🎧 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. 💗
Come & try dragon boating in Melbourne!!!
Come & try dragon boating for Breast Cancer Survivors with Dragons Abreast Melbourne Pink Phoenix!!! We invite all breast cancer survivors and their supporters in the Melbourne area to come & try dragon boating for free during October in Docklands! Come and experience the wonderful benefits of outdoor exercise and support from fellow breast cancer survivors in beautiful Victoria Harbour! You can come as many times as you like during October, for free! We're always looking for new members and we can't wait to meet you! For more info and to register: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/pinkphoenix/home/
Gather my crew
Hello everyone, Many of you have already heard of 'Gather my Crew'. They are an Australian based charity that are passionate about changing the way people ask for, offer and accept help. They have some great tips about gathering your crew and coordinating friends and family to help especially if you are self isolating at home. https://www.gathermycrew.org.au/how-it-works/Come and try Dragon Boating in Melbourne!!!
Do you live in the Melbourne area and have received a diagnosis of breast cancer in the past? We have too! If you want to have fun, make new friends and get fit, then dragon boating is the sport for you! We're always looking for new members! We invite all breast cancer survivors and their supporters to come and experience the magic that is part of our unique team. We paddle in Docklands so you get a fantastic view of Melbourne! We are running Come & Try sessions throughout March, starting at 9am this Sun Mar 7 in Docklands. Sessions are usually about 1 hour and are held at: Community Hub At The Dock 912 Collins St. Docklands, Melbourne (next to the Docklands Library). Free 2 hour parking is available on Sundays on Bourke St. You are welcome to come and try free for the month after your first try before deciding if you would like to join our club! For training, wear comfortable clothes and shoes which may get wet, bring your own water bottle and sun protection. The boats, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Don’t forget to bring a big smile and we can’t wait to meet you! Please contact us with any queries! https://fb.me/e/688957Jx3 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Community+Hub+at+The+Dock/@-37.82028,144.940106,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xd5d2fa6b9d8c5ad7!8m2!3d-37.8202796!4d144.9401065?hl=en-AU
Online Q & A Event - Breast Cancer 2021: Research, Risks and Recovery - Thu, 4 Feb 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Join Breast Cancer Trials and Australia's top breast cancer experts for a virtual Q&A to discuss the latest in breast cancer research. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breast-cancer-2021-research-risks-and-recovery-registration-132884618471 I registered for this event. The previous one was interesting.
Home from surgery Ann's staying positive
I had surgery yesterday with wide lobal excision and sentinal node biopsy. No nodes removed. I am home in less than 24hrs. The amount removed was the size of an orange. Full results next week. Doing well feeling strong but weary. Just the next waiting game for the full results. Need to keep myself positive. I am in awe of all the beautiful women who have gone through this before me.
Whyalla Pink Spirits Breast Cancer Support Group
Our Group has been going strong since forming in early 2011. We are still meeting weekly, either for Afternoon Tea at the Sundowner Hotel/Motel or for a craft day at Spotlight. We alternate between the 2 venues. There is always a notice in the Community Diary section of the Whyalla News. (local paper) In April....weekend of 17th, 18th & 19th we are holding a very special Event......A "Health & Lymphoedema Awareness EXPO" which we are fortunate to have received a very generous grant from the Whyalla City Council to enable us to run this function. Professor Neil Piller, a Lymphologist, and a leader in his field, will be bringing a team of professionals to Whyalla, where they will conduct a presentation of the Friday evening, then workshops & screenings on Saturday and if necessary on the Sunday as well. This is a very exciting venture for us and we are thrilled to be hosting it for the benefit of people in Whyalla and surrounds. We thank BCNA for their support with this event also. Contact me (Rae) for more information.
Sydney Breast Reconstruction Support Group Sunday 24th February 2019
Our first lunch for 2019 is coming up soon. We look forward to meeting any new Sydney ladies! We are a small group usually seated in a quiet area of the restaurant where there is an ample opportunity to discuss each others experience with a particular emphasis on breast reconstruction. So if you would like to join us please make a comment below. Remember no question is off limits! Date: Sunday, 24th February Where: Dragonfly Cafe, Eden Gardens, Macquarie Park Time: 12 midday to 3pm
