Mez_BCNA
Community Manager
Joined 4 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
Contributions
Re: Telling my toddler and child I have breast cancer
Hi Wattlebird3 - you are right, its such a tough topic to discuss with 'little ones' and the information can be geared more around older children. It still may be helpful to review BCNA resources specifically for parents navigating breast cancer, especially when it comes to supporting their children. Talking to Children About Your Diagnosis This article provides guidance on how to talk to children of different ages about a breast cancer diagnosis. It includes tips on how to reassure them, explain the illness in age-appropriate ways, and recognise signs of distress in children. Read the article here I also wanted to share some other excellent Australian support services and resources that may be helpful: Mummy's Wish Mummy’s Wish is a wonderful Australian charity that provides practical and emotional support to mothers diagnosed with cancer who have children under the age of 13. They offer many different support and resources, several examples below: Voice-recordable Comfort Bears for children to hear mum voice Financial assistance for essentials like cleaning, groceries, and fuel Counselling and emotional support to help navigate the emotional toll Peer support groups Cancer Council – Talking to Kids About Cancer A comprehensive guide with practical advice on explaining cancer to children of different ages, including preschool-aged children, and supporting them through treatment and recovery. Cancer Hub A free service delivered by Canteen, Camp Quality and Redkite that helps families with children aged 0–25 years access counselling, practical support, information and family-focused services. Hopefully the above provides something useful to support you during this time. Our Helpline team on 1800 500 258 is always available to tell you more about the above resources.Re: Expander to implant surgery
Seds01 Sorry to hear that you’re in this “in-between” limbo stage. That uncertainty can be really difficult to sit with, especially when you’re waiting for more information or a clearer timeframe. In the meantime, we wanted to share some information that may help explain why wait times for delayed breast reconstruction can vary, and what factors may influence those timeframes: Mastectomy with delayed breast reconstruction Timing of breast reconstruction It is entirely appropriate to ask, “Where am I on the waiting list?” rather than simply being advised that you are on one. Waiting times can vary between hospitals and across different states and territories, so your treating team or hospital booking office may be best placed to provide the most relevant update. Please reach out to our Helpline if we can support you further 1800 500 258.Re: Anyone moved breast care teams?
yoda Thankyou for starting the conversation. While we wait for others to share their own lived experience, we thought you may find the below article helpful in the meantime: Second opinions about treatment and providers Please feel free to contact BCNA's Helpline 1800 500 258 if we can assist further.Re: Radiation cost
Hi boysmum Appreciate your open and honest account of the reality of members who may not be Australian permanent residents - having to navigate a breast cancer diagnosis. For temporary visa patients (no Medicare) there’s no fixed price for breast radiotherapy in Australia; costs vary. Best way to get accurate costs: Contact radiation oncology providers directly (e.g. public hospital radiation units) Ask for an Informed financial consent quote - they’ll give a full cost breakdown before treatment. Other useful Resources: Use the Government Medical Costs Finder for rough fee estimates. Call Cancer Council (13 11 20) for help understanding costs and financial supports you may have access to as a Medicare ineligible patient. They have a helpful website link What will I have to pay for treatment? We are sure you have checked already, however you can investigate if you’re eligible for any support under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement Unfortunately, if you’re not Medicare‑eligible, you’ll usually need to pay the full treatment cost upfront. Have you got a breast care nurse contact that connect you in with a social worker? They may be able to explore financial support options for someone in your situation. We do hope the above information is helpful and you are welcome to contact our Helpline 1800 500 258 (We can organise a free post-surgery recovery bra for after your mastectomy as well 🙂).Re: Who to ask about pathology details?
Hi MintyChicken and welcome. It’s completely okay to want more detail, you haven’t missed anything. The best people to ask are your surgeon or medical oncologist, as they have your full pathology (Your Breast Care Nurse may also have this information on-hand as well). You can ask about stage, grade, hormone status and how fast-growing it may be. It’s really normal to need to prompt these conversations BCNA encourages open communication with your treating team (Read more Communication with your treating team )and it’s okay to ask for a copy of your pathology report or to go through it together. In the meantime, our Breast cancer pathology factsheet can help explain these terms in plain language and make those chats easier. You’re doing all the right things 😊 P.S Based on the information you 'do' know, please check out our private Group: Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC) | BCNA Online NetworkNational Reconciliation Week 2026 (27 May – 3 June)
This week, we recognise National Reconciliation Week and reflect on this year’s theme: “All In” - a powerful call for all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every single day. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility that asks each of us as individuals, organisations, and communities - to step away from the sidelines and take meaningful action. It’s about listening, learning, and actively advancing the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This week is an opportunity to pause and reflect: How can we contribute to a more just and respectful society? What actions can we take, big or small, to support reconciliation in our daily lives? BCNA’s First Nations resource is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable insights, deepen understanding, and support culturally safe breast cancer care. Let’s all go “All In” not just this week, but every day and play our part in building a more inclusive and reconciled Australia.Re: Cold caps
Hi kitkat5 - great question and thankyou for starting the conversation. While we wait for others to share their lived experience with cold caps - we found an older post that had quite alot of chatter: Scalp cooling - should I stop, done 11 chemos and 5 to go | BCNA Online Network Also sharing our website page Scalp cooling to prevent or reduce hair loss Perhaps after you gather all of the insights and information, it could be a good idea to have a conversation with your breast care nurse as well. All the best with the rest of your treatment. Hopefully the cold capping hasn't been too uncomfortable for you so far.Re: 🙋National Volunteers Week ❤️May 18-24
Happy National Volunteers Week! From all of us on the Helpline - thank you for everything you do. We see every day the difference you make (Including our unofficial volunteers of the Online Network😍), and we’re so grateful to have you in the BCNA community 🌻🔔 Update on access to Zoladex treatment
We heard your concerns about AstraZeneca's decision to discontinue Zoladex 3.6mg from 1 November 2026 - and we went to work on your behalf. After coordinating advocacy with clinicians, consumers and key stakeholders, we're pleased to share that options will be available for those affected, including a free access program for eligible patients and work underway on alternative treatment pathways. Supply continues in the meantime and we'll keep you informed every step of the way. Full details available through the link in our bio. If you need support, our Helpline is here for you on 👉 Reach out to the BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258 for information and support Read more here: 🔗 https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/update-on-access-to-zoladex-treatment
Groups
Living with metastatic breast cancer
This is group for people living with metastatic breast cancer (also called stage 4, secondary or advanced breast cancer). This is a safe, understanding space to connect with others who truly get what it’s like to hear the words that you are living with metastatic breast cancer. Together, we offer each other strength, compassion, hope encouragement and a place to talk openly—whatever you're facing.LGBTIQ+ & breast cancer
We recognise that the breast cancer experience can be uniquely complex for LGBTIQ+ individuals. From navigating healthcare systems that may not always feel inclusive, to dealing with assumptions about gender, bodies, relationships, and identity—this group exists to honour and support those experiences in a safe, affirming environment.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.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.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.
