Upfront About Breast Cancer – What You Don't Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman

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: Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources 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. 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: Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources 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. 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: Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources 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. 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: Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources 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. 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: Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources 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. 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 *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. 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 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: Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources Visit our Online Network to connect with people going through a similar experience Charlotte Tottman’s end of life preferences discussion prompts. 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: What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: D Day: Diagnosis ShockWe 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 contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about Charlotte’s diagnosis story including the initial shock and common reactions in the aftermath of a cancer diagnosis. Charlotte discusses physical and psychological responses, including fight and flight, information control, and anxiety spikes. We also explore what information and tactics helped her process the information and how she told her loved ones of the news.To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources on:Coping with a diagnosis of early breast cancer Practical help when diagnosed with early breast cancer Talking to children about your breast cancer diagnosisReactions of parents when you are diagnosed with breast cancerSupport for you when diagnosed with early breast cancer- 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 JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 3: What You Don’t Know Until You Do, With Dr Charlotte Tottman: The Showing Up and The Letting Down: Surprises and Disappointments in RelationshipsWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don’t Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. 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 contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about the surprises and disappointments often experienced at various stages of a breast cancer journey and the expectations we often don’t realise we have of others. Charlotte shares her experience of being surprised and thankful for those who stepped up, as well as her experience of feeling let down by those who disappeared. We also hear about how best to respond to disappointment, recalibrate expectations and how to clearly communicate your emotional and practical needs to those around you.To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources onManaging support and concern from the people around you Support for you when you are diagnosed with EBC- 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 JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 5: What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: The Snow Globe Effect: Change of PerspectiveWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don’t Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. 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 contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about the Snow Globe Effect, an analogy Charlotte uses to explain how a cancer experience can change a person’s perspective, values, priorities and how they live their life. We explore confronting mortality, re-thinking past choices and decisions and how we can be empowered to live our best life going forward. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources onDealing with emotions after an early breast cancer diagnosisYour new normal after breast cancer treatmentEmotional wellbeing and DCIS- 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 JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 7: What you don’t know until you do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: The Next Version of You: Managing ExpectationsWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don’t Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. 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 contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about post treatment adjustment and the role that the expectations we have of ourselves, and the expectations others have of us play in a cancer experience. Charlotte reflects on how she changed various aspects of her life through her cancer journey to adjust to the next version of herself and find a way forward, rather than trying to find a way back to her pre cancer self. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources onYour new normal after breast cancer treatmentBeyond active treatment: the impact on you and your relationships- 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 JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.

Episode 9: What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman: Exercise is Annoying (‘cos it works): The Psychological and Physical BenefitsWe recommend that listeners exercise self-care when listening to the Upfront About Breast Cancer What You Don’t Know Until You Do with Dr Charlotte Tottman podcast, as some may find the content upsetting. Each episode is raw and real and covers a range of topics, some of which may be triggering for people at various stages of their journey. The intention is to have meaningful conversations, present relevant information and provide practical strategies that may help someone or someone you know on their cancer journey. 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 contact@bcna.org.au.In this episode of What You Don’t Know Until You Do, with Dr Charlotte Tottman, we hear about the major benefits, both psychologically and physically, of exercise during breast cancer treatment, the different exercise types and formats that can be beneficial to treatment, as well as hearing Charlotte’s rehab story and how she discovered what worked for her. To help us continue to develop our podcasts, we ask for your feedback via our survey.Resources:- Sign up to My Journey and access a range of resources onExercise after breast surgeryExercise: why, what and how?Physical activity, eating healthy and breast cancer- 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 JT Reid.Produced by Dr Charlotte Tottman and BCNA Engineered and edited by Jane Nield at SEN StudiosVisit our website at www.bcna.org.au/, email us at contact@bcna.org.au, or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 if any of the content in this podcast has raised any concerns or questions.