Really struggling with needing mastectomy
I have really been agonising over needing a mastectomy. I just feel horrified that they want to cut my breasts off and wonder how I will accept and deal with lookiing down to see no breasts. I have had really huge boobs all my life and 9 years ago finally had a reduction. Went from F/G cup to D. I have liked the size of my boobs for the first time since I was 14 yrs of age. So now the irony of getting them completely chopped off. But how do you deal with having no boobs? I'm really quite terrified. I know I have to do it to get rid of the damn cancer. But I guess it's also because I have never felt sick, unwell or anything. Just found a lump. I feel completely fine. So even I guess just accepting that I really DO have breast cancer? And I really DO need to treat it....is tough. I've had terrible complications from Chemo and been very sick. Heart failure and heart block and got a Defib implanted...that all seems way more real then the actual breast cancer. Now I have to face having the mastectomy. Not sure what I'm looking for here...just wanting to spill perhaps? Thanks all.
dcis
Ive DCIS in the right breast &now an MRI has found spot in left breast. I had an ultround 14/8/25 but breast are dense & lessions couldnt be seen. Now booked for MRI with biopsy on 28/8, results 1/9/25. Ive booked for travell overseas with hubby on 7/9/25 till 18th october. Should i postpone till i get ?? Please help
Partial Breast Radiotherapy
Hello đ community I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and while it has been surgically removed, Iâm now entering the next phase of treatment. I would like to know if anyone has experience with partial radiotherapy and what side effectsâboth short-term and long-termâyou may have encountered. I'm feeling a bit anxious about this process.Anyone advised to have chemo to treat lymph nodes rather than have them removed through surgery.
Hi I have been recently diagnosed with BC. I have had a lumpectomy done a few weeks ago and removal of sentinel node which was sent for biopsy. Results came back that there is DCIS component present and 1 sentinel lymph node identified containing metastic carcinoma(multiple micrometasases measuring up to 1.2mm. Rather than go back for a re excision I have decided to have a mastectomy with an immediate reconstruction. I was also advised to have chemo for the lymph nodes after. My question is why can't I have the lymph nodes removed rather than have chemo which is my preference. At this stage and time, I feel I would prefer going through the side effects of removal of lymph node through surgery than go thru chemo. I would love to hear from anyone who has been through something similar. Thanks in advance.Friday Update - 1st August 2025
Hello and welcome to our Friday Update! Whether youâre new to the BCNA Online Network or a long-time member, weâre so glad youâre here. This safe space built on connection, understanding, and shared experience. Last month, weâve seen powerful conversations, and practical advice shared across the community. From navigating treatment side effects to finding emotional support, your contributions continue to make this network a safe and empowering place for all. If youâre just joining us, we encourage you to explore the forums Get started here introduce yourself, or simply read along. And if youâve been with us for a while, thank you for continuing to support others. đŹ Trending Online Network Discussions â July 2025 Bone and join pain side effects of chemotherapy Offering practical advice and emotional support for those newly starting chemotherapy treatment. From bad to worse, but getting better. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) after previously having early-stage cancer. Kindly sharing story with the community, sparking conversation and shared experiences. Implant or Autologous Flap? Exploring reconstruction options post-mastectomy, with members sharing their experiences with implants versus DIEP flap procedures. WHO do I tell? Emotional challenges of disclosing diagnosis to loved ones. Members sharing advice on navigating conversations with family and friends. Letting go of blame - WHY did I get cancer? Inspired by a BCNA podcast, this discussion sparks meaningful dialogue about emotional healing and self-compassion. đ BCNA Highlights â July 2025 Expanding the âSeat At The Tableâ Program BCNA continued to grow its internationally recognised Consumer Representative Program Seat at the Table program , empowering people with lived experience to influence cancer research, policy, and care. This initiative ensures that real voices shape decisions that affect breast cancer patients nationwide. BCNA Consumer Representative Kym shares what she thinks Do you think itâs important that those with lived experience are involved in research? Global Advocacy for Metastatic Breast Cancer BCNA joined forces with Breast Cancer Now (UK) and Rethink Breast Cancer (Canada) at the Australian High Commission in London to launch a joint advocacy pledge. The united call to action urges governments and health systems worldwide to count and recognise people living with metastatic breast cancer; a critical step toward improving care, visibility, and support. Watch Together for visibility, equity, and support! Exciting News! BCNA is proud to welcome Red Energy as our inaugural Principal Partner. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to support all Australians affected by breast cancer. Together, weâre powering hope, connection, and change. Stay tuned for more on how this collaboration will make a meaningful impact. Male Breast Cancer Awareness In November 2024, Martin noticed signs that something was wrong with his health. Read his story via the link Humbled by the love and support đ BCNA Events BCNA Pink Lady Match â Sunday 10 August 2025 Join BCNA and major partner Red Energy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as the Melbourne Demons take on the Western Bulldogs in support of Australians affected by breast cancer. Watch video Pink Lady Match is back, and tickets are on sale now Event Schedule 1:30 PM â BCNA Tribute Field opens in Yarra Park 1:30 PM â BCNA merchandise available outside Gate 1 and between Gates 5â6 2:00 PM â MCG gates open; attendees take seats for entertainment and pre-match ceremony 3:00 PM â Players enter the field 3:20 PM â Match begins Carmanâs Fun Run Sydneyâ Sunday 21 September 2025 đââď¸ Location: Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont, Sydney Time: 6:00 AM â 1:00 PM AEDT Event Options Half Marathon (21.1K) â Wave A: 7:15 AM | Wave B: 7:20 AM 10K & 5K Runs â Waves start from 9:00 AM Pink Lady 5K Walk â Starts at 10:15 AM Read more and register via the link Carmanâs Fun Run 2025 - Sydney Thatâs a Wrap! Thank you for joining us for another month of connection, support, and shared strength in the BCNA Online Network. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please donât hesitate to reach out to our moderators via BCNA_Mod or email helpline@bcna.org.au . Weâre here to help and always happy to hear from you. Until next time, take care and stay connected! BCNA_Mod Team
A big welcome to all New Online Network Members .....
A warm welcome to all new Online Network members - to the club that no-one really wants to join! Here, You can raise ANY issue, and get helpful replies from those whoâve gone before you, cos we 'get it'. Nothing is off limits. We have âprivate groupsâ for some more personal discussions .... so feel free to join any of them, if they suit you. Category: Groups | BCNA Online Network We are happy that you found us - as we were in the same boat not that long ago. The members here are just wonderful and will provide you with as much support as you need. Just ask away! If you put your story in the 'Newly Diagnosed' Thread, we'll have a better understanding of what you are going thru - and don't forget to add your 'town or region' in your Profile info - we may have members nearby who you can meet up with for a chat and a coffee. https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/categories/newly-diagnosed We all know the absolute turmoil that comes with a BC diagnosis .... specially after a âclear mammogramâ and no family history. This was my story. My MG was clear just months before my wonderful GP found it, by accident! I had lumpectomy, Rads and now finished after 7 years of AI Tabs. If you can, take someone with you to your appointments for support - as it can be daunting sitting there alone. A 2nd set of ears also picks up points raised that you may have missed - and ask relevant questions too (as did my Sister in Law with me.) Also, consider recording your meetings on your mobile phone - so that you can go over it again later, if you have to, to query a statement, or just to have as a record. Your whole world is turned upside down in a millisecond, as you navigate unknown areas of our health system! It is almost a conveyor belt! First you do this, then this, then go there and do that, then come back here and do this .... and it may take a year or two for your life to settle down. It is totally 100% ok to skip between anger, denial, sadness - but if you find the sadness is overwhelming you, please seek professional help! Your GP may be able to refer you to a psychologist ... or your local Breast Cancer Centre May have help there .... where you are more likely to find a bc specific psychologist who is more familiar with BC issues. Just talking about it openly and sharing it with a professional should be able to give you coping mechanisms ... Also consider ringing our Helpline, for a confidential, one on one chat - just phone 1800 500 258, Mon-Fri, 9-5 You will make new friends who will support you (specially on this forum) and may lose some old ones, who just do not understand what you are going thru. Most of us here, have found wonderful friends within the group and have even met up with them in âreal lifeâ before this Covid thing and since - hopefully they'll get on top of it soon & our lives return to a 'new normal'! If there is anything you want to discuss in a more private manner, you can message a member (or a group of members) and chat in total privacy. Personally I found that it mucked with my BRAIN more than anything else! And sometimes that is very hard to control, as it has a mind of its own! Keeping BUSY doing things is the secret .... get back into your hobbies or take up a new one - even more so now with Covid as we canât get together with buddies as readily as before. Try & keep your sense of humour 'up there' - we have a really good 'funnies page' (called Friday Funnies, but we add them every day!!) Just click on the link to add pics and posts ... https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/19116/friday-funnies#latest If you are into arts & crafts, we have a 'Creative Corner' https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14979/creative-corner#latest and if into your garden, a Gardening post as well!! https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/186078#Comment_186078 And we now have a Fishing post, as that is one of my passions! https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/19494/fishing-brag-pics If you are an artist or a knitter or do chrochet or other art & craft stuff ..... whack up a picture here!: https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14979/creative-corner#latest ; If you have 'fur kids' - put their pic here & describe their funny antics ... https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/92526#Comment_92526 We even have a funny Xmas page .... feel free to add any that youâve seen! https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/20086/christmas-funnies-put-them-up-here-for-a-laugh#latest Try not to use Dr Google too much (difficult tho it is) as there is just so much conflicting information out there (and much of it is REALLY OLD & OUT OF DATE), and every BC case is totally 'unique' and it will only scare the pants off you! If you haven't had your surgery yet, we have some posts here on what to take with you to hospital, to make it 'easier' on you. https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/16442/prep-for-surgery/p1 And for your annual checkups, here are some âtick sheetsâ to help you put your questions together for your medical team. (Make sure you click on the documents at the BOTTOM of the post, as the others are only sample pages.) https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/21973/questions-to-ask-post-surgery-of-yourself-to-your-specialists-tick-sheets-self-assessment/p1 Take care, and all the best to you!Compass (ABC) The Breast Decision - NOW - should be on iView soon
Sun 18th May - Compass: The Breast Decision - now available to watch on ABC iView https://iview.abc.net.au/video/RN2411H008S00 BCNA was 'shown' in one segment. Charlotte Tottman is interviewed re her own decision on choosing to go flat and how her breasts were very important in her sex life with her husband - but they'd 'done their job' on raising her 4 children .... Yes, She misses them - but in her words, she looks in the mirror every morning for 5 secs and says she 'is not too shabby'. She encourages women to look at themselves every day for 5 secs - and to also share their scars with their partners & even their children, so that they are 'a part' of the recovery.Listening to Raelene Boyle's podcast is well worth it, as well as Charlotte Tottman's!
We often recommend that new members have a listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcasts on dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html. and I've only just listened to Raelene Boyle's - and it is terrific! SO ... If you've never listened to the interview with Raelene Boyle .... it is well worth listening to. Raelene was diagnosed at the same time that Lyn Swinburne was first starting her support for women with breast cancer (out of a Bakers Delight office!) just under 30 years ago. She was then diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, twice! She is still going strong & is an Ambassador and founding board member of BCNA https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/
Election called
Hi everyone - it has been a while since I have posted myself but as always I love the many messages you share with each other that I have a chance to read. Last week Vicki (our Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services) and I were in Canberra meeting with both the Minister for Health and Shadow Minister to take them through our policy priorities. I hope you have had a chance to read them: https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/bcna-policy-priorities-2025/ These are driven by your experiences and where our Network wants the Australian Government to invest. Keep any eye out on our social media and through the Online Network on updates on commitments the parties may make. Love your work KP
Adelaide-based members: Opportunity to participate in Breast Cancer documentary
Hi everyone! I'm sharing an opportunity to participate in a documentary being created as part of a second-year film project at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE). The focus of the documentary to share womenâs experiences of breast cancer, including diagnosis and treatment with the goal to highlight resilience and offer support to others through real stories. The project is looking for women at different stages of their diagnosis to interview. All stories are welcome, and the project can be adapted to different experiences. You can take part in this study if you: Have been diagnosed with or are living with breast cancer Live in Adelaide What will participation involve? The filmmaker is seeking six women to interview for this documentary. Filming will take place over three consecutive days, with scheduled dates between February 28 and March 28. Specific dates will be confirmed closer to the time. The documentary will have 2 key ideas: Frank interviews about their breast cancer diagnosis experience A fun photo shoot full of colour, laughter and positivity Interviewees will be provided lunch and there will be a Mental Health Nurse available on set for the full shoot days to provide care and support to both the volunteer participants and the crew. Please note, as this is a university project, there is no budget available for reimbursements. At this stage, this documentary will be for internal use only. If you would like to register your interest, please fill out the Google Form here. Thanks! Erana BCNA Consumer Engagement Coordinator
