đ§ 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 Donât 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. đŹ 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 âme tooâ can make a powerful difference. đą 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. đ Listen to Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast here. đ¸ 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 đŞ Your experience may help someone else going through a challenging part of their journey. We are stronger, together.đąWednesday Wellness - 18Feb26 - Mindfulnessđą
Midweek can sometimes feel like a blur - meetings, messages, tasks, toâdos 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, letâs just pause for a small but meaningful reset. Mindfulness isnât about clearing your mind or achieving perfect calm. Itâs simply the practice of noticing - your breath, your body, your surroundings, and your feelings - without judgment. Itâs 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 60âsecond 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 donât 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. â¤ď¸â¨Wednesday Wellness Check-In
It's time for a Wednesday Wellness check in... đ¸ WELCOME TO SPRING! Itâs been a chilly winter, hasnât it? The kind that makes you want to stay wrapped in a blanket with a warm cuppa. But with spring just around the corner, weâre starting to feel those little hints of warmth and light â and itâs giving us something to look forward to đ¸ Today, weâre checking in on wellness â whatever that looks like for you right now. Maybe itâs a moment of peace, a good laugh, a walk in the sun, or just getting through the day. Big or small, it all counts. đ CARMEN'S FUN RUN Are you in Sydney and looking for some fun in the sun? Following its overwhelming success in Melbourne, Carmanâs Fun Run is launching its inaugural Sydney event on Sunday 21 September 2025. In collaboration with Sole Motive and Carmanâs 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 Carmanâs Fun Run 2025 - Sydney đť 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 â 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. Weâll keep you posted with any updates, and in the meantime, if youâre having trouble or need a hand, please reach out â weâre here to help đ Thanks again for your understanding and kindness â it means so much to us and to this amazing community. If youâre just joining us, we encourage you to explore the forums Get started here introduce yourself, or simply read along. And if youâve 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
Breast Reconstruction Awareness event - Tamworth
The Reclaim Your Curves team visited Tamworth this week to present a Breast Reconstruction Awareness event. With surgeons presenting information about various reconstructions methods, local women sharing their personal stories and organisations displaying information, it was an evening that has helped people feel informed and empowered. Thank you to our BCNA members of the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group - Louise, Anne and Annmaree - for their help and support to ensure the event was a success.
Cancer Council Webcast on "How do I deal with the 'stuff' people say?''
This was a webcast last week that i missed - on "How do I deal with the 'stuff' people say?" ..... I haven't watched it myself yet, but should be interesting!! To log in, you just need to sign in with your email address. https://login.redbackconferencing.com.au/landers/page/dadbe6Reclaim Your Curves - Central Coast Support Lunch 11 November 2018
Our final lunch for 2018 is based around the topic of "Well-being after breast cancer surgery" and we have some fabulous guest speakers including: Kate from Lymphatic Solutions - she is passionate about recovery after breast cancer Merryn from Soul Safaris - focusing on mindfulness and meditation to help emotional recovery When: Sunday, 11th November at 12 midday Where: The Bamboo Buddha cafĂŠ - 221 Wattle Tree Rd, Holgate Anyone is welcome to attend, including from other areas such as Sydney and Newcastle. It's essential to RSVP so we can save you a seat at the table. Please see the attached flyer for more detailed information. Look forward to seeing you there! Alison xxCentral Coast Support Lunch
Our first Central Coast Support Lunch for 2018 is coming up next month and we'd love to see you there. Tia Covi, from the CoastCanCare Wellness Program will be coming along to share the details of the 2018 FREE activity program which include Tai Chi, Art Therapy and Relaxation just to name a few. It's also a great chance to meet other women who have had similar experiences to you. DATE: Sunday, 11th February 2018 TIME: 12.30pm VENUE: Cheeky Charlies Cafe, Fountain Plaza - Erina. Please ensure you RSVP so we can book you a seat at the table - we look forward to seeing you.Central Coast Support Group
The Central Coast Support group enjoyed a lovely lunch together today in the beautiful setting of the Japanese Gardens. Carol was our guest speaker from Encore, a wonderful free 8 week program specifically designed for women who have undergone treatment for breast cancer. She also shared how important it is to include some time each day for yourself, no matter how small and simple that time may be. If I may quote her words for mindful living: "May I be kind to myself in this moment. May I accept this moment exactly as it is. May I accept myself exactly as I am at this moment. May I give myself all the compassion I need."
