My reconstruction turned into 4 surgeries, 9 transfusions & a cardiac arrest… I need advice
Hi everyone, I’ve been going back and forth about posting this, but I’m really hoping to connect with anyone who may have experienced something similar or can point me in the right direction. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 and went through the full treatment journey. In September 2025, I underwent reconstruction surgery. What followed was not what I expected at all. I ended up having four surgeries, required nine blood transfusions, and ultimately had the new breast removed. To make things even more traumatic, I went into cardiac arrest when they were trying to wake me up from surgery. I was told it was due to the anaesthetic drug-but I had previously had that same drug without any complications. I can’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. I’ve since questioned whether my body was already too weak, whether the amount of blood loss and transfusions played a role, or whether something was missed or mismanaged. This whole experience has had a huge impact on me physically and emotionally, and I’m now starting to consider whether I should be looking into this further from a medical and possibly legal perspective. I would really appreciate hearing from anyone who: Has had severe complications after reconstruction or surgery Has experienced cardiac issues related to surgery or anaesthetic Has sought second opinions or independent reviews Has gone down the path of a medical negligence claim Can recommend good lawyers or specialists (especially in Victoria) I’m not looking to place blame unfairly. I just want to understand what happened and whether I should be advocating more strongly for myself. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this 💕🌎Breast cancer support services near you
Access to breast cancer screening and support varies across Australia, and understanding what’s available in your area can make a real difference. Here’s a simple breakdown of the services delivered across the different regions - we hope this list can help lighten the load for you and reduce some of the extra noise around accessing breast cancer support services. There are countless cancer support services out there. If you've had a great experience with one, or have a suggestion to add to this list, please comment below - we'd love to keep this list growing! 🌸AUSTRALIA - ALL STATES BCNA - Service Finder BCNA - Find a surgeon for breast reconstruction McGrath Cancer Care Nurses - Find a nurse near you Breast SurgANZ service finder - Find A Surgeon Cancer Council - Access cancer support online or call 13 11 20 Look Good Feel Better - In-person and online support workshops for people with cancer Counterpart -Online workshops for women with cancer Confidence Kits - Look Good, Feel Better's FREE self-confidence kit. My Care Kits - BCNA's FREE post-surgery support kit. Mummy's Wish - Support for mothers with cancer with young children. Otis Foundation- Retreats for people with breast cancer (family friendly). The Pink Sisters - Online support group for women under 50 with metastatic breast cancer Second Hope - Online support group for women over 50 with metastatic breast cancer Fabulous Over 50s- Online support group for women over 50 with any stage of breast cancer Canteen - Support for young people affected by cancer (either personally or supporting a family member) Supporting Blokes - a supportive online group for men whose partners have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Rural transportation support - National Rural Health Alliance Cancer Support Angels - Pantry care packs, housing and financial assistance Gather My Crew is transforming how Australia helps and cares – by giving everyday people the tools and confidence to offer real, coordinated support when it matters most. Dragons Abreast - Dragon boating activities connecting people with breast cancer Low Impact Pilates - Online Classes Yoga - Online Classes Meditation - Online Classes Reflexology - Online Classes The Wig Emporium - shipping across Australia and New Zealand. Pink Scissor program - complimentary haircuts before and after chemotherapy to support related hair loss (Locations Aus-wide) Bravery Co - Fun head scarf designs made by 3x cancer survivor 🌸VICTORIA BreastScreen VIC - Find A Screening Location Cancer Council VIC - Support services Counterpart - In-person support workshops for women with cancer Counterpart - Peer support for metastatic cancer The Menopause Warrior - Workshops supporting medication-induced menopause The Multipurpose Taxi Program - 50% off taxi fares offered by Cancer Council Patient assisted travel scheme VIC - Long distance medical travel help Travellers Aid - Travel Companions, Mobility Equipment Hire, Crisis Travel Support Wig Fittings - The Living Centre Melbourne Wigs for chemotherapy - $300 grant Hair loss support - chemotherapy & alopecia friendly Sparkle Therapy Foundation - gifts, outings and experiences for people with cancer. Specialty fittings - bra fittings and swimwear after mastectomy Geelong - Peer support hub Counterpart Gippsland breast cancer support - fuel, grocery, meal vouchers & wigs for locals Mildura - Sunraysia cancer resources 🌸NEW SOUTH WALES BreastScreen NSW - Find A Screening Location Cancer Council NSW - Support services Patient assisted travel scheme NSW - Long distance medical travel help ACTIVATE Cancer Care Program - Wollongong Private Hospital Sutherland Shire Breast Cancer Support Group | BCNA Online Network Illawarra Cancer Social Group - Access via their Facebook Group Pyrmont - 3D Areola/Nipple tattoos and scar camouflage Maitland - Bra & breast form fitting Windsor - Wig services Campelltown/Macarthur - The Pink Pride breast cancer support group Petersham - specialised breast cancer physiotherapy CanRevive - Cancer support workshops for mandarin & cantonese speakers. Pink Sari - Cancer support workshops for Indian and Sri Lankin communties. 🌸QUEENSLAND BreastScreen QLD - Find A Screening Location Cancer Council QLD - Support services Patient assisted travel scheme QLD - Long distance medical travel help Mater Cancer Survivorship Service - free consultation to receive a personalised care plan. Greater Brisbane - Exercise Physiology for Cancer patients Manoora - specialised oncology physiotherapy & massage Tewantin (Noosa) Monthly Cancer Support Group 🌸SOUTH AUSTRALIA BreastScreen SA - Find A Screening Location Cancer Council SA - Support services Patient assisted travel scheme SA - Long distance medical travel help Brassiere private fittings - Post Surgical & Lymphoedema friendly bras and swimwear 🌸AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY BreastScreen ACT - Find A Screening Location Cancer Council ACT - Support services Patient assisted travel scheme ACT - Long distance medical travel help 🌸WESTERN AUSTRALIA BreastScreen WA - Find A Screening Location Cancer Council WA - Support services Patient assisted travel scheme WA - Long distance medical travel help Perth Surgeons - Breast Surgery 🌸TASMANIA BreastScreen TAS - Find A Screening Location Cancer Council TAS - Support groups Patient assisted travel scheme TAS - Long distance medical travel help 🌸NORTHERN TERRITORY BreastScreen NT - Find A Screening Location Cancer Council NT - Support groups Patient assisted travel scheme NT - Long distance medical travel help🌸Talk Perimenopause & Beyond with the Menopause Warrior
Kathryn Horley, aka The Menopause Warrior, is hosting two supportive workshops this April. Whether navigating perimenopause, menopause, or medically induced menopause, these sessions are designed to help women feel informed, grounded, and more like themselves again. With a focus on understanding changes, supporting mood and energy, and creating space to pause and reflect, these small group workshops offer a calm, compassionate environment for learning and connection. 🔗 Booking Link: https://www.halaxy.com/book/appointment/kathryn-Horley/occupational-therapist/1568701/1291301📢 Have you ever faced a big bill, or a long journey just to get a diagnostic breast scan? We want to hear from you.
When you find a concerning lump or notable change in your breast, one of the most important things that you should be able to access quickly and safely is the answer to: is this breast cancer? We know that for too many people in our community, the pathway to diagnosis is full of barriers: high out‑of‑pocket costs, long waitlists, no public imaging options, or hours of travel just to access essential scans. ✨ As part of our End‑of‑Financial‑Year national advocacy campaign, we’re calling for fair and equitable access to diagnostic imaging for all Australians. To do that, we need real people to share their experiences and stories that show what is happening right now. BCNA is seeking lived experiences from anyone who has faced challenges such as: 🔸 Travelling long distances or interstate for a diagnostic breast scan 🔸 No public diagnostic facility available in your region 🔸 Significant out‑of‑pocket costs for essential imaging 🔸 Long waitlists that delayed your diagnosis 🔸 Impacts on treatment, health outcomes, or mental wellbeing due to these delays. 💪 Your story is powerful. It can help us demonstrate that access to a diagnosis is not a luxury - it’s a right. Your story will help us advocate for a system where every Australian gets the answers they need, regardless of their bank balance or their postcode. If you’re interested in having your voice heard and suppotring BCNA's advocacy efforts, please complete our Expression of Interest form here; 👉 https://formstack.io/907FC All stories will be handled with the utmost care and confidentiality by our Communications department. Thank you for helping us shape a better system where every Australian can get timely, equitable access to the diagnostic care they deserve ❤️📢 Have you ever faced a big bill, or a long journey just to get a diagnostic breast scan? We want to hear from you.
When you find a concerning lump or notable change in your breast, one of the most important things that you should be able to access quickly and safely is the answer to: is this breast cancer? We know that for too many people in our community, the pathway to diagnosis is full of barriers: high out‑of‑pocket costs, long waitlists, no public imaging options, or hours of travel just to access essential scans. ✨ As part of our End‑of‑Financial‑Year national advocacy campaign, we’re calling for fair and equitable access to diagnostic imaging for all Australians. To do that, we need real people to share their experiences and stories that show what is happening right now. BCNA is seeking lived experiences from anyone who has faced challenges such as: 🔸 Travelling long distances or interstate for a diagnostic breast scan 🔸 No public diagnostic facility available in your region 🔸 Significant out‑of‑pocket costs for essential imaging 🔸 Long waitlists that delayed your diagnosis 🔸 Impacts on treatment, health outcomes, or mental wellbeing due to these delays. 💪 Your story is powerful. It can help us demonstrate that access to a diagnosis is not a luxury - it’s a right. Your story will help us advocate for a system where every Australian gets the answers they need, regardless of their bank balance or their postcode. If you’re interested in having your voice heard and suppotring BCNA's advocacy efforts, please complete our Expression of Interest form here; 👉 https://formstack.io/907FC All stories will be handled with the utmost care and confidentiality by our Communications department. Thank you for helping us shape a better system where every Australian can get timely, equitable access to the diagnostic care they deserve ❤️🌱Wednesday Wellness - 25Mar26 - Nurturing yourself and your confidence during breast cancer 🌱
When you’re going through treatment, confidence can dip for so many reasons - changes to your body, fatigue, uncertainty, or simply the emotional weight of it all. Looking after yourself isn’t just about managing symptoms; it’s also about supporting your sense of identity, dignity, and confidence. Today’s reminder is this: ✨Small acts of self-care can have a big impact on how you feel moving through the world✨It's not about “looking a certain way,” but about reclaiming moments of control, comfort, and confidence during a time when so much feels out of your hands. 💗 Gentle Ways to Build Confidence Through Self‑Care Choosing comfortable clothes or soft fabrics that feel good on your skin Taking a few minutes to moisturise, breathe deeply, or use a calming scent Wearing something that makes you feel “you,” even on hard days Reaching for connection - a kind message, a community chat, a shared moment of support 💄 Look Good Feel Better: A Boost When You Need It Most If you’d like some practical, confidence‑building support, Look Good Feel Better offers wonderful free workshops and kits designed specifically for people going through cancer treatment. Their programs include: Skincare and makeup tips for treatment‑related changes Headwear and scarf styling Practical confidence‑boosting techniques Free take‑home kits with products chosen to help you feel a little more like yourself These sessions aren’t about appearance in a superficial way - they’re about helping you feel supported, uplifted, and valued. You can explore their workshops and request a kit here 👉 https://lgfb.org.au/ 👉 https://lgfb.org.au/for-patients/home-delivered-confidence-kit/🧠FREE ACCESS to Mental Health Care ❤️
A Medicare card is not needed to access this service. If you or someone in your community is feeling stressed, overwhelmed, worried, or unsure where to get help, support is available for you. You do not need a Medicare card. You do not need to pay to get started. And you do not need to navigate it alone. Medicare Mental Health Centres connect people with trained mental health professionals who can support you with: Managing health concerns Stress, anxiety, or low mood Family or relationship pressures Settlement challenges Trauma or past difficult experiences Feeling isolated or lonely These services are welcoming, safe, confidential, and culturally respectful. 📞 Call them on 1800 595 212 (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–5pm) to get free mental health care help that fits your individual needs and budget. They can help you make a plan, find services near you, and arrange interpreters if needed. Everyone deserves support - please call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if you're not sure where to get started - we are here to help ❤️👋 Monday Mingle Meet & Greet - Welcome New Members March 9-15 👋
Welcome to members who recently joined our online community in the past week! We hope you are connecting with others and finding support. Elliebug MonicaMaree blushplastic Janine2 JadeN MickeyMoo ddale Wade Nels Cloe87 J_o_C SliFi belbay UKNurse VioletB33 kcw Patchworkezza MariaL Gordon2026 hk21 Pai91 Clio Dominica Lollipop sg Lynp18 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 our community manager Christina_BCNA BCNA_Mod or one of our other moderators: Daina_BCNA Mez_BCNA Astrida_BCNA Risha_BCNA Denise_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 online 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 AEDT.
40 Survivorship lessons learned
I found this YouTube video incredibly helpful and supportive. I’ve attached a photo of the video below so you can look it up. A lot of people, who haven’t been through it, think that the breast cancer experience is over at the end of your ‘medical’ recovery period. You’ve finished your treatment and so you’re done and dusted…right??? As you’re a part of this Network, you know that that is very, very far from the truth. I highly recommend you watch this YouTube video. It’s by a young woman who had a double mastectomy, lymph node removal, radiation and reconstruction. The fact that she can point to 40 lessons learnt itself demonstrates that ‘Survivorship is NOT NOTHING”. You know the scenario, your Medical team has been wonderful but they’re done now. Your family and friends (may) have been supportive but well, ‘you’re done now’ so everything should be normal and you and everyone else can move on. Right? Even if you’re feeling pretty good. Do watch this video, be even more proud of yourself, your body, your mind and your spirit. Acknowledge the battles, be kinder to yourself and know that you are not the only one finding that ‘the only way over Breast Cancer, is through it and it’s a long, long journey.’🌍 Research Findings: Experiences of CALD People with Cancer
For those interested in understanding more about the unique experiences and needs of people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds affected by cancer, Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) has released important consultation findings. These insights explore the challenges CALD communities face when navigating cancer care and highlight opportunities to create more inclusive, accessible, and culturally safe support across the system. You can read the full research findings and project details here: 👉 https://vics.org.au/projects/cald-consultation-2025-26-vics-optimal-care-summits If you’d like to discuss the report, share your reflections, or talk about what culturally responsive care means to you, feel free to start a conversation below. Your perspectives are always valued. 💛
