Election called
Hi everyone - it has been a while since I have posted myself but as always I love the many messages you share with each other that I have a chance to read. Last week Vicki (our Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services) and I were in Canberra meeting with both the Minister for Health and Shadow Minister to take them through our policy priorities. I hope you have had a chance to read them: https://www.bcna.org.au/latest-news/bcna-news/bcna-policy-priorities-2025/ These are driven by your experiences and where our Network wants the Australian Government to invest. Keep any eye out on our social media and through the Online Network on updates on commitments the parties may make. Love your work KP
Free BCNA Information Forum in Murray Bridge, SA
We are heading to Murray Bridge, South Australia as part of our national Information Forum series. We are bringing leading experts to the local community to provide insights on a range of breast cancer topics. We extend an invitation to anyone located in or around Murray Bridge to join us on Wednesday 6 March for this fantastic day full of information and getting to connect with others in the area! This event will be both in-person and online. The Information Forum is for anyone who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, who may be living with or after a breast cancer diagnosis and supporters. Register here! We are excited to announce a leading cancer psychologist from South Australia will be joining us. With more presenters to be announced soon! Dr Charlotte Tottman, Clinical Psychologist Dr Tottman specialises in the treatment of cancer-related distress. Charlotte consults privately treating cancer patients and their family members and carers. Charlotte has her own cancer story. Several years after establishing her private practice in psycho oncology, she herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. If you are unable to attend in person, you can still join us online! When registering, select ‘Information Forum – Attending Virtually’. The online session will be delivered via Zoom, and you will receive the access link one day before the event. There will be two simultaneous information sessions throughout the day – one for people with early breast cancer and one for people with metastatic breast cancer. Please register for the session you would like to attend. Event details: Date: Wednesday 6 March Time: 9.00am for 9.30am start – 3.00pm Refreshments will be served on arrival from 9.00am and a light lunch will be provided. Location: Bridgeport Hotel, 2 Bridge St, Murray Bridge Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/bcna-murray-bridge-information-forum-2024-registration-779739320297 RSVP: Please RSVP by Wednesday February 28 If you have any questions, please email events@bcna.org.au or comment below.BCNA Information Forum - recordings available soon
Hi everyone, We are holding an Information Forum in Mission Beach on Tuesday 24 October, 9.00am - 3.00pm. This will be our last in-person Information Forum for 2023. The forum will also take place online, with sessions occurring in our main presentation room being shared live on Zoom. During the event, you will hear from - Those with a lived experience of breast cancer Medical Oncologist, Dr Michelle White Clinical Psychologist, Chloe Oliver Sexual Health Physician, Dr Tonia Mezzini Exercise Physiologist, Jody Spicer Physiotherapist, Maebh Coleman Deirdre Maunsell, Breast Care Nurse We will cover current and emerging treatments, sexual health, strategies to enhance physical and emotional wellbeing and share local services and support. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet others in the local Mission Beach community. You can register to attend either in-person or online by clicking here. The presentations will be made available to view on-demand following the Information Forum but we would love to see you on the day, whether that be in-person or via Zoom. Please feel free to share the registration link with friends and family. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to post them below. Many thanks, @Carissa_BCNA
Ballarat Information Forum and Breakfast
Hello everyone, BCNA will be in Ballarat on Thursday 26 May to host a breakfast for people living with metastatic breast cancer and an Information Forum for people with early breast cancer. If you're local to the surrounding area, we would love to see you there! Please click here to access further information and register for the forum. Thank you, Isabella
Dealing with unhelpful comments
Hello everyone I’m just reaching out to see if anyone has some wise words on how to deal with the less supportive people in your life. After a great day yesterday with amazing friends my in-laws decided to pay a visit. They come with their own issues and challenges which the family have grown to deal with in their own way (positive and negative). But today my father in law abruptly asked in front of the group (namely my husband and 7 year old daughter) “so what’s your prognosis?”. I’m not sure what I was expected to say. I’ve been diagnosed with metastatic IBC but have been responding really well to my therapy so far and we’re seeing results which we were happily chatting about. My daughter was upset by this discussion. Quite upset I just went up to bed claiming fatigue but cried for the rest of the visit. My husband who has been on the brunt of this for most of his life was very supportive thank god. I know everyone deals with things differently and we don’t always say the wrong things but this completely flawed me and put me back a few steps emotionally. Thanks for listening xo
