šļø 6 People, 5,895 metres, and one incredible cause
Weāre in awe of the incredible team of six (and support crew) who recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia. šāØInitiated by BCNA member Kristal, who dreamed of trekking the Roof of Africa with friends to fundraise, this journey was brought to life with the help of @Inspired Adventures fundraising agency. But ātrekkingā doesn't quite cover what this group faced. šŖThe team endured some of the toughest conditions their guides had ever seen. They battled snowstorms, gale-force winds, and altitude sickness, yet they persevered through every hurdle. For Kristal, this was deeply personal. With a breast cancer experience of her own, she was joined by her partner, close friends, and teammates who hiked in memory of their mothers. š£ā¤ļø āTrips like these are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. They build character and test you in ways that go far beyond the physical ā mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This trek reminded me that I am capable, that I am strong, and that I have a powerful mindset and willpower to face adversity and tough moments.ā - Kristal If you'd like, you can donate to Kristal & team's fundraising page at: š https://bcna.grassrootz.com/bcna-kilimanjaro-2026
Exercise after mastectomy
Hi all, I am almost 7 months after SMX. I have been diligent with rehab exercises, and I approached exercise very gently. After 6 months I was able to return to the rock-climbing level I was once (21 grade at the gym). and I can also run for 5 km (although not at a previous pace), and lift weights. with perseverance and discipline, we can get back to our routines. I do have another surgery coming up (tissue expander expand), as I decided not to have an implant. So I will likely start from 0 again, and again baby steps...but I least I know that the rehab journey works. Good vibes to everyone!
ENCORE - Hunter Region
Hi ladies, Many of you may be familiar with the YWCA ENCORE program. Just a quick one to let you know we're still going strong in the Hunter region, NSW! ENCORE is a FREE eight week program designed specifically for women who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their life. Incorporating exercises, relaxation techniques and information. It is safe, fun and therapeutic. The exercise program is specifically designed to target areas that have been affected by breast cancer surgery and treatment. These exercises improve strength, mobility and flexibility whilst the warm water in the pool sessions relieve affected muscles. The program also offers information through guest speakers, links into local services, and opportunity to connect with local women who share a similar experience in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Many great friendships have been formed at our Encore programs! We're now taking enrolments for two upcoming programs, and we'd love for you to join us. VALENTINE: Tuesdays | 3 Februaryā24 March 2026 | 11:00amā1:15pm MAITLAND: Thursdays | 5 Februaryā26 March 2026 | 1:45pmā4:00pm Please reach out if you have any questions: info@ywcahunterregion.org.au / 02 4929 2954 . More info on the program and enrolments here: www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore Thanks Nat, Caz, Cindy, Jodie & Yela YWCA Hunter Region Inc. 02 4929 2954 info@ywcahunterregion.org.au www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore
University of Qld study encourages women to exercise & pay attention to their nutrition.
Recruiting NOW until end of 2025. After being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, Sharon Oakley felt her world fall apart. Now, she's finding new strength through a UQ study examining how diet and exercise can enhance the wellbeing of women living with metastatic breast cancer. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-11/metastatic-breast-cancer-diet-exercise-study-queensland-uni/104444842 The program offers virtual sessions with dietitian and exercise experts, aiming to help women with metastatic breast cancer stay strong, informed and supported. The āOptimising care: Supporting you to be active and eat wellā study, aims to determine the effectiveness of an exercise and dietary program for women who have metastatic breast cancer Learn more, or sign up for the Optimising Care study here: https://public-health.uq.edu.au/optimising-care-supporting-you-be-active-and-eat-well ( BCNAā Please copy & add to the private Mets Group)ENCORE - Hunter region
Hi ladies, Many of you may be familiar with the YWCA ENCORE program. ENCORE is a FREE eight week program designed specifically for women who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their life. Incorporating exercises, relaxation techniques and information. It is safe, fun and therapeutic. The exercise program is specifically designed to target areas that have been affected by breast cancer surgery and treatment. These exercises improve strength, mobility and flexibility whilst the warm water in the hydrotherapy sessions relieve affected muscles. The program also offers information through guest speakers, links into local services, and opportunity to connect with local women who share a similar experience in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Many great friendships have been formed at Encore programs! Unfortunately ENCORE is no longer running nationally.... however YWCA Hunter has successfully secured funding to reboot ENCORE in the Hunter region. * SINGLETON - We're taking enrolments now! If you live in Singleton or surrounding areas we'd love for you to join us. 29 April-17 June 12:30-2:30PM Singleton Gym and Swim * NEWCASTLE - venue/dates will be released in the near future-most likely to be held in Oct/Nov. Please reach out if you have any questions: info@ywcahunterregion.org.au / 02 4929 2954 . More info on the program and registration info can be found here: www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore ; Thanks Nat, Caz & Yela YWCA Hunter Region Inc. 02 4929 2954 info@ywcahunterregion.org.au www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore ;
Does life go back to normal?
Hi! thanks to BCN for putting me onto this discussion page. I was diagnosed with ER, PR & HER2+ breast cancer June 2024 at the age of 53yrs. Had surgery to remove two (R) breast aggressive tumours, three months of chemo and 4 weeks of radiation. Iām now on Anastrozole. I feel I got off lightly and just thought Iād get back to my normal life. That wasnāt so easy. Iām gradually returning to full-time work, exercise and trying to return to my once active single social life. Iām having acupuncture to help with immunity and general wellbeing. I had beautiful long blonde hair. Spent lots of money on my hair and nails. My question isā¦ what do all you amazing women do to get back into fitness, to avoid the tiredness, and to help with your hair and nails? Are there any good vitamin supplements? Am I able to use collagen? Thank you for your advice xx
Come & try dragon boating for breast cancer survivors in Melbourne!
Do you live in the greater-Melbourne area? Come and try dragon boating for free for breast cancer survivors! Experience the wonderful benefits of outdoor exercise and support from fellow breast cancer survivors in beautiful Victoria Harbour, Docklands! You can come as many times as you like for 1 month for free! We can't wait to meet you! Dragons Abreast Melbourne Pink Phoenix is a Group Member of the wonderful Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Sign-up for your free 1 month Dragon Pass here: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/pinkphoenix/registration
Early stage lymphoedema
Hi everyone. So Iāve just come back from one of my lymphoedema clinic appointments and they said my sozo measures and arm measurements were a bit high. Iāve been given some extra exercises and self lymph draining massage instructions to do but I was just wondering for anyone who has had reversed it fro this stage had any extra tips that I can do to maximise my chances of turning this around ive got another appointment in 5 weeks and if it hasnāt changed they want to look at compression which Iām keen to avoid with the weather warming up Iām a busy mum of three and work from home on our own business too so thereās no time for gyms or yoga or anything like that, just looking for extra things I can incorporate into my already packed days. Appreciate any tips and tricks that you may have just for background Iāve had left side mastectomy, full auxiliary clearance, 3 weeks radiation and 16 rounds of chemotherapy all completed. Still doing immunotherapy and taking anastrozole Thanks and have a great day š
Exercise and Cancer
unsure if this has been posted before but here is a link for a doco on catalyst on the ABC. Before I started teaching, I was an exercise physiologist. This study is very very interesting and promising. I know it is hard for people to exercise throughout chemo but here is a doco on the benefits. As I know about the benefits of exercise and cancer from previous study I have continued to exercise: walking 3 times a week, yoga once or twice as well as started back doing gym work. I feel it has helped with my side effects. And received an amazing compliment from a doctor the other day that has never met me before (I don't know whether to say it or not as well I don't want to jinx myself haha). here it is: Watching Catalyst Series 17 Ep 14 Exercise And Cancer in iview http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/catalyst/SC1502H014S00
