Wednesday Wellness - A Mindful Moment for You - 02Sept26
When you're navigating breast cancer, it's completely normal to sometimes feel overwhelmed, anxious or stressed at times. Between appointments, treatment and everyday life, it can be hard to find space to simply breath. Mindfulness is one way to help bring your attention back to the present moment. It doesn't have to be sitting in a meditation space in a particular pose! Instead, it's about noticing what's happening right now, with kindness and without judgement (even while making your cuppa). 💚 A simple mindfulness practice to try today: Take a slow breath in and a gentle breath out. Notice what you can see, hear, or feel around you. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath. Even a minute or two of mindful breathing can help create a sense of calm and grounding during a difficult day. 🌿 Remember, mindfulness is not about doing it perfectly. It's simply about giving yourself permission to pause and be present. If you'd like to learn more about managing stress and mindfulness, BCNA has some helpful information and resources available here: 👉 Managing stress (and mindfulness) 💬 Do you have a mindfulness practice or relaxation technique that helps you manage stress? We'd love to hear what's worked for you in the comments.🌱Wednesday Wellness - 01July26 - Writing it out.....📝
This Wednesday, we wanted to touch on a simple, accessible, and budget friendly self-care technique that many forget is 'write' at their fingertips... literally! ✍🏻 When you are living with breast cancer, emotions can feel layered, unexpected, and at times overwhelming. There can be moments of fear, sadness, gratitude, anger, hope, and everything in between, sometimes all in the same day. Finding a safe way to process these complicated feelings is important, and one way to do this is to write it out ✨ Journaling is not about perfect words or neat sentences. It is about giving yourself space to be honest. Putting thoughts onto paper can help untangle emotions that feel too big or too confusing to hold inside. Many people find that writing helps bring a sense of clarity, calm, and even relief. Writing can also create a sense of control when so much feels uncertain. It allows you to slow down and acknowledge what is happening internally, without judgement or pressure. Over time, it can become a way to track how you are feeling, notice patterns, and recognise your own strength and resilience. 💪💞 If you would like to try writing today, here are a few gentle prompts to support you: 📝 What feelings have been sitting with me lately? 📝 What has felt heavy, and what has felt lighter? 📝 What is something I wish others understood about how I am feeling? 📝 What has helped me cope, even in a small way? 📝 If I spoke to myself with kindness, what would I say? There is no right or wrong way to do this. You might write a few words, a paragraph, or simply jot down dot points. Every bit of expression matters. If it feels right for you, you are welcome to share a reflection or even just one word below. Your voice might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today. 🌸
🌏Take A Global Deep Breath on May 13th
On May 13th, take one big pause together In a world full of constant news, chaotic schedules, and fast-moving technology, we could all use a big, deep breath. Join Headspace for a free, live virtual event on May 13th at 12pm EDT that connects the mind, the body, and communities around the globe. Meditation teacher Dora Kamau will lead a free, guided breathing exercise. No app or login required — just bring your open mind. Please see link below. Link for additional information🎧 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 - 18Feb26 - Mindfulness🌱
Midweek can sometimes feel like a blur - meetings, messages, tasks, to‑dos and on top of that healthcare appointments, medications to remember and a family that still needs you. This Wednesday Wellness check in is intentionally kept very simple. Today, let’s just pause for a small but meaningful reset. Mindfulness isn’t about clearing your mind or achieving perfect calm. It’s simply the practice of noticing - your breath, your body, your surroundings, and your feelings - without judgment. It’s giving yourself permission to be here, just as you are, and a reminder that wherever you are right now is enough. And all you need is 1 minute of uninterrupted me-time. Even just a minute of presence oftens creates just enough space to feel grounded again (give it 5 or even 10 minutes if you can!). ✨ Try this 60‑second pause: Sit comfortably. Inhale slowly for a count of four. Exhale for a count of six. Let your shoulders soften. Notice one thing you can see, one thing you can hear, and one thing you can feel. As you move through the rest of your Wednesday and week ahead, carry this reminder: You don’t need big changes to feel better - sometimes all it takes is a mindful moment ✨ Wishing you all clarity, calm, and kindness as you move through this phase of your journey. ❤️✨ Wednesday Wellness - Education Edition
💡 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER This week’s check in is all about education – because learning is wellness for the mind. We’ve found some upcoming webinars that might spark your interest, inspire new ideas, or help you choose your next steps. Check them out and see what speaks to you! Breast Cancer Education Series Topic: Fertility and Early Menopause in Breast Cancer Patients 🗓️ Wednesday 17 September | 🕠 5:30–6:30pm (AEST) Globally, approximately 500,000 women under the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Most of these women are premenopausal.Join Dr Wanda Cui and Dr Felicity Martin as they discuss fertility considerations in young patients with breast cancer. 👉 Register here Panel Q&A Session Topic: Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment & What Researchers Are Doing About It 🗓️ Wednesday 24 September | 🕔 5:00–6:30pm (AEST) Join this free online Q&A event hosted by Breast Cancer Trials - Moderated by Author and Journalist, Annabel Crabb. A panel of leading researchers, clinicians and patient advocates will discuss the latest in clinical trials and emerging treatments that aim not only to improve survival, but also enhance quality of life during and after treatment. 👉 Register here Breast Cancer Grand Round Topic: Making Sense of Emerging Data in First-Line HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer 🗓️ Monday 6 October | 🕐 1:00–2:00pm (AEST) Dr Otto Metzger, Medical Oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and principal investigator for the PATINA trial, will explore the latest clinical evidence shaping the treatment landscape for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, and how to apply this to real-world clinical practice to optimise patient outcomes. 👉 Register here 🏃 CARMEN'S FUN RUN THIS WEEKEND - SYDNEY EDITION! After giving your mind a workout, why not give those legs a go too? In collaboration with Sole Motive and Carman’s Kitchen, we invite you to join us this weekend for the first Carmen's Fun Run in Sydney - Sunday 21 September 2025. Walk, jog or run 5km, 10km or 21.1km and make it count by raising funds to help Australians affected by breast cancer. Secure your spot now for an unforgettable, pink-filled day at Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont. Read more and register via the link Carman’s Fun Run 2025 - Sydney 💜💚💛 Let’s take a moment to pause and remember that wellness comes in many forms — like connection, compassion, and community. Whether you're navigating your own journey or supporting someone who is, know that you’re never alone. Together we continue to build a network of strength, hope, and resilience. Warmly, BCNA ModsR U OK? ❤️
Today is R U OK? Day – a reminder to pause, check in, and connect with those around us. It’s a simple message with a big impact. One of our favourite's is Smiling Mind – a free, evidence-based mindfulness app we love to use for meditation and relaxation . It’s great for: Daily mental check-ins Stress reduction Building emotional resilience Supporting conversations around mental health It’s backed by credible experts like Associate Professor Craig Hassed, a leading advocate for mindfulness and wellbeing, is the Coordinator of Mindfulness Programs at Monash University and has contributed to BCNA’s webcasts Managing stress and improving wellbeing with mindfulness and meditation - is an ambassador for Smiling Mind. 💛 One of the best things you can today is to tap into resources that support your mental health so you can show up at your best, whatever that means for you. Let’s make time for meaningful conversations – not just on R U OK? Day, but every day. Because asking “Are you OK?” might be small, but it can be life-changing. Visit R U OK?for helpful resources to support meaningful conversations.✨ Wednesday Wellness Check-In
It's time for a Wednesday Wellness check in... 👋 HI EVERYONE We’re halfway through the week, and with spring settling in, it’s a good time to pause and take stock. Whether you’re juggling appointments, managing fatigue, or just trying to get through the day, today’s check-in is all about honouring where you are. 💗 WELLBEING DAYS - VIC Counterpart is hosting two Wellbeing Days for women with cancer, in Traralgon on Oct 8 and Footscray on Oct 28. Any woman who has had a cancer diagnosis (recently or in the past) and their support person, friend or family member is invited to join this supportive space to engage in wellbeing activities and connect with others who share a similar journey. More information available here: https://counterpart.org.au/events/ 🧑🤝🧑 COMMUNITY = CONNECTION Have you checked out the community groups lately? Whether you’re newly diagnosed, navigating treatment, or supporting a loved one, your voice matters. Share a win, ask a question, or simply say hello. Let’s lift each other up and keep the conversation kind and open. 💬 QUICK SHARE Wellness doesn’t always look like green smoothies and morning jogs. What’s one thing that helped you feel great this week? A podcast, a walk, a chat with a friend? Drop it below—someone else might need that idea today. If you’re just joining us, we encourage you to explore the forums Get started here introduce yourself, or simply read along. And if you’ve been with us for a while, thank you for continuing to support others. Warmly, BCNA Mods✨Wednesday Wellness Check-In
It's time for a Wednesday Wellness check in... 🌸 WELCOME TO SPRING! It’s been a chilly winter, hasn’t it? The kind that makes you want to stay wrapped in a blanket with a warm cuppa. But with spring just around the corner, we’re starting to feel those little hints of warmth and light — and it’s giving us something to look forward to 🌸 Today, we’re checking in on wellness — whatever that looks like for you right now. Maybe it’s a moment of peace, a good laugh, a walk in the sun, or just getting through the day. Big or small, it all counts. 🏃 CARMEN'S FUN RUN Are you in Sydney and looking for some fun in the sun? Following its overwhelming success in Melbourne, Carman’s Fun Run is launching its inaugural Sydney event on Sunday 21 September 2025. In collaboration with Sole Motive and Carman’s Kitchen, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable, pink-filled day at Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont. Walk, jog or run 5km, 10km or 21.1km and make it count by raising funds to help Australians affected by breast cancer. Secure your spot now and help us turn the Harbour City PINK! Read more and register via the link Carman’s Fun Run 2025 - Sydney 💻 NETWORK ACCESS UPDATE We know there have been some glitches lately on this Online Network, and we just wanted to say a big thank you for hanging in there with us. We really appreciate your patience while we work through these technical issues — we know how important this space is for connection and support. Our team is on it and doing everything we can to get things back to normal as soon as possible. We’ll keep you posted with any updates, and in the meantime, if you’re having trouble or need a hand, please reach out — we’re here to help 💗 Thanks again for your understanding and kindness — it means so much to us and to this amazing community. If you’re just joining us, we encourage you to explore the forums Get started here introduce yourself, or simply read along. And if you’ve been with us for a while, thank you for continuing to support others. Warmly, BCNA ModsMy Journey - (new) article 'Managing Stress & Mindfulness'
Hi members, My Journey has a new article you may be interested to read and share (I admit I have a very keen interest and passion in the management of stress, particularly to empower people to develop their own toolkit of strategies). BCNA are looking at diving into this topic further next year so watch this space. https://myjourney.org.au/article/3518
