Together for breast cancer - BCNA
With October being breast cancer awareness month, we wanted to share updates with you throughout! So simply scroll down this post to see updates within the comments! Breast Cancer Awareness Month starts today, and it’s the perfect time to get together with your community to support Australians affected by breast cancer. We love to see the Pink Sports Day clubs kicking off the month the right way with their #PLAY4BCNA activities. Here are a few fantastic photos from our Pink Sports Day hosts so far this year! Host your own Pink Sports Day with your club or school team this month by registering here https://www.bcna.org.au/host-a-fundraising-event/ Together we're helping all Australians affected by breast cancer.Friday update 22 October 2021
Friday update 22 October 2021 Hello members, It is a nice welcome today for Victorians as the lockdown restrictions lift today - Enjoy your greater freedoms! BCNA continue their October breast cancer awareness campaign, highlighting issues that impact those diagnosed and advocate to drive change. Thankyou to all of our members who have shared their stories, resources and support. Community highlights Reminder Private Groups Given that in October we have had ‘Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day’ and ‘Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day’, I wanted to remind members of the Online Network’s private groups if you are seeking greater peer-to-peer support: Living with metastatic breast cancer men living with breast cancer Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Friday Funnies These funny posts are welcome any day really – bringing something light hearted to the forum credit @ChezaH 2. COVID booster shots 3. Night Howlers - Jump on to chat if you are awake 4. Has anyone taken 'Before' and 'After' pics? Community News BCNA NEWS 13 Oct 2021 - When an Employee Needs Leave for Cancer Treatment ‘Don’t come back’ were the words Liz Tapping heard when she asked if she could take leave from her job to receive treatment for breast cancer. Her employer of 5 years sacked her on the spot. A recent ruling in the Federal Circuit Court found this action contravened the Fair Work Act. CLICK HERE to read full details of Liz’s story and also access BCNA resources to educate and support employees. Cancer Australia - The Impact of COVID-19 on cancer-related medical services and procedures in Australia in 2020 Cancer Australia today released a new report, The impact of COVID-19 on cancer-related medical services and procedures in Australia in 2020: Examination of MBS claims data for 2020, nationally and by jurisdiction, which shows an overall sustained reduction in cancer services in 2020. BCNA has also been working with Cancer Australia, providing consumer insight and feedback into the development of communications about the COVID-19 vaccine roll out and the impact on those with a diagnosis of breast cancer. You can find frequently asked questions in BCNA’s My Journey and on the Cancer Australia website. If you have any information that you’d like to share about how COVID-19 has been impacting your patients, please email the Policy Team on policy@bcna.org.au. “Don’t Delay and just hope it’ll go away.” – Male Breast Cancer Awareness Perth Channel 7 news featured Pieter and highlighted Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day in a fantastic segment. Pieter's full story is available to watch on our IGTV on Instagram. Head over to https://www.instagram.com/bcnapinklady/ to view his story and more. “There is also a lot of misunderstanding about metastatic breast cancer and what this means in terms of your treatment and survival.” – Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Mother-of-three Andrea Smith knows she will lose her life to an incurable form of breast cancer. But she is determined to help other sufferers while she can. Read Andrea’s story CLICK HERE The Pink Bra Project Continues This breast cancer awareness month show your support for those affected by breast cancer and the people around them. $10 from every Pink Bra sale from Berlei's Pink Bra collection will go to BCNA. Hear BCNA member’s stories and ambassadors Stuart Diver, Aunty Pam, Raeleen Boyle and Sophie Conway https://www.berlei.com.au/pink-bra-project Webcasts and conferences you may have missed Breast Reconstruction Options and Expectations The virtual conference recording is now available to view on demand. Frequently asked/mentioned topics of the three-hour event were: · Access to resources · Should you have radiation before or after an implant · The impact of COVID-19 on wait times · Breast implant illness · Breast cancer recurrence after a reconstruction · Discussions around the option of not having a reconstruction Metastatic Breast Cancer -Thriving together- Living Longer, Living Stronger The virtual conference recording is now available to view on demand. Frequently asked/mentioned topics of the three-hour event were: · How to manage resistance treatment with hormone blocking therapies · Immunotherapies and triple negative breast cancer · How to reduce the risk of fractures from bone metastasises · New drugs that enhance the action of chemotherapy in the cell · Uncertainty and fear of what might happen in the future · Support groups are a really important way to connect with others and reduce feelings isolation Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast Have you checked out our new 10-part podcast series, Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman? Each episode explores Charlotte’s lived experience, provides explanations of psychological triggers and responses and practical strategies that may help you or someone you know on their breast cancer journey. All episodes are available to stream now across all podcast platforms. To listen visit https://bit.ly/3oD0S0C BCNA Member Support Team & Online Network Moderators - Introductions This week I am pleased to introduce you to Anna Wilson from our Member Support Team: Anna joined BCNA In 2012, after a friend told her there was a position available on the helpline. Originally a primary teacher and with three young kids, she decided to take a leap and move into this space. While Anna knew little about BCNA’s role, from the moment she started her role she loved it! Anna felt like she could really make a difference being part of the organisation and found many ways to contribute both on the helpline and then in the fundraising and the sponsorship team. Anna loves to hear the stories of the people who call the helpline and see how BCNA can really make a difference. She loves her colleagues at BCNA and enjoys collaborating with them each day “They are all so professional, knowledgeable and they care deeply for all those women, men and their families who are experiencing breast cancer”. Outside of work, Anna loves gardening and especially loves spring. Her two helpers Maggie and Billy are never far away! Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries Have you seen the My Journey article about ‘The Library’? https://myjourney.org.au/article/3497 The Library provides names of some books you might find helpful or interesting to read. Books in the 'about breast cancer and DCIS' and 'live well' sections have been reviewed by BCNA staff and are recommended as reliable information. Personal stories have not always been reviewed by BCNA, but may have been recommended to us by others diagnosed with breast cancer or sent to us by the author (often a BCNA member). If there is a book you would like to suggest for this list, please email us at contact@bcna.org.au or post here in the discussion and I will pass on. Hope you enjoy this update and I always welcome feedback. In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au (We will be back on deck Monday). Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle "Awareness is all about restoring your freedom to choose what you want instead of what your past imposes on you" - Deepak Chopra
Walk, Run and Have Fun for BCNA
Walk, Run and Have Fun for BCNA Looking for an activity to get stuck in to pre-Christmas? Look no further! Join our virtual community to Walk, Run and Have Fun while raising money to support Australians impacted by breast cancer. From 6 to 12 December, take on your own personal challenge to help BCNA. Whether it’s 5km, 10km, a half marathon or even further that you tackle in a day or over the course of a week, set your challenge, have fun and make a difference. To find out more, sign up here and we’ll keep you updated with all you need to know about the event. www.bcna.org.au/get-involved/walk-run-have-fun And if you needed any more incentive to take part, our good friends over at Carman’s will be sending out hampers to a number of lucky participants in recognition of your activity and fundraising!Volunteer for Pink Bun campaign
Do you, or someone you know, have time between now and the end of May to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)’s biggest fundraiser? We are looking for people to help coordinate Pink Bun Campaign Volunteers with events at Bakers Delight bakeries from May 1st to 21st, 2025. The role involves working with other BCNA volunteers in your community and Bakers Delight bakeries, with support from BCNA staff. People who enjoy talking to others and are comfortable with basic computer skills can apply here to register their interest. Please forward this link onto anyone you know who might be able to help. We are especially looking for support in NSW, the ACT QLD, and WA. Funds raised though the Pink Bun Campaign are vital to BCNA’s ability to support Australians affected by breast cancer. If you don’t have the availability to support BCNA in this role, please keep an eye out for details on how you can support the campaign with a spare hour or two. Check out the behind the scene video from last year's campaign https://www.facebook.com/bakersdelight/videos/bcna-pink-buns-are-back/754110623542494/Dr Jo Prendergast "Cancer and Cartwheels"
What happens when a comedian’s life gets flipped over by cancer? They find the funny side of course. But can cancer be funny? When psychiatrist Dr Jo Prendergast was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2021, she asked herself what good she could do with the treatment experience. As someone who cannot be idle - even during chemo - she put together a website on managing chemotherapy side-effects, made a semi-viral TikTok, and wrote her second comedy show. At the four-year anniversary of her diagnosis, Jo is cancer-free and ready to laugh about the tough stuff. She is inviting us to laugh with her. Jo's Cancer and Cartwheels show is touring nationally and supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Jo has offered BCNA a limited allocation of double passes to each of her comedy festival ‘opening night’ shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. If you would like to register to receive a complimentary double pass with a post show meet, greet and photo register here Cancer and Cartwheels - performance schedule and dates (opening night in bold): Adelaide : March 11 - 15, 2025 Melbourne : March 31 - April 6 2025 Sydney : April 26, 2025 Brisbane : May 17 -18 2025 Jo is also aiming to raise $5,000 through her shows to help BCNA continue to provide free support and resources for all Australians affected by breast cancer. This year more than 21,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer. She is encouraging her show attendees to make a donation and leave a message or dedication on her event fundraising page. Any donation over $2, will be issued with a tax-deductible receipt. If you would like to read more about Jo there are also the following social media handles / links: @cancerandcartheels @drjoprendergastcomedy and https://drjoprendergast.comFriday update 8 October 2021
Friday update 8 October 2021 Hello members, BCNA’s theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Connect. Support. Empower. Therefore, I am particularly pleased to connect with you all in this Friday update. There is alot happening during the month of October and BCNA will have a number of stories and campaign initiatives to coincide with the breast cancer awareness days. October Awareness Days: • World Mental Health Day (10th Oct) • World Hospice & Palliative Care Day (12th Oct) • Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day – (13th Oct) • Male Breast Cancer Awareness Day – (20th Oct) • Telehealth Awareness Month Community highlights September Online Network activity *47 New users * 122 Contributors * 121 Discussions * 894 Comments No New Groups While we haven’t had any new groups to the Online Network in recent weeks. BCNA shared to the ‘Living with metastatic breast cancer’ group, details of the ‘Thursday Girls Group’ that may be of interest for women with metastatic breast cancer looking for therapeutic support: Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Friday Funnies These funny posts are welcome any day really – bringing something light hearted to the forum credit @cranky_granny 2. Has anyone taken 'Before' and 'After' pics? 3. Very happy Birthday wishes to @primek for 27 September 4. New fees for radiation therapy as of 1-7-21 Community News The Beacon magazine (Issue 89 – 1 Oct 2021) The latest copy of the free mazagine can be accessed via the website or PDF as per below: Link to the website here: http://beacon.bcna.org.au/ Link to the PDF version here: https://www.bcna.org.au/media/8319/bcna_beacon_october_fy21_final.pdf Key topics include new podcast series, Upfront About Breast Cancer - What You Don't Know Until You Do; an unfolding genetic story that has implications for an entire family; learn about women's experiences of breast reconstruction that were revealed in our latest report and Aunty Pam talks about her involvement in the new Berlei campaign. Clinical trials update This information has also been shared in our Health Professionals Network News and the Metastatic Advisory Group: · Nivolumab neoadjuvant/adjuvant clinical trial · EMBRACE Phase II Olaparib clinical trial Click on the link https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23852/clinical-trials-update#latest to view the full details of the trials in the online network discussion. BCNA Workplace Giving Campaign relaunched The fundraising team have relaunched the campaign to encourage people to get involved in their organisation’s workplace giving program and help BCNA ensure every one of the 20,000+ Australians diagnosed with breast cancer this year receives the best care, treatment, and support. CLICK HERE to check out the campaign. Webcasts and conferences REGISTER NOW! Breast Reconstruction Options and Expectations Join us for BCNA’s virtual conference on Tuesday 12 October, 6-9pm to explore the different options of breast reconstruction that may be available to you, managing expectations, the important considerations, key findings from the BCNA survey and the emotional and physical impacts of breast reconstruction. Metastatic Breast Cancer -Thriving together- Living Longer, Living Stronger Join us for BCNA’s virtual conference on Thursday October 14, 6-9pm to explore new treatments on the horizon for metastatic breast cancer and an in-depth look at the management of bone metastases. We will also explore advanced care planning, the importance of connecting with others for support to enhance control and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and strategies to help you with ‘living’ with metastatic breast cancer. Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast Exciting new 10-part podcast series What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman . Psychologist Charlotte Tottman’s experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer, what she learnt, and a practical look at useful strategies to help others cope with their own breast cancer experience from someone who has been there too. BCNA Member Support Team & Online Network Moderators - Introductions I have recently gathered information from my colleagues to present you with short introductions. It is my pleasure to introduce the manager of our Member Support Team, Kate Dixon: Kate started with BCNA in 2012 with the information forums and managed the events team. She has been lucky enough to have travelled all over Australia with BCNA providing information and support to thousands of women and families diagnosed with breast cancer. During the COVID-19 pandemic while these face-to-face events have been on hold, Kate moved across to the Member Support Team to provide crucial support and leadership. Kate enjoys managing her team and seeing them make a difference to people in their time of need. During her experience with face-to-face events she enjoyed meeting with members and particularly engaging with people in rural locations. In her spare time Kate enjoys watching a good documentary. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries During the first lockdown in 2020 I discovered the audiobook by author Hugh van Cuylenburg The Resilience Project: Finding Happiness Through Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness. The lessons the author learned from underprivileged students and the work he has done since is quite incredible That concludes another Friday update and hope you enjoy the content. In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au (We will be back on deck Monday). Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle ‘Resilience is very different than being numb. Resilience means you experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt, you fall. But, you keep going.’ – Yasmin MogahedFriday Update - 19th April 2024
Welcome to the Friday Update, March has flown by us already and we are half way through April! There has been alot of activity at BCNA including the Murray Bridge SA Information Forum, the World Indigenous Cancer Conference and BCNA's Think Tank . We are off to Tassie this month for two more information forums in Devonport and Launceston (Remember if you cannot attend in person, you can register to attend online). We are also gearing up for Bakers Delight’s Pink Bun campaign in May - Its 20th year! Head into your local Bakers Delight between 9 - 29 May, where 100% of the sales from every Fun Bun sold helps BCNA support all Australians affected by breast cancer (Further details in the update on how you can get involved). Take care and enjoy the update. Community Highlights Private Group 'Living with metastatic breast cancer' On Metastatic Awareness Day 2022 - BCNA released an issues paper, Making Metastatic Breast Cancer Count. In August 2023 we held a National Roundtable in Canberra, bringing together leading cancer and data experts to discuss a way forward. On Metastatic Awareness Day 2023 on 13 October, BCNA was proud to release Making Metastatic Breast Cancer Count - A Way Forward. This advocacy work has brought awareness to BCNA's support resources for metastatic breast cancer and also our very own private group here through the Online Network Living with metastatic breast cancer - which has seen many new members join to seek support and connection Popular Forum Discussions If you have missed some of the most active discussions in the last few weeks, you can check them out via the links below: Struggling through Chemo Information Overload! Boob farewell? tip or tricks on getting through radiation? I’m in a grey area and confused Posts by 'Category Name' 1 Apr - 18 2024 Community News BCNA joins international call to challenge enduring inequities in breast cancer care An international report on global inequities in breast cancer care and to count the number of people with metastatic breast cancer was released by the new Lancet Commission on Breast Cancer this week. BCNA responded with a media release and social post. Read BCNA’s media release here. BCNA partners to seek wider access to precision cancer therapies BCNA partners with other cancer groups to call for expanded access to innovative and effective precision therapies Read Further Details Here Take part in research to improve our online services Can you help us continue to improve our website and online services? We’re working on a digital project to give you better access to information and support that is tailored to your personal preferences and experiences of breast cancer Read Further Details Here My Journey - 'Targeted Therapies' (Articles updated) Our goal at BCNA is to ensure people affected by breast cancer can access the latest information and resources. We recently updated two articles in BCNA’s My Journey online tool about targeted therapies in early breast cancer and hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer to capture the emerging trends in treatments for breast cancer: Targeted therapies for early breast cancer Targeted therapies for hormone receptor-positive MBC BCNA Think Tank 2024 After three incredible days of discussion and connection, we wrapped up our third annual Think Tank event on Wurundjeri Country in Naarm (Melbourne) 24-26 March. BCNA's consumers from across Australia gathered to discuss the direction of BCNA's future to ensure we make the most difference to those affected by breast cancer. Reflecting on this year's theme 'connection and social capital', Consumer Representative Naveena Nekkalapudi said, "It's important Consumer Representatives have a seat at the table when decisions are being made that pertain to us because there is no for us, without us". Thank you to everyone who joined us either in person or virtually to discuss and share their knowledge. Pink Bun Parties are back! Will you help us support over 20,000 Australians who are diagnosed with breast cancer each year by hosting a Pink Bun Party between 9 - 29 May? Get around Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and host a Pink Bun party your way this May, all to support BCNA! All Pink Bun party hosts receive a FREE party pack, to help you pink up your party. This includes pink lady cut outs, posters, BCNA balloons, helpful information and a link to your own unique fundraising page. After registering your party, simply call or visit your local Bakers Delight bakery and place your Pink Fun Bun order, where 100 % of Fun Bun sales during the Pink Bun campaign go directly to BCNA! Hosting a Pink Bun Party is a great opportunity to come together with friends, family and colleagues to support all Australians affected by breast cancer. So get around BCNA this May and register your Pink Bun Party today. Register now via the link Pink Bun Parties Counterpart - Peer Support Volunteer Counterpart have recently had a group of new volunteers begin their training. These amazing women have all had a cancer diagnosis of their own. Soon they will be joining Counterpart's lovely team of Peer Support Volunteers who patients can talk to over the phone, in their Resource Centre, or at one of the hospitals they visit through their Bridge of Support program. Find out more about peer support and how your patients may benefit from speaking to a Peer Support Volunteer on our website. BCNA Forums/Webcasts Recording Now Available! - Murray Bridge (SA) Information Forum Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) held an information Forum in March 2024 for people diagnosed and living with breast cancer and their supporters in Murray Bridge, South Australia. The Information Forum covered topics including: Current and emerging treatments Managing emotional impacts Lymphoedema Watch all the videos here Tasmania Information Forum BCNA is coming to Tasmania as part of our free national Information Forum series. We are bringing leading experts to events in Devonport on Tuesday 30 April and Hobart on Thursday 2 May to talk on a range of breast cancer topics. Our events are for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer or who is living with or after a breast cancer diagnosis, as well as supporters. REGISTER FOR DEVONPORT HERE REGISTER FOR HOBART HERE If you can’t attend in person, you can join us online. When registering, select ‘Information Forum – Attending Virtually’. The virtual session will be delivered via Zoom, and you will receive the access link one day before the event. If you require any assistance, please contact events@bcna.org.au We look forward to seeing you in person or online! Books/Movies/TV Series/Documentaries VCCC Alliance held a webinar 'Women in Cancer' in conjunction with International Women's Day. A panel of inspiring women in cancer research and leadership share their stories on how they entered the field, as well as the motivations or experiences that have shaped their journey: Women in Cancer - Inspiring Inclusion | VCCC Alliance Centre for Cancer Education (vcccalliancelearn.org.au) The Mod Team - @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA @Daina-BCNA @Kate_BCNA @Denise_BCNA @Risha_BCNA @Georgie_BCNA If you wish to speak with the Helpline team regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEDT), alternatively you can email helpline@bcna.org.au "Strength doesn't come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn't" - Rikki RogersFriday Update 19th November 2021
Friday update 19th November 2021 Hello members, I Hope this update finds you well. Summer season is apparently arriving in a few weeks, although recent snow on the mountain tops in my local area tells a conflicting story. The Christmas season is also coming upon us as decorations and merchandise surround us; I will share with you more about some of BCNA’s gift ideas, however I also think it is a timely reminder that for some people Christmas can be difficult and you may like to checkout Cancer Council’s (Vic) Special Occasions and Celebrations resource for practical support and information. Community highlights New groups Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Breast Cancer- This is a private group which has been established to connect members who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and who are also impacted by breast cancer. We look forward to watching the group grow and connections develop. Head to https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/groups/ to look at all groups available. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Letting go of being superwoman! 2. Friday Funnies. 3. Tips for after surgery care 4. COVID booster shots (Honourable mention) Have you checked out Christmas Funnies ....... put them up here for a laugh! ? I noticed they have started rolling in for 2021 and provide a bit of a giggle credit @iserbrown Community News CARMAN’S FUN RUN 2022! Melbourne’s picturesque Elsternwick Park will turn pink Sunday 20 February 2022 when BCNA host the Carman’s Fun Run and see thousands of participants walk, run and raise funds to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). If you can’t get to Melbourne, there is a virtual event option, so you can participate from anywhere. Join our inclusive and supportive community who will help inspire you and your friends along your journey to a half-marathon, 10K or 5K. We can’t wait! This Christmas you can gift your friends and family entry to the Carman's Fun Run 2022. Read more and Register here during November to receive the early bird rate! Give the gift of getting together this Christmas. And why not register yourself while you're at it! We know that physical activity/exercise for those diagnosed with breast cancer is important, as well as the benefits of mental and emotional wellbeing from the chance to get together and get active with friends and family. Check out the My Journey article which talks more to this subject https://myjourney.org.au/article/2350 Countdown to Christmas – BCNA 2021 Christmas Catalogue You can shop the Breast Cancer Network Australia Christmas catalogue this festive season and make your gift give twice. From beautifully handcrafted Christmas baubles to decorate your tree, through to Christmas cards and a vast array of affordable gifts and stocking stuffers. All products are available to order online from BCNA and our supporting partners. We recommend you order by December 10, 2021 to ensure a pre-Xmas arrival. *All orders via the BCNA online store will receive a free gift tag and A3 sheet of Christmas wrap. (while stocks last) To view and shop the catalogue visit : https://online.flippingbook.com/view/651868575/ BCNA NEWS 14 Nov 2021 - Third COVID Vaccination for people with breast cancer Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and the Federal Government are urging women and men with breast cancer to discuss the third COVID vaccine dose with their GP or breast cancer specialist CLICK HERE to read full details (TV coverage on Seven News Instant-play on Streem) BCNA Policy & Advocacy COVID-19 Survey Report BCNA has been continuously in touch with both federal and state/territory governments throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to understand the impact on our health systems and to ensure people with breast cancer continue to receive optimal care. Social media members were invited to share if they had experienced impacts to their breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, or treatment via a survey. 30 responses with 24 individual stories were shared. Thematic analysis looked at the common themes and trends within the stories that were shared, here are six of those themes: - Lack of support / loneliness (eg. Unable to have a support person at appointments, causing feelings of vulnerability and fear) - COVID-19 anxiety (eg. Delaying appointments with doctor due to fears of the added risk of contracting COVID-19) - Delays (eg. Unable to have immediate breast reconstruction surgery and added to waitlist for elective surgery) - Mental health (eg. Extreme stress due to travelling for treatment across borders and experiencing long delays due to restrictions) - Tele-health (eg. Receiving news of test results from medical team via quick phone discussion, causing feelings of distress and depression) - Positive stories (eg. Feeling very well informed, understood and supported by medical team from the date of diagnosis) BCNA appreciates contributors to the survey, as these shared experiences can be a powerful way to contributing to and helping inform decisions that will lead to better outcomes. BCNA Member Support Team & Online Network Moderators - Introductions This week I am pleased to introduce you to Carissa from our Member Support Team: I started with BCNA in 2016 as part of the Member Support Team. This role sees me getting to speak to a variety of people on our Helpline, responding to emails, moderating the Online Network and overseeing the operations of our My Care Kit program. My most memorable moment at BCNA would be attending the 2018 Field of Women. I was lucky enough to stand on the ‘G’ with both family and friends and thousands of others. I was also part of the team on the day working outside the ground with an amazing team of volunteers. In my spare time I enjoy listening to a podcast while walking and during lockdown have got back into mindful colouring. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries I finally finished ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ by Trent Dalton. I say finally because it took a while to grab my attention and that could be due to the hype surrounding the book. It was a story you wanted to finish just to see what the ending was. I would love to hear if any of you have read it? Enjoy your weekend and in the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle “Every day of your life has been leading up to tomorrow. But of course every day of your life led up to today.” ― Trent Dalton, Boy Swallows Universe
