Friday Update - 1st August 2025
Hello and welcome to our Friday Update! Whether you’re new to the BCNA Online Network or a long-time member, we’re so glad you’re here. This safe space built on connection, understanding, and shared experience. Last month, we’ve seen powerful conversations, and practical advice shared across the community. From navigating treatment side effects to finding emotional support, your contributions continue to make this network a safe and empowering place for all. 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. 💬 Trending Online Network Discussions – July 2025 Bone and join pain side effects of chemotherapy Offering practical advice and emotional support for those newly starting chemotherapy treatment. From bad to worse, but getting better. Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) after previously having early-stage cancer. Kindly sharing story with the community, sparking conversation and shared experiences. Implant or Autologous Flap? Exploring reconstruction options post-mastectomy, with members sharing their experiences with implants versus DIEP flap procedures. WHO do I tell? Emotional challenges of disclosing diagnosis to loved ones. Members sharing advice on navigating conversations with family and friends. Letting go of blame - WHY did I get cancer? Inspired by a BCNA podcast, this discussion sparks meaningful dialogue about emotional healing and self-compassion. 🌟 BCNA Highlights – July 2025 Expanding the ‘Seat At The Table’ Program BCNA continued to grow its internationally recognised Consumer Representative Program Seat at the Table program , empowering people with lived experience to influence cancer research, policy, and care. This initiative ensures that real voices shape decisions that affect breast cancer patients nationwide. BCNA Consumer Representative Kym shares what she thinks Do you think it’s important that those with lived experience are involved in research? Global Advocacy for Metastatic Breast Cancer BCNA joined forces with Breast Cancer Now (UK) and Rethink Breast Cancer (Canada) at the Australian High Commission in London to launch a joint advocacy pledge. The united call to action urges governments and health systems worldwide to count and recognise people living with metastatic breast cancer; a critical step toward improving care, visibility, and support. Watch Together for visibility, equity, and support! Exciting News! BCNA is proud to welcome Red Energy as our inaugural Principal Partner. This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to support all Australians affected by breast cancer. Together, we’re powering hope, connection, and change. Stay tuned for more on how this collaboration will make a meaningful impact. Male Breast Cancer Awareness In November 2024, Martin noticed signs that something was wrong with his health. Read his story via the link Humbled by the love and support 📅 BCNA Events BCNA Pink Lady Match – Sunday 10 August 2025 Join BCNA and major partner Red Energy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) as the Melbourne Demons take on the Western Bulldogs in support of Australians affected by breast cancer. Watch video Pink Lady Match is back, and tickets are on sale now Event Schedule 1:30 PM – BCNA Tribute Field opens in Yarra Park 1:30 PM – BCNA merchandise available outside Gate 1 and between Gates 5–6 2:00 PM – MCG gates open; attendees take seats for entertainment and pre-match ceremony 3:00 PM – Players enter the field 3:20 PM – Match begins Carman’s Fun Run Sydney– Sunday 21 September 2025 🏃♀️ Location: Metcalfe Park, Pyrmont, Sydney Time: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM AEDT Event Options Half Marathon (21.1K) – Wave A: 7:15 AM | Wave B: 7:20 AM 10K & 5K Runs – Waves start from 9:00 AM Pink Lady 5K Walk – Starts at 10:15 AM Read more and register via the link Carman’s Fun Run 2025 - Sydney That’s a Wrap! Thank you for joining us for another month of connection, support, and shared strength in the BCNA Online Network. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our moderators via BCNA_Mod or email helpline@bcna.org.au . We’re here to help and always happy to hear from you. Until next time, take care and stay connected! BCNA_Mod Team46Views4likes1CommentTake part in research to improve our online services
We’re inviting members of the Online Network to help us improve our website and online services. This work is part of a project that aims to improve access to relevant information and support that is tailored to your personal preferences and experiences of breast cancer. It will cover My Journey and the Symptom Tracker, the Online Network and parts of the website. Between April and June, we’re running online research activities to help us design and test new features and other changes. Activities range from short and simple surveys to one-on-one interviews or group workshops. Your feedback is important to make sure we deliver what is most useful and usable for people affected by breast cancer. Read about the activities you can take part in and, if you’re interested in taking part, fill out the ‘expression of interest’ form and we’ll be in touch.42Views0likes0CommentsCOVID-19 and impact on breast reconstruction surgery
Hello Ladies, We need your help! BCNA is now working with government, health professionals, and the media to advocate for future policies that minimise the long term impact of COVID-19 on breast cancer outcomes. We are looking to understand more about how COVID-19 has impacted your personal breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. If you were unable to have a breast reconstruction due to COVID-19 restrictions on elective surgery or travel and are now on a waiting list, please let us know if you would be happy to share your story. If your are interested in sharing your story please email Lisa Berger lberger@bcna.org.au Thanking you kind regards Giovanna221Views1like5CommentsReclaim Your Curves - Sydney Support Lunch Sunday 25th August
Hello! Our next lunch is on Sunday 25th August at our usual venue of Dragonfly Cafe Eden Gardens, Macquarie Park 12 noon to 3pm. We get together and chat all things reconstruction and/or breast cancer/coping/surviving etc etc etc. Please feel free to invite anyone that you may have met that would find our group helpful.32Views0likes1CommentReclaim Your Curves - Sydney Support Lunch - Sunday 28th April 2019
Come along and join us over lunch - a relaxed and informal setting in which you can ask any questions you may have, share any gems of information that you may have gathered, and meet up with other women who understand and share a similar experience to yours. Dragonfly Cafe - Eden Gardens Macquarie Park 12noon to 3pm https://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/sydney.html102Views0likes1CommentSydney Breast Reconstruction Support Group Sunday 24th February 2019
Our first lunch for 2019 is coming up soon. We look forward to meeting any new Sydney ladies! We are a small group usually seated in a quiet area of the restaurant where there is an ample opportunity to discuss each others experience with a particular emphasis on breast reconstruction. So if you would like to join us please make a comment below. Remember no question is off limits! Date: Sunday, 24th February Where: Dragonfly Cafe, Eden Gardens, Macquarie Park Time: 12 midday to 3pm102Views0likes6CommentsReclaim Your Curves - Choosing Breast Reconstruction - Sydney Support Lunch Sunday 24 June 2018
Dragonfly Cafe, Eden Gardens, Macquarie Park 12noon to 3pm Come along and join us over lunch – a relaxed and informal setting in which you can ask any questions you may have, share any gems of information you may have gathered, and meet up with other women who understand and share a similar experience to yours. Look forward to meeting you. Annmaree and Rosemary191Views3likes8CommentsHave a nice weekend has a whole new meaning
Thanks ladies for letting me into this most exclusive club and i promise to be grateful for all your shared experiences and honor you all. As the name says im a Aussie living on the other side of the world facing a double mastectomy and diep procedure. Its lonely and scary as the family is back home, so im here to learn and feel like im not on the other side of the world. Am an ovarian cancer veteran at 29 and now am facing the handy work of the Braca 2 gene, at 42 sooo can i i click my heels and say there is no place like home? Surgery on Monday and admittance this sun, any last minute tips??? Am hoping that through this group i can arm myself with the knowledge of how its done and read your stories of inspiration. Thank you again F_F_H532Views0likes43Comments1st proper bra fitting
Hi all, not sure if I should post this here or in the choosing breast reconstruction group but here goes. In March 2017 I had a double skin sparing mastectomy with immediate silicone implant reconstruction followed by 25 shots of radiotherapy to my left breast. My result was great initially but due to the radiotherapy, my left breast is smaller and sits a bit higher than the right. I am told its not too noticeable but I’m self conscious about it. It can be improved by further surgery but I’m just not ready for that yet. I have been wearing the kmart seam free crop tops since then because they were comfortable but I now want something a bit prettier and more feminine so I can look and feel as good as possible until I’m ready for more surgery. I tried the usual places like Myer and David Jones but no one seems to have proper bra fitters any more. I spoke to my breast care nurse who sent me to a place called femmeline in Croydon. (I live in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne). I met a lovely lady called Jasmine who fitted me for some beautiful new bras. I also bought a partial breast form which fits inside the bra on the left and evens them up. I didn’t realise this but Jasmine told me we can be reimbursed up to $800 every 2 years through Medicare for breast forms! My breast form was $169 so I will be fully reimbursed. I also have extras cover through Medibank private so I was able to get almost all of the cost of my bras back too! I feel so much better now that I am able to look “normal” again. Anyway, I thought someone else might be interested with this info because I didn’t know about it before181Views1like7Comments