Cardio-Oncology and Chest Irradiation
I highly recommend this recording- Cardio-Oncology for Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors https://youtu.be/lyf6ZtDgkVM?si=84qAfUtTpM5I6-Vz Although the presentation focuses on cardiovascular disease risk in survivors of Hodgkin Lymphoma, the information is relevant to anyone who has received radiation to the chest.
Relationship damage from cancer
Has anyone experienced significant damage to their relationship from a cancer diagnosis? My partner has stayed by my side and supported me throughout my treatment, but now that I'm coming out the other end into survivorship, instead of bringing us closer together, we are in a very bad place. He resents me because he has lost a year of his life due to my diagnosis and treatment. He has a lot of anger towards me and has been pushing me away for months, and it's causing me a lot of pain and extra stress which isn't good for me. Pushing me away is his defense mechanism because he is scared he will lose me, but it feels as though has already written me off. We both very much love each other, but we aren't in a good place and I'm so hurt that he is blaming me for something that was out of my control instead of being grateful that he didn't lose me. I feel so alone and like I have to hide my fear and emotions from him because he cannot handle it. Has anyone been in a similar position and come back from it?Neuropathy
I would really like to connect with someone who has been on a similar journey. I was diagnosed with TNBC in April 2024 . Had chemotherapy, lumpectomy and 3 weeks of radiation. The Neuropathy began as I finished chemo and has not improved. I find it difficult to use my hands and to walk. I find it difficult to explain to friends and family that I cannot cut up vegetables or turn pages or pick up anything small. I feel quite isolated as I'm unable to drive any more or ride my bike which I relied on for exercise. The loss of of independence is just awful. Thank goodness for my precious husband who I now rely on. I am 73 and just need to know that I'm not alone in this terrible journey.Dr Jo Prendergast "Cancer and Cartwheels"
What happens when a comedian’s life gets flipped over by cancer? They find the funny side of course. But can cancer be funny? When psychiatrist Dr Jo Prendergast was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2021, she asked herself what good she could do with the treatment experience. As someone who cannot be idle - even during chemo - she put together a website on managing chemotherapy side-effects, made a semi-viral TikTok, and wrote her second comedy show. At the four-year anniversary of her diagnosis, Jo is cancer-free and ready to laugh about the tough stuff. She is inviting us to laugh with her. Jo's Cancer and Cartwheels show is touring nationally and supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Jo has offered BCNA a limited allocation of double passes to each of her comedy festival ‘opening night’ shows in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. If you would like to register to receive a complimentary double pass with a post show meet, greet and photo register here Cancer and Cartwheels - performance schedule and dates (opening night in bold): Adelaide : March 11 - 15, 2025 Melbourne : March 31 - April 6 2025 Sydney : April 26, 2025 Brisbane : May 17 -18 2025 Jo is also aiming to raise $5,000 through her shows to help BCNA continue to provide free support and resources for all Australians affected by breast cancer. This year more than 21,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer. She is encouraging her show attendees to make a donation and leave a message or dedication on her event fundraising page. Any donation over $2, will be issued with a tax-deductible receipt. If you would like to read more about Jo there are also the following social media handles / links: @cancerandcartheels @drjoprendergastcomedy and https://drjoprendergast.com
Happy Halloween Y'All
Hi all. Just thought I'd pop in and celebrate with everyone that today is my 8 yrs NED anniversary. Wow, where did the time go? This time 8 years ago I was where a lot of the newly diagnosed people are at the moment. A limbo land of fog and unknowing. In hospital after surgery with a million things running through my brain about what the next year was going to be like with recovery from surgery, chemo and radiation. I feel for you I really do. Still gives me the cold shivers thinking about it. For those just starting on the rollercoaster, one breath at a time, and just keep going one foot in front of the other. Eventually, you'll come fly out of the fog and into the sunshine, You've got this, and you'll find a strength inside you never thought you had—although you probably won't realize it for a while. You also learn that you have a very low tolerance for bullshit, peoples whinging and worrying about the small stuff. :D Look for those moments of brilliance in the every day. I've never really celebrated as such each year but this time I decided to have an 8yr/Halloween party. Plus I love a good costume party so why not. I'm off to make ghosts and creepy stuff. Oh and Witches brew cocktails! Love to all. xoxox
Today's feelings in poetry
Lucky So lucky, people say. That they caught it when they did That it hasn’t spread That they got it all That I have insurance So, so lucky. That my friend told me about her cancer That I finally moved my arse and Went and had that mammogram That I live in the lucky country So lucky That my prognosis is good That my job will be there for me That I am surrounded by family and friends With their love, soup and casseroles. Lucky. That my new set are perkier Smaller, Scar-rier, numb-ier. A bit lopsided Like me. Some days though, I just feel A tiny bit Unlucky.
New member
Hi. I was diagnosed with mbc in 2021. An MRI done of my hip (me thinking I needed a hip replacement) revealed a bone lesion and further scans showed I had lesions in my skull, breast bone and right shoulder blade. Radiation helped with the pain in my hip and I am now able to walk unaided. I have been on letrozole and Verzenio (abemaciclib) since mid 2021 and so far results have been positive. Lesions have either shrunk or stabilised and there is no sign of cancer in organs. I know that one day treatment may cease to work but in the meantime I remain positive and enjoy every single day. I love to travel, cook and spend time with family and friends. I’m forever grateful for Bcna, my medical team and all the research that goes in to treatments for this disease. I know others are not as lucky as me and I wish everyone well on their individual journeys.Completing Hormone Therapy
I was wondering what others experiences have been completing hormone therapy for early breast cancer? I have another year of tamoxifen to go and wondering what to expect in terms of follow up once it is completed. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and DIEP reconstruction. I haven't had chemo or radiotherapy.
Come & try dragon boating for breast cancer survivors in Melbourne!
Do you live in the greater-Melbourne area? Come and try dragon boating for free for breast cancer survivors! Experience the wonderful benefits of outdoor exercise and support from fellow breast cancer survivors in beautiful Victoria Harbour, Docklands! You can come as many times as you like for 1 month for free! We can't wait to meet you! Dragons Abreast Melbourne Pink Phoenix is a Group Member of the wonderful Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). Sign-up for your free 1 month Dragon Pass here: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/pinkphoenix/registration
After 13 years and 2 diagnoses today the biggest celebration yet...
After 13 years and 2 diagnoses today my Oncologist gave me a discharge. A day I NEVER believed would come or would be possible. To anyone who is at the beginning, don't let go of hope that you will get through this. It's definitely not lost on me the many that don't make it this far. So I feel humbled and incredibly reflective of the 13 years that have brought me to this day and to my new normal of who I have become. In 2011 I was diagnosed with ER+ left breast cancer, underwent biopsies, surgery, radiation and tamoxifen. Until 2015 at my yearly checkup the unthinkable, impossible happened, I had a recurrence in the same spot in spite of all the treatment. My world shattered for a 2nd time, another surgery and chemo which was no picnic but I look back and think wow kid...you did that! it was damn hard and you were so sick, but you made it out the other side, put on Arimidex and switched to Aromasin. 1 year on 2017 I was recommended to follow with a mastectomy, so I had a single done and diep flap reconstruction, massive op and difficult. So 6 monthly visits to the Surgeon and Oncologist since 2015. I gave the AI's away about 2 years ago, I had been taking them for 10 years. Thrust into menopause during Chemo, so that was hard to contend with. 6 months with an Exercise Physiologist to help me. Prolia injections 6th monthly for 8 years and today is the day the Oncologist gave me wings to fly...a feeling I've not known throughout the whole ordeal. A closure to this chapter and a possibility of moving forward with my new normal. I managed to get back to work in 2017 and haven't stopped. I work full time in Education particularly in behaviour management and my biggest passion was to publish a book of Poetry which I did recently. Something I may never have done if not from walking this path. I feel more connected to me than I ever was. So today I celebrate just for now I will sit with no thought of what tomorrow might bring. Live a great life everyone, and trust that you are brave enough and strong enough to get through it. PS: This is a link to my first book https://amzn.asia/d/i1vI8JN for anyone who is curious. Hugs xo Melinda
