Hi Linda, Sorry, I can't help as I had different treatment (chemo followed by a mastectomy and silicone implant) but I just wanted to say hi. I find this good site for talking about general issues but I suggest the BCNA website www.bcna.org.au as more helpful for questions relating specifically to breast cancer. You have had a rough year. I hope you are not feeling too bad. You can come here and vent about anything you like. Best wishes ... View more

Hi Mignon, That's good news about the 5-year all-clear. I think that feeling like your feelings are "wrong" makes things harder. I'm glad you were able to get some help & feel like you're normal. I have also talked to the cancer helpline and cried a lot and it was definitely helpful. Best wishes ... View more

Hi Silly, Did you get to water running class? I am a regular & I find it both enjoyable and good exercise. I have been avoiding weighing myself but I finally did and found I've put on 4kg. My plan this week involves writing down everything I eat. Then I can see what I should cut back on. Also, the act of writing it down helps me not eat just because I'm bored. ... View more

I've heard good things about this show but I've only recently got a digital tv and haven't yet explored all the digital channels. I'll give it a try. ... View more

Dear Camel, Sorry for the loss of your friend. It is not selfish to come back and express your thoughts here, and also let us know what happened. Even though in one way the story is over in another way it continues as you will remember her & still be effected by her. Wombat - I'm sorry for your loss. It must be very difficult. I hope the Bereavement Support Group was some help. ... View more

Hi Ruairi Welcome back to the site! I find it a good place to connect with understanding people. I am a 34 year old breast cancer survivor so I am also relatively young. I am in a support group for young women but I am still one of the youngest in it. Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. She must keep you busy! ... View more

Hi Jules I was going to reply to you on the thread about motivation for staying healthy but it sounds like you've found some! I am in Melbourne so it doesn't help me but I looked at the website and it looks really good. I hope you can have fun and get fit at the same time. Having a group to meet for exercise makes it a lot easier than doing something on your own. Also, having a regular routine so that the exercise becomes a habit is good. Good luck (not that you'll need it!) ... View more

Hi Camel, First, there is the adjusting to having cancer, and then later (hopefully) there is the adjusting to no longer having cancer. My counsellor explained to me that during the "trauma" of having cancer your mind and body get used to being in a heightened state dealing with lots of stress and andrenalin etc. So, then when the treatment and trauma is over it takes a while to get your mind/body back down into the normal state again. This is what the anti-depressants are hopefully helping me with. At the moment I am feeling ok. I was getting attacks of despair and while I am still getting some they are not nearly as often or as severe. Went back to work yesterday after 2 weeks holiday after Christmas so that was a bit of a shock to the system. I still feel a bit tired but I think it's only a normal level of tiredness due to not sleeping very well. Jules - I don't think I have put on weight since starting the anti-depressants. I had already gained a couple of kilos probably due to side effects from my other medications. Have you gained some weight? Allicat ... View more

You're doing well and doing your best to be a good friend. Did she let you see her bald head? Because that suggests to me a certain level of trust between you. Only my family saw my bald head, even when other people visited me in hospital I made sure I had a cap on. She might like talking about her cancer. I know that I was ready to talk about it with anyone who showed an interest. But, some people might not want to talk about it, or it could be different on different days. I liked what Harker said - she is finding her way through this as well. I think she will appreciate that you mean well even if you occasionally say the wrong thing. ... View more

Hi Tim, I agree that walking helps with the fatigue. I always felt better after exercise. It also helps with the emotional fatigue if you can get outside for even a short walk amongst the trees in a local park. Best wishes Allicat ... View more