🎧 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.
sentinel node biopsy
Hi there my name is Anna. i am having surgery next week , my anxiety levels are pretty high. i am very nervous about the sentinel node biopsy. the idea of having a needle near the nipple. i am reading about it, it doesn't mention having a local injection, like we did with the core needle biopsy. anyone please tell me about your experiences
BCNA’s Online Network – Public Holiday Update
Please note that BCNA’s Online Network will not be moderated on the public holiday, Monday 26 January 2026, as the BCNA Helpline will be closed. During this time, please ensure you are familiar with the following support services: BCNA’s Website Information & Resources Hub - Explore articles, stories and podcasts to help navigate breast cancer 24/7 Support Services Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; available throughout the day) Although moderation will be paused, the Online Network will remain open and active. You are warmly encouraged to continue asking questions, sharing your stories, and reaching out for support within the community whenever you need it. If you would like a callback from the Helpline, please submit a request via: https://www.bcna.org.au/helpline-self-referral-form/🎄Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings to all!
Hi everyone - as we head into the festive season break tomorrow, I just wanted to send a little note of care and kindness to everyone in our online community. Some people may join our Online Network in coming weeks as they are diagnosed for the first time over the Christmas weeks, when support resources are limited. We know how important you are to each other (and to us), and how irreplacable this community is when feelings are especially overwhelming, challenging or isolating. ❤️ If you can, please remain an active, open, safe and supportive ear for each other, if that is something you feel able and comfortable to offer this season. For those who need an extra little bit of help, check out the below resources. Our Helpline will open again on January 5th, and are available 9am-5pm AEDT Monday-Friday. 👉 BCNA's 🎄Hours & Support Options 👉Resources During the Festive Season 👉Personal message from our CEO - Kirsten Pilatti If you need immediate support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (open 24/7). Take things at your own pace, be gentle with yourself, and know this space is still here for you. Wishing you all a happy and kind festive season - see you in the New Year!🎄 ✈ Flying these holidays and wear a breast prosthesis or compression bra? Here’s what you need to know before you travel: If you feel comfortable, let airport staff know you’re wearing a breast prosthesis or compression bra before screening. Carrying a doctor’s letter can help. Security may arrange additional imaging or a pat-down. If this happens, you have the right to be treated respectfully. You can request a private screening and an officer of the same gender. Your prosthesis or bra should never be touched or removed. BCNA remains committed to improving airport screening experiences, visit bcna.org.au 💕 ✨ Other Resources Available: Lifeline - 13 11 14 (open 24/7) Beyond Blue - 1300 224 436 (open 24/7) If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 1300 YARN is also available throughout the holidays. If you need to talk to someone about your breast cancer, you can call Cancer Council on 13 11 20, with reduced hours as follows; Wednesday December 24 – 9am-5pm Thursday December 25 – Closed Friday December 26 – Closed Monday December 29 – 12-4pm Tuesday December 30 – 12-4pm Wednesday December 31 – 12-4pm Thursday January 1 – Closed Friday January 2 – 9am-5pm (normal hours resume)Friday Update - 1st August 2025
Hello and welcome to our Friday Update! Whether you’re new to the BCNA Online Network or a long-time member, we’re so glad you’re here. This safe space built on connection, understanding, and shared experience. Last month, we’ve seen powerful conversations, and practical advice shared across the community. From navigating treatment side effects to finding emotional support, your contributions continue to make this network a safe and empowering place for all. 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. 💬 Trending Online Network Discussions – July 2025 Bone and join pain side effects of chemotherapy Offering practical advice and emotional support for those newly starting chemotherapy treatment. From bad to worse, but getting better. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) after previously having early-stage cancer. Kindly sharing story with the community, sparking conversation and shared experiences. Implant or Autologous Flap? Exploring reconstruction options post-mastectomy, with members sharing their experiences with implants versus DIEP flap procedures. WHO do I tell? Emotional challenges of disclosing diagnosis to loved ones. Members sharing advice on navigating conversations with family and friends. Letting go of blame - WHY did I get cancer? Inspired by a BCNA podcast, this discussion sparks meaningful dialogue about emotional healing and self-compassion. 🌟 BCNA Highlights – July 2025 Expanding the ‘Seat At The Table’ Program BCNA continued to grow its internationally recognised Consumer Representative Program Seat at the Table program , empowering people with lived experience to influence cancer research, policy, and care. This initiative ensures that real voices shape decisions that affect breast cancer patients nationwide. BCNA Consumer Representative Kym shares what she thinks Do you think it’s important that those with lived experience are involved in research? Global Advocacy for Metastatic Breast Cancer BCNA joined forces with Breast Cancer Now (UK) and Rethink Breast Cancer (Canada) at the Australian High Commission in London to launch a joint advocacy pledge. The united call to action urges governments and health systems worldwide to count and recognise people living with metastatic breast cancer; a critical step toward improving care, visibility, and support. Watch Together for visibility, equity, and support! Exciting News! BCNA is proud to welcome Red Energy as our inaugural Principal Partner. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to support all Australians affected by breast cancer. Together, we’re powering hope, connection, and change. Stay tuned for more on how this collaboration will make a meaningful impact. Male Breast Cancer Awareness In November 2024, Martin noticed signs that something was wrong with his health. Read his story via the link Humbled by the love and support 📅 BCNA Events BCNA Pink Lady Match – Sunday 10 August 2025 Join BCNA and major partner Red Energy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as the Melbourne Demons take on the Western Bulldogs in support of Australians affected by breast cancer. Watch video Pink Lady Match is back, and tickets are on sale now Event Schedule 1:30 PM – BCNA Tribute Field opens in Yarra Park 1:30 PM – BCNA merchandise available outside Gate 1 and between Gates 5–6 2:00 PM – MCG gates open; attendees take seats for entertainment and pre-match ceremony 3:00 PM – Players enter the field 3:20 PM – Match begins Carman’s Fun Run Sydney– Sunday 21 September 2025 🏃♀️ Location: Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont, Sydney Time: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM AEDT Event Options Half Marathon (21.1K) – Wave A: 7:15 AM | Wave B: 7:20 AM 10K & 5K Runs – Waves start from 9:00 AM Pink Lady 5K Walk – Starts at 10:15 AM Read more and register via the link Carman’s Fun Run 2025 - Sydney That’s a Wrap! Thank you for joining us for another month of connection, support, and shared strength in the BCNA Online Network. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our moderators via BCNA_Mod or email helpline@bcna.org.au . We’re here to help and always happy to hear from you. Until next time, take care and stay connected! BCNA_Mod TeamWelcome New Members - 20th June 2025
Welcome to members who recently joined our community! We hope you are connecting with others and finding support. riverflows BWG shroomietornado Newsusuau JamieM M0nP Jojo167 Nichola67 Squish BaggyPants33 HardDecisions Wilson09 Jess_ica BrissyGirl Michelle666 Chk2025 Charles6 Morag kat06 eberk BrisKate Shittingmypants Annie8 Duck2 grungle Fran6244 HopefulKind Swallow shez29 Nsin Bron77 PSR flatout Megs33 Libby52 Gailae71 Rosemary_C Dappermongrel Mat Tigers1962 Lana1 Amorrison Steph19 Mummamia22 MayaClaire Rona2302 Ksmith19 VeraRose26 KateCr mountains94 penlou Kate_M EddieC Klio Frances1 bcjourney Annie2025 31breastca Boy-Mum Salmax Forgetful_Lucy neene38 Juan nesssie31 NatR LokiLambchop Kp1111 Niks74 Cathy1 D69 Dunney Roz67 sabrinaperri This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA Mez_BCNA Astrida_BCNA Risha_BCNA Denise_BCNA . You can also contact BCNA's Helpline Manager Kate_BCNA Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.Welcome New Members - 23rd May 2025
Welcome to members who recently joined our community in the past few weeks. We hope you are enjoying the conversations! mezmf bear91 Anonymous Nigella Sintah25 never_better Shar24 IDK16 Kmc GiniD Elgy Waratah shacol Linda67 184129 nowavic14 LeanneO PositiveVibes2 Sarah146 Luna_Loops Shell69 ZL HannahMich JosephineB1 Trud Modiri2 jd46 Rileyrat Kyleila Susan2025 Gigi_68 lemony Regina MB7 Clementine mis71t Jh2703 Ghadiri hmphmidgadzooks Michelle13 PygmyPossum25 Elaine66 eeyore_kun SAYO46 This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA Mez_BCNA Astrida_BCNA Risha_BCNA Denise_BCNA . You can also contact BCNA's Helpline Manager Kate_BCNA Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.
Hi
Just here to say hi. Diagnosed 3 days ago and all I know right now is that I have breast cancer, the tests were still coming through but I hounded my GP into an appointment to tell me what they knew. Next appointment tomorrow to organise referrals and hopefully get some more info. I’m 43, mum of older teens and was just about ready to start living my life for me, well I guess now it really is all about me! Originally from UK, lived in sunny Qld for 10 years. All my extended family are thousands of miles away. Just me, hubby, kids and pets. I’m very private so it’s out of my comfort zone to ask for help but I’m sure that will be tested in the coming months. Anyway thanks for welcoming me to your cancer club, ready to have some fun with this because there’s no way I’m going without a fight. Love to everyone, hope your day is a beautiful one.Welcome New Members - 9th May 2025
Welcome to members who recently joined our community since the new platform update at the end of March. We hope you are enjoying the conversations! ads000au 543 JMA Cinta8 shipship Travelmac Madfairies inkblot58 BrendaB marglav Positiveus Nala25 TanyaT6 NDS Minka Amber77 Jane1981 Roses AliceM Pompeygirl2022 Danniskye Anna25 Beatrixb Amanda1909 Jaffa Sammy70 BelindaC ccross Allied Dennie Higgsy mel51 Posi Arnie07 TNBCHubby Marion50 suziq123 Lisaj53 Dayle Laura_5 Kym72 Tilbee jw2025 Coll1102 Jithin LaceysMum Bex Hurstmel helent Jaime rlb Bumblebee Nannybelle TC80 sueper70 thelifeofKH Tessa75 Melsie11 C_Honey JudithN LA Jo195 LQ emma85 Shereeh5 glasskat Jillie Lulijus Angela111 tnbc_2025 ABC123 Mazza1949 trinity_sue lollyshopgirl Sharkyswim Loralie1996 Youngad StephBfree Caz_ Fun-1 SJ11 bl glen Annie62 Cazza12 Subie01 shubhangifusam Sensi_713 Shelleigh Milan irob JMM j777 Fulyn Kirt April2025 larazon sfishe10 geeg susieq1969 LauraB27 vixterh Tetel Ando Cath74 EJM Miftymel Oddangie Sue12 Rose1988 nicholsmi Cath_68 Nani Leeo AJay Prim79 Braktas1 NelzD80 SamG latteandleaves Palmy66 Kevinamada LisadoesBC Livinglife111 Thames Jen5 paulina_gtzr kjwhite01 Dollycat1 Scotland123 DL_4481 JessEA scoutblazing A81 Gidget QP Ally327 Suzie54carter ljames Una Jane1970 Lizzie27 Ashkii LULUSMUM Vicki27 Ritam 3749447 TCH mezmf Jo-SA AnnieM42 Jewelzbee Aries01 Lisa76 layna PatW netney ThinLizzy HoneyBee3 Lou25 Neeke45 Wenzaroo11 CKewley jackie-1957 KA Shellby katethompson3 This forum is a supportive space where you can connect with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. Share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Explore our various groups for greater peer-to-peer support. Helpful Links to Get You Started: How to start a discussion About BCNA's Online Network Check out our private groups! BCNA Online Network Groups Community Guidelines New breast cancer diagnosis? Read Living with DCIS, LCIS or early breast cancer Listen to BCNA's podcasts: Upfront About Breast Cancer: Just Diagnosed - What's Next? What You Don't Know Until You Do Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis? Watch Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer - what's next? Get the Most Out of Our Community: Our long-time members (and newbies too!) are a wealth of information. Don't hesitate to post your questions. You can also update your profile with details about yourself, such as your breast cancer experience and where you live (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Regional Victoria) for more targeted responses. You may like to check some of our more light-hearted discussion threads while you are here: Friday Funnies Wise words Creative Corner! Our Gardens Need Help? Message BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA Astrida_BCNA Risha_BCNA Denise_BCNA . You can also contact BCNA's Helpline Manager Kate_BCNA Please Note: Please be aware that your posts and comments in the public discussions and public groups can be found and read by anyone, including those who are not members of the network. This means that what you share in a public discussion or public group may be read by a wider audience, please consider this when sharing sensitive or personal details. The Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on weekends. For urgent queries, contact the Helpline Team via email at helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258, Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm AEST.
