Diet, exercise, lifestyle to decrease the risk of BC recurrence
I am hoping this will be a place where you will ALL share your tricks and plans, your hopes and goals for trying to be that little bit healthier each day. There is a lot of information available and it is daunting trying to sort through it. I am not only looking for guidelines and links but for your collective practical wisdom - for recipes, for places to source food, for what gets you out of bed and fed in the morning, for what makes you go to sleep at night, and alas the holy grail for what makes you hold it calmly together during the day, while juggling treatments and home and life. Nutritional Science here we come...seriously hoping we can put our heads together and support each other to be that little bit healthier each day.đHave you checked the compatibility of your breast cancer treatment and dietary supplements?
Wellness isnât just about exercise and healthy meals - itâs also about the little choices we make every day, like whether to take dietary supplements. Many of us use supplements to support our health, but did you know they can sometimes interact with other treatments? If youâre on hormonal therapy for breast cancer, itâs worth having a quick conversation with your healthcare team before adding new supplements, or checking in with your GP if you are currently taking any. This isnât about avoiding them altogether, itâs about making sure everything works together for your best health. Simple tips to keep in mind: â Check in with your healthcare team before starting something new. â Remember that ânaturalâ doesnât always mean risk-free. â Stay informed so your wellness plan supports your goals. Want to learn more? This article explains how supplements can interact with hormonal therapy: đ Supplement Interactions With Hormonal Therapy Your breast cancer journey will be unique, and awareness is an important part of your empowerment đ
Vagufem Low - anyone done trial of this who is Hormone Receptor +
Hi All Now five years free. Have heard of post cancer patients using Vagufem Low to help vaginal dryness and libido whilst on Tamoxifen . Anyone out there tried this especially if you are Hormone Receptive + Want to ask my surgeon for advise. Look forward to commentsđ Complimentary Scar & Oncology Massage Day - Daylesford
We wanted to share this opportunity in case it might be of interest to you đ A 1.5âday training workshop will be held in Daylesford, VIC on June 13 and 14 for qualified therapists completing advanced training in oncologyârelated scar work. As part of this workshop, the organisers are looking for around four volunteers who have a cancer diagnosis and surgical and/or radiation scars that are more than 10 weeks old. This includes scars from many years ago, as long as there are no signs of infection. đż Whatâs involved: There is no cost to take part, and no payment is provided Volunteers will be warmly welcomed and screened before treatment You will receive a supervised oneâhour oncology massage, including up to 20 minutes of scarâfocused work A specific arrival time will be given, along with transport and parking details If this sounds like something youâd like to explore, you can contact the organiser Kate Butler directly on 0418 335 759 to chat about suitability and receive more information. You can also find out more about Kate here: đ https://oncologymassageglobal.com.au/about/#kate Please note this opportunity is offered independently of BCNA. Participation is completely voluntary, and BCNA does not have oversight of, or responsibility for, the delivery or outcomes of the massage treatment. đđ±Wednesday Wellness - 01Apr26 - Simple Nourishing Snacks During Treatmentđ±
When youâre going through treatment, eating can feel like a challenge. Fatigue, nausea, taste changes or reduced appetite can make full meals difficult, and thatâs completely okay. What can help is keeping small, gentle, nourishing snacks on hand so you can eat when it feels right. Here are some easy, comforting snack ideas that offer steady energy and nutrition without feeling overwhelming. đ Soft and Simple Fruit Options Sliced banana with a drizzle of honey Stewed apples or pears with a sprinkle of cinnamon Berries or melon cubes for something refreshing đ„ Protein Rich Little Boosts Greek yoghurt with a spoon of jam or purĂ©ed fruit A small smoothie made with milk or a milk alternative, banana and oats Cottage cheese with soft fruits or crackers đ§ Easy Bites for Energy Cheese slices with wholegrain crackers Peanut butter on toast or rice cakes Avocado mashed on crackers with a pinch of salt đ„Ł Gentle, Warm Comfort Foods A small bowl of creamy soup Plain scrambled eggs Instant oatmeal with soft fruits đ„ When You Need Something Quick Handful of nuts or trail mix if tolerated Muesli bars with simple natural ingredients A boiled egg or chopped cucumber sticks for grab and go options đ A Gentle Reminder - Every day is different. Some days youâll feel like eating more and some days less, and thatâs completely okay. Celebrate the little wins, and let these moments of nourishment be a reminder that youâre supporting yourself in the ways that matter most. You've got this đȘ đLet us know how you go with these snack ideas in the comments!đ±Wednesday Wellness - 29Apr26 - Looking after your immune healthđ±
When youâre going through breast cancer treatment, looking after your immune health can feel like just another thing to think about. We wanted to share some gentle thoughts and practical tips that may help support you along the way đż Treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy can affect the immune system in different ways, and itâs very normal to find yourself feeling more fatigued, run down, or a bit more vulnerable to illness. Thereâs no one âright wayâ to support your body, but small, consistent steps can make a meaningful difference over time. đŒ Some practical ways to support your immune health: đ„ Nourish your body regularly Aim for a mix of protein, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats where you can Keep easy options on hand for low-energy days, like soups, yoghurt, eggs, smoothies or pre-cut fruit Eat small, frequent meals if your appetite is reduced đ§ Stay hydrated Sip water throughout the day rather than all at once Herbal teas, broths, and infused water can be helpful if plain water feels unappealing đŽ Prioritise rest and recovery Try to build in rest breaks, even on âbetterâ days Listen to your body rather than pushing through exhaustion Gentle routines can help with sleep, like winding down at the same time each evening đ¶ââïž Keep movement gentle and consistent Short walks, stretching, or light movement can support circulation and wellbeing Even a few minutes counts, especially on low-energy days đ§Œ Reduce your exposure to infections where possible Regular handwashing Avoiding close contact with people who are unwell Keeping up with recommended vaccinations (check with your care team) đ§ Support your emotional wellbeing Stress can impact how we feel physically, so small calming practices help This might be breathing exercises, journaling, music, meditation, or quiet time Staying connected in ways that feel comfortable is just as important đ Check before taking supplements Some vitamins or herbal products can interact with treatment Always have a quick chat with your medical team before starting anything new, or stopping anything current. đž And most importantly, be kind to yourself There will be ups and downs, and energy levels can change from day to day. Supporting your immune health isnât about being perfect, itâs about gently caring for yourself in whatever way is possible in that moment. đŹ If you feel comfortable, youâre very welcome to share what has helped you. Even small tips can make a big difference for someone else walking a similar path đ
