Member: Sister | BCNA Online Network

User Widgets

Contributions

Re: Letrozole
I'm almost up to year 8 on AIs - 4 years on Letrozole with the remainder on Anastrozole. I'm one of those who had pretty severe side effects in the first few years. For me, I lost my sister to this disease - she never had the opportunity to be on these drugs. A dramatic way to say why I pushed through (eventually discovering CBD oil to overcome the worst).. Please remember that you may tolerate the drugs really well and if you don't, you can stop.
4 months ago Place General discussions
Views
3likes
Comments
Re: Post mastectomy and auxiliary clearance concerns ?
My surgery was a number of years ago so hard to recall timelines. After surgery I experienced a fair bit of nerve pain under the arm (felt like blistering) and although vigilant with exercise, there was persistent tightness. Upon my checkup, my surgeon told me it was cording and sent me off to a specialist massage/laser therapy clinic. Sometimes this will resolve with one treatment, sometimes not. Mine was the type that was persistent and came and went to some degree for about 18 months but I've not had a recurrence since.
5 months ago Place Surgery
Views
1like
Comments
Re: Blast from the Past
Hi arpie , It's certainly been awhile. A lot of life changes and happenings for me - some negative, some positive - which left not much brain space or energy for much other than one foot in front of the other. Funnily enough, I did a BC run a couple of weeks ago and dug out the Night Howlers shirt to wear for it. Tried to get on the uke a few months ago but annoyed myself by not remembering any chords but I will pick it up again! It's in the corner of the loungeroom silently reproaching me! I hope you're doing well and still yakking.
7 months ago Place General discussions
Views
2likes
Comment
Blast from the Past
It's been awhile since I was active on here (and a very tumultuous non- cancer related few years it has been) but thought I'd say "Hi!" to anyone who is still posting from back then. Maybe there's still one or two Night Howlers here!
7 months ago Place General discussions
support
Views
3likes
Comments
Re: Happy belated birthday wishes to @sister
Thanks, guys. I don't get on here very much now (too much else going on) but lovely to hear from you.
2 years ago Place General discussions
Views
1like
Comments
Re: Happy Birthday wishes to for 7 August to @Sister
Thanks @Anne65 So lovely to hear from you and hope you are doing well. I don't get down the peninsula much now but always think of you when I'm over that way.
4 years ago Place General discussions
Views
1like
Comments
Re: Kissing goodbye to it all
Well done! Not a bad regime to undertake if the drugs don't affect you but so hard if they do. Enjoy your freedom!
4 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
Views
0likes
Comments
Re: Happy Birthday wishes to for 7 August to @Sister
Hi guys, thank you all for your lovely birthday wishes. I rarely get on here any more (when I have time, I'm too damn tired) so a real treat to see the email notifications! I had a relaxed day and a birthday lunch by the river with my family - very nice.
4 years ago Place General discussions
Views
1like
Comments
Re: How long on hormone blocker medication
There's rumblings in the US ILC sphere that 7 years might be as effective as 10. I'm only coming up to year 4 but plan to ask the onc when I see him next.
4 years ago Place General
Views
0likes
Comments
Re: Chemo brain -overwhelmed by my life
@Keeping_positive1 I think her comment was more along the lines that my expectations of myself were very high and that I, along with the people around me, still expected that I could keep all the info in my head and deliver as required and that it was important that I accepted the impact that the trauma of diagnosis and treatment had had on me. With some strategies in place, I have mostly been able to continue at a reasonable level but that high-functioning that I took as part of me, has gone. Getting others to accept that as well has been a long journey. Family mostly along for the ride (and jokes aside, very supportive) but it has been more challenging at work: "Don't you remember that?" "You must remember that!" No - sorry, I have absolutely no recollection. Do you have evidence? Yes? Well, it must have happened then. Good on ya! Funnily enough, I work in a high school and for some reason anything relating to a particular Shakespearean play has disappeared into a black hole. Some might find that disturbing while others would consider it deserving. :D
4 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
Views
2likes
Comments

Groups

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.
Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
This group is for anyone diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC), which begins in the milk-producing lobules and accounts for around 10% of invasive breast cancers (US statistics). Connect with others, share experiences, and access peer support from people who understand the unique aspects of an ILC diagnosis.
Flat Chat - no breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. This group is a safe space for those considering, actively choosing or not have had a choice to stay flat after a mastectomy. Whether personal decision or one shaped by circumstance, you're invited to connect and share your experience and images with others on a similar path. Information shared is based on personal experience and not intended as medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️Posts may include images of surgical outcomes, which some may find distressing. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline—we’re here for you.
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.

User Profile

Sister

User Widgets

Let's talk: vaginas, menopause & me

Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)

Flat Chat - no breast reconstruction

Choosing breast reconstruction