Season 2: Podcast Series "What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman"
Charlotte is back with an 'unlimited' season! Season 2 of our popular Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast What You Don’t Know Until You Do with Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman is available now (You have direct access via the bottom of the Online Network homepage) With over 58,000 listens, Season 1 proved to be a valuable resource that shared the reality of what it’s like going through a breast cancer experience. We heard about Dr Charlotte Tottman who established her own private practice in psycho oncology, before being diagnosed with breast cancer herself. Charlotte shared her lived experience with breast cancer, exploring common psychological triggers and responses, while providing tips of what helped her. (Read the popular Online Network discussion for the Season 1 via link Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman) This new season is 'unlimited' to reflect a broader experience from a clinical perspective, stripping away the common limitations imposed by the discomfort associated with difficult topics, while providing practical strategies to help people at any stage of their breast cancer experience. Start your day with Charlotte and Kellie as they have meaningful conversations about many topics including anxiety, advocating for yourself, causal beliefs, metastatic breast cancer, re-starting life after treatment, behavioural changes, boundary setting, different perspectives, side effects and the inevitable; death and mortality. Listen to What You Don't Know Until You Do: Unlimited via BCNA or wherever you get your podcasts. https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/bcna-resources/podcasts/charlotte-tottman-podcast-series/ Note: We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.auWelcome New Members - 7th March 2025
A very warm welcome to our newest Online Network members: @sapi @rsaracho @Mumof2teenswithMets @Beth5000 @CBS @TATA24 @Michelle444 @Kateus @SmallSteps @Meadow @Callie @Ma72R @mummyof3 @jesst6 @cheese0202 @Savvy @Noni @KateV @Suzy11xyz @Elephant @Buddy2019 @ksia @L57125010 @lauraj @Andrina @netnay14 @sinfantino @SusanR @kymc @chanss1226 @EllieC @paulinagtzr @DJames @kcat @Vanno @charliegirl @FayeBB @SnowQueen @lacit @Squidkid @FightingFit52 @Healthy1 @lizdob @DNCN @CLF @RosaP @PH0378 @sandalwood @June80 @kat1202 @little_cupcake @sharlane @Cerys @Shazza63 @AnnieGrace @Walking4life @Shady @Smorty @FlattenUp @Carolyn9 @Naomi25 @LollyF @Melissa101 @SDolcy246 @JSik @Shar65 @Linda_Z @K8teH @andilee @trudy_F @vchandz @Steph198615 @TinaN @Happyvalley1 @Hayley75 @ChristinaJ @mari82 @nurserach @Aliesha @Cindz @Mandy_79 @coffcb @MonB @CCHL @CBC @Jen4730 @michellechatfield @Donna_B 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 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 Newly diagnosed? Listen to BCNA's Upfront About Breast Cancer Just Diagnosed - What's Next? and What I Wish I Knew podcasts Metastatic breast cancer diagnosis? Webcast: Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, what’s next? 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' (Update your profile image by clicking 'Change My Picture') and if you would like more targeted responses, you may like to add where you live (e.g. Sydney; Melbourne; Regional Victoria). If you need help navigating the Online Network please message myself @Mez_BCNA or one of our other moderators: @Denise_BCNA , @Risha_BCNA , @Pat_BCNA, @Kate_BCNA , @Daina_BCNA , @Astrida_BCNA Please note: the Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on the weekends, however if you need something actioned, the quickest way to resolve your query is to contact the Helpline Team via email helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm AEDT
March content round-up
Hi members, My name is Amelia and I work in the Member Content and Engagement team at BCNA. At the end of each month, I will do a round-up of all the podcasts, events and resources we have launched so you all have them in the one place. If you have any feedback on the content or have any ideas of topics you’d like covered, please feel free to always send me an email acox@bcna.org.au. Enjoy! Thank you, Amelia Podcast: In conversation with Shannane and Kate: Under 40 and living with breast cancer Joining us for this In Conversation episode is Shananne and Kate. Kate was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer when she was 26 years old and 28 weeks pregnant. Shananne was diagnosed with hormone receptor positive breast cancer in 2018 when she was 37 years old and pregnant with her third child. During this candid conversation between Shananne and Kate we’ll hear about their reaction on being told they had breast cancer, the treatment they received, the challenges they faced and continue to face, coping strategies they used and advice they have for other young women. Listen here. LGBTIQ+ experiences of cancer and cancer care: Joining us for this episode of Upfront is Jane Ussher and Natalie Halse. Jane is a Professor of Women’s Health Psychology in the Translations Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University and is the lead researcher in the recent ‘Out with Cancer’ Study. Natalie is a registered nurse and a BCNA consumer representative with lived breast cancer experience of a LGBTIQ+ person. We hear about some of the key findings of the ‘Out with Cancer’ study and its key learnings, discuss disclosure including how to do it safely, the positive benefits, and why some people are reluctant and discover what to do if you experience a negative reaction from a health care professional and the support available. Listen here. Through a rainbow lens – Navigating breast cancer as an LGBTIQ+ couple: Joining us for this episode is Mel Krollig and her partner Riki Owens-Bennett. Mel was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of 36 and has had fertility treatment, a single mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Riki works as a community worker for the LGBTIQ+ communities in South Australia and has been by Mel’s side during her breast cancer journey. Riki and Mel have been together for 19 years, and despite a few COVID-19 related delays, married in 2021 in a celebration surrounded by family and friends. We’ll hear about Mel’s experience of breast cancer, how Riki supported her, the challenges the couple faced together and how they navigated the system as a LGBTIQ+ couple. Listen here. Webcast: Just diagnosed in 2022, what’s next? In this webcast, we heard from specialist breast cancer surgeon Mr Sunil (Sunny) Jassal, breast care nurse Meg McDonald and BCNA Consumer Faye Louey. Sunny is a director and founding member of Melbourne Breast and Endocrine Surgeons and works with leading radiologists, pathologists, oncologists and plastic surgeons. Meg works at Melbourne Breast and Endocrine Surgeons where she is an integral part of the breast cancer care team. Faye was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2019 and discussed how she took control of her diagnosis after the initial shock. Watch here. New resources: BCNA is thrilled to have launched new content to support First Peoples women and people from LGBTIQ+ communities who are diagnosed with breast cancer. These two projects, undertaken with support from Cancer Australia, have enabled BCNA to expand our resources for people from these marginalised groups to help them feel empowered to make decisions about their treatment and care and to help them through their breast cancer journey. The information was developed with significant input from consumers through BCNA’s First Peoples Advisory Group and LGBTIQ+ Advisory Group. Read more about the new LGBTIQ+ and First Peoples resources via the BCNA website.Friday Update 21st January 2022
Friday Update 21st January 2022 Hello members, Welcome to the first Friday update of 2022! First, I would like to extend my thankyou to our wonderful members who kept me in the loop with items that needed attention over the office closure period, as we didn’t have our usual fulltime moderating schedule. It was extremely helpful - THANKYOU. There has been quite a few important updates in relation to COVID-19 vaccinations and associated impacts in the health system that I will share in this update, as well some welcoming news in relation to Telehealth. Community highlights Looking back on 2021 Online Network activity The below data is more than numbers; these are valuable conversations, support and connections: · 1058 discussions · 10,486 comments · 509 contributors · 3,610 active users · 914,450 page views TOP 5 Popular forum discussions in 2021 Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments in 2021: 1. Friday Funnies 2. Wise words .... 3. COVID 19 jab 4. Creative Corner! 5. Our Gardens (Check out the beautiful lilium shared by @Locksley) Community News BCNA 18 Jan 2022 – Telehealth Consultations BCNA welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement to reinstate MBS items for Telehealth consultations made via telephone with cancer specialists. We know this will help to reduce exposure and risk to the community during the ongoing pandemic and allow for flexibility in how Telehealth is delivered. BCNA, the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia and other health professional groups strongly advocated for telephone Telehealth items to remain on the MBS due to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. BCNA has the latest in how this may impact you go to https://buff.ly/3mxBuVy BCNA 13 Jan 2022- COVID-19 booster vaccine Those who received a third COVID-19 vaccine due to being immunocompromised or on active cancer treatment are now eligible for a booster vaccine four months after their third shot. Visit My Journey or call BCNA’s helpline for more information about COVID-19 and breast cancer. My Journey: https://buff.ly/35NnMrp RACGP - A guide, action plan and symptoms diary for patients The RACGP has developed a guide to assists COVID-19 positive patients to self-manage their symptoms at home, and is the patient complement to the GP resource Home-care guidelines for patients with COVID-19. CLICK HERE for further details WidgitHealth Widget Health provides free visual images about healthcare. The images can be used for communication or as part of a social script to prepare for a hospital visit or medical procedure for people who may have a communication need or disability. CLICK HERE for further details Dine Pink to help BCNA Now, more than ever, we understand the importance of human connection and we can finally celebrate our friendships and family by connecting in person. We encourage you to Dine Pink this summer while raising vital funds to support BCNA. You can help ensure people affected by breast cancer stay connected to their support networks by connecting them to resources and services such as the BCNA Helpline, My Journey app, local support groups, and BCNA’s online network. CLICK HERE to find out more Podcast (Have you checked out Charlotte Tottman’s podcast?) ‘What You Don’t Know Until You Do’ – EP3 The Showing Up and Letting Down: Surprises and Disappointments in Relationships When unexpected family or friends show up to support you through your breast cancer diagnosis it can make you feel a great sense of comfort and value. However, when the people we love step back when we need them most, it can leave you feeling a great sense of disappointment. In episode 3 of What You Don’t Know Until You Do, Clinical Psychologist Dr Charlotte Tottman discusses how best to respond to disappointment, recalibrate expectations, and how to clearly communicate your emotional and practical needs to those around you. Listen to episode 3 via the link: https://www.bcna.org.au/.../charlotte-tottman-podcast.../ Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries This one is from the My Journey Library and I have watched the intro and first video of the series. Some of you may be interested in exploring further: Emotional Health During and After Cancer Treatment video series - Julie Bolton (Counsellor and breast cancer survivor) (This series of six videos explains the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment on our emotional health and provides simple but effective strategies to help improve your quality of life. The first video is currently available free of charge, and then there is a charge of $49.99 for unlimited access to the full series. You can watch a three minute introduction to the series on Julie's website - follow the link above) Hope you enjoyed the content this week and in the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_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, Anna, Pat & Michelle “Feelings are just visitors, let them come and go”- MoojiFriday Update 3rd Dec 2021
Friday update 3rd December 2021 Welcome to December members! A very warm welcome to all our new members who have joined us in November and to our existing members who continue to provide support to others navigating their breast cancer diagnosis or who are seeking support for family/friends. A reminder for newbies: please check out Charlotte Tottman’s Podcast mini-series ‘What you don’t know until you do’ https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/resources/podcasts/ Dr. Charlotte lays out her lived experience, provide explanations of psychological triggers and responses, and practical strategies that may help someone on their own cancer journey. Community highlights November Online Network activity November saw the Online Network receive a total number of 14,485 visitors to the community: 93 discussions and 875 comments. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Friday Funnies credit @arpie 2. Christmas Funnies ....... put them up here for a laugh! 3. Chemo or not chemo 4. 4th Melanoma found after skin check Community News BCNA NEWS 22 Nov 2021 - IMPORTANT- Beware. Suspicious fundraising Over the last several weeks we have received queries from people within our network across SA, WA and NT regarding this issue. CLICK HERE for full details. BCNA’s Symptom Tracker If you haven’t explored the My Journey Symptom tracker, this tool can help you keep a record of the physical and emotional symptoms and side effects from your treatment so that you can feel confident to accurately share the ups and downs of your experience with your treating team and people close to you. Remember, to chat with your treating team if you notice new symptoms, or if your symptoms get too much for you. You can find out more about BCNA’s Symptom Tracker or use it by downloading BCNA’s My Journey app. For more information visit https://buff.ly/3CnfWTb Have you ordered the all new BCNA Christmas Baubles? This year decorate your tree with our 2 pack handcrafted Christmas baubles in support, in celebration or in memory of someone you love. (Even just for you) Our new 2021 design features a series of Pink Ladies, Blue Man and White Lady to represent the women and men affected by breast cancer and those that we have lost to the disease. For only $15 the 2 pack of baubles is packaged in an opaque gift box and each unique order on the BCNA online store will receive a free gift tag and sheet of A3 Christmas wrap, while stocks last. A perfect gift to show you care, or simply to adorn your own tree or the trees of your family. Order your baubles today at: https://pinksportsday.bcna.org.au Cancer Council – Your Guide to best cancer care Cancer Council have finalised the second edition of the consumer guides for the Optimal Care Pathway suite of resources. The guides are designed to help newly diagnosed patients to make sense of what should happen; helping with what questions to ask your medical team to ensure you receive the best care (Cancer Council 2021). Please find the breast cancer consumer guide (available in seven languages) via the link Guides to best cancer care | Cancer Council Podcast Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast ‘Advanced Care Planning’ – Taking Control of Your Future Living with metastatic breast cancer often means you need to make decisions about your treatment and care. As well as working with your treating team to work out decisions surrounding your current care, it’s also good to think ahead and talk about the care you may want in the future, if you are unable to communicate your preferences for care yourself. In this episode we’re joined by Dr Sonia Fullerton. Sonia is a consultant in palliative medicine who assists in patient centred decision-making and advance care plans. Listen via this link or wherever you get your podcasts: https://buff.ly/3FGumQs As some of our Online Network members have pointed out: Advanced Care Planning is an important consideration not just reserved for someone with an illness, as it is the process of thinking about who would speak on your behalf in the event that you are unable to make those decisions in the future. Webcast The Role of Radiotherapy in the Treatment of DCIS and Early Breast Cancer -REGISTER NOW! BCNA are holding this webcast on Thursday 9 December, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm AEDT. The webcast will explore the use for radiotherapy including the benefits for the treatment of DCIS and early breast cancer, current and emerging techniques of radiotherapy delivery, the planning process and the factors that influence delivery, side effects and ways to manage them, follow up care and the costs associated with treatment. Register now via the link below and comment below the questions you would like answered on radiotherapy. https://bit.ly/3p8edwn Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries Well its time to break out the Christmas movies (If you are a fan like me). One of the all-time classics with James Stewart and Donna Reed ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is a must watch every year. Hope you enjoyed the content this week and in the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_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, Anna, Pat & Michelle “You are the first time you’ve ever happened; YOU and NOW are a unique occurrence of which you are the most reliable measure of all the possibilities.” – Will SmithWelcome New Members - 18th February 2022
A very warm welcome to our newest members of the past week: @Cag @GerryEm @Dina @Lgrimsey @JulieAC @Kimmikaze @vivian1boob @Julierog @AJB4814 @Ksf @MooM @Christabel03 @fleeona @Lanah 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. Th 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 @Anna_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.
Podcasts are awesome!
Hi there Gail here. This is my first post. I was diagnosed on 24 May (7 weeks ago today) and had surgery 2 weeks later on 7 June. I start radiotherapy on 29 July. After that, on to hormone blockers, which I am most definitely not looking forward to. The past 7 weeks have been a whirlwind and it is only this week that I have felt up to starting to access some of the resources on BCNA's amazing website. I have been listening to the Upfront podcast series 'What You Don't Know Until You Do' and am up to episode 7 of season 1. Based on the first 6 episodes, I cannot recommend highly enough. So insightful, engaging and comforting. I find myself constantly nodding my head because much of the discussion resonates so strongly with my cancer experience to date. It's nice to be able to make some sense of it all and to know I'm not alone. Cheers, Gail 🥳Welcome New Members - 18th October 2023
Welcome to our new members joining the Online Network recently: @Morgan99 @LeonieJ @mazza56 @suzrenn_0 @Susbry @ALenehanJones @RenWood @Mecaza @TKlibbe @amber_s @tumble85 @wenders @Jacko_2907 @k_rimmer @Bellefi123 @fab50 @Gloria55 @CClan @renee @Carolin83415970 @dancingdog @kimbo191 @TranstnFac @FionaM13 @1948 @sking @allyson @MillyMolly @houseofgroovyshooz @cjg @Rach17 @JSunshine @Carlycox @JeniQld @pawood @RynneAJ @WISIDD @kyles1 @BeckyV @MJane @skeetie @maddie12 @SMcK @nellym75 @masakostricker @Hotaru909901 @mummy @JJJ @Michelle_L @Monibear @cee1 @123439 @Jules1964 @earl @walnutco @m_seed1975 @Marcelita @Bsmith13 @LeeH @ChrisO @cdw @myule @marilyn_p @joanhum @awoods @MelCRobbo @Rosemary23 @Jabba @AquaMarina @SueD @Patsy01 @Adelle_G @GracieM @precious @Libby15 @sammyjay @Simone2909 @LucyBell @SF73 @kristyf @AC75 @KarenN @LouLou74 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 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 Newly diagnosed? Listen to BCNA's Upfront About Breast Cancer Just Diagnosed - What's Next? and What I Wish I Knew podcasts Metastatic breast cancer diagnosis? Webcast: Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, what’s next? 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' (Update your profile image by clicking 'Change My Picture') and if you would like more targeted responses, you may like to add where you live (e.g. Sydney; Melbourne; Regional Victoria). If you need help navigating the Online Network please message myself @Mez_BCNA or one of our other moderators: @Denise_BCNA , @Risha_BCNA , @Pat_BCNA, @Kate_BCNA , @Daina-BCNA Please note: the Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on the weekends, however if you need something actioned, the quickest way to resolve your query is to contact the Helpline Team via email helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm AESTFriday Update 20th January 2022
Hello members, Welcome to the first 2023 Friday Update! Myself and the Online Network moderators want to thank everyone who kept in touch over the closure period to highlight items that required attention. This was appreciated and helpful. I hope that you are becoming more familiar with the new format of the Online Network and I am continually gathering feedback, which is much appreciated. The 'Navigating the online community' guidelines are slowly being updated in the background and during the year I hope to add more video instruction. Enjoy the update! Community Highlights Let's look back on some of the engagement and activity on the Online Network in 2022: 1071 discussions 6,324 comments 437 contributors 2,886 active users 776,828 page views Top 5 Popular forum discussions in 2022 Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments in 2022: 1. Friday Funnies 2. Wise words .... 3. Creative Corner! 4. Mastectomy this Thursday.. 5. I'm confused New Private Group in 2022 In 2022 we created the new 'Living in Regional, Rural and Remote areas' private group. A place for discussing topics and issues with people who have similar experiences in accessing treatment and support. Welcome to the 36 members who have joined the group so far! Community News BCNA's 25th anniversary year We are very excited about our 25th anniversary year 2023 and will see a number of iconic events return, including Carman's Fun Run next month, the Pink Bun campaign in May, and of course the Field of Women in August, where we will once again take to the field of the MCG to show the power of pink! Policy and advocacy will continue to be a priority this year, as we work to improve equity of access to optimal breast cancer care, and improve experiences of living well with and beyond breast cancer. We will continue to support you with our many helpful resources, including our Helpline, new look Online Network, webcasts, podcasts, My Journey, along with in-person support through our Information Forums. We can't wait! Field of Women registration of interest form and more information: https://bcna.live/FieldOfWomen2023 BCNA's Digital Resources We have had quite a number of new members to the Online Network in December and January that may not be aware of BCNA's full range of digital resources : Our digital conferences share insights from health professionals, trusted advisors, and those with a lived experience. Our one hour on-demand webcasts provide access to helpful, up-to-date information. Our Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast series provides raw, real and honest stories from those who have had their own breast cancer experience, as well as providing access to the latest information from a range of healthcare professionals and experts. Listen or view at your convivence at any time! Check out our large library of free digital resources here: https://buff.ly/3Gdjs7K Carman's Fun Run Carman’s Fun Run which will take place on Sunday 19th February. Get on board now to support Breast Cancer Network Australia while enjoying a fun day out with your family and friends. There are loads of fundraising incentives and prizes to win! Plus, the Top 20 fundraisers will be invited to an exclusive VIP breakfast at Carman’s HQ on Wednesday 15 February! Register via the following link: https://bcna.live/CarmansFunRun BCNA Forums in 2023 Save the dates for BCNA forums for 2023. The event registration form for the forums becomes available closer to the dates: Port Lincoln 7 March 23 Adelaide 8 March HP event (supporting Survivorship conference 9-10 March) Warrnambool 28 March Darwin 16 May Darwin HP event 17 May Yarning Circle 18 May Darwin Hahndorf SA 13 June Bunbury WA 22 June Coffs Harbour HP event 6 September Coffs Harbour 7 September Shepparton 22 November Counterpart Online Workshops Counterpart offer a range of free sessions for women impacted by cancer. You can check out the upcoming events for February via the link Events for women with cancer - Archives - Counterpart There is the session 'Scanxiety for women living with metastatic cancer' workshop on the 28/02/2023 Events for women with cancer - Archives - Counterpart New Helpline Services Staff - Risha We had the lovely Risha join BCNA's Helpline Services team in 2022 and I thought it would be nice to introduce her formally to the Online Network. Risha hails from India, having been born and raised there. She came to Australia for her higher studies, way back in 1997 and has stayed on since then as she met her husband here. Both just fell in love with Australia- its natural beauty, easy-going lifestyle, and super friendly people and they never wanted to leave. Risha has a bachelor’s in business and has had extensive experience in client services within the public service sector, having worked in quite a few key departments spanning over 10 years. Risha took a professional hiatus to be able to raise her two beautiful boys who are now sporty tweens. Back in the workforce in a full-time capacity, she is all settled into her new role in Helpline Services. Risha is very excited to be a part of BCNA as ‘giving back’ is a big part of who she is, and she loves nothing more than helping others. When she is not working for BCNA, she is busy doing the mum thing and discovering new places, foods, and adventures with her three special boys. 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 Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm (AEDT) alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au The mod team – Mez, Carissa, Jenny, & Pat “Write in your heart that every day is the best day in the year”. – Ralph Waldo EmersonFriday Update 1st April 2022
Friday Update 1 April 2022 Hello members Well, we have arrived in April already and I have some great content for you to check out in this update. Once again sending our thoughts to those in the flood effected areas, many of whom are still battling severe weather conditions. Take Care and stay safe. Community highlights March Online Network activity March saw the Online Network receive a total number of 14,477 visitors to the community; 59 new members and 89 new discussions. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have been most active the past fortnight: 1. Awake at stupid o’clock 2. I feel worse now than when I was having radiation 3. Friday Funnies credit @cranky_granny 4. Scanxiety - does it ever REALLY go away? Community News BCNA News – Trodelvy approved for PBS BCNA welcomes announcement to list Trodelvy® (sacituzumab govitecan) to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Read the full article CLICK HERE BCNA News – BCNA launches information for First Peoples BCNA launches a series of new videos in which First Peoples women from around Australia share their experiences with breast cancer. Read the full article CLICK HERE BCNA News - BCNA launches LGBTIQ+ resources BCNA launches a range of new resources to provide LGBTIQ+ people diagnosed with breast cancer the information and support they need throughout the different stages of their treatment and care. Read the full article CLICK HERE Calling for change ahead of the 2022 Federal Election The 2022 federal election presents the opportunity for BCNA to advocate for improvements to Australia’s healthcare system and health policies in the interests of people diagnosed with breast cancer. BCNA has established six priority areas, including17 specific recommendations, that aim to address the key challenges being faced by people with breast cancer. Read full details via the link BCNA Election Manifesto Host a Pink Bun Party! BCNA and BakersDelight are excited to announce the Pink Bun campaign is back in 2022! Pink Fun Buns will be available at your local Bakers Delight from 28 April – 18 May and 100 per cent of sales from ALL Fun Buns goes to BCNA. Register your Pink Bun event now here: https://buff.ly/3hOBy0C My Care Plan I attended the VCCC Alliance ‘Rethinking Survivorship’ virtual conference last week and was reminded of the ‘My care plan’. This initiative of Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre at Peter Mac is an online tool that can be used to create a survivorship care plan after treatment for early-stage breast, prostate or bowel cancer. The website is quick and easy to use, and freely available to health professionals and patients https://www.mycareplan.org.au/ Webcasts Ask the Expert: Living well with lymphoedema with Maree O’Connor At this Ask the Expert event, we will hear from lymphoedema physiotherapist Maree O’Connor and BCNA Consumer Monique Bareham. Maree has over 30 years' experience in lymphoedema management and physiotherapy following breast cancer and Monique was recently announced as South Australia’s 2022 Local Hero for her advocacy for compression garments for lymphoedema after her own personal experience of lymphoedema following breast cancer treatment. Thursday 7 April 7:00 – 8:00 PM AEST. Register now and submit your questions to be answered on the night: https://buff.ly/3IJHTrq Podcasts - Upfront About Breast Cancer · Ep 40: LGBTIQ+ experiences of breast cancer and cancer care Let’s be Upfront about the extra challenges and different needs of LGBTIQ+ people when diagnosed with breast cancer. Joining us for this episode of Upfront is Jane Ussher and Natalie Halse. Jane is a Professor of Women’s Health Psychology in the Translations Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University and is the lead researcher in the recent ‘Out with Cancer’ Study. Natalie is a registered nurse and a BCNA consumer representative with lived breast cancer experience of a LGBTIQ+ person Listen via this link or wherever you get your podcasts: https://buff.ly/3trtSuj · Ep 41: Through a rainbow lens – Navigating breast cancer as a LGBTIQ+ couple Let’s be upfront about LGBTIQ+ communities that are affected by breast cancer. We know that cancer doesn’t discriminate and depending on who you are, and how you identify, your experience can be different. Joining us for this episode is Mel Krollig and her partner Riki Owens-Bennett. Mel was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of 36 and has had fertility treatment, a single mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Riki works as a community worker for the LGBTIQ+ communities in South Australia and has been by Mel’s side during her breast cancer journey. Listen via this link or wherever you get your podcasts https://bit.ly/3L1DiT1 Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries No Time Like the Future: An Optimist Considers Mortality A moving account of resilience, hope, fear and mortality, and how these things resonate in our lives, by actor and advocate Michael J. Fox. (I forgot I listened to this fabulous book on Audible early last year and Michael narrates it beautifully). Enjoy the update, take care and if you have feedback or any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_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, Anna & Pat “I don’t have any choice whether or not I have Parkinson’s, but surrounding that non-choice is a million other choices that I can make.”. – Michael J. Fox
