Jigsaw puzzles
I don't know why my physio didn't suggest it to me earlier but I have stumbled upon jigsaw puzzles for therapy. The repetitive movements of sorting pieces has done my lymphedema arm the world of good. Sitting around with not a lot of energy is boring and I put on movies to watch but I still like to be doing something to keep my mind and body active. Some knit or crochet, I do puzzles. :)
Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor
I had Triple Negative Breast Cancer diagnosed back in November 2012. Now after all the treatment and appointments, specialists and monitoring, I am still here and so far so good. I don't regularly came onto the BCNA Website now, however I was a prominent visitor for the year of 2013, for those who recognize my photo. After all the successful ops, chemo and rads, we moved to Sydney and been here for 2 years. I had taken a year off during my Cancer and it was necessary. The return to work was difficult and I went back part time. My brain was like mush originally and my work place tolerated me with kindness. I returned as a Pharmacy Assistant, and stepped into a very busy work place here in Sydney, but still working only 4 days a week. They have given me zero responsibility and menial tasks. I was upfront the week before my 6 months probation finished, about having had Cancer. I was called in for the Familial Genetic blood test, and discovered there was no connection. They just put it down to "Environmental". I have learnt that people who have not had Cancer don't understand what it is and have short concentration spans if you try to involve them. The ongoing health situation, or physical ailments you may get are also something people have no idea of and little tolerance for. I am healthy and learning to play Golf in a Clinic - and enjoying the challenge. My right arm is not over the moon about it, (underarm and elbow, with slight discomfort), but I simply just go through each day now as though Cancer never happened. Although it is always at the back of my mind. It is the yearly monitoring and weekly checks that keep me real. Survivor Belinda McKenna🌸 Friday Update – 20 Feb 26
Hello everyone and welcome to Friday! I'm filling in for the Online Network content today, so I thought we’d wind things back to one of my classic Friday Updates - a gentle wrap‑up of what’s been happening across our BCNA community. 🏃♀️ Carman’s Fun Run – What a Day! Last Sunday’s Carman’s Fun Run was an incredible celebration of strength, spirit and community. Despite the rain, more than 8,000 participants came together in a wave of pink and helped raise over $315,000 for Australians affected by breast cancer. A huge congratulations to all participants, and a massive thank you to our amazing volunteers, fundraisers and partners who made it all possible 🙌 🏔️ Cheering on Kristal Kinsela – Trek4BCNA We also want to highlight Kristal Kinsela, one of BCNA’s ambassadors, who is currently undertaking Trek4BCNA: Kilimanjaro 2026challenge. Kristal’s commitment to raising awareness and funds for BCNA continues to inspire many across our community. 🌿 What’s new around BCNA and here in the Online Network Recent posts in our News and events section continue to provide support, connection and valuable information - including: Wednesday Wellness - 18Feb26 - Mindfulness Consumer voice strengthens health education Current Research Exploring the Role of AI in Breast Cancer | BCNA Online Network Lymphoedema Information & Events | BCNA Online Network BCNA's Breast self check | Know Yourself. Feel Yourself. content remains active, helping to promote early detection and greater awareness across our social channels 💗 Signing‑off It’s been great to connect with you all, and I hope you continue to find the support and conversations here helpful. A quick reminder that the BCNA Helpline team is available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm (AEDT) if you need information, support or guidance toward appropriate services.
The gift that keeps giving 😞
http://liz.oriordan.co.uk/CancerBlog/moving-on/?post=one-door-closes I just received this blog post in my email What Liz has to say is all so true and so devastating. I've been navigating loss of job & identity since before my BC diagnosis nearly 4 years ago, but bc continued to take. I developed lymphoedema very soon after surgery, going into my first sleeve at the 6 week mark. At the time I was working in a clinical nursing capacity. I continued in that job for around 6 months, during which time my very supportive workplace tried to find as much non clinical work for me as possible. In the end, as I was only working 2 days a week, but needed more days financially, I decided to look for alternatives. I was very lucky in the last 2 & 1/2 years to have found 2 non clinical nursing roles, that I've thoroughly enjoyed. Like Liz, if I'd been working in the cancer sphere, I don't think that I could have coped with that emotionally. Just shows how cancer doesnt discriminate. I'll be thinking of Liz, & wishing her all the best as she moves in to this next phase
Possible drug therapy for lymphoedema
Hi, Thought I'd share some exciting research I came across this week about a possible drug treatment for lymphoedema: Research It's such a frustrating condition for many of us and yet it is still so misunderstood. Hopefully this type of research will give us another treatment option to pursue. Have a great weekend everyone xxMarch 6th was Lymphoedema Awareness Day ❤️
Living with lymphoedema after breast cancer can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. It’s okay to feel upset or overwhelmed by the experience of a chronic condition. Whether it’s impacting your body image or your relationships, your feelings are valid. The good news? As you learn to manage the physical symptoms, the emotional weight often lifts too. Steps to support living with lymphoedema: ✨ Talk to your team: Reach out to your breast care nurse, GP, or therapist. ✨ Access help: Ask your GP about a Mental Health Treatment Plan and/or a Chronic Condition Management Plan for Medicare-subsidised support. ✨Connect: Sharing experiences with others who "get it" can make all the difference. Our incredible Online Network is here for you, please reach out whenever you need to chat. For more information and support call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 between Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm.Lymphoedema Information & Events
Lymphoedema can develop after breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy treatment. If lymph nodes are removed – usually from the armpit – fluid can build up and cause swelling known as ‘lymphoedema’. Find out what causes it, ways to reduce your risk of lymphoedema, and what to do if you develop lymphoedema. Signs and symptoms of lymphoedema Reduce your risk of lymphoedema Lymphoedema treatment Compression garments for lymphoedema Coping with lymphoedema Watch Ask the Expert 'Living well with lymphoedema' - with Maree O’Connor
Bra and prosthesis fitter
Just to let Vic ladies know that I had a great experience with a bra and prosthesis fitter in Melbourne. I had meet her previously at a Think Pink Centre Day of Indulgence ( book yourself in if you haven't already !) and asked her if she could come (across town) to fit my elderly mum.......... which she did without hesitation. She also handles the paperwork for the new prosthesis which was less paperwork for me :). I told her I would plug her service here. Her name is Genevieve . Here's her details : http://breastcarevictoria.com.au/🌿 Share Your Story for Lymphoedema Awareness Week – March 2–8 🌿
We’re looking for people in our Online Network community who have been diagnosed and are living with lymphoedema to share lived experience stories as part of Lymphoedema Awareness Week March 2 – 8. Your experience can help others feel understood and raise awareness of the reality of living with lymphoedema. Looking for people open to sharing their photo and experience on; 💡 What do you want people to know about living with lymphoedema? 💡 What advice would you give to someone who’s just been diagnosed? You story is so important and has a powerful impact. Thank you for considering being part of this important awareness week. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please send Christina_BCNA a private message or comment ‘learn more’ belowSydney Lymphoedema Public Information Day
Hi All Lymphoedema Association Australia is an organisation of volunteers aiming to support anyone living with lymphoedema. On 26/7/25 we are holding an information day in Sydney. Details below. For full disclosure, I am the current board President https://www.lymphaustralia.org.au/eventdetails/29672/laa-sydney-public-information-day-nsw
