Member: SusieQ2 | BCNA Online Network

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Re: Travel Insurance
I had to jump through hoops with my credit card insurance: online application and phone interview, only to be denied coverage two days later. STA Insurance and RACV Travel Insurance both offered to cover me. I went with RACV as I have other insurance policies with them. I still have the credit card insurance in place to cover my family and anything not relating to BC.
9 years ago Place General discussions
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Breast Pain
I just need some advice and/or reassurance .. and who better to ask than the wonderful ladies here! It's been a year and half since I had a lumpectomy and axillary clearance and everything has been moving forward well. I still have a numbness on the underside of my affected arm and down the side of my breast which is my new normal. However, today I have been having little tingly jabs and some sharp pains in the front of my breast. In light of what I have gone through, is this something I need to worry about or can I put it down to the healing process? I would appreciate any advice. Susie x
9 years ago Place General
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Re: Numbness and tingling
Hi cranky granny, The sensation in my fingers returned a few months after stopping taxol. It was annoying and I kept dropping things .. the best part was I told the kids that I couldn't unpack the dishwasher without dropping something so they had to do it :smile: My feet are still a problem 15 months post treatment. I feel very unbalanced some days and have to pay attention to walking up and down stairs. I find that I have to wear boots or runners to give me some stability. As its been so long now since treatment, I am assuming that this is as good as it gets and will learn to live with it, annoying as it is. xx
9 years ago Place Side effects
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Re: What NOT to say to people affected with breast cancer
I had so called friends who didn't know what to say ... they said nothing. NOTHING! Even sitting with them in a beanie, no hair and no eyebrows .. they said nothing. I felt alienated and withdrew because I thought that I made them feel awkward. They knew I had cancer but no one really wanted to mention it. I would rather someone say something, even if it's the wrong thing. Most people don't know what to say and what they do say is generally something they say to try and make you feel better. Not everyone is trying to be insensitive and not everyone is given the 'right' things to say. Most people mean well and sometimes you just have to let things go in one ear and head straight out the other.
9 years ago Place General discussions
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Re: Drainage tube after lymph node removal
Hi Julie, As I was keen to leave the hospital, one bottle was removed and one stayed in place. I was given a bag to carry over my shoulder in which the bottle sat. It was really nice just to be at home and the bottle and tube were no problem. I had a nurse visit me at home each day to do a check up which was really reassuring. I had the tube in for a week at home before having it removed at a post op check. At the time it was still filling the bottle about a centimeter but I was told that was ok. I didn't have any further problems and it didn't hurt to have the drain removed (thought I would mention that as I am a big sook and that worried me!). My one big tip to you is to make sure you do the arm exercises that you are given, even though you will not be able to do much, try and do something, it will help you with your recovery. Wishing you all the best xx
9 years ago Place General
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Re: State of the Nation - Question Parking
The chemo unit gave discounted parking tickets of $10 but I opted to park in nearby streets and walk. Although not very well throughout chemo treatment, it was an enforced walk and all the exercise I managed. I try and park offsite for all appointments now to get in a little incidental exercise. Parking everyday for radiation treatment would have cost a packet! I was lucky enough to be able to walk to my car.
9 years ago Place General discussions
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Re: So delicious
My goal through chemo was to make it to Christmas and enjoy a beautiful traditional Christmas lunch ... a few days before Christmas, lunch was shifted to a breakfast to allow others to visit family at lunchtime ... breakfast cereal and fruit just didn't cut it after months of chemo, nausea and mouth ulcers! Will have to wait for Christmas in July now :smile:
9 years ago Place General
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Re: Attempted portacath insertion
Hi Sam09, I was absolutely terrified at having the port inserted. I spoke to the hospital about this and they arranged some medication to help me. I also took a friend who kept me distracted while waiting for the procedure. I really didn't want it done but felt that this was part and parcel of my treatment and just had to deal with it. One foot forward. The veins in my arm had collapsed and I could barely move my arm so any chemo was going to be difficult and painful. Treatment was so much better with the port inserted. I do hope that you go ahead with the procedure. It is not all bad news. Wishing you all the best xx
9 years ago Place General
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Re: Blitzed it!!
You are Inspirational Cate! What an amazing personal achievement! Thank you so much for sharing! Susie xx
9 years ago Place General
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Re: New diagnosis of Hyperplasia and Polyp
Hi Michelle, Thank you for the update, I have been thinking of you! I am right behind you on this one. I am booked in for a D+C Wednesday then an uneasy weeks wait for the results. My oncologist and GP have given me conflicting information on the treatments for hyplerplasia which is confusing! I am not a medical expert by any means but it has highlighted the need to understand all the options being offered. Often the specialists don't see your big picture and you need to be across everything in regards to your treatment. Write down all your questions before your next appointment and try not to worry! Susie x
9 years ago Place General
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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.
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.

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SusieQ2

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Let's talk: vaginas, menopause & me

Choosing breast reconstruction