đ±Wednesday Wellness - 13May26 - Living with & beyond cancerđ±
When we think about going through breast cancer, we often think about the time between diagnosis and treatment. The reality for many, is that this remains ongoing, involving huge lifestyle changes, particular for those in our metastatic community. đżLiving with breast cancer often means navigating a whirlwind of appointments, treatments, side effects, and emotions that donât always make sense. Some days you may feel strong and hopeful, and others exhausted in ways that go far beyond the physical. It can feel like your world has shrunk, while at the same time the emotional challenges keep building. đ«For those who no longer need treatment, people often expect a quick return to ânormal.â But the truth is, life doesnât go back to the way it was, and thatâs not necessarily a bad thing! Many people discover a new perspective, a deeper appreciation for small moments , a redefined sense of purpose, or a quieter, stronger version of themselves. What often goes unspoken is that survivorship can be just as complex as treatment. There may be fear of recurrence, lingering physical impacts, or the emotional process of rebuilding confidence, identity, and trust in your body. Healing doesnât happen overnight, and it doesnât follow a straight line. âšIf you're interested, you might find this VCCC webinar helpful in navigating this stage. Led by experts in the field, this event brings together insights from clinical care, research, and lived experience to help shape better outcomes for people affected by cancer. đ Date: 22 June 2026 â° Time: 1:00â2:00pm đ Where: Online This session will explore: The growing impact of cancer survivorship What high-quality survivorship care really looks like How multidisciplinary collaboration can improve long-term health and quality of life đ Register here đŒIf youâre walking this path, please know: Itâs okay to not have it all figured out Itâs okay to grieve what was lost while still feeling grateful Itâs okay to move forward at your own pace, one step at a time And if you're supporting someone living with or beyond cancer, one of the greatest gifts you can offer is simply presence, listening without trying to fix, and standing alongside them in both the highs and the hard days. Living with and beyond cancer is not just a story of survival, itâs a story of resilience, adaptation, and quiet courage. Itâs about learning to hold both vulnerability and strength at the same time. Wherever you are in your journey, you are not alone, our wonderful little community is here walking beside you đđ§ Have you connected with our podcast: Upfront About Breast Cancer
Within our Online Network, we know how important it is to feel informed, supported, and connected at every stage of a breast cancer experience. One of the many ways we support our community is through our Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast. This is a resource created for you, where real stories, expert insights, and practical guidance come together in a way that is easy to access whenever you need it. A much loved part of the podcast is the What You Donât Know Until You Do series, hosted by Dr Charlotte Tottman. Dr Tottman is a psycho oncologist who has supported many people through the emotional impact of cancer and, following her own breast cancer diagnosis. Her thoughtful and compassionate approach creates a space where the emotional side of breast cancer can be explored openly, helping listeners better understand their own responses and feel less alone in what they are experiencing. đŹ Real conversations from our community Upfront About Breast Cancer brings together the voices that matter most. People with lived experience share their stories alongside healthcare professionals and experts, creating conversations that feel both genuine and reassuring. These discussions reflect the reality of breast cancer. They explore the shock of diagnosis, the emotional highs and lows, and what it can take to adjust to life during and after treatment. For many, simply hearing someone else say âme tooâ can make a powerful difference. đ± Supporting you at every stage We know that every experience is different, which is why Upfront About Breast Cancer is designed to support people across all stages. Whether you are newly diagnosed, living with metastatic breast cancer, supporting a loved one, or moving through life after treatment, there is something here for you. Episodes cover important topics such as what to expect after diagnosis, how to communicate with your healthcare team, managing side effects, and navigating the healthcare system. This means you can return to the information in your own time, absorb it at your own pace, and feel more prepared for the next step in your journey. đ Listen to Upfront About Breast Cancer podcast here. đž A gentle reminder Some topics may feel emotional or challenging. Please take things at your own pace and look after yourself as you listen. Support is always available, the online community and our Helpline on the phones are here for you. Have you listened to Upfront About Breast Cancer? We'd love if you shared: an episode that stayed with you something new you learned a conversation you would like to hear in the future đȘ Your experience may help someone else going through a challenging part of their journey. We are stronger, together.đïž 6 People, 5,895 metres, and one incredible cause
Weâre in awe of the incredible team of six (and support crew) who recently climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia. đâšInitiated by BCNA member Kristal, who dreamed of trekking the Roof of Africa with friends to fundraise, this journey was brought to life with the help of @Inspired Adventures fundraising agency. But âtrekkingâ doesn't quite cover what this group faced. đȘThe team endured some of the toughest conditions their guides had ever seen. They battled snowstorms, gale-force winds, and altitude sickness, yet they persevered through every hurdle. For Kristal, this was deeply personal. With a breast cancer experience of her own, she was joined by her partner, close friends, and teammates who hiked in memory of their mothers. đŁâ€ïž âTrips like these are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. They build character and test you in ways that go far beyond the physical â mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This trek reminded me that I am capable, that I am strong, and that I have a powerful mindset and willpower to face adversity and tough moments.â - Kristal If you'd like, you can donate to Kristal & team's fundraising page at: đ https://bcna.grassrootz.com/bcna-kilimanjaro-2026Dr Jo Prendergast "Cancer and Cartwheels"
What happens when a comedianâs 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 âopening nightâ 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
Come and try Dragon Boating in Melbourne!!!
Do you live in the Melbourne area and have received a diagnosis of breast cancer in the past? We have too! If you want to have fun, make new friends and get fit, then dragon boating is the sport for you! We're always looking for new members! We invite all breast cancer survivors and their supporters to come and experience the magic that is part of our unique team. We paddle in Docklands so you get a fantastic view of Melbourne! We are running Come & Try sessions throughout March, starting at 9am this Sun Mar 7 in Docklands. Sessions are usually about 1 hour and are held at: Community Hub At The Dock 912 Collins St. Docklands, Melbourne (next to the Docklands Library). Free 2 hour parking is available on Sundays on Bourke St. You are welcome to come and try free for the month after your first try before deciding if you would like to join our club! For training, wear comfortable clothes and shoes which may get wet, bring your own water bottle and sun protection. The boats, paddles, and life jackets are provided. Donât forget to bring a big smile and we canât wait to meet you! Please contact us with any queries! https://fb.me/e/688957Jx3 https://www.google.com/maps/place/Community+Hub+at+The+Dock/@-37.82028,144.940106,14z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xd5d2fa6b9d8c5ad7!8m2!3d-37.8202796!4d144.9401065?hl=en-AU
Online Q & A Event - Breast Cancer 2021: Research, Risks and Recovery - Thu, 4 Feb 6:00 PM â 7:00 PM
Join Breast Cancer Trials and Australia's top breast cancer experts for a virtual Q&A to discuss the latest in breast cancer research. https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/breast-cancer-2021-research-risks-and-recovery-registration-132884618471 I registered for this event. The previous one was interesting.
Reclaim Your Curves Sydney Support Lunch Sunday 23rd June noon
Hello! Our next lunch is on Sunday 23rd June at the usual venue of Dragonfly Cafe Eden Gardens, Macquarie Park 12 noon to 3pm as usual. 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.
Help test a new online database that shows interactions between cancer medicines, herbs & vitamins
Hi all, Researchers at Satori Medicine, an independent consulting group, in collaboration with an Expert Committee comprising of consumer representatives, including consumer representatives from Breast Cancer Network Australia, health professionals and other researchers are conducting a study to test, evaluate and report on the usefulness of IMgateway, which is an evidence-based database that has already been utilised by doctors and pharmacists for 18 years. The database provides information about interactions between pharmaceutical drugs and complementary medicines. The researchers are working to adapt the database so that it is directly available to consumers including Australians diagnosed with cancer. They are inviting you to test the suitability of this adapted database for consumer use and provide feedback about its usefulness. The researchers will collate and analyse the results from the information you provide and prepare a published report. About the IMgateway database The adapted database will allow people affected by cancer to enter the name of a pharmaceutical drug or a complementary medicine (e.g. a herb, vitamin, mineral or food) and receive information about potential interactions that may interfere with the effectiveness of the drug. For example, if you are taking an aromatase inhibitor and considering whether or not to take vitamin D, by using the database you can find information about whether or not vitamin D may interfere with the effectiveness of the aromatase inhibitor. Who can participate? You can participate in this study if you: have been diagnosed with breast cancer, or are a carer are comfortable reading and writing in English. What does the study involve? The survey will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete and your responses will be confidential. You will be asked to complete an online survey. The survey includes several general questions, such as: Whether or not you use (or have used) a complementary medicine. Where you would go for information about complementary medicines (e.g. your doctor, friends, online, family). Whether you are concerned about possible interactions between cancer medicines and complementary medicines. You will then be presented with a short, fictional scenario of a patient who is taking two pharmaceutical drugs and is considering taking two specified complementary medicines. You will be asked to use the online IMgateway database to see whether there are any interactions between the drugs and the complementary medicines. You will also be asked to provide feedback about the database and how easy it was to complete the task. How do I take part? If you are interested in taking part in the survey, please click the following link which provides a Participant Information Form providing details about the study: https://www.bcna.org.au/media/7146/participant-information-form_10-feb-2019-final.pdf. Once you have read the Participant Information Form and you consent to take part in the survey, then click the Survey link below. Please take the survey by 27 February 2019 on a computer and not on a phone or tablet. Survey Link By clicking this link you are indicating that you have read the Participant Information Form and consent to take part in the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6D3SDKT. Privacy Your name and any other identifying information is not asked for in the questionnaire. The data collected will be reported as aggregated data. Any quotes used from answers given to any of the questions will not be able to identify any individual. By taking this survey you are providing your consent (agreement) for the researchers to collect and store your answers on Survey Monkeyâs overseas server (large computer). For further information on BCNAâs Privacy Statement please click here. For a copy of SurveyMonkeyâs Privacy Statement please click here. Thanks so much for considering this opportunity!
Five Pearls of wisdom
Hi all, Please see post below by Saskia Lichtenstern, a breast cancer survivor from London who has asked us to help her reach out to women about a book she is putting together written by thousands of breast cancer survivors for women stepping into their footsteps. Saskia explains: This book isnât about being diagnosed with breast cancer, or the treatment; itâs about integrating back into ânormalâ life when the treatment is over. Thereâs no guidance for that part of the journey, and I believe thatâs the hardest part of all. Everyone thinks the hardest part is the treatment, the chemo, the radiation, the hair falling outâŠbut it isnât. The hardest part comes after, when the treatment is over and weâve been given the âall clearâ. Thatâs when the hard part begins, when it all stops. This book will be a life raft for women that have finished treatment and have no idea where to go, what to do and who to be now it is all over. Sharing what we have learnt through hindsight means we can make the path smoother for those women that are now stepping in our post treatment footsteps, and make sure they do not feel alone and lost as we did back then. I want to collect Five Pearls of wisdom from breast cancer survivors all over the world. The website www.thefivepearls.com has an easy to fill out form where survivors can submit their pearls and become an author of something extraordinary; a book by a sisterhood of survivors, a collaboration of wisdom, feelings and thoughts for women that are now stepping in our post treatment footsteps. Every survivor that opens up her soul and shares her Five Pearls of Wisdom will be accredited as an author of the book.
