Mental health and new diagnosis.
Hi all, been struggling really bad finding out i have cancer in my right breast early diagnosis. I dont know what sort as i cant cope with the details of it all. I have seen the doctors and waiting MRI appointment and surgery date. I am really struggling with the anxiety and the moving forward bit. I suffer with anxiety and depression quite badly. I was given the option of just having the two lumps removed or the whole breast. I cant decide which option will help me move forward better. So firstly is there any mental health accept to this organisation? I only have my hubby to rely on who is also classed as my career. I am unsure which option to go with as my mental health plays a big part in my descion. I need to make a descion that i can be happy with and wont make my anxiety worse. Unsure of who to talk to or where to go for help.đ±Wednesday Wellness - 03Jun26 - The Impact of Community Strength đȘ
One of the most powerful things about being part of our wonderful BCNA community, is that no one has to face breast cancer alone. Whether youâre newly diagnosed, in the middle of treatment, navigating life after treatment, or supporting a loved one, this space reminds us that shared experiences can bring comfort, understanding, and genuine connection đ Community isnât just about being in the same space, itâs about being seen, heard, and supported. Itâs the quiet reassurance of someone saying âme too,â the kindness of practical advice from those whoâve been there, and the encouragement that helps carry you through tough days As many of you know well, even small interactions can make a big difference to someone who needs some extra love today đ đ A beautiful example of this was last weeks community engagement activity at the State Netball Centre. BCNA staff connected with some of our amazing netball club and association PLAY4BCNA hosts, along with members with lived experience. It was such a warm, uplifting gathering filled with smiles, shared stories, and genuine connection đ đ Moments like this truly highlight the strength and spirit of our community. If youâre looking to connect with others with lived experience in person, donât forget about the Counterpart Cancer Meet-up Hubs. These gatherings are a great opportunity to meet others who understand, share stories, and feel supported in a safe and welcoming space. You can check online here for upcoming sessions and find one near you đ Here in our Online Network, everyoneâs story matters đ There is strength in vulnerability and courage in reaching out, whether youâre asking a question, sharing an update, or simply reading along and finding reassurance in othersâ words. Letâs continue to; đLift each other up đ Celebrate the wins big and small đHold space for the hard moments too You never know how much your words might mean to someone else. If you feel comfortable, share what community means to you or a moment when support made a difference in your journey. Weâre stronger together đȘNew grade 1 diagnosis
Hello. Iâve just been diagnosed: left breast invasive ductal, grade 1, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative. GP summary is that this is a low-grade hormone-positive breast cancer that can be successfully treated usually with lumpectomy then radiotherapy. Iâm seeing a surgeon next week and feel relieved that this has been caught early. That said, Iâm not looking forward to the next few months and am wondered if there is anyone else at a similar starting point - or people whoâve been down a similar road and can share advice and support. Iâm 59, live in Sydney, work full time in a high pressure job, and am a single mum with a teenager at home. Thank you
Breast cancer diagnosis- did you have a Mirena in place, like me?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 3.5 months ago and had a double mastectomy 3months ago. I am 44 years old. I started doing some research as a number of people I know with breast cancer who were young also had a Mirena. There is new research coming out of: -Europe that indicates that there is a 40% higher risk of breast cancer if you had a Mirena, and -Germany that shows that the Mirena can change hormone levels in the breast based on scans I had breast ultrasound scans that show I did not have breast cancer just before my Mirena was inserted 5 years ago, and that it developed post Mirena insertion. I had no genetic factors (based on testing), and no risk factors for breast cancer. It seems highly co-incidental. I also looked up the FDA documentation for Mirena approval and it states that "Spontaneous reports of breast cancer have been received during postmarketing experience with Mirena. Because spontaneous reports and voluntary and from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to use postmarketing data to estimate the frequency or establish causal relationship to drug exposure..." I am keen to connect with other women who had a Mirena in place and then were diagnosed with breast cancer. If this is you, please respond to this post- I would love to hear your story!Counterpart Peer Support Hubs (VIC)
As many of you know, the organisation Counterpart (support for women with cancer) host regular peer support hubs in Melbourne and Geelong. For those who already find these workshops an important part of their journey, and for anyone who hasnât discovered them yet but might be curious, the following is for you. âš The Melbourne Peer Support Hub and phone service reopened on Monday 12 January 2026, providing a space for conversations, information, and connection for those who choose to attend or reach out. In Geelong, the first peer support hub session of the year will take place on Tuesday 24 February. Anyone interested in joining a session or finding out more information can get in touch to learn about whatâs available on their website here. There is also planning underway for another regional peer support hub to open later in 2026, with more details expected to be shared as the year progresses. âšTheir inâhospital program known as Bridge of Support will resume services at several hospital locations: Sunshine Hospital from Wednesday 4 February Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Womenâs Hospital, and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre from Thursday 5 February These sessions create opportunities for people going through treatment to speak with trained peers while at hospital. Events and Activities Coming Up in 2026 Counterpart also offer a number of free online activities and events throughout the year, including: A new round of Yoga4Cancer sessions An online Meditation and Mindfulness session A webinar focused on Communicating with young people about cancer: a Canteen perspective A Morning Tea for women living with metastatic/advanced cancer Whether these workshops have been a steady companion for you, or you're hearing about them for the first time and wondering if they might help, we hope this update is useful. Youâre warmly encouraged to get in touch with Counterpart, join a session, explore something different, or simply connect with someone walking a similar path. As always - please reach out if you have any questions we can help with!Emotional speed bumps
Hi, I'm trying to figure out how to prepare for life post-mastectomy. I got my diagnosis a week ago and have been managing well, but then I tried to join a FB group for people going flat and got hit hard by a gatekeeper question. The question was something like, "Have you had a mastectomy?" Options: 1. Yes 2. No, but I'm looking at my options 3. No, but I am supporting a loved one who has. The curious thing is that I felt completely left out by this option list. I wanted the option: No, but I am about to. I got all teary and had to write about it. Funny what sets us off. Anyway, I would love some tips about clothes to wear during recovery that are easy to manage and don't make me stand out.DCIS, DMX reconstruction new diagnosis
Recently diagnosed DCIS Stage 0. Opting for DMX and reconstruction using my tummy fat same dayâŠ. Videos and some social media groups are TBH quite confronting and disturbing. I would rather know butâŠ.. Reading and hearing how awful the recovery is, pain, discomfort, loss of movement and after some helpful tips to prepare please: particularly diet, did you change your diet pre surgery? High protein to help with recovery? Can you recommend a website or recipe site? Things post surgery: hire a recliner to rest in, did you hire a wedge or breast pillow as well? Button up shirts and pjs, anything else that you found useful please? Iâve heard about the drains which sound daunting⊠what do i need to do with them? Toileting and cleaning myself⊠I hear you canât put your arm around your back to wipe? Iâve got wet wipes but âŠ. Donât want to ask my partner to wipe my bum? Diet after surgery to avoid constipation. Any tips would be greatly appreciated thank you so so much.
Post surgery Rehab options
Hi all, hope you all are doing fine. I wanted to share my experience in y BC journey and also want to get some expert advice/ help if you have been thru this already. I was diagnosed with a stage 3 Triple positive BC last July. Since then I have been going through Chemotherapy and targeted therapy as advised my Breat surgeon and Oncologist. I recently completed my 6th cycle of Chemo and have my surgery scheduled this Saturday on. 6Dec. I will need to undergo full Mastectomy on my left. This will be followed by immediate reconstruction- will be a lengthy process I have been told. While understandably we are all nervous , I am also hopeful that I have been thru half of my battle. I am also a mother of two, and younger one is only 2.5 years old. I am also really anxious about the post surgery situation. My Doctor has told that I should not be taking stairs post surgery after I go back home. Given that I have little kids at home and none of our bedrooms are at downstairs, I am really keen to see if I can stay at a Rehab after I am released from the hospital. This would allow me to heal for few more days and would not endanger myself with the little one ( she jumps on to my lap anytime she wants). That would also help my husband who is my only carer at this stage. Love to get some ideas and advice how can I avail the Rehab facilities. I was also told by my Insurance provider that I have restrictive coverage for Rehab. I am in a tricky situation ( and am sure many of you are ) and wanting see what support can I get at this very difficult time. Many thanks and wish me luck!Guilt
Thanks to BCNA and the forum contributors (my new friends). I was diagnosed with IDC this week at 49 and have been 'battling' my emotions rather than sitting into them. That stops now. A couple of family and friends have tried to console me by dismissing my emotions. "Oh, you'll be fine. So-and-so had breast cancer and she's fine." "It's like appendicitis. You'll get it cut out and move on." "With all the advancements in treatment, it's not like it can kill you anymore." "You're not special. Everyone has some form of cancer these days." I was starting to feel guilty for being so emotional. I felt like I needed to get over myself and just deal with it quietly and confidently. I'm lucky I have a supportive husband... and you all!
Looking for IVF specialist who knows menopause/tamoxifen
Hello! First time poster here. I was diagnosed with triple positive BC in 2022. We welcome our first baby born via surrogacy in 2023 but have one more embryo that Iâm going to transfer myself because Iâve had 2.5 years on tamoxifen and no sight of reoccurrence. My Oncologist said okay yesterday! I am hoping to find an IVF specialist in Australia- preferably Bris that has dealt with my situation before - medical menopause and 2.5 years tamoxifen. Has anyone heard of a doctor like this? Iâm happy to do Telehealth. My current doctor is Tiana Ernst at City Fertility Brisbane (where our embryo is) who is lovely but want to be sure I research for our best chance. Thank you!
