š§ Have you connected with our podcast: Upfront About Breast Cancer
Within our Online Network, we know how important it is to feel informed, supported, and connected at every stage of a breast cancer experience. One of the many ways we support our community is through our Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast. This is a resource created for you, where real stories, expert insights, and practical guidance come together in a way that is easy to access whenever you need it. A much loved part of the podcast is the What You Donāt Know Until You Do series, hosted by Dr Charlotte Tottman. Dr Tottman is a psycho oncologist who has supported many people through the emotional impact of cancer and, following her own breast cancer diagnosis. Her thoughtful and compassionate approach creates a space where the emotional side of breast cancer can be explored openly, helping listeners better understand their own responses and feel less alone in what they are experiencing. š¬ Real conversations from our community Upfront About Breast Cancer brings together the voices that matter most. People with lived experience share their stories alongside healthcare professionals and experts, creating conversations that feel both genuine and reassuring. These discussions reflect the reality of breast cancer. They explore the shock of diagnosis, the emotional highs and lows, and what it can take to adjust to life during and after treatment. For many, simply hearing someone else say āme tooā can make a powerful difference. š± Supporting you at every stage We know that every experience is different, which is why Upfront About Breast Cancer is designed to support people across all stages. Whether you are newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, supporting a loved one, or moving through life after treatment, there is something here for you. Episodes cover important topics such as what to expect after diagnosis, how to communicate with your healthcare team, managing side effects, and navigating the healthcare system. This means you can return to the information in your own time, absorb it at your own pace, and feel more prepared for the next step in your journey. š Listen to Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast here. šø A gentle reminder Some topics may feel emotional or challenging. Please take things at your own pace and look after yourself as you listen. Support is always available, the online community and our Helpline on the phones are here for you. Have you listened to Upfront About Breast Cancer? We'd love if you shared: an episode that stayed with you something new you learned a conversation you would like to hear in the future šŖ Your experience may help someone else going through a challenging part of their journey. We are stronger, together.
New diagnosis, mum guilt and surgery
Hi All! Itās been a big monthā¦ recent diagnosis of invasive ductile carinomas x 2 in left breast, E+ PR+HER2LOW+1. Grabbed my breast after shooting pain on night before my 39th birthday, GP few days later, week after that had mammogram/ultrasound/biopsies x 3. Scheduled for bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction in a few weeks at the Wesley in Brisbane. Have been feeling quite positive, but now surgery date locked in Iām having a lot more anxiety!! Have 2 kids (5 & 7) that Iām worried about being away from, and have a busy job as a lawyer that Iām keeping going whilst waiting for surgery. Iām finding it a lot to plan for all I want to organise before surgery, so any tips/suggestions/ support would be amazing - I like to be super organised so particularly keen for any recommendations re what to pack etc!!
Radiation Therapy
It's all been very quick diagnosed with stage 1, grade 1 invasive breast cancer, ER+ then appointment with surgeon 2 days later, lumpectomy and removal of two lymph nodes 4 days after seeing surgeon. Currently day 3 after surgery, home recovering. Get results on lymph nodes and margins next week. I'm trying not to think too far ahead, but ... I worry about radiation (been told 5 days a week for 4 weeks) and how it will affect me as I work full-time. Any advise on what I can do to make the next stage of treatment easier and what to expect āŗļøš±Wednesday WellnessĀ -Ā 22Apr26 -Informed Decisions Reduce Anxietyš±
š§ Anxiety rises with the unknown, the unfamiliar, and the uncertain. But the flipside is that anxiety comes down with good quality information. ā Dr Charlotte Tottman One of the strongest tools to support you through breast cancer is good, trustworthy information. It does not remove uncertainty entirely, but it can make decisions feel stronger and anxiety around the unknown more managable. At BCNA, information and resources sit at the heart of everything we do, because being informed helps you feel more confident when making decisions about your body, your treatment, and your wellbeing. š What information can I access? BCNA's Information and Resources hub brings together a wide range of evidenceābased information to support people affected by breast cancer at every stage of their journey. This includes clear explanations of different types and subtypes of breast cancer, treatment options and therapies, and what to expect before, during and after treatment. You will also find practical guidance on managing side effects, looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing, navigating life during and after treatment, and understanding topics like genetic testing and clinical trials. Resources are available in multiple languages and formats, including booklets, fact sheets, articles and podcasts, so you can choose what works best for you and access information at your own pace. All content is designed to help you feel informed, supported and confident when making decisions. āļø Support when information feels overwhelming As you move through making your important decisions, whether they feel big or small, remember that you are not expected to know everything. Information can be explored at your own pace. If things start to feel overwhelming, BCNA's Helpline is always here. No question is too big, too small, we are here to help. We are available Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm AEST on 1800 500 258, and will listen first, then help guide you towards the information, support, or next steps that feel right for you. š Gentle reflection for today... We invite you to share below what information helped you feel more confident making decisions during your experience with cancer, or simply have a think and take a moment for yourself today. šJust need to talk to someone
Iām 59yo and newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Iām really not sure I get what is going on either because Iām just slow or itās just not all clear yet so I feel confused, in total panic and that Iām drowning and there is nobody to save me š¢ I am waiting for an mri this Thursday. I have a 10cm Not Special Type Grade 1 something positive to do with hormones and her2 1+. The surgeon says mastectomy is the only choice because of the size. There isnāt anything clear about what happens after thatā¦ is that how itās meant to be? I just feel very lost appreciate any words of wisdom for these circumstances? susan
Triple negative recurrence
Hi I was diagnosed with Triple Neg last March 2024 and finished chemo and radiation end Sept. I got through it all fine-not too many side effects bar the usual and I was exercising, eating well, and feeling positive about it not returning but then in November I felt a lump but wasn't too concerned I thought is was just fibrous tissue post radiation but it has returned and not only that I now have a small oestrogen postive one in the other breast. In a week and a half i have gone from ultrasound, PET scan biopsy and starting chemo last week and had 2nd one today. As well as immunotherapy and a double masectomy when chemo has finished. I'm just finding it quite hard to cope with this time (even though) the PET scan shows it hasn't spread anywhere. I was so strong last time but this time I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me and I'm finding it hard to stay positive. I sat and just had tears running down my face for a lot of the chemo today. I didn't really feel the need to use BCNA much last time but this time I think I need some extra support. Thanks for listening, just nice to know there are people out there who can empathise with how I'm feeling. Take care.Working while waiting for surgery
Hi all, was diagnosed 3 weeks ago today with early stage and was told Iād be having surgery pretty quickly. Ended up having to have more tests to eliminate issues in the other side and thankfully that all seems to be clear. But that has meant I still donāt have a date for surgery (I should find out tomorrow hopefully). My question is about how youāve all kept sane during this ālimboā period. My emotions and anxiety are all over the place, I canāt really focus or concentrate so Iāve taken a fair few days off work. Iām lucky enough that I can work from home (when Iām up to it) and my boss is awesome but I weirdly feel guilty about taking time off as though I should be managing this better. Iām conscious my surgery might not be for another few weeks so feel I need to work out better ways to handle this. Any inputs welcome! Thanks.My first post
Hello lovely ladies, First time mammogram identified the need for a 3D mammogram, then ultrasound & biopsy in my left breast. All via Breast Screen Victoria. Biopsy showed 18 x 17 x 5mm 'high grade DCIS' (clinical notes on 21/3). As I'm in the public system I'm now waiting on having a MRI. My question though relates to the paperwork saying 'E-Cadherin stain and hormone receptors to follow'. Its been 16 days since the biopsy was reported on. How do I receive or who gives me these 'E-Cadherin stain and hormone receptor' results? Should it be via Breast Screen Victoria? Am I meant to chase them up myself?Neuropathy- need some moral support
Hi all, I had one dose taxol and 2 doses herceptin. They have since put treatment on hold 3 weeks ago due to neuropathy in feet and legs (I was borderline for needing it anyway). Im now in a vicious cycle or spiralling anxiety and worsening symptoms, despite them only being mild to begin with. Iāve upped my antidepressants which will hopefully kick in soon. But Iām so scared that this is going to be permanent. I get zapping, tingling and varying numbness. Some days are good, where I barely notice, and other days, like today, it feels debilitating. I guess Iām looking for some good news stories or tips on what worked physically or mentally to help get you through this. many thanks, AnnaFirst appointment since diagnosis
Hi Lovely Ladies, I have my first appt on wednesday at Peter Mac and was wondering if anyone else went to Peter mac and what their experience was with the first appointment. Im hoping to come away with some dates of appointments to start my journey or am I being unrealistic and is it just really an information session? Thanks in advance
