We are here to support you 🩷
Last week’s metastatic breast cancer announcement was a significant step forward, one shaped by years of advocacy and the strength of our community. We recognise the emotional weight of the announcement on those affected by breast cancer. BCNA is here to provide support and resources to help you; 👉 Watch Vicki Durston's message to you on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bcnapinklady/reel/DRvOJP-FBlx/ 👉 Call BCNA’s Helpline on 1800 500 258 between Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm or 👉 Choose a time for us to call you at https://www.bcna.org.au/helpline-self-referral-form/ We’ll keep pushing for better care, better treatment, and better outcomes – while being a trusted place to turn to for anyone affected by breast cancer.🌱Wednesday Wellness Check-In - 26Nov25🌱
Happy Wednesday everyone! Who here has checked in with how they are feeling today? 🤔 Hopefully you have your lunch break coming up soon, what a perfect opportunity to take a pause and just breathe..... Taking care of your health - physical and emotional - is just as important as all the medical/clinical things you have on your list during and after treatment. If you're looking for an extra touch of wellness this week, take a look at some recent offerings by Breast Cancer Trials: ⭐Information on navigating difficult treatment decisions. ⭐Information on managing sexual health after breast cancer. ⭐Information on breast cancer fatigue and podcast on cardiac care after breast cancer. And for some more 'light reading': ⭐Information on the APHINITY trial and how its findings can reduce breast cancer recurrence. ⭐How early detection and treatment is improving breast cancer outcomes. Don't forget our Helpline is here for you anytime you need that extra bit of support, or just to talk through what's going on for you right now on 1800 500 258 ❤️🌱Wednesday Wellness Check-In: Care For Your Body & Mind Through Cancer
🌞 Good morning to our wonderful Online Network community! 🌞 This week’s Wellness Check-In is all about keeping it simple. We’re sharing easy ideas for small changes you can weave into your day, because little steps can make a big difference! And for those ready to go all-in on self-care, we’ve included some incredible retreat options at the end. Living with cancer is about more than treatment, it’s about nurturing your whole self. Wellness can help improve energy, reduce stress, and support recovery. Here are three simple ways to boost your wellbeing today: ✅ Move gently – Light exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching can ease fatigue and improve mood. Many cancer programs now include tailored exercise sessions. ✅ Eat for strength – Focus on nourishing meals rich in protein, fruits, and vegetables. If eating feels hard, ask your care team about dietitian support. ✅ Pause for calm – Try 5 minutes of mindful breathing or guided meditation. Apps like Smiling Mind or Insight Timer are free and easy to use. 📍Where To Find Wellness Support Near You: National Support: Cancer Council 13 11 20 – Free, confidential advice and local referrals in every state. State-Based Services: VIC: Peter MacCallum Wellbeing Centre – Oncology massage, art therapy, exercise programs. Cabrini Cancer Exercise & Wellness Centre – Rehab, mindfulness, tailored exercise. NSW: Cancer Wellness Support – Complementary therapies, retreats, and group programs. QLD, SA, WA, ACT, NT, TAS: Contact your local Cancer Council branch for programs like wig services, transport help, and wellness workshops. Click here to see state-by-state options. Specialised Retreats: The Otis Foundation – Provides free retreat accommodation for individuals and families affected by breast cancer, offering time to rest, reconnect, and create precious memories. Explore other Cancer Wellness Retreats in Australia for yoga, meditation, and holistic care. 💬 Your Turn: What’s one wellness habit that helps you feel grounded? Share below - we’d love to hear your tips and add these to our resources bank - we appreciatiate your contribution to help us help others! As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to us on the Helpline at 1800 500 258 ��🌱 Wednesday Wellness - 05Nov25 🌱
With all the busy-ness of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the launch of the incredible Know yourself, feel yourself awareness campaign in Bondi, it's been a little while since we did a Wednesday Wellness check in! 💬 How are you all feeling today - physically, mentally, emotionally? Check out the following awesome ideas for creative ways you can offer yourself a moments (or a few!) of wellness in these coming weeks: 🌼 Yoga4Cancer Series - Counterpart Gentle, supportive yoga designed for women with cancer. Build strength, reduce stress, and connect with others in a safe space. Click here to book the Yoga4Cancer series 🌼 Virtual Workshops – Look Good Feel Better This month, explore a range of free, live and interactive workshops designed to support people undergoing cancer treatment. From skincare and makeup tips to emotional wellbeing and gentle movement, these sessions offer practical tools and a sense of connection—all from the comfort of home. Upcoming topics include: Skin Care & Makeup, Wigs & Headwear, and Feel Better Fridays - Join sessions like Chair Yoga, Meditation, Healthy Cooking, and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to support your physical and emotional wellbeing. Click here to register for November virtual workshops 🌼 TREK4BCNA - Take on the adventure of a lifetime! You’re invited to join BCNA community ambassador Kristal in the TREK4BCNA to Mount Kilimanjaro this February. Whether it’s a chance to challenge yourself physically and mentally, a way to show support for others, or to do a life changing trek in memory of someone you love, a group of like-minded people will walk by your side. Click here to learn more about TREK4BCNA 💖 We hope these ideas and opportunities help support your wellbeing this week- whether you're taking a moment to breathe, joining a workshop, or have something big coming up soon 💖 If you need further support and information, please reach out to our helpline on 1800 500 258, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.💗 Shout-Out to Our Incredible Helpline Team
Today’s post is dedicated to the heart of our support system - our amazing Helpline Team. Whether it’s a moment of uncertainty, a question about treatment, or just needing someone to listen, they are there. Their compassionate presence, expert guidance, and tireless commitment make a world of difference to so many in our community. They play a critical role in keeping our network connected, informed, and supported. We see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you. 💬 If you’ve had a meaningful experience with the Helpline, feel free to share below. Let’s give them the recognition they truly deserve! Here’s a quote from the helpline team, when asked what they enjoy most about supporting our BCNA community: “ I feel very privileged to be able to have these amazing and empowering conversations with people. Through the gift of conversation and curiosity they take you on an incredible journey and allow you to walk next to them as they take the time to share what they are holding in that moment.” The helpline is here. Reach out whenever you need support and information on 1800 500 258, 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.We’re here for you❤️
We’re here for you this October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) and every month after. Our Helpline team is available on 1800 500 258 Monday – Friday between 9am – 5pm to take your calls and provide information and support. BCAM can be an overwhelming time for those affected by breast cancer, but BCNA has resources to support you during this time: BCNA’s Online Network- Share stories, ask for advice and offer support in our online community https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/ My Journey- personalised information and tools to support you including our new notes feature to keep track of questions for your healthcare team, appointments and medications https://www.bcna.org.au/my-journey/ Information and resources hub- articles, stories, videos and podcasts https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/ For more information visit our website https://www.bcna.org.au/
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
