing you all the best with your surgery. Let us know how you go.
1 year ago Place Living with breast cancer
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Re: Insulting and Judgmental Comments
@klf, I'm so sorry you are going through this. I am now 4 years post surgery and diagnosis. It is a pretty scary and overwhelming time when you are diagnosed with cancer. Even more so when you are waiting to undergo a surgical procedure that is as big as this. I underwent a bilateral skin sparing mastectomy and immediate (DIEP) reconstruction. You are right, this is a big procedure and recovery is lengthy. Having said that, the final results are worth it. Post op, there was lots of bruising especially to my chest (I had two drain tubes in my chest and two drain tubes in my tummy. These were removed while I was in hospital). The bruising took a couple of months to resolve. Initially, the flap felt firm (not soft, squishy and jiggly like breast tissue) but became softer after a couple of months. I have a large scar from left hip to right hip and my poor belly button is very, very scarred. The scarring continues to improve and there is lots you can do to improve the look and feel of scar tissue. I wore surgical compression garments- a bra and undies (the undies look like super duper granny pants but are oh so comfy and supportive). I purchased these before going into hospital and started wearing these the day after the operation. I purchased these through Breast Care Victoria (the lady who runs this business is a breast care nurse). Once the wounds healed, my plastic surgeon recommended massaging the scars (tummy and chest) with moisturising cream (there are lots of products you can use so your plastic surgeon is the best person to guide you on what to use and when to start massaging your scars). I think it is important to acknowledge that surgery for breast cancer changes how your body looks and feels. It is ok to give yourself permission to feel sad and to grieve that. I highly recommend the BCNA podcast that discusses body image and adjusting to changes in your body post surgery.
1 year ago Place Living with breast cancer
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Re: Completing Hormone Therapy
iserbrown I have been on tamoxifen for 4 years. The oncologist recommended 5 years. What made your doctor decide to change from 5 years to 10 years? I am also wondering what check ups are needed once it is completed- do people continue to see the oncologist or GP or do they stop check ups all together? My surgeon has told me I don't require mammograms or MRI as all the breast tissue was removed during the mastectomy. When I get to the 5 year mark I won't see the surgeon any more.
2 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
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Completing Hormone Therapy
I was wondering what others experiences have been completing hormone therapy for early breast cancer? I have another year of tamoxifen to go and wondering what to expect in terms of follow up once it is completed. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction. I haven't had chemo or radiotherapy.
2 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
mastectomy
Reconstruction
survivorship
tamoxifen
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Cardio-Oncology and Chest Irradiation
I highly recommend this recording- Cardio-Oncology for Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors https://youtu.be/lyf6ZtDgkVM?si=84qAfUtTpM5I6-Vz Although the presentation focuses on cardiovascular disease risk in survivors of Hodgkin Lymphoma, the information is relevant to anyone who has received radiation to the chest.
2 years ago Place Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
chemotherapy-side-effects
radiotherapy
survivorship
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Breast Cancer Risk in Survivors of Hodgkin's Lymphoma
I discovered this resource from Hodgkin's International titled "Breast Cancer Risks For Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivors" https://youtu.be/YRp4NLcS4Os?si=QwtFipIn5q4LGrNW At 15:22 on the video, the surgeon discusses The National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical guideline on breast cancer screening for people who have undergone chest irradiation. This has important guidelines on when to start screening for breast cancer as well as methods of screening for breast cancer. At 17:51 on the video, the surgeon talks about The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study breast cancer risk calculator. Unlike mainstream breast cancer risk calculators, The CCSS risk calculator includes questions on previous radiotherapy treatment. I love that the surgeon provides strategies that survivors can use to advocate for themselves should they receive "push back" from medical providers.
2 years ago Place Chemotherapy and radiotherapy
mammogram
mastectomy
radiation
radiotherapy
survivorship
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Re: Menopause After Cancer Clinic
Blossom1961 I'm so glad to hear that. I am curious to ask you, how were you referred to the clinic- by your GP or your breast cancer specialist? I attended a seminar on menopause (menopause in general not specific to breast cancer) recently. I got some good tips on diet and exercise. There was a strong focus on managing symptoms with hormone replacement and provided no alternatives to hormone replacement therapy. I am particularly interested in strategies for managing my mood.
2 years ago Place General
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Groups

Young women & breast cancer
This group is for young women affected by breast cancer. In the context of breast cancer treatment, ‘young’ usually refers to women who are pre-menopausal. Here, you can connect with others who understand the unique challenges that come with a diagnosis at a younger age. We talk about things like fertility, pregnancy, early menopause, ovarian suppression, relationships, and the emotional impact of treatment and recovery. Whether you're newly diagnosed or further along in your journey, this is a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and support one another. You are not alone during this uncertain and overwhelming time.
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.
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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Young women & breast cancer

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