Upfront About Breast Cancer

Episode 0: Welcome to Season 2: Unlimited We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Welcome to What You Don’t Know Until You Do: Unlimited, with Dr Charlotte Tottman. Charlotte and Kellie reflect on the success of season 1 of the podcast and share the topics and themes that they will be exploring through Charlotte’s clinical experience in season 2. They discuss what unlimited means and unpack and tackle the things we often don’t want to speak about due to avoidance and protection, but these conversations often allow us to confront our fears and more importantly, make us feel empowered. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 1: A Mixed Dozen: Anxiety in a Cancer Context We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Let’s be upfront about anxiety in a cancer content. In this episode Charlotte discusses ‘the mixed dozen’: the types of anxiety that are common during and beyond a cancer diagnosis, including diagnosis shock, fear of recurrence, scan anxiety and the impact on family, partner and friends. We also explore some common behavioural responses and strategies that can help such as challenging the anxiety, sitting in the uncertainty, getting to know your fear and triggers and mindfulness and exercise. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 2: Forged in Fire: Relationships with your Medical Team and Self-advocacy We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Let’s be Upfront about navigating relationships with your medical team. Your medical team is often comprised of a group of professionals who you don’t know and who come into your life at short notice, in a highly stressful and emotional time. In this episode, Charlotte explores how for many people their experience with their medical team is a positive one, however this isn’t always the case. Charlotte shares how it’s important to advocate for yourself and have expectations of what you can reasonably expect from different members of your medical team and what is important to you. We also learn about cognitive and behavioral strategies to help you identify your individual needs and tools that can assist. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 3: Sugar, Stress, and Misdemeanours: Causal Beliefs We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Let’s be upfront about causal beliefs and how they impact our feelings and behaviours. It is common for people to search for an explanation to help them make sense of a situation and why it may have happened to them. Within a cancer context, people often want to understand what caused their cancer and what they did that may have resulted in a diagnosis. In this episode Charlotte explores the thinking behind causal beliefs and breaks down the common elements and lifestyle behaviours people think may have contributed to their diagnosis. We also learn about risks associated with casual beliefs and discover the acceptance model. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 4: Bittersweet: Living with Metastatic Disease We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Let’s be upfront about the challenges for those living with metastatic breast cancer. In this episode Charlotte discusses metastatic disease from a psychological perspective, exploring the thin line between coping and not coping, artificial intensity, avoidance and reassurance. BCNA and Charlotte would like to acknowledge BCNA Consumer Representative Dr Andrea Smith who generously shared her story and knowledge about living with metastatic breast cancer in this episode. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 5: Re-entry Wobbles: Re-starting Life after Cancer Treatment We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Let’s be upfront about life after cancer treatment. It can be difficult to adapt to life after a breast cancer diagnosis and beyond. In this episode, Charlotte explains challenges in the experience of re-entering work and other obligations after cancer treatment, the common drop in self-confidence, and the importance of purpose and meaning. Just like physical stamina, strength, and capacity, we decondition psychologically much faster than we recondition. Charlotte shares strategies including repetition that allow a sense of progression and success that can then act as a motivator. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 6: Hanging Out with The Bad Boys: Helpful and Not So Helpful Behaviour Changes We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Let’s be upfront about behavioural changes. A behavioural change is a change within someone's behaviour when compared to a previous behaviour and can be quite common after a cancer diagnosis and treatment. In this episode Charlotte shares what some of these common behaviours are and discusses the behavioural change model and role of obstacles. We learn about the guilt and anxiety model, flexibility, the power of helpful language and other strategies that can help you adjust. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 7: The View from the Other Side of the Bed: The Partner’s Perspective We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Let’s be upfront about different perspectives during and beyond a breast cancer diagnosis. A breast cancer diagnosis affects not only the person diagnosed, but also those around them, whether that be a partner, family, friends or a carer. It can be quite common for people to experience feelings of anxiety, helplessness and not being quite sure of whether they are doing the right thing to help support. In this episode, Charlotte explores the common perspective and experiences of those close to the person diagnosed, and how together you can navigate the new normal. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 8: No. is a sentence: Boundary Setting We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Let’s be upfront about setting boundaries. After a cancer diagnosis and treatment, you often discover you are not able to operate at the same level as you did pre-cancer, physically, cognitively and emotionally. In this episode, Charlotte explains the importance of boundary setting in self-care, particularly in relation to the challenges in continuing to care for loved ones while navigating a cancer experience, and the role of guilt in this. We learn about how to identify your limits and act on them, communicate to others and ourselves, and how to identify alternative helpful activities and prioritise them. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 9: Pain without Fear: Pain, Persistent Side-Effects and Palliative Care We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Let’s be upfront about pain, side effects and palliative care. From a psychological standpoint, Charlotte explains the challenges in managing pain, and persistent side effects like peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, and cognitive changes, and the role of and common misconceptions about palliative care. This podcast was recorded in February 2023. RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

Episode 10: The Inevitable: Death, Dying and Mortality We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au *Please note that this episode is an unscripted conversation and does not reflect the full spectrum of experience of end-of-life. It is suggested that you exercise self-care when listening and for more information on personal circumstances seek the guidance of your medical professional. Let’s be upfront about death, dying and mortality. End of life is something people often don’t want to speak or think about, usually because of the uncertainty that surrounds the death and dying experience and the fear of not being here, however, having the tough conversations early can really help to support you and your loved ones. In this episode, Charlotte speaks frankly about the process of dying, common thoughts and feelings about death, and mortality vulnerabilities, and why confronting some of this can be helpful. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. BCNA’s Helpline provides a free confidential telephone and email service for people diagnosed with breast cancer, their family and friends. Our experienced team can help with your questions and concerns and direct you to relevant resources and services. Call 1800 500 258 or email helpline@bcna.org.au Welcome to the end of What You Don’t Know Until You Do: Unlimited with Dr Charlotte Tottman. In this wrap up, Charlotte and Kellie reflect on season 2, share some of their highlights and take the opportunity to thank the people that made this podcast possible. Charlotte discusses how privileged she feels to be able to work with BCNA on this podcast and share her story to help others. Thank you for listening. This podcast was recorded in February 2023 RESOURCES: My JourneyOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA. Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at www.bcna.org.au, email us at helpline@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about men who are diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer is often thought as a disease that only affects women, however, in Australia in 2022 it is predicted that 212 men will be diagnosed. As this diagnosis is less common, men who are diagnosed with breast cancer often feel a range of emotions, including feeling isolated and alone and being unsure who they can speak to or what to do next. Joining us for this In Conversation episode are Harry and Pieter. Harry was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2005 and had chemotherapy, after which he was cancer-free. In 2018, at a routine appointment with his GP, he had a series of blood tests, and his cancer was found to have returned. Harry was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at that time. Pieter was diagnosed with triple-positive grade 3 breast cancer, which had spread to a sentinel lymph node, in 2021. He underwent a mastectomy and axillary node clearance and then started four rounds of chemotherapy. Pieter lost his wife to breast cancer in 2017. During this candid conversation between Harry and Pieter we’ll hear their stories, their initial reaction to their diagnosis, the biggest challenges they face, who they went to for support and why they want to help spread awareness of the disease for other men. This podcast was recorded in May 2022. RESOURCES: - Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources for men diagnosed with breast cancer - Visit our Online Network to connect with other men going through a similar experience Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons. If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about working after breast cancer and tackling the difficult conversations you may need to have with your employer. Some people feel comfortable discussing their diagnosis and treatment, and find that their employer is understanding, supportive and compassionate, allowing them to focus on their health and recovery. Others, however, may find negotiating changes and voicing challenges with their employer difficult, making an already hard situation worse. Joining us for this episode of Upfront are Greg Smith and Lisa Edgar. Greg has more than 20 years’ experience in executive coaching, mentoring and human resources consulting and has successfully led major organisational change programs in large organisations. Lisa is a BCNA member and had been working as an HR manager for three years when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and stopped work to focus on her recovery. Unfortunately, Lisa did not receive the support she needed from her employer. We hear about how best to approach your employer to discuss your diagnosis and treatment and the impact it may have on your ability to work, what support you should expect from your workplace, challenges you may face when working after a diagnosis and what you can do if your employer is not supportive of you. This podcast was recorded in June 2022. RESOURCES: · Sign up to My Journey to access a range of resources on work and breast cancer · Visit the Work and Breast Cancer hub on BCNA’s website · Learn about BCNA’s Workplace Giving program · Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about living in a rural area following a breast cancer diagnosis. For people living in rural areas there can be additional stress and challenges, which may include limited, or no, local cancer treatment centres, having to travel long distances for treatment and the resulting financial impact, and having to leave family at home while you are away for treatment. Joining us for this In Conversation episode are Tania and Fiona. Tania was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 when she was 32 and living in a rural community 100kms from Adelaide. After her diagnosis she had to travel to Adelaide for tests, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Fiona was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and lives on a farm in southwest Victoria. She had a mastectomy, four and half months of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and has recently commenced hormone blocking medication. During this candid conversation between Tania and Fiona we hear their stories, the challenges they faced, how they coped with the hardship of travelling for treatment and the financial impact, where they found support and the advice they have for those diagnosed with breast cancer living in a rural area. This podcast was recorded in April 2022. RESOURCES: My JourneyBreast cancer information for people in rural areasQuestions to ask if you live in a remote or rural areFinancial support for people with breast cancer in rural and remote areasWomen in rural areasOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. This episode was engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode and complete the survey that you’ll find in the show notes. This survey will help us to tailor and create content that is relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about living with metastatic breast cancer. Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. It is an incurable disease, requiring lifelong treatment. Currently, there are advances being made in treatment, which means some people are living for many years. Joining us for this In Conversation episode are Kala and Emily. Kala was diagnosed with stage 4 de novo metastatic breast cancer in her spine and liver in 2018. Following her treatment, she received a complete response. However, in 2019, Kala developed brain metastases and sadly she died in June 2022. She recorded this podcast for us in the hope that it would support other people living with metastatic disease Emily was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2019. She underwent treatment and surgery and was in remission. In 2021, after feeling something wasn’t right, Emily had scans which showed that the breast cancer had spread to her pelvic bone and liver. Emily has since undergone further treatment and surgery. During this candid conversation between Kala and Emily we’ll hear their stories, biggest challenges, how they coped with their diagnosis, what resources they found helpful, how they have adjusted to lifelong treatment, the financial impact and the advice they have for those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. This podcast was recorded in April 2022. RESOURCES: My Journeyliving life with metastatic breast cancerMetastatic Breast CancerOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. This episode was engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode and complete the survey that you’ll find in the show notes. This survey will help us to tailor and create content that is relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be upfront about LGBTIQ+ communities that are affected by breast cancer. We know that cancer doesn’t discriminate and depending on who you are, and how you identify, your experience can be different. Joining us for this episode is Mel Krollig and her partner Riki Owens-Bennett. Mel was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 at the age of 36 and has had fertility treatment, a single mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Riki works as a community worker for the LGBTIQ+ communities in South Australia and has been by Mel’s side during her breast cancer journey. Riki and Mel have been together for 19 years, and despite a few COVID-19 related delays, married in 2021 in a celebration surrounded by family and friends. We’ll hear about Mel’s experience of breast cancer, how Riki supported her, the challenges the couple faced together and how they navigated the system as a LGBTIQ+ couple. This podcast was recorded in August 2021. RESOURCES: My JourneyLGBTIQ+ couplesOnline NetworkCancer ConnectNational LGBTIQ+ Health AllianceSwitchboard Victoria Living ProudQLife Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Cancer Australia. If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode and complete the survey that you’ll find in the show notes. This survey will help us to tailor and create content that is relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be Upfront about being a young woman and experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in young women in Australia and it’s estimated nearly 1,000 young women will be diagnosed each year, meaning 3 women under 40 years old will be diagnosed every day. Young women with breast cancer face a unique set of practical, physical and emotional challenges including premature menopause, sexuality and fertility issues, caring for young children, financial and career issues. Joining us for this In Conversation episode is Shananne and Kate. Kate was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer when she was 26 years old and 28 weeks pregnant. Shananne was diagnosed with hormone receptor positive breast cancer in 2018 when she was 37 years old and pregnant with her third child. During this candid conversation between Shananne and Kate we’ll hear about their reaction on being told they had breast cancer, the treatment they received, the challenges they faced and continue to face, coping strategies they used and advice they have for other young women. This podcast was recorded in February 2022. RESOURCES: My JourneyEarly breast cancer information for young womenLet’s talk about breast cancer in young womenOnline Network Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Sussan. This episode was engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN Studios. If this episode helped you or someone you know, you can support the show in the following ways to allow us to continue to be upfront with you and reach more people through meaningful content. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode, download so you always have an episode ready to listen to, leave a rating and review and tell us what you liked about the episode and complete the survey that you’ll find in the show notes. This survey will help us to tailor and create content that is relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be upfront about the side effects of hormone-blocking therapies for the treatment of hormone receptor positive breast cancer. About 70% of breast cancers are hormone receptor positive, meaning that the breast cancer cells use these hormones to grow. Hormone-blocking therapy is usually prescribed as part of the treatment as works by lowering the amount of oestrogen in the body or blocking the oestrogen receptors on the cancer cells, depriving them of the hormones they need to grow, with the aim of reducing the risk of breast cancer coming back, or new breast cancer developing. In this episode we’re joined by Debbie Packham who was diagnosed with early breast cancer in 2016 and 4 weeks later was diagnosed with oligometastatic breast cancer and has been on hormone-blocking therapy for 4 years, Ro Woods who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and has been on hormone-blocking therapy for 5 months and Lisa Sheeran who has worked with breast cancer patients for over 21 years and has been a breast care nurse for 9 years. We’ll hear about the different types of hormone-blocking therapies, the common side effects and impacts on quality of life, the key benefits, effective strategies and the support available to help you manage your treatment. Resources: · Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on hormone-blocking therapy for early breast cancer and managing the impacts of hormone-blocking therapy for the long term · Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience · Watch our hormone-blocking therapy webcast To help us continue to develop podcasts that are relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis, we ask for your feedback via our online survey. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258

We recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to this podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Let’s be upfront about advanced care planning and breast cancer. Living with metastatic breast cancer means making decisions about your treatment and care that is right for you. One of the challenges of metastatic breast cancer is the chronic nature of the disease and the uncertainty of what the future holds. As well as working with your treating team to work out decisions surrounding your current care, it’s also good to think ahead and talk about the care you may want in the future, if you are unable to communicate your preferences for care yourself. Advance care planning allows you to think about and document your preferences for future health care and can often provide a sense of relief, to allow you to focus on living life fully in the present. In this episode we’re joined by Dr. Sonia Fullerton. Sonia is a consultant in palliative medicine who assists in patient centered decision-making and advance care plans. We’ll hear about who should consider developing an advanced care plan, what the process involves and who can assist you, where to get the advice you need and the questions you should ask. This podcast was recorded in November 2021. RESOURCES: planning ahead when you have MBCMy JourneyOnline NetworkDying to Talk Discussion StarterAdvance Care Planning AustraliaNational Advance Care Planning Support Service1300 208 582 Palliative care: Finding the words: starting a conversation when your cancer has progressedPalliative Care ToolkitPalliative Care Australia To help us continue to develop podcasts that are relevant to our members and their breast cancer diagnosis, we ask for your feedback via our online survey. Upfront About Breast Cancer is a production of Breast Cancer Network Australia. Our theme music is by the late Tara Simmons, and this episode is proudly brought to you by Dry July. Want to get in touch? Visit our website at bcna.org.au, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258