Would like to chat to others
Hi all I am 6 months post bilateral mastectomies and still having a few issues. Haven’t been to follow up appointments because I am a nurse and hate being in the patient side. Haven’t been to also avoided all counselling as I feel there are women far worse off than me but would be good to chat to women who have been through the same. Emma
Dr Jo Prendergast "Cancer and Cartwheels"
What happens when a comedian’s life gets flipped over by cancer? They find the funny side of course. But can cancer be funny? When psychiatrist Dr Jo Prendergast was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2021, she asked herself what good she could do with the treatment experience. As someone who cannot be idle - even during chemo - she put together a website on managing chemotherapy side-effects, made a semi-viral TikTok, and wrote her second comedy show. At the four-year anniversary of her diagnosis, Jo is cancer-free and ready to laugh about the tough stuff. She is inviting us to laugh with her. Jo's Cancer and Cartwheels show is touring nationally and supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Jo has offered BCNA a limited allocation of double passes to each of her comedy festival ‘opening night’ shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. If you would like to register to receive a complimentary double pass with a post show meet, greet and photo register here Cancer and Cartwheels - performance schedule and dates (opening night in bold): Adelaide : March 11 - 15, 2025 Melbourne : March 31 - April 6 2025 Sydney : April 26, 2025 Brisbane : May 17 -18 2025 Jo is also aiming to raise $5,000 through her shows to help BCNA continue to provide free support and resources for all Australians affected by breast cancer. This year more than 21,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer. She is encouraging her show attendees to make a donation and leave a message or dedication on her event fundraising page. Any donation over $2, will be issued with a tax-deductible receipt. If you would like to read more about Jo there are also the following social media handles / links: @cancerandcartheels @drjoprendergastcomedy and https://drjoprendergast.com
Share your views: Information and support needs of people following treatment of breast cancer
Hi everyone, Erana from BCNA here! I’d like to invite you to participate in a research study opportunity led by James Cook University. Please see details below. If you can't access the QR code you can also follow this link Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this research, please contact the research lead Tracey Ahern at tracey.ahern@jcu.edu.au This study has been approved by the James Cook University Australia Human Research Ethics Committee (#H9326).Volunteer for Pink Bun campaign
Do you, or someone you know, have time between now and the end of May to support Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA)’s biggest fundraiser? We are looking for people to help coordinate Pink Bun Campaign Volunteers with events at Bakers Delight bakeries from May 1st to 21st, 2025. The role involves working with other BCNA volunteers in your community and Bakers Delight bakeries, with support from BCNA staff. People who enjoy talking to others and are comfortable with basic computer skills can apply here to register their interest. Please forward this link onto anyone you know who might be able to help. We are especially looking for support in NSW, the ACT QLD, and WA. Funds raised though the Pink Bun Campaign are vital to BCNA’s ability to support Australians affected by breast cancer. If you don’t have the availability to support BCNA in this role, please keep an eye out for details on how you can support the campaign with a spare hour or two. Check out the behind the scene video from last year's campaign https://www.facebook.com/bakersdelight/videos/bcna-pink-buns-are-back/754110623542494/
Public patient Private radiation (Toowoomba)
Hi everyone, Just wanted to share a useful bit of info for anyone going through something similar. My nearest radiation facility is 4hrs drive away in Toowoomba, but it’s private & I am a public patient. I went for my planning appointment this week & at the end I was taken aside into a small office & given my ‘Estimated Fees’. The admin officer asked if I had means to pay $6000 on day 1 upfront, and that would then be rebated through Medicare. The grand total of 3 weeks treatment was $15000. I said that I could maybe borrow money from a relative. I felt very patronised & have been stressing for the past few days about how to get that money upfront. To top it off my (old) car broke down on the trip home, so now I need to buy a new one - ugh! I went to see my wonderful GP today to ask him to sign a Compassionate release of Superannuation form. He said ‘You shouldn’t have to touch your super, you’re a public patient!’ He rang the private hospital and clarified that it would be difficult to access money (particularly after being off work for surgery & chemo since May 2024). A lovely admin phoned me afterwards & explained that Medicare can fund the upfront payments. I just have to sign a form that they email me & each week of treatment I will have the funds from Medicare land in my account & it will then transfer across to the private hospital. I will only have to pay a total of $1000 over the course of my treatment. Phew! I was so stressed about this. Apparently this is not an option for all patients, but I think it’s important info if anyone else is in the same boat. The last thing we need is extra stress!Recovery times and support required following mastectomy and chemo
Sorry for long post... I'm new to this group. I was confirmed 2 days before Christmas with DCIS and suspected Paget’s Disease. I am facing a mastectomy and possible chemo, etc. I'm now looking at what my options are with respect to reconstruction. I’m seeing my breast surgeon tomorrow with my growing list of questions. So far she has suggested a reconstruction of the affected breast using a bit from my tummy. I asked about a double mastectomy - which she would support - but she said that type of reconstruction may not be possible as I don't have enough 'flesh' on my tummy. I'm still not sure what to do but I'm leaning towards a double as I don't want the anxiety of annual check ups moving forward, especially for my kids. I haven't met with a plastic surgeon yet, given the time of year. I am a 54 yo working single mother of 3 beautiful (mostly) humans aged 13, 16, 17 as well as 2 dogs and 2 useless cats. It's been a tough few years. My wonderful husband died unexpectedly in November 2023. Two months before that his mother also died suddenly and two months before that my mother had a life threatening seizure in front of me and was put into an induced coma and was in ICU for 3 days - she had had a stroke and breast cancer 6 months before that and she has Alzheimers. She then went into care two weeks after my husband's funeral. My Dad lives near by and is healthy - thank goodness. Given what's been going on, 'I don't have much left in my tank' to deal with this latest challenge but it is what it is. I am very lucky to have some wonderful friends and family (however it's not the same as having your partner support you.) So, I'm trying to prepare myself for what's coming - physically and emotionally. I'm wanting to understand what kind of help I'll need following surgery or surgeries. What will my energy be like? How long until I will be able to work, cook, clean, drive, etc? My kids are as helpful as any teens - which is OK but not great and the two eldest have especially busy schedules with lots of activities on top of doing their VCE. I appreciate that every situation is unique but knowing how others - particularly other single parents - have managed will help with my decision making and help me prepare for what lies ahead. Also, any referrals for mortality/grief counselling in Melb would be appreciated. Thank you. xx
16 Weeks Pregnant and diagnosed with aggressive hormonal breast cancer
As the title says, I am currently 16 weeks pregnant with my first child, I turn 32 in Feb and have no family history of breast cancer. My surgeon has said I will need a mastectomy in the next week or 2. To say overwhelmed and unsure about my future is a complete understatement. I have found limited people in the same position as me and really don't feel confident as much as everyone has told me to stay strong and positive. I know I'm very lucky to have the support I do have around me, but obviously it's such a different situation that no one knows how to approach.Welcome New Members - 8th November 2024
Thankyou to everyone who has joined the Online Network recently: @ChefArn @Gemma86M @Tropickle @DavKel8285 @KatieBee @Petiti @NatAnd @Rhee @cancersucks123 @youngt @Tokilovesme @sawsan @brymac @Rhubarb21 @michellemad @Millie_Vanilli @jessr84 @Neetha @joyalick6 @AmandaB @BarbaraP @MissL @GrannyBerd @stine @pwood @anne983 @PCK @Mals @narelle_d @belle_1 @LeeAnn @dianamaree @Kiska @trix63 @globalbabe @dandelion85 @MellieG @Doris @MelV83 @zoe @tsanson @4rrrt5555 @pjaz @little_miss_curious @giselle @alisonf @Bdel @Erika888 @flowergirl @yse @Katsued @roo123 @vickitennant @SlimTee @vicksta @Lincoln_Chick1981 @AmandaHER2positive @GRS @tantechrissie @Topcat29 @sunrise_sunset @lescol @kimw71 @Kjenkins @Adelsalison @coltmama @SandiDee @Keen @JulesNicoll @purplenailpolish @toni64 @tina_m2 @Ris67 @dangerje @520174 @hughsy @Deelight @diana_s @ilovesummer @Suziw1957 @sez44 @winwin14 @bgu @Kate15 @mumto6kids @Mauz1453 @Annemarie29 @Nicola95 @beth_again @Fairlie @Cheree_80 @shirlanne @JelsKovac @LizzieV @perthpom71 @allyluscombe @vickifriz @Beatha @sarah_h2 @pchan @Southmelbourne24 @PinkSummer @SMcS @katesmom @Chalkie @markell @Kasper34 @PamJ @biance88 @ang2212 @jlong86 @DoreenG @Carolyn1 @lizk @LRZ @Hilly58 @patrice @Brazillda @Helenesylvia @GMenghetti @jodylee @Bec0715 @tonic @JessPer @Dan_S @Luca @Padmant @Keggie32 @Fairyland_3 @janemk @Wadi @Mona73 @melsev @marialynley 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 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
Newly diagnosed - feeling lost despite stuff happening.
I was diagnosed a few weeks ago, rarer invasive mucinal carcinoma. Coping well with what I know is happening but not so well with what I need to do, or where to get explanations. I’m having a Scout clip implanted tomorrow because I can’t have the MRI my surgeon requested. I have a CRT (heart) device and MRI was requested because the cancer is not well defined. So now I won’t know extent, lumpectomy, mastectomy, until the operation. Operation is on 28th. I guess my main thing is who to talk to about what will happen next. Having Pre Op stuff at GP next week, but do I just wait until the hospital gives me more detail? Do I ask to see a breast care nurse, there’s one at the surgeons office? Seeing GP I have so much to ask and take in because I’m on lots of drugs for too many health issues and I have to stop some, take less of others. And my normal confidence has flown the coop. Is this just a normal reaction?
