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.š±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
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.
Heavy lifting after surgery
Hi all Im 17 days post bilateral mastectomy and recon. I have a 3 yr old and a 1 year old. My husband is doing all the lifting etc but today I forgot myself and picked up my 3 year old. I instantly remembered and went to sit down with her. Im not in any pain and nothing on the outside seems to be affected. has anyone done this and if so, what signs do I need to watch out for with messing up recovery? thank you
Being flat chested :(
I have had my prothesis in ,firstly my right breast for 25 years, and then my left breast for 20 years . I so want to take them out. They have been in there a long time. And have helped me feel like I still have my breasts. But I want to remove them forever.I feel that having the prothesis in for such a long time is not healthy..... But I don't want to be flat chested. I know I should be proud to be a woman without breast. I know breasts do not determine who I am. I have watched shows about being flat chested. I really don't think I can do it. I love feeling like a woman and looking like a woman. Yes, I can get bra implants etc. Fake breasts. But I just can't be forever flat.....It's so confusing my head. Is there anyone else out there who feels the same ?
First 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
Newly diagnosed and waiting for appt. breast becoming more tender as I wait :-(
Hi there, I feel Iām in the difficult position of waiting four weeks between diagnosis and first surgeon appointment. Invasive lobular ER+ PR + HER2 - lump that I noticed in right breast a month ago. Iāve had the MRI done privately this week so the information is ready at that appointment. Trouble is the breast and armpit just feels increasingly niggly and slightly tender while I wait. Iām worried that itās just growing/spreading as I wait. I donāt have private insurance, do have savings. but wanted to hold out for public and it being a more multi-disciplinary team. Iām really struggling wondering if I should have gone private and quick :-( Thank you xNew diagnosis metastatic breast cancer
Hi, I'm all very new to this being diagnosed only 7 wks ago with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (triple positive) which has spread to my bones. I am 51 with 2 children. I had only had my first mammogram 18 mths previous which was clear. I felt unwell at work & went to hospital and they found it looking for something else. It has been such an overwhelming process. My family & friends have been amazing but am feeling so very alone.
New to the Team- not exactly happy about it
Hi, 03Dec had a lump checked- invasive lobular cancer, left breast. 09Dec- MRI and spot detected right breast followed by biopsy- same cancer although non-palpable. 19Dec bilateral partial masectomy plus sentinel lymph nodes, and conservative reconstruction. 04JAN results back- MBC!!!!!....PETscan tomorrow. I feel like I am standing in a well listening to grenades go off. I don't know how I got here although I don't think that matters. I am terrified for the future and how short it may be, but then I see some of you with MBC post 6 years,or 9 years, diagnosis and I wonder if that could be me. I used to be a microbiologist before I moved into law (these days I manage risk-imagine managing risk for a living and getting this diagnosis!). I read about the science which is ever changing and getting better at longevity and quality of life and the personalised approaches available for my situation (whatever that turns out to be) but I don't know when the sadness and fear will stop or if this is my life now. I know I am not dying this week or next week or even next year, but the overwhelming feeling is that I might, and so I have organised a council pick up and getting rid of all my furniture that isn't essential, and giving away or selling my clothes BCS I can't see which way is forward, or if there even is forward. I contacted my BCN today and asked for a psychologist BCS I need something to hold onto and this diagnosis vortex is chaotic.
