The Whole Person - the 'other' effects of breast cancer
When people hear "breast cancer", they often think of treatment plans and hospital visits. But the impact also shows up in the quieter, more personal corners of life that don’t get talked about as much. It’s the emotional exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. It’s the financial responsibilities of time off work, extra appointments, and unexpected bills. It’s the shift in identity, with pressure to keep up with your job, your family, and your own expectations. It’s the silence around intimacy, menopause, and how your body starts to change unexpectedly. If this resonates with you, you’re not the only one who feels this way—and our Online Network is here to help. Here are some more groups you may not yet have discovered, where you can connect to discuss the 'other' effects of cancer: 💬 Young Women – A place for younger women to talk about fertility, dating, parenting, identity, and everything in between. 💬 Let’s Talk About Vaginas – A real, respectful, and empowering place to talk about sexual health, intimacy, and body changes. In the meantime, please remember that our Helpline team (1800 500 258) are here for you whenever you need support and information.The Whole Person - the 'other' effects of breast cancer
When people hear "breast cancer", they often think of treatment plans and hospital visits. But the impact also shows up in the quieter, more personal corners of life that don’t get talked about as much. It’s the emotional exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. It’s the financial responsibilities of time off work, extra appointments, and unexpected bills. It’s the shift in identity, with pressure to keep up with your job, your family, and your own expectations. It’s the silence around intimacy, menopause, and how your body starts to change unexpectedly. If this resonates with you, you’re not the only one who feels this way—and our Online Network is here to help. Here are some groups you may not yet have discovered, where you can connect to discuss the 'other' effects of cancer: 💬 Work and Breast Cancer – For anyone juggling treatment, recovery, and career. Share tips, vent frustrations, and find support. 💬 Young Women – A place for younger women to talk about fertility, dating, parenting, identity, and everything in between. 💬 Let’s Talk About Vaginas – A real, respectful, and empowering place to talk about sexual health, intimacy, and body changes. In the meantime, please remember that our Helpline team (1800 500 258) are here for you whenever you need support and information.
HRT withdrawal after DCIS diagnosis
Hi there. Just this week had my DCIS diagnosis and am reeling - totally out the blue. All moving very fast so wanted to ask the community about HRT. I have been told to just stop it immediately. Im peri and been on it 18 months or so. Really concerned all my symptoms will just come back. Can anyone give any advice or perspective if they have had to do this and what has happened to them?
Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hi all — I’ve been reading a recent research- esp. from the US, including the book Estrogen Matters, which questions the idea that women with breast cancer should automatically avoid Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), and how it can help with longevity etc. I’m planning to speak with my doctor about it, but I’m curious — has anyone here looked into this or discussed HRT after breast cancer with their team? Would love to hear your experiences or any studies/resources you found helpful.
Radiotherapy (5 weeks)
If you haven't been through it yet and are worried, please don't. It sounds much worse than it is. The receptionists, nurses and radiographers are really lovely. It doesn't hurt. It doesn't take long. I was in and out within an hour or less. My boob was a bit itchy throughout the treatment and became redder as the treatment progressed. But it wasn't sore. I felt tired for about 30 minutes after the treatment. The first week after finishing radiotherapy, you could clearly see the area and a clear line where the radio was targeted, it was a bit bumpy but not blisters. From the beginning I put sorbelene on twice a day until my friend told me about Tallow cream, I alternated them at first but after a while just used tallow because I found the sorbelene made me more itchy. Second week after finishing; there where a few changes to my skin. It was the same as the after ejects of sun burn without feeling the burn. My skin turned a darker brown, then peeled back to a nice tan colour. I've had quite a few headaches since finishing radiotherapy but I get migraines anyway so it could just be normal for me. I wish you all the best throughout your journey with breast cancer. I hope I have helped to take some worry out of the whole experience. Think happy thoughts, love Becky
Docetaxel Side Effects FEC-D Long term side effects or menopause?
Hi all, its been several years since I posted on here. I'm hopeful someone can help. My apologies for my long post. I promise Im not a hypochondriac. I'm coming up to 7 years cancer free and should be living that life changing, "Im so greatful to be alive" kind of life. But I feel like cancer has added 20 years to my health. Anything that ailed me before treatment has amplified. My knees and ankles constantly ache. Its very hard to stand up from a seated position. I have neuropathy symptoms from the knees down. I randomly run out of breath. My hair feels noticeably thinner (it grew back white). My scalp constantly itches (no dandruff, just red) and I keep getting small lumps on my crown and the nape of my neck. I'm also getting re- occurring cysts in my arm pits, some have showed up in my breast during mammograms, but they come then go. Ive had chemo induced menopause for 6 years now. So much brain fog and vertigo. I now have osteoarthritis and to top it off, during my post chemo scans they found a lump in my skull towards the base of my neck which was deemed to intrusive to do a biopsy. At one stage I was told I would need yearly scans. I feel like its been put in the too hard basket. Ive been trying to get doctors to listen to my concerns for 2 years now. Ive also been trying to get a specialist to see me since June last year. I cant even get on their waiting lists. The team that looked after me during my cancer journey were absolutely marvellous. Now that Ive been 'signed off' help and understanding have been lacking. I'm on long waiting lists to have things looked at, living with the fear of re-occurrance is always at the back of my mind. Im going around circles with my GP but Im now too emotionally exhausted to make a change. I lived with anxiety and depression before cancer but now I feel it is overwhelming me. Ive tried counselling several times but I havent found them helpful. Dealing with this and lifes 'normal' challenges has really changed me. I have searched the internet for sites that deal with life after cancer. Trying to find out what side effects are common or potentially long lasting. How to treat them or how to deal with them. Are my symptons a result of treatment or is it a menopause thing? All the sites i find talk about treatment and short term side effects. Im hoping theres a site out there that might inspire me and give me back the drive to look after myself. Even a site for menopause after triple negative breast cancer would be very helpful(preferably an Australian site). Ive been told to avoid any hormonal treatment. Are there other options? If there is anyone living a similar outcome to me, what are you doing to help your self? How are you treating menopause after TNBC? Whats working for you? Thank you if you took the time to read my post, I know its a long one but i really appreciate it.
Acupuncture
Hi all, I've read a few of you mentioning acupuncture as a great natural approach to helping with menopausal symptoms and so I was wondering if people could share more with me? If anyone has recommendations for finding one that is trained to help that would be great too. I love Melbourne eastern suburbs if anyone has used one out here I'd love to hear about it
Newly diagnosed and Menopause
Hello everyone, My name is Kate, and I recently turned 48. Just a few weeks ago, my world shifted dramatically when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After discussing options with my doctor, I've decided to start chemotherapy soon. It’s all still a bit surreal, and I’m doing my best to stay positive and prepare for what’s ahead. One thing I wasn’t expecting, though, is how menopause has shown up almost overnight. Hot flushes at night are waking me up, making it tough to get any solid sleep, and of course, that affects how I feel during the day, too. The timing couldn’t be more challenging! I’m trying to manage these menopause symptoms as naturally as possible since I’m not sure what my body will tolerate during chemo. I started searching online for natural remedies, and there’s a lot of information out there – from herbs and supplements to lifestyle tips. But I’m nervous about adding anything new to my routine while preparing for chemo. Has anyone here faced a similar situation? Do you know if certain natural supplements for menopause might contradict chemotherapy? Any advice, experiences, or insights would be really appreciated. I’m looking for safe ways to manage these symptoms, so any guidance on this journey would mean a lot.
Confused & Overwhelmed
Hi everyone I'm brand new & so overwhelmed. My nurse has passed on theses details & I'm looking to share my story, offer my support & hope my new sisters can help & guide me please. I've got a small 11 x 8mm cancer. Grade 2, invasive ductal, ER 95%, PR 95%, Her negative & I'm booked for surgery 24 October. I've been told to have the Mirena removed & stop all HRT immediately. I'm 57, fit & in good health. I'm in menopause & have been on my HRT for a bit over 12months. I'm currently on Ovestin three x week & Sandrena & Androfeme daily as well as having the Mirena. From all I've read I'm really concerned about stopping the HRT as I feel that the risks I will expose myself will outweigh any benefit. I also wasn't sure about stopping "cold turkey". If anyone can offer any info about this type of cancer & has continued with their HRT etc I would be extremely grateful. Thanks.
