Season 2: Episode 7: The view from the other side of the bed: The partner’s perspective

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:  * Sign up to My Journey (https://myjourney.org.au/) and access a range of resources  * Visit our Online Network (https://www.bcna.org.au/onlinenetwork/) 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 (https://auc-word-edit.officeapps.live.com/we/www.bcna.org.au), email us at helpline@bcna.org.au (mailto:helpline@bcna.org.au), or call our Helpline on 1800 500 258 

Om Podcasten

Dr Charlotte Tottman established her own private practice in psycho oncology, providing psychological treatment for cancer-related distress, before being diagnosed with breast cancer herself, giving Charlotte’s understanding of a cancer experience a whole new dimension. Despite the circumstances, Charlotte’s own diagnosis and clinical experience enables her to connect with those who are going through comparable situations, giving them a place to reflect and relate, and learn to navigate and better understand psychological discomfort in a cancer space. Throughout the podcast series we have meaningful conversations about many topics, including the initial shock of diagnosis, emotional isolation, and coming to terms with those who show up, and those who may not during your journey, body image difficulties, how cancer changes your overall perception of life, the impact on sexuality and intimacy, and fear of cancer recurrence.   Charlotte’s own vulnerability is evident in each of the episodes, which lay out her lived experience, provide explanations of psychological triggers and responses, and practical strategies that may help someone on their own cancer journey. 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 contact@bcna.org.au.