❤️Suzy's Story: Navigating Breast Cancer and Autism
Today, we’re sharing a deeply personal story from one of our own Online Network members, highlighting the intersection of breast cancer and autism, and the unique challenges and strengths that can come with that experience. Suzy was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2023, and describes the challenge of wanting connection, while also finding social interactions overwhelming - a difficult balance that many can relate to in different ways. Her story reminds us that there is no single “right” way to respond to diagnosis, only what feels right for you. 💪 👉 Read Suzy’s full story here: Living with autism and breast cancer: Suzy’s story 🤝 The Power of Our Online Network Suzy’s story is a powerful reminder of why this community exists. A place where you can: Connect on your own terms Share honestly and safely Feel understood without explanation Find support from people who truly “get it” 💛 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going We are so grateful to Suzy for sharing her experience - and for reminding us that our Online Network is not just a platform, but a community built by each of you. We’d love to hear from you: What helps you cope in your own way? How do you manage connection and overwhelm? What has your experience been like with treatment side effects? Your voice matters here. 💬🎧 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 - 18Mar26 - Living beyond limits of breast cancer🌱
Hi everyone. This Wednesday Wellness, we felt inspired to honour the strength it takes to live beyond the limits that cancer can place on people. Cancer changes routines, energy, emotions, and plans, but it never gets the final say in who someone is. Every day, people facing cancer show extraordinary courage in the quietest ways: getting out of bed, asking for help, attending appointments, smiling through fear, or simply choosing hope when life feels heavy. These moments matter. They are victories! 💪 Beyond the limits of cancer is a space filled with: ✨ Resilience - the ability to rise again, even when strength feels hard ✨ Community - the comfort of knowing you don’t walk this path alone ✨ Joy - found in small moments that illness cannot touch ✨ Possibility - the reminder that life is still here, still meaningful, still yours Whether you’re in treatment, living with breast cancer, supporting someone you love or honouring another's journey, take a breath today and remind yourself: You are more than this moment. You are more than a diagnosis. 💪 Kristal - Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Earlier this week you will have seen our post about Kristal, breast cancer survivor who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as a personal goal and fundraiser for BCNA earlier this month. You are an inspiration Kristal! Read more here 💪 Dragons Abreast - If you're feeling adventurous! Dragons Abreast Australia brings breast cancer survivors together through dragon boating, helping them regain physical strength, confidence, and wellbeing after treatment. Their inclusive teams welcome people of all fitness levels and backgrounds, creating a supportive space to reconnect with their bodies and rebuild hope. With more than 30 groups nationwide, members find friendship, encouragement, and a sense of belonging as they paddle side by side. Through their visibility and community presence, Dragons Abreast also helps raise awareness about breast cancer and the power of active recovery. Each boat on the water is a symbol of resilience and a reminder that healing is stronger when shared. Get in touch with Dragons Abreast here. Whilst climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or dragonboating might not be what you had in mind, ask yourself, what small actions you can take this week to live beyond the limits of breast cancer ❤️ Let everyone know your tips in the comments!🏔️ 6 People, 5,895 metres, and one incredible cause
We’re 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. 🌍✨Initiated 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 “trekking” doesn't quite cover what this group faced. 💪The 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. 👣❤️ ‘Trips like these are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. They build character and test you in ways that go far beyond the physical – 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.’ - Kristal If you'd like, you can donate to Kristal & team's fundraising page at: 🔗 https://bcna.grassrootz.com/bcna-kilimanjaro-2026March 8th - International Women's Day 🌟
BCNA was founded by women affected by breast cancer who believed there had to be a better way. 💗 A better way to communicate. A better way to deliver care. A better way to show kindness, dignity and humanity. That belief still drives our work today. This International Women’s Day, we celebrated the power of collective action. The UN Women Australia 2026 theme is “Balance the Scales”. When women come together to challenge the systems that shape their futures, real change happens. ‘For BCNA, “Balance the scales” means helping women navigate a breast cancer healthcare system that was not designed for them. We also change that system by working with health professionals and government, making sure we are at the table every time a decision is made about breast cancer,’ says Kirsten Pilatti, CEO of BCNA. At BCNA, women with lived experience lead change. Through advocacy, community and shared voices, we are reshaping systems so everyone affected by breast cancer can access the care, treatment and support they deserve. 💗 And finally, a little shout‑out to the amazing women right here in our online community. You’re the heart of this space - showing up for each other with honesty, humour, courage, and compassion. Whether you’re sharing your story, offering a tip that helped you through a tough moment, or simply reminding someone that they’re not alone, you make this community what it is. Here's to you! 🥂
Creative Corner!
CREATIVE CORNER: Because art is good for you Inspire and be inspired Creative Corner group is gone but that doesn't mean we should mute that creativity! Time to get inspired by each other. This thread is just for fun and expression, be it craft or drawing or photography, from a snap of your colouring-in to your take on a Degas painting, a wild exploration of your soul or just a stick figure you drew on the bus, you can share it here. Your work as well as your tips, tricks, tutorials, tasks, fun little DIY's, and anything that fuels your creative side are all welcome! Bookmark this thread (click the little star at the top right) to find it easily.📣 20,950 Australians.
After 27 years of BCNA advocacy, we've reached a milestone moment: For the first time, Australia has a national figure for people living with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). That number is 20,950 Australians. These are people with unique, long-term needs who, until now, have been invisible in our health data and largely overlooked in health system planning. On 27 November, we officially announced this landmark data alongside our report; 👉 From invisibility to influence: progress on MBC data reforms in Australia. Together, we can ensure this data translates into meaningful change. People with MBC deserve a health system that sees them, plans for them, and supports them to live longer and live well. This data gives us the foundation to make that happen - but only if we maintain the momentum. What can you do? Sign BCNA's pledge calling for investment in ongoing MBC data collection in all states and territories. 👉 Sign the pledge today 📞 For further support or questions about this announcement, call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 Monday-Friday 9am-5pm AEDT🌸 What a Day! Carman’s Fun Run Sydney 🌸
It was incredible to see Metcalfe Park into a sea of pink for Carman’s Fun Run. There were 3000 runners and walkers that laced up, participated and stayed to enjoy the event village under the sunny skies of Sydney. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who: 🏃♀️ Ran or walked alongside us 🎉 Cheered from the sidelines 🤝 Partnered with us to make it all happen 💌 Supported from afar We hope you’re enjoying a well-earned break this week — and don’t forget to polish those medals! 🏅
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. I’m now on Anastrozole. I feel I got off lightly and just thought I’d get back to my normal life. That wasn’t so easy. I’m gradually returning to full-time work, exercise and trying to return to my once active single social life. I’m 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 is… 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
Lego! Feel like a kid again
Well, I’m 5 months in to my BC journey & am going to be off for at least another 5-6 more months (2 surgeries & 2 x rounds of AC chemo down, 14 rounds of chemo left, then radiation, then hormone therapy). I kept stocking up my spotlight online cart, but then I thought with my track record of not completing much craft, I turned my idea to Lego. I bought the kit of ‘The Office’ & I think this is something I’ll actually finish! The kids are sad because I told them they could only play with it if they were in character 😂 I’ve let them build the characters & help pass me pieces, but the structure is all mine. I’ve done Michael & Pam’s work areas. I’m trying to pace myself though. We’ve got to treat ourselves right, this is a crap thing to live through. Any other Lego kits anyone has completed or can recommend?
