🌱 Wednesday Wellness: Some Feelings Don't Need Fixing 💗
One of the hardest parts of a breast cancer experience that yourself and your loved ones learn to navigate is the emotional load that shows up with each appointment, each medical update, each sleepless night and sometimes, each day in general. It's almost like the world expects the emotional side of it to fit into a neat little story. You're diagnosed. You have treatment. They call you brave. You stay strong.💪 Sometimes there's pressure, from ourselves or others, to be positive. To focus on the good news. To be grateful. To move on. But the reality is that breast cancer comes with a complicated mix of emotions. You might feel relieved treatment is over, while also feeling anxious about the future. You might be grateful for your support network, while grieving the changes to your body. You might feel hopeful one moment and completely overwhelmed the next. None of those feelings are wrong. 🌸🌿 Emotions aren't a test we're supposed to pass. There is no gold star for being positive all the time. Sometimes breast cancer leaves us carrying emotions that don't make sense together. Relief and fear. Gratitude and grief. Hope and sadness. We can be genuinely thankful for our treatment, our doctors, our support networks... while at the very same time feeling angry about what we've lost. Often, the feelings we try hardest to push away are the ones that keep tapping us on the shoulder asking to be noticed. Sometimes what we need isn't to fix an emotion, judge it, or talk ourselves out of it. Sometimes we simply need to acknowledge it. "Today I'm feeling frustrated and angry at everything." "Today I'm feeling scared and want to run away from it all." "Today I'm feeling sick and tired of all of this." And then allowing that feeling to exist without adding guilt on top. 💜 Feeling angry doesn't make you ungrateful. 💜 Feeling anxious doesn't mean you're not coping. 💜 Feeling sad doesn't mean you're weak. 💜 Feeling okay doesn't mean you've forgotten what you've been through. Whatever you're carrying today, there's room for it here. If you're finding emotions difficult to navigate, these resources may offer some additional support: 📚 Beyond Blue Resource Library Practical information, tools and resources to support mental health and wellbeing. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/resource-library 💻 Black Dog Institute Online Clinic A free, confidential online mental health assessment with personalised feedback and guidance. https://onlineclinic.blackdoginstitute.org.au/ 📞 As always our Helpline is only one phone call away on 1800 500 258, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm AEDT. 💕 We'd love to hear from you. Has there been an emotion you've been trying to make space for lately, rather than push away? Sometimes simply naming it can be the first step toward being a little gentler with ourselves.26ViewsSign in to react to this post0Comments🌱Wednesday Wellness - Going through the (e)motions - 23Sep26🩷
Breast cancer can bring a flood of emotions. Fear. Anger. Sadness. Grief. Frustration. Loneliness. Anxiety. Sometimes all in the same day. Sometimes all before breakfast. When we're focused on appointments, treatments, responsibilities, work, family, and simply getting through each day, it can be tempting to put our feelings in a box and tell ourselves we'll deal with them later. 📦 But emotions don't simply disappear when they're ignored. Feelings that aren't acknowledged can become stagnant, like water that stops flowing. They can build up slowly beneath the surface, showing up as stress, exhaustion, irritability, difficulty sleeping, feeling disconnected, or simply feeling "stuck". 💭💔 This doesn't mean we need to dwell on every difficult emotion or stay immersed in them. It means allowing them to move through us rather than getting trapped inside us. 🌊 Think of emotions as waves. Some waves are small and manageable. Others can feel overwhelming and powerful. The goal isn't to stop the waves from coming. The goal is to let them rise, be felt, and eventually pass. You might allow emotions to move through by: ✨ Talking honestly with someone you trust ✨ Writing your thoughts in a journal ✨ Crying when tears need to come ✨ Creating art, music, or crafts ✨ Taking a mindful walk outdoors ✨ Practising meditation or deep breathing ✨ Sharing your experience with others who understand ✨ Allowing yourself moments of joy without guilt Many people living with breast cancer feel pressure to "stay positive" all the time. While hope can be incredibly valuable, it's also okay to acknowledge when things are hard. 💗 You don't need to be strong every minute of every day. You don't need to justify your feelings. You don't need to rush your healing. Every emotion serves a purpose. When we give ourselves permission to feel what we're feeling, without judgement, we create space for healing, self-compassion, and resilience. 🌱💜 So this Wellness Wednesday, take a moment to check in with yourself: ❓ What emotion have I been carrying lately? ❓ Have I given it space to be acknowledged? ❓ What might help it move through me today? Remember, feelings are meant to flow, not stay frozen. You deserve the opportunity to process them with kindness and care. 🤗💙 📚 Resource Recommendation This book came across our Helpline office desk this morning, and it felt like the perfect timing. If you're looking for a gentle and supportive resource about navigating emotions, you may be interested in this helpful workbook by lived experience Dr Marion Roberts: fiinding steadiness after a breast cancer diagnosis. Written by Clinical Psychologist and breast cancer survivor Dr Marion Roberts, Finding Steadiness offers practical psychological understanding & tools (drawing from psychological therapies such as CBT & ACT) to help you steady your mind, reduce overwhelm, and …ViewsSign in to react to this postComments🌱Wednesday Wellness - 01July26 - Writing it out.....📝
This Wednesday, we wanted to touch on a simple, accessible, and budget friendly self-care technique that many forget is 'write' at their fingertips... literally! ✍🏻 When you are living with breast cancer, emotions can feel layered, unexpected, and at times overwhelming. There can be moments of fear, sadness, gratitude, anger, hope, and everything in between, sometimes all in the same day. Finding a safe way to process these complicated feelings is important, and one way to do this is to write it out ✨ Journaling is not about perfect words or neat sentences. It is about giving yourself space to be honest. Putting thoughts onto paper can help untangle emotions that feel too big or too confusing to hold inside. Many people find that writing helps bring a sense of clarity, calm, and even relief. Writing can also create a sense of control when so much feels uncertain. It allows you to slow down and acknowledge what is happening internally, without judgement or pressure. Over time, it can become a way to track how you are feeling, notice patterns, and recognise your own strength and resilience. 💪💞 If you would like to try writing today, here are a few gentle prompts to support you: 📝 What feelings have been sitting with me lately? 📝 What has felt heavy, and what has felt lighter? 📝 What is something I wish others understood about how I am feeling? 📝 What has helped me cope, even in a small way? 📝 If I spoke to myself with kindness, what would I say? There is no right or wrong way to do this. You might write a few words, a paragraph, or simply jot down dot points. Every bit of expression matters. If it feels right for you, you are welcome to share a reflection or even just one word below. Your voice might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today. 🌸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
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/ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Breast reconstruction awareness event 21 February - Tamworth
You are invited to attend a free information forum about breast reconstruction coming up soon in Tamworth, NSW. A variety of guest speakers include surgeons and women sharing their personal stories. Information will include the various types of breast reconstruction available, how to navigate the referral process, emotional well being, the reality of living with reconstruction and samples of medical devices to look at and handle (including expanders and implants). When: Thursday, 21st February from 5.30pm to 9pm Where: West Tamworth Leagues Club - Phillip St, West Tamworth Registration is essential and you will receive a take-home Tool Kit of information. Please register at www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au We look forward to seeing you there.ViewsSign in to react to this postComments
Reclaim Your Curves Breast Reconstruction Group - lunch Sunday 27th October - Sydney
Hi Ladies Our next Reclaim Your Curves lunch is at Dragonfly Cafe Eden Gardens Macquarie Park Sydney on Sunday 27t October 12 noon to approx 3pm. We aim to be a very casual group mainly discussing breast reconstruction option and experiences. All new ladies are very welcome. Come and enjoy a relaxed and friendly meal with no topic off limits. Please rsvp if you can join us xx AnnmareeViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsCentral Coast Support Lunch 25 August 2019
Our next Central Coast Support Lunch is coming up on Sunday, 25th August and we'd love to see you there. Come and join us for a relaxing lunch and chat at the Ocean View Café within Wamberal Surf Club - 12 midday. Please RSVP so we can book you a seat at the table.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsReclaim Your Curves Sydney Support Lunch Sunday 23rd June noon
Hello! Our next lunch is on Sunday 23rd June at the usual venue of Dragonfly Cafe Eden Gardens, Macquarie Park 12 noon to 3pm as usual. We get together and chat all things reconstruction and/or breast cancer/coping/surviving etc etc etc. Please feel free to invite anyone that you may have met that would find our group helpful.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsReclaim Your Curves - Sydney Support Lunch - Sunday 28th April 2019
Come along and join us over lunch - a relaxed and informal setting in which you can ask any questions you may have, share any gems of information that you may have gathered, and meet up with other women who understand and share a similar experience to yours. Dragonfly Cafe - Eden Gardens Macquarie Park 12noon to 3pm https://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/sydney.htmlViewsSign in to react to this postComment
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