Survivorship struggles
Hi community, I'm not even too sure what I want to say or ask to be honest. It's just all feeling a bit heavy at the moment. I'm having a morning (yet another) where I've logged on to work from home but I'm struggling to focus and concentrate. (thanks Tamoxifen, lack of sleep, anxiety 🙄). Also, breast cancer awareness month is feeling like a bit much - especially following doing a fund raiser in the office yesterday. Plus last night I had a talk with my partner about what medical menopause is doing to my body and sex drive (he was supportive but a bit bewildered). Add to that over the last couple of weeks I've fallen off the wagon a bit with my diet and exercise, so that's affecting how I'm feeling. (Going back to gym this afternoon for weights and yoga - yay me). Anyway, I guess I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything it means to be living in survivor-land. Don't get me wrong, I'm so grateful to be here and able to "find a new normal". It's just a lot. Some days it's really a lot. Thanks. Any words of wisdom or support? Maybe this will help someone else feeling the same way to feel less alone, too.79ViewsSign in to react to this post8Comments
Recurrence?
My social media post is flooded, at present, with stories of women who are, or have recently, come through a second or third battle with cancer. It's a bit overwhelming! 7 months out from diagnosis of small, early, invasive BC, and 6 weeks post end of my treatment, I'd really appreciate a "hands up" from any lovely ladies who were diagnose and treated in their 50s or early 60s who are 5-10 years post without a recurrence or new cancer. Thanks, Lovelies.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsPost-treatment Tired and can't afford to be
Hi there, I am a 60 year old who has had a pretty-easy, early-invasive BC journey: Small, ER+, PR+, HER-; Lumpectomy with clear margins; 2 lymph nodes taken but uninvolved; Axillar seroma drained; 15 fractions of RT; Maybe some early lymphodema in breast, Letrozole from diagnosis through RT but then told I would not benefit much from it (0.6% benefit in reduced recurrence rates) and discontinued it due to side effects. I am 4 months post-surgery and 6 weeks post-RT, and have been off Letrazole for a month or more. I am back at clerical work (work from home) full-time now, after working back up gradually, and I am stuffed! I can barely get out of bed in the morning, and if I can stay upright in my seat and keep my brain focussed, by the end of the day I am completely useless. Rad Onc says the fatigue should not be RT related at this point. Now I feel like I should be able to just "snap out of it" but that's totally beyond me and I just want to cry and sleep. (For transparency, I should maybe admit (& remember for my own benefit) that since my initial biopsy my husband and I have organised a son's engagement party, done a road trip and purchased a home 1500 km away, organised renovations and done 2 more trips to keep tabs on the works, watched 2nd son sworn in as a cop, and seen no. 1 son marry. Maybe that's part of the fatigue ...along with the panic over working full-time, decluttering/downsizing, packing and moving in 3 months.) Maybe my problem is actually a dose of insanity...? 🤪 Can anyone with a similar, "straightforward" BC journey share whether their "normal" returned and how long it took? Thanks for "listening".ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Tamoxifen and Blood Thinners
Hi there, Wondering is anyone else had situation like mine. I had lumpectomy, chemo and radiation 6 years ago for BC in left breast and since then I have been on Tamoxifen (full 6 years now out of recommended 10 years). Few months ago I had blood cloth (DVT) in my left leg (this all came after I took my teenager daughter to a concert and had to stand for over 5h), although I had problem with varicose veins after my pregnancies before the BC diagnosis and still have some aching veins on my legs. I was put on blood thinners and have been taking them for 4 months now (1 Eliquis tablet 5mg twice a day). I had a review with vascular specialist the other day and he advised I can stop blood thinners since I have been on them for 4 months and my cloth cleared a while ago anyway. After seeing vascular specialist I saw my oncologist few days later and they advised that if I continue being on Tamoxifen I need to take blood thinners as I have higher chance of blood clothing while on Tamoxifen and since I already had instance with blood clot I should take blood thinners for the next few years until I finish with Tamoxifen. I also had my usual monthly appointment with my chiropractor who advised that I shouldn't be on Eliquis blood thinner for longer than 6 months as I will have higher chance of aneurysm. I am getting really anxious about taking all this medication especially blood thinner (which by the way comes with lot of side effects like higher risk of bleeding, internal bleeding, liver problems if taken for prolonged periods of time., etc). Wondering did anyone else has been in similar situation and how did they go? Especially if you had to be on strong blood thinner like Eliquis (as it is not aspirin type of blood thinner). I feel like taking Eliquis would give me another issues but at the same I am scared of not taking it given I had a blood clot (pretty long one in one of the varicose veins in my lover leg which was connected to deep vein). Thanks NinicaViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Bayside Melbourne
Hi everyone, Just diagnosed sadly. It's a little lump so this whole situation should just end up a another campfire story. Hopefully. My family has never experienced anything to do with the big C word. It's very foreign to any of us and I was just wondering if there is any one base I'd Melbourne who was experiencing the same thing? If so it would be really nice to meet up for a coffee or something and just chat about what's to come next. Love and hope, Sim xViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsPost-treatment fatigue - feeling discouraged and frustrated
Hi there lovely people. I finished chemo in Sept '25 and radiation in Oct '25 (so about 7 months ago), and I'm on tamoxifen. I am still really struggling with fatigue and having to pace and limit myself. It's really frustrating. I'm trying to do all the right things: eating well, exercising, doing yoga, seeing friends. I'm on a gradual return to work program, currently doing 3 days a week at 6 hours a day. I started my return to work in March. I was thinking I might be ready to increase my hours in the next couple of weeks.....but then last week I was completely wiped out (as in, had to come home and go straight to bed on Friday), and then I was also wiped out by my weekend exercising and socialising (by no means an extreme level of activity). I'm feeling really sad and discouraged that I'm still struggling so much. I'm being kind to myself but I just want to get on with life and I feel like I'm being let down again by my body. How long will this last? Apparently some people's fatigue can last years! Does anyone have some words of wisdom or encouragement for me?ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Grief & emotions
Hi all, I'm 14 mths since my diagnosis of de nova metastatic breast cancer. I thought i was doing quite well coping with it all, but the last few weeks have really been a struggle. I am done with having cancer now, I want my hair back & my old life back. I am just realising the impact of living with this for the rest of my life. I am still working, exercising, having counselling, but it still seems all too much sometimes.ViewsSign in to react to this postComments🎧 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.ViewsSign in to react to this postComments🌱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. 💗ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsJust need to talk to someone
I’m 59yo and newly diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m really not sure I get what is going on either because I’m just slow or it’s just not all clear yet so I feel confused, in total panic and that I’m drowning and there is nobody to save me 😢 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 isn’t anything clear about what happens after that… is that how it’s meant to be? I just feel very lost appreciate any words of wisdom for these circumstances? susanViewsSign in to react to this postComments
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