Welcome New Members - 2nd February 2023
A very warm welcome to our newest members: @Steff777 @Crighton9 @Joanne66 @Violet2023 @Ballerina33 @HelzaC @KimN @SarHB @monrose68 @KMH @Chicca You have found your way to Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA’s) Online Network. This is a forum where you are not alone and can engage with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with to other members. Please explore our various Groups for members who are looking for greater peer-to-peer support. The following links may also be helpful in getting you started: If you would like to introduce yourself please read How do I post a new Discussion? How do I send a private message? Navigating the online community Community Guidelines My Journey Online Tool Listen to BCNA's Upfront About Breast Cancer Just Diagnosed - What's Next? and What I Wish I Knew podcasts When is your birthday? Head to this discussion thread if you would like to share your birthday (no need to include the year unless you want to). We love an online celebration and on the day you will receive a virtual birthday cake that we can all share! Our long-time members (newbies too!) are a wealth of information regarding the useful discussion topics and information available through BCNA’s Online Network, therefore please do not hesitate to post your questions. You have the option to add details about yourself to your ‘profile’ and if you would like more targeted member responses, you may like to add where you live ( eg. Sydney, Melbourne, regional Victoria etc.). If you need help navigating the Online Network please message myself @Mez_BCNA or one of our other moderators @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Kate_BCNA Please note: The online network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends, however if you need something actioned the quickest way to resolve your query is to contact the Helpline Team via email contact@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm AEDT.31Views1like0CommentsWelcome New Members - 20th January 2023
A very warm welcome to our newest members: @Weightnc @ElizaR @JessieJ @Lynn_M @TNBCMUM @Rtroutbeck @Kathryn2412 @Banshee82 @james76 @Hubby2021 @Maree72 @Janine_M_51 @Mitzi0101 @DaisyJ @Meera @natmadz26 @ChristiMari0707 @Hogo @L_y_n_d_a @ly13665093873 @tsmack9 @LEP570 @Hlou @smlsml @ElizabethC @Hillaryhere @Mayaoh @mellymell @Margot001 @Melsac @GabGG @Ally500 @Viv_1979 @CarlyJR @evelee @Geetha @NxD @Stone90 @NJJESSINOZ @Ririi89 You have found your way to Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA’s) Online Network. This is a forum where you are not alone and can engage with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with to other members. Please explore our various Groups for members who are looking for greater peer-to-peer support. The following links may also be helpful in getting you started: If you would like to introduce yourself please read How do I post a new Discussion? How do I send a private message? Navigating the online community Community Guidelines My Journey Online Tool Listen to BCNA's Upfront About Breast Cancer Just Diagnosed - What's Next? and What I Wish I Knew podcasts When is your birthday? Head to this discussion thread if you would like to share your birthday (no need to include the year unless you want to). We love an online celebration and on the day you will receive a virtual birthday cake that we can all share! Our long-time members (newbies too!) are a wealth of information regarding the useful discussion topics and information available through BCNA’s Online Network, therefore please do not hesitate to post your questions. You have the option to add details about yourself to your ‘profile’ and if you would like more targeted member responses, you may like to add where you live ( eg. Sydney, Melbourne, regional Victoria etc.). If you need help navigating the Online Network please message myself @Mez_BCNA or one of our other moderators @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Kate_BCNA Please note: The online network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends, however if you need something actioned the quickest way to resolve your query is to contact the Helpline Team via email contact@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm AEDT.41Views1like0CommentsFriday Update - 2nd December 2022
Friday update 2nd December 2022 Hello members, Welcome to December! I look forward to sharing some of the activity at BCNA and also important news about some upcoming changes to the online network. Given we are heading into the holiday season very soon, it is a good idea to remind everyone that this time of year can be difficult for many people. Our Helpline will be closed for a short period (23 December to 3 January 2022), however the unique part of the online network is that it keeps ticking over no matter the time of the year. I encourage you to seek support for yourself and connect with others over the closure period. Moderators will be on a reduced roster over the closure period, though they will still monitor the discussions/activity. Community highlights November Online Network activity In November the online network had 14,096 visits to the community; 72 new discussions and 362 new comments. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have been most active in November: 1. Newly diagnosed 2. Airport X-ray machines and a prosthesis 3. Hair loss 4. When can I start eating salads, soft cheese and the like? 5. Update on Doxorubicin/Caelyx Posts by ‘Category’ Name’ November 2022 Community News Online network – exciting changes Launched in 2010, BCNA's online network is an online peer to peer support community, providing people affected by breast cancer with a safe space to connect with others, share stories or ask for advice. Twelve years later BCNA’s Online Network is getting a much-needed new look, making it modern, inviting and user-friendly. On the 15th of December 2022 when you login you will notice an updated template to the online network. The platform provider remains the same, therefore the key functions you are familiar with remain. We will have new category icons for quick access to breast cancer topics and discussions; BCNA announcements and peer-to-peer discussions will be separated; and the search function will have a much-improved upgrade (These are just some of the new features). I have shared some screenshots below of the staging (draft) site to give you an idea of what to expect. Keep in mind we are still refining some aspects, including the category icons. SCREENSHOT 1 - HOMEPAGE BANNER AND CATEGORIES CAROSEL SCREENSHOT 2 - HOMEPAGE DISUCCSION LAYOUT AND HELPLINE INFORMATION SCREENSHOT 3 - SEARCH FUNCTION There will be a transition period where the ‘Navigating the online community’ information has to be updated; however, this has to wait until the new upgrade goes live. If you need any assistance, you can always message the moderators or contact the Helpline 1800 500 258. Thankyou for all the feedback you have provided since I took on the online network management role in August 2021. Several of the key updates are a direct result of the feedback by our valued members. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the new look when it goes live! Issue 93, December 2022 – The Beacon The final edition for 2022 has been emailed to your inbox and can be found via the link https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/the-beacon-magazine/issue-93-december-2022/ There are so many great articles this month: · Genetics and the risk of breast cancer · Breast cancer inspired lifestyle changes · Regional breast care nurse in regional Australia · Issues paper: Making metastatic breast cancer count · Transitioning back to work after breast cancer · A young mum’s breast cancer experience In the September edition we had over 8,000 views which is a wonderful result and we hope December is just as strong. Rockhampton Information Forum – watch on demand BCNA hosted an Information Forum in Rockhampton for people living with breast cancer and their supporters. The Information Forum covered a range of topics including the latest in breast cancer treatment, managing your emotional wellbeing after a breast cancer diagnosis, and how you can live well during treatment and beyond. You can now watch the on-demand videos of each presentation please click here. My personal favourite part of the forum recordings is the ‘Lived experience panel’ you can view below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-hJ5Z-tCJ8&list=PLpvVCfUeAqMBD-xVnHuRqaVk0GF3AizLn&index=1 12 Gifts of Christmas If you are looking for gifts this Christmas and also would like to support people affected by breast cancer, head to BCNA’s 12 Gifts of Christmas website page where you will find wonderful organisations involved in the campaign. My Journey - COVID-19 Information If you or someone you know has breast cancer it's important you continue to reduce your risk of getting COVID-19. Some states and territories are entering a new wave of COVID-19. Choose to stay safe by wearing a mask in indoor settings, getting together with others in well ventilated spaces and staying up to date with vaccinations. Check your state or territory’s Department of Health website for more information on how to stay safe. BCNA has continued to update a suite of content about COVID-19 and breast cancer on MyJourney - see link: https://myjourney.org.au/article/3154 Breast cancer protein helps identify ways to target cells resistant to chemotherapy Interesting article highlighted by the Policy & Advocacy team in relation to new ways to target cells that resist chemotherapy. CLICK HERE to read full article at the Newcastle Herald. Webcasts/Podcasts Did you miss the webcast: Food and Movement When Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer? Although those who are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer don’t require a specific diet, a healthy, nutritionally balanced diet and regular exercise can help maintain a sense of physical and mental wellbeing and can improve your quality of life. You will hear from exercise physiologist Dr Eva Zopf, dietitian Erynn Sotirelis, BCNA member Laura Yammouni and BCNA Consumer Representative Lisa Tobin. Watch on-demand via the link: https://kapara.rdbk.com.au/landers/f0bdf1.html Books / TV Shows / Movies/ Documentaries A little gem of a documentary series on Netflix right now is Season 2 of Down to Earth with Zac Efron. Where he takes his exploration of healthy, sustainable ways to live to Australia I admit I can sometimes be sceptical of actor types embarking on these projects, however I was pleasantly surprised. Take care and if you have feedback or any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au Take care, The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, & Pat “We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love… and then return home”. – Australian Aboriginal Proverb141Views4likes2CommentsWelcome New Members - 17th November 2022
A very warm welcome to our newest members: @ChantelleT @Jelly_711 @Greetagirl @Beebee89 @Sammygirl @Saya @Arn_007 @Caroled @Maggie62 @BrookeS @Ella1611 @JulesAlive @KirstenL @Kcanfight @Ruth_2022 @neydb @Springo1 @DeHallam @ntran You have found your way to Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA’s) Online Network. This is a forum where you are not alone and can engage with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with to other members. Please explore our various Groups for members who are looking for greater peer-to-peer support. The following links may also be helpful in getting you started: If you would like to introduce yourself please read How do I post a new Discussion? How do I send a private message? Navigating the online community Community Guidelines My Journey Online Tool Listen to BCNA's Upfront About Breast Cancer Just Diagnosed - What's Next? and What I Wish I Knew podcasts Our long-time members (newbies too!) are a wealth of information regarding the useful discussion topics and information available through BCNA’s Online Network, therefore please do not hesitate to post your questions. You have the option to add details about yourself to your ‘profile’ and if you would like more targeted member responses, you may like to add where you live ( eg. Sydney, Melbourne, regional Victoria etc.). If you need help navigating the Online Network please message myself @Mez_BCNA or one of our other moderators @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Kate_BCNA . Please note: The online network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on Sundays, however if you need something actioned the quickest way to resolve your query is to contact the Member Support Team via email contact@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm AEST.71Views0likes0CommentsWelcome New Members - 5th October 2022
A very warm welcome to our newest members: @KathyG1971 @Haitch @happywombat @Atlantic @Liana_Fas @Capricorn68 @Jodez @TraceK @rickiticate @TJ254 @Seok @LouiseW @Mary73 @jess_b @Jenn_Sim1 @Stacey_ @Kelgore @MrsPicks @laurie123 @Dazzle @IWMarie @idrathernot @Spring @Nashp @Tomobun @Jen_B @sixofnine @Selkie @Bluew @fraggle009 @Naomi7_ @MBK @Ella08 You have found your way to Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA’s) Online Network. This is a forum where you are not alone and can engage with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with to other members. Please explore our various Groups for members who are looking for greater peer-to-peer support. The following links may also be helpful in getting you started: If you would like to introduce yourself please read How do I post a new Discussion? How do I send a private message? Navigating the online community Community Guidelines My Journey Online Tool Listen to BCNA's Upfront About Breast Cancer Just Diagnosed - What's Next? and What I Wish I Knew podcasts Our long-time members (newbies too!) are a wealth of information regarding the useful discussion topics and information available through BCNA’s Online Network, therefore please do not hesitate to post your questions. You have the option to add details about yourself to your ‘profile’ and if you would like more targeted member responses, you may like to add where you live ( eg. Sydney, Melbourne, regional Victoria etc). If you need help navigating the Online Network please message myself @Mez_BCNA or one of our other moderators @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Kate_BCNA . Please note: The online network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on Sundays, however if you need something actioned the quickest way to resolve your query is to contact the Member Support Team via email contact@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm AEST.211Views0likes5CommentsWelcome New Members - 16th September 2022
A very warm welcome to our newest members of the past week: @Trooper @Ivyjewel @Frankie73 @FarmGirl @AmandaJane @Esther1972 @Jodster456 @DeeG @Dulilli @Penny @Cheryln38 @Tory @mummalum @Seagull @AJL26 @Jayz123 @Ruthie70 @Njs @Jojosie @Clare83 You have found your way to Breast Cancer Network Australia’s (BCNA’s) Online Network. This is a forum where you are not alone and can engage with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with to other members. Please explore our various Groups for members who are looking for greater peer-to-peer support. The following links may also be helpful in getting you started: If you would like to introduce yourself please read How do I post a new Discussion? How do I send a private message? Navigating the online community Community Guidelines My Journey Online Tool Listen to BCNA's Upfront About Breast Cancer Just Diagnosed - What's Next? and What I Wish I Knew podcasts Our long-time members (newbies too!) are a wealth of information regarding the useful discussion topics and information available through BCNA’s Online Network, therefore please do not hesitate to post your questions. You have the option to add details about yourself to your ‘profile’ and if you would like more targeted member responses, you may like to add where you live ( eg. Sydney, Melbourne, regional Victoria etc). If you need help navigating the Online Network please message myself @Mez_BCNA or one of our other moderators @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @Kate_BCNA . Please note: The online network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on Sundays, however if you need something actioned the quickest way to resolve your query is to contact the Member Support Team via email contact@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9 am - 5 pm AEST.161Views1like3CommentsMy 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/3518101Views1like0CommentsMy Journey 'The Library'
Hi members, I thought you may be interested in the below My Journey article: https://myjourney.org.au/article/3497 The Library provides names of some books you might find helpful or interesting to read. Books in the 'about breast cancer and DCIS' and 'live well' sections have been reviewed by BCNA staff and are recommended as reliable information. Personal stories have not always been reviewed by BCNA, but may have been recommended to us by others diagnosed with breast cancer or sent to us by the author (often a BCNA member). If there is a book you would like to suggest for this list, please email us at contact@bcna.org.au or post here in the discussion and I will pass on.201Views1like3CommentsMy Journey Online Tool - looking for help
Hi everyone We're currently after some volunteers to provide their feedback about certain aspects of the My Journey Online Tool. If you haven’t heard about this tool, you can learn about it here. The task involves reading articles on the tool and making your comments in an Excel spreadsheet. All you need is a login to the My Journey Online Tool and if you don’t have one, we can help you set one up. This task can be done from home. If you’re interested, please let me know and I will provide you with more information. Feel free to private message me, email cmcqualter@bcna.org.au or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258. Thank you Carissa231Views1like6CommentsAre you recently diagnosed and using BCNA's My Journey online tool? We'd like to have a chat
Hi everyone, We are wanting to do an article in the next Beacon on our new My Journey online tool. If you have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer (since October) and have been using the online tool, we would like to interview you for th next edition of the Beacon. It can be done over the phone so you can live anywhere in Australia and we will fit in with a time that suits you. If you're interested, you can either post here or private message me. Thanks in advance!132Views0likes7Comments