Why can’t I find a local support group???
I live on the Central Coast which everyone is telling me has the second most prevalent cases of breast cancer in Australia. I was diagnosed with early breast cancer in August and have since undergone 2 surgeries. Currently have the “Dracula” drain which I hate with a vengeance. I am lucky enough to have a very loving sister who has come to help me during this trying time but she doesn’t live close by normally. I am soon to start the radiation/maybe chemo/medication treatments and Iv’e been trying to find a local support group to help me through. I NEED people who have gone down the exact same track as me, who understand the emotional roller coaster the this experience actually is. I don’t think anyone who has not been actually through it, including the medical professionals, who can totally understand the impact on your mental state. I have always prided myself as being a very strong person but this has all brought me down to a feeling of despair.
Support near you (support groups)
Having been asked in pms by a few members I thought the link below may be helpful to others also. You can type in the search bar your area and follow up from there, but I am not sure if these groups are running as usual now. Find services and support in your area (bcna.org.au)
Feeling very isolated
I am 35, and was diagnosed last year on July 12th with triple negative inflammatory breast cancer. I started AC double dose chemo on the 27th of July and then paclitaxal 21st of September. Early November it became clear the pacli had stopped being effective on the cancer in my breast so I was zoomed into surgery and had a unilateral mastectomy and auxiliary lymph node removal November 25th. I started Carboplatin December 20th and have it again January 11th, before switching to radiotherapy five days a week for five weeks January 31st. After that I’m being told two more Carboplatin, then capecitabine for six months. I’ve had allergic reactions, side effects and difficulties throughout. I think due to covid there has been no support groups that I’ve been put in touch with and the only people I already know who’ve been through breast cancer are in their 60’s and have had a very different journey and experience and support network. I’m single, living in share accomodation in the inner west of Sydney and am currently disabled due to my mental health (and was before my cancer diagnosis). Some friends have been amazing and some have been so selfish and awful it’s hard to believe. I’m just wondering if there are support groups that I’m just not finding. Either for younger people or for LGBTQIA+ people. Covid has made everything harder and I’m really finding it all very exhausting and overwhelming- especially since the world keeps on burning and normal everyday life nonsense keeps happening. I’m exhausted and struggling. Any help much appreciated.
The role of Carer
Hello everyone I often read posts or comments from members who are also carers. I refer you to the post by @arpie titled Are you Caring for a Partner & Parents with Dementia/Alzheimers. Many members care for a sibling or a child who has a condition meaning they are unable to function independently. Whilst it is common to hear of dementia or old age being the culprit it can be a number of varying conditions. Perhaps BCNA could have a private group where members can connect and share with other carers as often they have similar worries or needs. Does anyone else think this would be helpful to those very special people who spend their life as carers ? Anne
Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group - Upcoming Events
For patients and survivors in the Mackay region, the Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group has a couple of events happening in February. Our first ever Mental Health Workshop will be held in one week, specifically for Breast Cancer patients and survivors in the Mackay region, led by a registered psychologist. 6th Feb - Mental Health Workshop Led by a registered psychologist, Sat 6th Feb, 9:30am arrival, Mackay Region Botanical Gardens Meeting Room, free event. Mental Health Workshop - https://www.facebook.com/events/224929762421253 Workshop Purpose: To give breast cancer survivors in the Mackay region an opportunity to learn coping and survivorship tools for life after breast cancer. Topics: 1. Coping with emotions as a patient/survivor o Patient - getting through cancer treatments o Survivorship – overcoming the fear/worry that cancer will recur 2. Stress reduction techniques 3. Q & A 13th Feb - Monthly Support Group Meeting Monthly Support Group - https://www.facebook.com/events/1130314484096136 Second Saturday of the month, Sat 13th Feb, 9am to 12pm, Mackay Region Botanical Gardens Meeting Room, free event. Thanks, Cath McGregor - Group Leader - Mackay Breast Cancer Support Group https://www.cathsplace.com.au/cancer/
Big Thank You! 💝
@Afraser @arpie @kezmusc @iserbrown @AllyJay @Blossom1961 @Sister @Shellshocked1 @mum2jj @nikkid (sorry if I’ve forgotten anyone) I’d just like to give a massive shoutout to these very special ladies. From the moment I joined, I’ve felt so supported and cared for thanks to all the practical and wonderful advice these ladies are always willing to provide to lost newbies and older members alike. This is very important, as sometimes this is the only proper support we can get. Most of the time I don’t even need to create a post, as I can just read through all the helpful tips they’ve already provided countless times to others. I’ve realised that at the beginning, when we’re all terrified and confused, we go to sites like these for help. But once we’re past the initial stage and we become more familiar with it all, and somewhat better, we tend to just move on with life and not be so regular on sites anymore. It just happens naturally and unintentionally. However, these ladies have stayed on this site for years, literally, and continue to very selflessly give advice and comfort to ladies (and men) whenever they need it. That’s VERY SPECIAL 💖, and I hope you ladies understand how much we appreciate it. Lots of love to you all 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻🎉🤩👑 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Breast care support nurses/ McGrath breast nurses - Do they follow through?
Has anyone actually received ongoing support from any of these nurses? My experience was in a private hospital. Once I was over the immediate surgical recovery, and without my reaching out there was no follow up. I had thought before my journey, that these nurses helped through all of the stages of this cancer treatment. Ie Surgery, Chemo, Radiotherapy etc. I phoned a McGrath nurse that came up as local, on my internet search. She was working at a public hospital, in outpatients. Our conversation was interrupted several times by her other work. This wasn't very helpful. How and when have others seen these nurses? How frequent? How easily? How helpful have you found them? Some of you refer to them often in your posts.
Support
Has anyone tried or found any local support groups? I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer July ‘19. With covid getting back to some normality went out the window, while finishing radio end of March. Even though I’ve had brilliant support just wondered if anyone found outside support helpful too.
Any support groups in Melbourne?
Morning all. Went to a Look Good Feel Great workshop on Monday. I loved it, the presenters were beautiful , I totally recommend it. It was so lovely to meet wth other cancer survivors. For me , that was probably the best thing , meeting people who just get it. Made me wonder if there are any groups in Melbourne I don’t know about! Anyone know any?
