🎧 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 Don’t 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. 💬 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 “me too” can make a powerful difference. 🌱 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. 👉 Listen to Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast here. 🌸 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 💪 Your experience may help someone else going through a challenging part of their journey. We are stronger, together.🌱Wednesday Wellness - 22Apr26 -Informed Decisions Reduce Anxiety🌱
🧠 Anxiety rises with the unknown, the unfamiliar, and the uncertain. But the flipside is that anxiety comes down with good quality information. – 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. 📚 What information can I access? BCNA's Information and Resources hub brings together a wide range of evidence‑based 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. ☎️ 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. 💭 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. 💗
Cancer Council Webcast on "How do I deal with the 'stuff' people say?''
This was a webcast last week that i missed - on "How do I deal with the 'stuff' people say?" ..... I haven't watched it myself yet, but should be interesting!! To log in, you just need to sign in with your email address. https://login.redbackconferencing.com.au/landers/page/dadbe6
Testing 1,2,3
This is just a test run to see if I'm able to post cos up until now, when I hit the pink post tab,it takes me straight back to all posts.But while I'm here,may as well post that I have my mammo tomorrow -5yrs on,or 12yrs if you count the first bout of bc.I'm not anxious now but my pulse might speed up abit when my boob goes on that cold X-ray plate.My best wishes to all you lovelies out there who might be struggling with your bc treatments.You will get through it and enjoy life again. Tonya xx
Searching for the positives
The past week or so has been a challenge to staying connected on here. I guess part of the frustration has been that feeling of helplessness that we all know so well from our dealings with Breast Cancer. It was not possible, no matter how hard we tried, to 'fix this'. We had to just trust that those who could, would eventually get it sorted. But just as we eventually realise that there are things we can do to help ourselves get through treatment, I have found there are things I can do to help myself stay connected and get something positive out of the network while we wait for it to be fully functional again. For a start I can still read and respond to people's posts (although I find that if I use the reply function rather than the comment function my reply goes missing, is this just me?). I have read some amazing posts just in the last week that have helped me to feel inspired. By responding to people who have been searching for information to help them through a difficult moment I can still feel helpful. I don't find it helpful to dwell on what is not working (I can't change this and just have to hope that 'the experts' are working it out) but just persist in finding ways to still be able to read posts and respond if I feel I might be able to help in some way. I find it inspiring that so many of us are persisting through this difficult time and still doing our best to stay positive and share our experiences, the good and the bad. Thanks to all those who are still posting and commenting. We will get through this. ?? Deanne xxx
Come a long way.
I've just reread my one and only post, and my word, it feels like a long time ago. It seems like a whole life has gone past in the last nine months. The panic attacks lessened after the initial shock. Then the six sessions of chemo were the hardest thing I've ever been through. A mastectomy, followed by eight weeks of an infected seroma. Today is the last day of six weeks of radiation . I've not posted, but this site has been invaluable to me. Whenever I was in need of help, there was always somebody going through the same emotions, who were brave enough to write about it. Thank you ladies. I am in awe of you.
Next Meeting 2nd August.
Next meeting will be on Monday 2nd August at the Murwillumbah Bowls Club as a trial for an ongoing venue. "Cutting The Ties That Bind" is the topic for discussion. Tricia Mccormick will look at strategies that may help managing stress especially when it is other peoples stress that impacts on one's self. Lianne.
