Friday Update (20/12/24) - BCNA Christmas Closure Details
Hello members! As we find ourselves in the last month of the year, we reflect on the activities BCNA have undertaken in 2024 (Highlights shared in the update), while acknowledging the work still ahead. This December, we are filled with gratitude for the strength, resilience, and hope that defines the breast cancer community. Whether you are a someone living with or beyond breast cancer; metastatic breast cancer; a caregiver or loved one - we hope the Online Network continues to be a safe place you can turn to for support and information. To our regular contributors to the Online Network that 'stick around' to support others, we appreciate the invaluable support you spread throughout the forum and the positive ripple effect that you may not see. Enjoy the update! BCNA Helpline over Christmas and New Year BCNA’s Helpline will be closed from 5pm Monday 23 December and will reopen on Monday 6 January at 9am (AEDT). During this time, you can request a call back, when we reopen by filling out this form. If you are looking for information about breast cancer, read Resources during the festive season page on our website. If you require additional support through this time, please contact one of the following organisations: Cancer Council www.cancer.org.au or 13 11 20 (available 27-31 December from 11am – 3pm (AEDT)) Beyond Blue www.beyondblue.org.au available 24/7 Lifeline www.lifeline.org.au available 24/7 For First People, 24/7 support is available at 1300YARN (12 92 76) www.13yarn.org.au For LGBTIQ+ people call or webchat with QLife at www.qlife.org.au or 1800 184 527 (available everyday 3pm-midnight) Online Network over Christmas and New Year You can continue to connect with others, here on BCNA's Online Network (available 24/7). Mez, Daina and Kate will be moderating the Online Network over the closure period should you need to send a private message for urgent matters you can include all moderators in your message. To send a private message from your laptop/desktop click the envelope next to your profile picture and click on the highlighted picture below; type in the moderator’s names in the ‘recipients’ Mez_BCNA Kate_BCNA Daina_BCNA. Type the body of your message and hit ‘Post Message’ button; To send a message from your mobile device you will click on your profile picture and then the envelope will be on the top-right (screenshot below): Community highlights Christmas Funnies In the spirit of Christmas Funnies ....... put them up here for a laugh! Popular forum discussions You may be interested in several forum discussions that have received the most comments in December: Lost Temp up Experience with suction/negative pressure dressings New and need to make some big decisions Not sure my future is looking bright BCNA Community News - 2024 Highlights Counting people with metastatic breast cancer: a step closer - 05 Feb 2024 A roadmap to finally count the number of people diagnosed with incurable and life limiting metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is a step closer thanks to the $1.5 million announced Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to fund a cancer data alliance on Saturday 3 February Read full article here. Carman's Fun Run raises $285,000 for BCNA - 22 Feb 2024 Melbourne turned on perfect weather as 6,100 participants ran or walked to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). With support, BCNA has raised over $285,000 through Carman's Fun Run this year, and the donations are still coming in! All funds raised help BCNA to continue our work to ensure that all Australians affected by breast cancer receive the very best care, treatment and support. We are incredibly grateful for everyone's efforts through online fundraising and by getting involved on the day. We would also like to thank the Gaudry Foundation for their generous dollar matching donation of $10,000. Don’t forget to register and participate in Feb 25! BCNA Impact Report- 29 Feb 2024 We hope you enjoy reading about our many achievements, the significant milestones we’ve reached, and the personal messages from individuals who, with your support, have been helped in numerous ways by BCNA. Please read the report via the link 2024 Impact Report BCNA welcomes pharmacy prescription changes for breast cancer medications- 05 March 2024 From 1 September 2023, people pay less to access 325 medications on the PBS – with the Federal Government allowing a 60-day supply to be dispensed each time a person goes to the pharmacy, instead of a 30-day supply Read full article here Pink Bun Campaign raises $2 million for BCNA - 5 June 2024 BCNA gratefully extend a heartfelt thank you to our foundation partner Bakers Delight, along with every person who purchased Fun Buns or made a donation in-store between May 9-29. It is you who made the 2024 Pink Bun campaign a huge success! With your help, Bakers Delight raised an incredible $2 million, which will go directly to help Breast Cancer Network Australia support all Australians affected by breast cancer. https://youtu.be/RIjY93A7AVI Pink Lady Match raises $165,000 for BCNA - 28 June 2024 The power of connection was on full display last Saturday night at the MCG with almost 30,000 fans attending to support Melbourne FC and North Melbourne FC in the 2024 Pink Lady Match. Our Mini-Field of Women tribute outside the ground and light up display from partners Opal ANZ and Red Energy welcomed fans to the ground before filling the Pink Lady Bays with a sea of pink beanies, scarves and ponchos. Greater access to life-extending drug for people with metastatic breast cancer - 28 Aug 2024 In a significant decision set to benefit around 1,700 people each year, access to cancer drug trastuzumab deruxtecan (Enhertu) is being expanded from 1 September 2024 for those living with the newly defined HER2-low subtype of metastatic breast cancer Read full article here https://youtu.be/1MS3SHQVRGg?si=7M6_8C5joIHQW2wV New data captures true number for metastatic breast cancer In a world first, people with metastatic breast cancer are now being counted – at least in New South Wales. And work by the Cancer Institute New South Wales shows numbers have been wildly underestimated. Previously, the national estimate was of 10,553 people living with the disease. This new, verified data shows 7,900 people (7,850 women and 50 men) with metastatic breast cancer in NSW alone Read full article here https://youtu.be/n5c94wdEkd0 BCNA Webcasts / Information Forums in 2024 Webcast 'Persistent pain after breast cancer, addressing quality of life' - 07 Feb 2024 https://youtu.be/SGWv6HhHn3Q BCNA Information Forum (Murray Bridge SA) - 06 March 2024 The Information Forum covered topics including: Current and emerging treatments Managing emotional impacts Lymphoedema Head to the website link to access the session recordings Murray Bridge Information Forum (Website page) BCNA Information Forum (Hobart TAS) - 02 May 2024 The Information Forum covered topics including: Current and emerging breast cancer treatments Managing the emotional impacts of living with breast cancer The role of exercise in breast cancer care A guided meditation. Head to the website link to access the session recordings Hobart Information Forum (Website page) Webcast 'Let's cut through all the hype! Why exercise?' - 22 May 2024 https://youtu.be/ACwFpR1M32Q Webcast 'Global insights and local voices on metastatic breast cancer' - 13 Aug 2024 https://youtu.be/vId3tnJ-wnk Online support session 'Dealing with fear or doubt about treatment choices' - 09 Sept 2024 Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA CEO Kirsten Pilatti discuss ways to recognise, manage and overcome emotions that media coverage may have caused. It includes qualified advice and strategies on how to manage what you may be feeling. (Mez's top pick for 2024!!) https://youtu.be/Eb6hKrI1rhs Books/Movies/TV Series/Docos This Cancer Council video is a few years old now, however still relevant for people navigating a breast cancer diagnosis over the holiday period. You may like to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkVCLbsvp74 On a lighter note, I still believe these are my favourite movies in recent years and worth a watch: As I always say if you are not feeling Christmas this year there is always 'The Grinch who stole Christmas'! Our Helpline team, moderators and BCNA send you warmest wishes of happiness, rest and good times with the people (and pets!) who bring you joy. Hope to connect with you all again in 2025! The Mod Team - @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA @Daina-BCNA @Kate_BCNA @Denise_BCNA @Risha_BCNA If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEDT), alternatively you can email helpline@bcna.org.au "May your days be merry and bright" - White Christmas
Non-alcoholic drinks that are not gross? 😄
Hi folks - Thought it might be good to revive this topic pre-festive season. 🎄 🤶 Anyone have recommendations for non-alcoholic beers and wines? I've only tried non-alcoholic beers, as they seem to better mimic real beer. I quite like Heaps Normal - Peroni Nastro Azzurro is OK, and not a fan of Carlton Zero, Heineken Zero or James Squire Zero. The last time I tried a non-alcoholic wine it felt like a pointless slightly yucky excercise. So I'll occasionally have a glass of the real stuff.Friday Update 19th November 2021
Friday update 19th November 2021 Hello members, I Hope this update finds you well. Summer season is apparently arriving in a few weeks, although recent snow on the mountain tops in my local area tells a conflicting story. The Christmas season is also coming upon us as decorations and merchandise surround us; I will share with you more about some of BCNA’s gift ideas, however I also think it is a timely reminder that for some people Christmas can be difficult and you may like to checkout Cancer Council’s (Vic) Special Occasions and Celebrations resource for practical support and information. Community highlights New groups Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Breast Cancer- This is a private group which has been established to connect members who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and who are also impacted by breast cancer. We look forward to watching the group grow and connections develop. Head to https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/groups/ to look at all groups available. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Letting go of being superwoman! 2. Friday Funnies. 3. Tips for after surgery care 4. COVID booster shots (Honourable mention) Have you checked out Christmas Funnies ....... put them up here for a laugh! ? I noticed they have started rolling in for 2021 and provide a bit of a giggle credit @iserbrown Community News CARMAN’S FUN RUN 2022! Melbourne’s picturesque Elsternwick Park will turn pink Sunday 20 February 2022 when BCNA host the Carman’s Fun Run and see thousands of participants walk, run and raise funds to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). If you can’t get to Melbourne, there is a virtual event option, so you can participate from anywhere. Join our inclusive and supportive community who will help inspire you and your friends along your journey to a half-marathon, 10K or 5K. We can’t wait! This Christmas you can gift your friends and family entry to the Carman's Fun Run 2022. Read more and Register here during November to receive the early bird rate! Give the gift of getting together this Christmas. And why not register yourself while you're at it! We know that physical activity/exercise for those diagnosed with breast cancer is important, as well as the benefits of mental and emotional wellbeing from the chance to get together and get active with friends and family. Check out the My Journey article which talks more to this subject https://myjourney.org.au/article/2350 Countdown to Christmas – BCNA 2021 Christmas Catalogue You can shop the Breast Cancer Network Australia Christmas catalogue this festive season and make your gift give twice. From beautifully handcrafted Christmas baubles to decorate your tree, through to Christmas cards and a vast array of affordable gifts and stocking stuffers. All products are available to order online from BCNA and our supporting partners. We recommend you order by December 10, 2021 to ensure a pre-Xmas arrival. *All orders via the BCNA online store will receive a free gift tag and A3 sheet of Christmas wrap. (while stocks last) To view and shop the catalogue visit : https://online.flippingbook.com/view/651868575/ BCNA NEWS 14 Nov 2021 - Third COVID Vaccination for people with breast cancer Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and the Federal Government are urging women and men with breast cancer to discuss the third COVID vaccine dose with their GP or breast cancer specialist CLICK HERE to read full details (TV coverage on Seven News Instant-play on Streem) BCNA Policy & Advocacy COVID-19 Survey Report BCNA has been continuously in touch with both federal and state/territory governments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to understand the impact on our health systems and to ensure people with breast cancer continue to receive optimal care. Social media members were invited to share if they had experienced impacts to their breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, or treatment via a survey. 30 responses with 24 individual stories were shared. Thematic analysis looked at the common themes and trends within the stories that were shared, here are six of those themes: - Lack of support / loneliness (eg. Unable to have a support person at appointments, causing feelings of vulnerability and fear) - COVID-19 anxiety (eg. Delaying appointments with doctor due to fears of the added risk of contracting COVID-19) - Delays (eg. Unable to have immediate breast reconstruction surgery and added to waitlist for elective surgery) - Mental health (eg. Extreme stress due to travelling for treatment across borders and experiencing long delays due to restrictions) - Tele-health (eg. Receiving news of test results from medical team via quick phone discussion, causing feelings of distress and depression) - Positive stories (eg. Feeling very well informed, understood and supported by medical team from the date of diagnosis) BCNA appreciates contributors to the survey, as these shared experiences can be a powerful way to contributing to and helping inform decisions that will lead to better outcomes. BCNA Member Support Team & Online Network Moderators - Introductions This week I am pleased to introduce you to Carissa from our Member Support Team: I started with BCNA in 2016 as part of the Member Support Team. This role sees me getting to speak to a variety of people on our Helpline, responding to emails, moderating the Online Network and overseeing the operations of our My Care Kit program. My most memorable moment at BCNA would be attending the 2018 Field of Women. I was lucky enough to stand on the ‘G’ with both family and friends and thousands of others. I was also part of the team on the day working outside the ground with an amazing team of volunteers. In my spare time I enjoy listening to a podcast while walking and during lockdown have got back into mindful colouring. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries I finally finished ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton. I say finally because it took a while to grab my attention and that could be due to the hype surrounding the book. It was a story you wanted to finish just to see what the ending was. I would love to hear if any of you have read it? Enjoy your weekend and in the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle “Every day of your life has been leading up to tomorrow. But of course every day of your life led up to today.” ― Trent Dalton, Boy Swallows UniverseHelpful Christmas gift ideas that support BCNA
Hello members, I just wanted to share BCNA's new Christmas e-catalogue. Your loved ones will enjoy a gift from our BCNA catalogue and your purchase will also help support all Australians affected by breast cancer. From beautiful baubles for your tree to Christmas cards and wrapping, enjoy browsing the vast array of affordable gifts and stocking stuffers available to order online from BCNA and our supporting partners. Please see the full catalogue for all terms & conditions of the offers
This Christmas I will be.......
Hi everyone, This time last year I asked you all to post some Xmas tips and we put some of these tips in an article and sent it to women newly diagnosed with a link to the online conversation https://external2.createsend.com/campaigns/reports/viewCampaign.aspx?d=d&c=96F7DB74A54F2F70&ID=87D90CE98EBF5B33&temp=False&tx=0 We would like to do the same this year. I was touched last year by some of the conversations around how Christmas now had a different meaning for some of you and the decisions you made about what is important now for you at Xmas time. I therefore thought we could do something around what you'll be doing this Xmas - what is now important to you, do you now do things differently, have certain traditions, activites become more important, are there things you ve decided not to do? Would love to hear your thoughts.
Christmas on the blog
Dear all , It’s coming up to the festive season once again. All of us , including the medical community , tend to spend time enjoying ourselves with our families and friends.However there are those newly diagnosed or worried about their diagnosis that need our support over Christmas online as medical support unless an emergency is less available. Even the wonderful @BCNA team take a break to be with their families. If you could spare a few minutes to check in on the blog over Christmas/ New Year to help fellow travellers on this worrying road no doubt it would be much appreciated.Coping with a cancer diagnosis at Christmas, some helpful tips...
Hello everyone, Its not long now until Christmas and the summer holiday season. As we all know, cancer doesn't take a break at Christmas time. We have recently had quite a few new members join the online network as a result of a new breast cancer diagnosis. They will be having investigations and or treatment over Christmas and New Year break. It would be great for them to hear from our online community re any helpful tips as how to best manage this time of year, with a new cancer diagnosis. One of my tips is to make sure you have some supports in place. If you are having treatment, find out who you need to contact if you have any concerns and to keep a notebook with any contact phone numbers that you may need by the phone. Find out your GPs availability and have a back up plan if necessary. If you are worried about something its better to ask the question. No question is a silly questions when you are coping with a cancer diagnosis.
