“It goes without saying that I can’t imagine going through my diagnosis, operations and post op time without this group’s support, especially in Covid times when getting an appointment with any specialist was such a pain. The BRCA group is the first port of call when in doubt, worried or slightly panicky. It is the place to give and get support, discuss problems, share experiences. I think it massively saves time and money of NHS as otherwise we would need to go with any silly problem or worry and see a GP or specialist. I’m so grateful for this group, it’s essential to keep it going”.
Agnie
“Finding out I had the BRCA gene was terrifying and so scary, but having this group has been a massive support especially after losing my Mum so young. I feel like I can ask any questions and advice within the group and is such a massive help. During Covid times and struggling to get an appointment, just popping onto the Facebook page and asking advice has been great. Having risk reducing surgery at 24 was the best decision I ever made and having this group, it was a lot easier to deal with”.
Emma
“I’ve learnt more from this group than I had in the decade preceding. The support from this group has been a lifeline to me, in so many ways. Elizabeth and the team are literally 24/7 in terms of care, and have been around for me as individuals, and a group, in some of my darkest hours. What’s truly important about this group is you live the rest of your life with a BRCA diagnosis so the need for support is always there, and that’s not something you can necessarily get from medical staff and other charities. The experience and mentoring from this wonderful group is incomparable and my only fault is I didn’t find them earlier”.
Selina
“I truly have never known support like it. We owe an awful lot to the time and dedication of the women that run it, Liz & Jo. They are always there for everyone, thank you, thank you, thank you”.
Sally, 42
“The BRCA Kent group has been a wonderful support through the early days of my diagnosis with the BRCA 2 gene fault. It has enabled me to meet women in the same position as me but at various different stages of their journeys with preventative care. This contact is invaluable in my own decision making”.
Arabella, 41
“After having preventative breast surgery at such a young age of 23, I felt somewhat alone with mixed feelings and emotions regarding such a life changing operation. I wish I had found this group sooner! Meeting women in similar situations has been so comforting, knowledge is power and I have learnt so much from the meetings.
I now feel ready to move on with the next chapter in my BRCA journey and tackle removing my ovaries”.
Thanks for all your support
Hayley, 33
“I did not really have any expectations when visiting the group for the first time. I felt somehow lost after my diagnosis. Before joining the meetings, I didn’t really know what the journey would involve. Talking to experienced people and being given support in a friendly environment helped me to find my own path of the journey and take preventative actions”.
Anika, 33
“I attended a support group meeting about a fortnight before I went for surgery to remove my ovaries. I was feeling incredibly nervous, anxious and beginning to have some doubts I was doing the right thing. The women were wonderful, sharing stories of when they had had the same op, giving me some ideas about recovery and HRT and even talking about the surgeon who had also done their surgery. I felt a weight of relief and drove home that night feeling almost excited to be having my op soon. I had my music turned up and I sang loudly all the way home!”
Jo, 38