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Online Talk: I’ve Just Found Out, What Next?

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We asked, you chatted... We love the response we

We asked, you chatted...
We love the response we get to our shout outs. It's so heart warming to see you all rally to support others in the community.
Sharing your lived experiences is a great way to help others prepare for upcoming surgeries.
Thank you for your top tips.
What would you like us to get the community to chat about next? Let us know
Xx
#brcachat #brca #genemutations #flapsurgery #mastectomy #cancerprevention #breastcancer #riskreducing #mastectomyrecovery

Mastectomy Monday... . We talk a lot about the he

Mastectomy Monday...
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We talk a lot about the healing process and how our reconstructed boobs can change as we heal.
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Today's pics shows exactly that. Over time, implants settle, soften and start to feel like they are part of you.
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Anon.
Preventative Mastectomy, DTI, with UTM 240cc round implants.
Age 49.
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Thank you for sharing your images with us. Your results are amazing :)
📢 Can you help us to expand our Mastectomy Gallery? Without your images, this much loved (and very important) resource wouldn't be what it is. But we need more pics! Drop us a DM if you can help.📢
Xx
#brcachat #mastectomy #brca #preventative #surgery #mastectomygallery #mastectomyimages #implants

You are not alone. BRCA+ Chat was founded by the

You are not alone.
BRCA+ Chat was founded by the wonderful Christen & Lisa to make sure you NEVER have to do this alone.
You don't have to always be strong. You don't have to have your ducks in a row. It's ok not to be ok!
This journey is like riding a crazy rollercoaster, but there's one thing you need to remember...
We are here to support you, EVERY STEP of the way.
Xx
#brcachat #brca #genemutations #leadwithlove #sundayreminder

Happy Weekend from BRCA Chat :) xxx

Happy Weekend from BRCA Chat :) xxx

It's Siblings Day 👭 BRCA+ Chat Co-ordinator Al

It's Siblings Day 👭
BRCA+ Chat Co-ordinator Alison and her sister Emily both carry the BRCA1 alteration and had their mastectomies & hysterectomies back in 2020. (Their mastectomies were done in the same month!)
It was one heck of a year for the family and all whilst living in the middle of a pandemic! At a time when they would have wanted to be there for each other, they faced social distancing restrictions.
They have written a joint blog about their journey. Head over to the website to read it in full.
Let's show our appreciation for our wonderful siblings today. Tag them below 👇
Xx
#brcachat #brca #genemutations #nationalsiblingsday #preventativesurgery #mastectomy #hysterectomy #menopause

Tips for managing medical anxiety & stress before

Tips for managing medical anxiety & stress before your surgery.
If you are nervous about your upcoming operation (totally understandable!), there are many different techniques you can use try to manage this. These include:
- Mindfulness
- Breathing Exercises
- Yoga
We have a wonderful Meditation Yoga session with Rosie this Thursday evening. Why not come along to take some time to relax and unwind your mind. We always come away feeling so at peace and ready for a good night's sleep. Rosie really is the BEST!
Book your place today via the events page on the website & tell us your top tips for managing your pre-op stress below.
Cya there Xx
#brcachat #brca #genemutations #stressawarenessmonth #leadwithlove #medicalanxiety #stress @doyouromthing

From our BRCA Buddy Katie - BRCA1 - Age 29, 7 week

From our BRCA Buddy Katie - BRCA1 - Age 29, 7 weeks post op.
“Hints and tips I would have found useful before entering my surgery and recovery!
🍂 Time of year 🍂
Considering what time of year you will have your operation is a personal choice but in hindsight an important aspect to consider! When I chose to have my bilateral double mastectomy on 1st November 2022 I realised that this was a good time of year for recovery- no high temperatures outside, no missing out on fun in the sun! Instead keeping warm inside and there was a lot of rain during November- perfect for keeping cosy and recovering inside!
💼 Hospital bag 💼
Take things that give you comfort! Something that smells nice and familiar, something that feels nice to touch. This helped me mentally prepare for packing the bag and getting myself ready to go in to hospital.
💪Drains💪
Having a tote bag for both bottles. I also had one bottle in a draw string bag because I slept with it in the bed with me and the other bottle was at the side of the bed.
🛁 Washing, showering and bathing 🛁
When you wash your hair, a hair wrap towel was very useful stopping water dripping down to your bandages. It was very important that the bandages fully dried after washing.
When I was able to bath after the bandages were off and the scars had fully knitted together, I was still wary not to lift myself out from the low bath position. I found that going on my shins and knees then holding on to the wall was a safe way to get out.
🛌 Useful PJs 🛌
I had a pair which were quite slippery in terms of material type (100% polyester). This was very helpful when swivelling out of bed carefully.
💤 Naps 💤
In the early weeks of my recovery, I kept listening to my body and just napped when I needed.
🚙 Seatbelt cushion 🚙
Super helpful for feeling comfortable in the car. It also prompted taxi drivers to drive a little slower over the bumps!
Finally, I wish I had a back scratcher for the first few weeks!! 😆
Wishing you all the best with your journey. You’ve got this (a saying that I repeated to myself a lot!)! Love, Katie 💕”
#brcachat #brca #genemutations #mastectomyprep #mastectomyrecovery #mastectomytoptips

Today is World Health Day How lucky are we to hav

Today is World Health Day
How lucky are we to have the NHS! It's under pressure for sure, but where would we be without it?
Let's use today to share our positive stories of how the NHS have supported us on our BRCA+ journey. Drop them in the comments 👇
Xx
#nhs #healthcare #worldhealthday #preventativesurgery #brca #genemutations #brcachat
#hopefulfutures #healthforall

A few little Sunday reminders just in case you nee

A few little Sunday reminders just in case you need to hear it...
💆 Self-care is NOT selfish.
😴 Rest is a necessity- You can't pour from an empty cup.
💕 Treat yourself with the same kindness and love that you do others.
Take some time for you today and have an amazing Sunday.
Xx
#brcachat #brca #genemutations #leadwithlove #selfcaresunday

Spreading the word... Last week, Alison headed of

Spreading the word...
Last week, Alison headed off to speak at a Leeds Hospitals event and chatted not only about her BRCA journey, and the reason she chose to have preventative surgery, but also about BRCA+ Chat and the work we do to build and support our wonderful community.
So many amazing comments about the Mastectomy Gallery, and everyone had a good old squeeze of the crocheted boobs (thanks to Alison's friend for making us these!)
Such a great day, hearing from medical professionals and connecting with other charities and businesses that support the Leeds Genetic Service.
Xx
#brcachat #brca #genemutations #breastcancer #ovariancancer #cancerprevention #riskreducingsurgery @pinkeventsltd @womanzoneuk

Most people have a shock when they hear their impl

Most people have a shock when they hear their implants are COLD... we did over at BRCA+ Chat.
.
But, generally people say it's not as weird as they first thought... & with anything, you adapt to your body's changes.
.
First thing to note, is they are cold to TOUCH, rather than your actual chest feeling cold. So if you brush another body part against them, you may notice.
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Secondly, it's not all the time - they actually adapt to the temperature around them. Confusingly, in winter they may feel warmer, cause you're all wrapped up - Summer, they might feel colder, as you're wearing less (and more likely to brush another body part over them).
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Remember, everybody, and every body is different... for some people it might bother them, other's barely even notice.
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As a firm believer of making the most of all situations - we encourage you to embrace it - they can help cool your hands, and drinks & what a great party trick, or conversation starter - own it and be your own quirky you.
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Lots of Chilly Love - Team BRCA+ Chat XxX
#brcachat #brca #genemutations #mastectomy #implantreconstruction #chillyfoobs

💖 April is Stress Awareness Month! 💖 Life w

💖 April is Stress Awareness Month! 💖
Life with a genetic alteration can bring unique challenges—but stress shouldn’t define the journey.
This year’s theme, #LeadWithLove, is a powerful reminder that love, kindness, and support can help ease the weight of stress.
🌿 Whether it’s showing yourself compassion, listening with empathy, or offering small acts of kindness, every bit of love makes a difference. Let’s create a space where we uplift each other, remind ourselves to breathe, and take stress one step at a time.
💡 Throughout April, we’ll be sharing tips, support, and encouragement on how to navigate stress with love.
Tell us: How do you #LeadWithLove? 💛👇
#brcachat #brca #genemutations #leadwithlove #StressAwarenessMonth #SelfCare #MentalWellbeing #YouAreNotAlone

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