Breast Reconstruction – Options and Expectations, Virtual Conference - Tuesday, 12 October 6 - 9pm
Good morning everyone, BCNA are holding a virtual conference on Tuesday 12 October, 6.00 - 9.00m AEST on Breast Reconstruction - Options and Expectations. Choosing whether to have a breast reconstruction is a very personal decision and it is important to do what feels right for you. Some women decide to have reconstruction to restore their confidence, or prefer to wear a breast prosthesis, while some women choose not to have reconstruction or to wear a breast prosthesis. Alternatively, you can also choose to have delayed reconstruction to consider your breast reconstruction options at a later time. There are different options available for breast reconstruction and much to consider. Your breast surgeon and Breast Care Nurse can explain the options that may suit you best. It is important that you take time to understand your options and be involved in discussions with your specialist team to ensure you feel confident in your decision. Join us for BCNA’s virtual conference to explore the different options of breast reconstruction that may be available to you, managing expectations, the important considerations, the emotional and physical impacts of breast reconstruction as well as key findings from BCNA’s recently launched Breast Reconstruction in Australia 2021 Report which was a result of a survey of 3,350 respondents about their breast reconstruction experiences. Additionally, there will be an opportunity to ask questions to the speakers at the end of each session. Register for the conference now via: Breast Reconstruction Virtual Conference (rdbk.com.au) Event Details Date: Tuesday, 12 October Time: 6.00pm – 9.00pm AEDT Where: Online – from your computer, tablet, or laptop Your Local Time: WA: 3.00pm NT: 4.30pm SA: 5.30pm QLD: 5.00pm ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC: 6.00pmLiving well with breast cancer online Information Forum
BCNA will be hosting an online Information Forum for people living with breast cancer and their supporters - Living well with breast cancer online Information Forum (bcna.org.au) The Information Forum will cover a range of topics including the latest in breast cancer treatment, managing your emotional wellbeing after a breast cancer diagnosis, and how you can live well during treatment and beyond. It will also be an opportunity to hear about what BCNA does and the services and resources we have available to support you. Please note that this forum will explore the insights and perspectives of people affected by breast cancer living in Wagga Wagga, with some of the content tailored to the local support available in and around this particular area. Guest speakers will include Medical Oncologist Dr Belinda Keily, Wagga Wagga Breast Care Nurses Sue Munroe and Monica Jessop, Director Supportive Care Services at Cancer Council Tasmania Sarah De Jonge, Exercise Physiologist Samantha Jones, and Physiotherapist and Lymphoedema Therapist Stuart McKenzie. There will be three information sessions – one for people with early breast cancer, one for people with metastatic breast cancer and one about maintaining health and wellbeing during a breast cancer diagnosis and beyond. Living well with early breast cancer Date: Monday 29 August Time: 6.00pm - 8.15pm AEST Registration: Please register via Redback Living well with metastatic breast cancer Date: Tuesday 30 August Time: 6.00pm - 8.15pm AEST Registration: Please register via Redback Living well with breast cancer: Health and wellbeing Date: Thursday 8 September Time: 6.00pm - 8.15pm AEST Registration: Please register via RedbackWebcast: Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, what’s next?
Hello everyone! We have just launched our next webcast, which will be hosted online on the 11th of August. If you'd like to register, please click here. Please find below further information on the digital event. In 2022, it is projected that over 20,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Of those diagnosed, it is estimated about 5 to 10 per cent will have metastatic disease at presentation, often referred to as de novo metastatic breast cancer. For people who have had a previous breast cancer diagnosis, hearing that your cancer has spread can be devastating, and for others, it might be their first breast cancer diagnosis. It’s common to experience feelings of shock, distress and fear. Having a clear understanding of what it means to have metastatic breast cancer and the treatment options available to you can help you feel more in control when making decisions about your care. It’s important to know that with current advances in treatment, people are living longer and with a better quality of life. In this webcast, we will hear from Medical Oncologist Professor Fran Boyle, Metastatic Breast Care Nurse Alice Gibson, BCNA Consumer Representative Ros Casperson and BCNA member Cybele Orton. Fran practices at the Mater Hospital in Sydney and is a professor at Sydney Medical School. Her research focuses on breast cancer treatment, supportive care and health professional communication. Alice has been a breast care nurse since 2018 and supports her patients and their families as they navigate the complexities that come with their diagnosis. Ros is a young mum who has lived with metastatic breast cancer for over five years and Cybele was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2010. Genetic testing showed Cybele had the BRCA2 gene mutation, prompting her to have a double mastectomy and hormone-blocking treatment. Then, in 2017 she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. The webcast will address what is important to know in those first few weeks after a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer including navigating the health system, treatment options, identifying key members of your treating team, and the support and care available to you. Event Details Date: Thursday 11 August 2022 Time: 7.00pm - 8.30pm AEST Where: Online – from your computer, tablet, or laptop Your Local Time: WA: 5.00pm NT, SA: 6.30pm QLD, ACT, NSW TAS, VIC: 7.00pm
Did you miss the Webcast: Managing long-term side effects of breast cancer treatment?
Hi all, If you missed the webcast on Tuesday night, you can now watch on-demand via the following link https://kapara.rdbk.com.au/landers/73f44c.html The webcast was well received and a topic that is relevant to many people navigating the side effects of breast. This webcast addressed common long-term side effects of breast cancer treatment and how you can manage them, explain why ongoing support and follow-up care is important, explore the role of survivorship care plans and why you might need one, and let you know about support and resources available to you. Registrations exceeded 3,000 and more than 1,000 people watched the webcast live. We welcome feedback from those who have already watched the session.Welcome New Members - 8th November 2024
Thankyou to everyone who has joined the Online Network recently: @ChefArn @Gemma86M @Tropickle @DavKel8285 @KatieBee @Petiti @NatAnd @Rhee @cancersucks123 @youngt @Tokilovesme @sawsan @brymac @Rhubarb21 @michellemad @Millie_Vanilli @jessr84 @Neetha @joyalick6 @AmandaB @BarbaraP @MissL @GrannyBerd @stine @pwood @anne983 @PCK @Mals @narelle_d @belle_1 @LeeAnn @dianamaree @Kiska @trix63 @globalbabe @dandelion85 @MellieG @Doris @MelV83 @zoe @tsanson @4rrrt5555 @pjaz @little_miss_curious @giselle @alisonf @Bdel @Erika888 @flowergirl @yse @Katsued @roo123 @vickitennant @SlimTee @vicksta @Lincoln_Chick1981 @AmandaHER2positive @GRS @tantechrissie @Topcat29 @sunrise_sunset @lescol @kimw71 @Kjenkins @Adelsalison @coltmama @SandiDee @Keen @JulesNicoll @purplenailpolish @toni64 @tina_m2 @Ris67 @dangerje @520174 @hughsy @Deelight @diana_s @ilovesummer @Suziw1957 @sez44 @winwin14 @bgu @Kate15 @mumto6kids @Mauz1453 @Annemarie29 @Nicola95 @beth_again @Fairlie @Cheree_80 @shirlanne @JelsKovac @LizzieV @perthpom71 @allyluscombe @vickifriz @Beatha @sarah_h2 @pchan @Southmelbourne24 @PinkSummer @SMcS @katesmom @Chalkie @markell @Kasper34 @PamJ @biance88 @ang2212 @jlong86 @DoreenG @Carolyn1 @lizk @LRZ @Hilly58 @patrice @Brazillda @Helenesylvia @GMenghetti @jodylee @Bec0715 @tonic @JessPer @Dan_S @Luca @Padmant @Keggie32 @Fairyland_3 @janemk @Wadi @Mona73 @melsev @marialynley You have found your way to Breast Cancer Network Australia's (BCNA's) Online Network. This is a forum where you are not alone and can engage with generous members who provide meaningful support to each other. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with other members. Please explore our various Groups for members who are looking for greater peer-to-peer support. The following links may also be helpful in getting you started: If you would like to introduce yourself please read How do I post a new Discussion? How do I send a private message? Navigating the online community Community Guidelines My Journey Newly diagnosed? Listen to BCNA's Upfront About Breast Cancer Just Diagnosed - What's Next? and What I Wish I Knew podcasts Metastatic breast cancer diagnosis? Webcast: Just diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, what’s next? When is your birthday? Head to this discussion thread if you would like to share your birthday (no need to include the year unless you want to). We love an online celebration and on the day you will receive a virtual birthday cake that we can all share! Our long-time members (newbies too!) are a wealth of information regarding the useful discussion topics and information available through BCNA's Online Network, therefore please do not hesitate to post your questions. You have the option to add details about yourself to your 'Profile' (Update your profile image by clicking 'Change My Picture') and if you would like more targeted responses, you may like to add where you live (e.g. Sydney; Melbourne; Regional Victoria). If you need help navigating the Online Network please message myself @Mez_BCNA or one of our other moderators: @Denise_BCNA , @Risha_BCNA , @Pat_BCNA, @Kate_BCNA , @Daina_BCNA Please note: the Online Network is not moderated by staff/volunteers on the weekends, however if you need something actioned, the quickest way to resolve your query is to contact the Helpline Team via email helpline@bcna.org.au or phone 1800 500 258 Monday to Friday 9:00am-5:00pm AEDTFriday update 10 September 2021
Friday update 10 September 2021 Hello members, Welcome to the revival of the Friday community update. My name is Mez and I am part of the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) Member Support Team/Helpline. I have had the pleasure of connecting with some of you in the past four weeks and want to thankyou for your feedback, support and guidance, as I explore the functions of the Online Network. I hope you enjoy the update. Community highlights New groups 'LGBTIQ+ Breast Cancer Network' – This is a private group which has been created for people who identify within the LGBTIQ+ communities and have also been affected by breast cancer to connect. The group currently has 11 members, and we look forward to watching it grow. Popular forum discussions Members new and old may have missed some of the forum discussions that have received the most comments: 1. Friday Funnies These funny posts are welcome any day really – bringing something light hearted to the forum 2. what to take to chemo treatments? 3. Arimidex brand now has a $5 surcharge on top of PBS fee! 4. A bit naughty - but funny!!! Show us your 'naughty ones'! Please note some posts may offend I picked out a post by @Sue_w below (hopefully not too offensive) Community News The Beacon magazine (Issue 88 – Aug 2021) The latest copy of the free mazagine can be accessed via the website or PDF as per below: Link to the website here: http://beacon.bcna.org.au/ Link to the PDF file: https://www.bcna.org.au/media/8177/bcna_beacon_august21.pdf Key topics include: re-learning the language of sexuality after a breast cancer diagnosis, preserving fertility and knowing your options, Andrea Smith’s experience of living with metastatic breast cancer and peripheral neuropathy. BCNA NEWS 16 Aug 2021 - Breast Cancer wont pause for COVID – screening is essential The temporary closure of BreastScreen services across NSW is NOT as excuse to ignore symtoms warns Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) – Check out the full article below https://www.bcna.org.au/news/2021/08/breast-cancer-wont-pause-for-covid-screening-is-essential/ BCNA CAMPAIGN Pink Tradie 2021 For the months of August and September, BCNA is putting a call out to tradies across Australia, asking them to pull on a Pink Tradie beanie and a pair of BCNA pink socks to support the 20,030 Australians expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year - Check out this campaign raising funds for BCNA https://www.bcna.org.au/news-events/hold-an-event/pink-tradie-2021/ Webcast REGISTER NOW! Don’t miss out on the webcast Managing the cost of breast cancer webcast: tips and resources on the 16th September 2021 07:00 PM – 8:00 PM - Explore managing the costs of breast cancer including informed financial consent, public vs private healthcare, hidden and common out-of-pocket costs, questions to ask your healthcare provider, financial wellbeing, career impacts, issues for those who live in rural and remote areas and the resources and support available to you. Webcasts and conferences you have have missed Integrative Health Webcast – complementary therapies enhancing wellness for people affected by breast cancer Fertility and Breast Cancer - Knowing Your Options Webcast Treatments for Breast Cancer – Options and Considerations If you missed any of the webcasts above, you can still register and watch on demand. Upfront About Breast Cancer Podcast If you haven’t already, subscribe to BCNA's Fortnightly Podcasts . Podcast 35 coming up in the last week of September will be in relation to ‘Young Women & Sexuality’. Books / Movies/ TV Series/ Documentaries I thought it would be a nice idea to invite you to share recent books, movies, TV series/documentaries that you have enjoyed over the past few weeks. I recently started reading the book ‘The Brain That Changes Itself’. Well that’s all from me this week! I hope to evolve the Friday update and have had great suggestions already, for example introducing my colleagues from the BCNA Member Support Team. In the meantime, if you have any concerns while online, please contact one of the moderators - @Jenny_BCNA @Carissa_BCNA @Anna_BCNA @Pat_BCNA @MichelleP_BCNA @Mez_BCNA If you need to speak with someone regarding your concern, please call 1800 500 258 alternatively, you can email contact@bcna.org.au Take care, The mod team Mez, Carissa, Jenny, Anna, Pat & Michelle ‘Part of being a person is about helping others.’ – Regis Murayi
