Really struggling with needing mastectomy
I have really been agonising over needing a mastectomy. I just feel horrified that they want to cut my breasts off and wonder how I will accept and deal with lookiing down to see no breasts. I have had really huge boobs all my life and 9 years ago finally had a reduction. Went from F/G cup to D. I have liked the size of my boobs for the first time since I was 14 yrs of age. So now the irony of getting them completely chopped off. But how do you deal with having no boobs? I'm really quite terrified. I know I have to do it to get rid of the damn cancer. But I guess it's also because I have never felt sick, unwell or anything. Just found a lump. I feel completely fine. So even I guess just accepting that I really DO have breast cancer? And I really DO need to treat it....is tough. I've had terrible complications from Chemo and been very sick. Heart failure and heart block and got a Defib implanted...that all seems way more real then the actual breast cancer. Now I have to face having the mastectomy. Not sure what I'm looking for here...just wanting to spill perhaps? Thanks all.✨ Wednesday Wellness - Education Edition
💡 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER This week’s check in is all about education – because learning is wellness for the mind. We’ve found some upcoming webinars that might spark your interest, inspire new ideas, or help you choose your next steps. Check them out and see what speaks to you! Breast Cancer Education Series Topic: Fertility and Early Menopause in Breast Cancer Patients 🗓️ Wednesday 17 September | 🕠 5:30–6:30pm (AEST) Globally, approximately 500,000 women under the age of 45 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. Most of these women are premenopausal.Join Dr Wanda Cui and Dr Felicity Martin as they discuss fertility considerations in young patients with breast cancer. 👉 Register here Panel Q&A Session Topic: Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment & What Researchers Are Doing About It 🗓️ Wednesday 24 September | 🕔 5:00–6:30pm (AEST) Join this free online Q&A event hosted by Breast Cancer Trials - Moderated by Author and Journalist, Annabel Crabb. A panel of leading researchers, clinicians and patient advocates will discuss the latest in clinical trials and emerging treatments that aim not only to improve survival, but also enhance quality of life during and after treatment. 👉 Register here Breast Cancer Grand Round Topic: Making Sense of Emerging Data in First-Line HER2+ Metastatic Breast Cancer 🗓️ Monday 6 October | 🕐 1:00–2:00pm (AEST) Dr Otto Metzger, Medical Oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and principal investigator for the PATINA trial, will explore the latest clinical evidence shaping the treatment landscape for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, and how to apply this to real-world clinical practice to optimise patient outcomes. 👉 Register here 🏃 CARMEN'S FUN RUN THIS WEEKEND - SYDNEY EDITION! After giving your mind a workout, why not give those legs a go too? In collaboration with Sole Motive and Carman’s Kitchen, we invite you to join us this weekend for the first Carmen's Fun Run in Sydney - Sunday 21 September 2025. Walk, jog or run 5km, 10km or 21.1km and make it count by raising funds to help Australians affected by breast cancer. Secure your spot now for an unforgettable, pink-filled day at Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont. Read more and register via the link Carman’s Fun Run 2025 - Sydney 💜💚💛 Let’s take a moment to pause and remember that wellness comes in many forms — like connection, compassion, and community. Whether you're navigating your own journey or supporting someone who is, know that you’re never alone. Together we continue to build a network of strength, hope, and resilience. Warmly, BCNA ModsR U OK? ❤️
Today is R U OK? Day – a reminder to pause, check in, and connect with those around us. It’s a simple message with a big impact. One of our favourite's is Smiling Mind – a free, evidence-based mindfulness app we love to use for meditation and relaxation . It’s great for: Daily mental check-ins Stress reduction Building emotional resilience Supporting conversations around mental health It’s backed by credible experts like Associate Professor Craig Hassed, a leading advocate for mindfulness and wellbeing, is the Coordinator of Mindfulness Programs at Monash University and has contributed to BCNA’s webcasts Managing stress and improving wellbeing with mindfulness and meditation - is an ambassador for Smiling Mind. 💛 One of the best things you can today is to tap into resources that support your mental health so you can show up at your best, whatever that means for you. Let’s make time for meaningful conversations – not just on R U OK? Day, but every day. Because asking “Are you OK?” might be small, but it can be life-changing. Visit R U OK?for helpful resources to support meaningful conversations.✨ Wednesday Wellness Check-In
It's time for a Wednesday Wellness check in... 👋 HI EVERYONE We’re halfway through the week, and with spring settling in, it’s a good time to pause and take stock. Whether you’re juggling appointments, managing fatigue, or just trying to get through the day, today’s check-in is all about honouring where you are. 💗 WELLBEING DAYS - VIC Counterpart is hosting two Wellbeing Days for women with cancer, in Traralgon on Oct 8 and Footscray on Oct 28. Any woman who has had a cancer diagnosis (recently or in the past) and their support person, friend or family member is invited to join this supportive space to engage in wellbeing activities and connect with others who share a similar journey. More information available here: https://counterpart.org.au/events/ 🧑🤝🧑 COMMUNITY = CONNECTION Have you checked out the community groups lately? Whether you’re newly diagnosed, navigating treatment, or supporting a loved one, your voice matters. Share a win, ask a question, or simply say hello. Let’s lift each other up and keep the conversation kind and open. 💬 QUICK SHARE Wellness doesn’t always look like green smoothies and morning jogs. What’s one thing that helped you feel great this week? A podcast, a walk, a chat with a friend? Drop it below—someone else might need that idea today. If you’re just joining us, we encourage you to explore the forums Get started here introduce yourself, or simply read along. And if you’ve been with us for a while, thank you for continuing to support others. Warmly, BCNA Mods
My Beautiful Son
My beautiful son wants to shave his head and raise money for Breast cancer, for me and also a dear friend who sadly past away from breast cancer. There seems to be lots of cancer sites you can register for. As it is a huge thing (he is 13) how do i know which is the best to go with Breast Cancer Fundraising | Become a Pink Hero with NBCF Worlds greatest shave, cancer council shave etc.
Tnbc
Hi I'm new here 😔 I'm 32 and was diagnosed with tnbc in December 2024, after multiple scans, drs found 1 tumor in right breast, wasn't old i have lesions on my spine but clearly drs forgot about that lol, I started chemo Paclitaxel end of January 2025 and after now 2 cycles/dose I've noticed that my tumor has shrunk after fair bit, but I'm still scared, I had treatment yesterday and my collarbone on right side is swollen and very sore. I'm so scared 😱
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).
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!
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 🥳
Newbie
Hi Well here I am. Somewhere I never thought I would. Bet I am not rare in this thinking but there you go. A routine mammogram via breast screen on the 1st of May 2024 where I noticed dimpling. I decided not to wait so took myself to my gp the next day. In between the mammogram and dr I had felt a thickening. Off for a core biopsy on the 14th, results on the 16th and off to surgeon. Last Monday I had a partial mastectomy for early stage breast cancer. I must say it has been a whirlwind quite a scary one. I also have chronic fatigue syndrome and am finding the fatigue huge. I manage to stroll on the beach in the morning, shower and that is it for the day. I am looking forward to connecting with other strong women.
