Member: annajjj | BCNA Online Network

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Re: Happy Birthday wishes to for 25 July to @annajjj
Thank you all so much! This time last year I was a few days post surgery and pretty miserable with drains and trying to sleep upright, as well as facing chemo and radiation. This year I'm in good heath, happy and grateful for all the support and for getting through. Thank you for your messages xxxxx
4 years ago Place General discussions
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Re: When is your birthday?
@jm13 and @arpie Thanks so much - surgery tomorrow. Feeling nervous but positive
5 years ago Place Birthday board
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Re: When is your birthday?
My birthday is 25th July. Four days after my surgery but hopefully I will be home by then!
5 years ago Place Birthday board
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Re: Nervous about surgery
@arpie @Sister @Julez1958 @Cath62 Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support. Some great suggestions and reassurance which I really need. I especially like the advice about the small pillow and letting myself cry if I need to, and also @FLClover suggestion about dancing and singing to music. I'm an 80s music tragic and this is working well for me. Turning up the music and distracting myself has been great. I'm tentatively booked in for both breasts in 3 weeks. I thought it would be sooner since it has already been a month since diagnosis but I've been assured the cancer won't spread fast. I have to trust the professionals I think, and try to keep calm. I'm not great at meditation but it is also a good suggestion and I am trying to do it every day. Thank you all once again.
5 years ago Place General
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Re: Nervous about surgery
Thank you also @FLClover. Your comments on posts are really sensible and comforting. You're right, I think I have to remember that this is a procedure to rid my body of this cancer. And that is a positive good thing.
5 years ago Place General
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Re: Nervous about surgery
Thank you @Mazbeth that is really helpful. I'd also pictured big bandages all around my torso so good to know what to expect. I've bought a couple of button down tops in anticipation but I have to say, the drains worry me. I will do the exercises as instructed. I'm worried about my reaction to looking down and seeing stitches where my breasts once were. I keep trying to picture it so that I don't get too distressed when it actually happens. Not that my boobs are particularly lovely, but they are part of my body and I am slightly freaked out at the thought of not having them anymore. I guess everyone goes through this panicky feeling and I just have to woman-up and be brave but I'm still feeling so nervous. Thank goodness for this site and the support of other people who have gone through this. I really appreciate your comment.
5 years ago Place General
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Nervous about surgery
Tomorrow is my second appointment with my lovely new surgeon after my initial diagnosis on the 4th June and hopefully I will find out my surgery date for mastectomy which they have promised will be in the next few weeks. I have invasive lobular carcinoma in the right breast, several lumps, but the left one appears to be fine. I'm so nervous about the surgery and the treatments afterwards. I'm sure everyone feels the same way - any tips for keeping myself calm? I feel so fit and well right now, it is almost unbelievable that in a few weeks I will be sick and sore and my body will have changed so much. Part of me just wants to get it over and done with and part of me is resisting the whole thing. I keep flashing forward to being in hospital and I start getting very anxious. I've had a couple of surgeries before and I wasn't as wound up about those as I am about this. Any advice will be gratefully received.
5 years ago Place General
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Re: Any regrets after going flat?
I'm about to find out my surgery date and whether or not I will have both breasts removed. For me it is important that they take both as I feel like this will be less traumatic for me that having one remaining breast. Although I understand this is a deeply personal choice and some people feel just as passionately that they only have the cancerous breast removed and retain the 'good' breast. I hope whatever choice you make it works for you xx
5 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
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Re: Overwhelmed
Thinking of you @Gin1966. Hope you're doing okay.
5 years ago Place General
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Re: Thank you
That just made me feel so much better @FLClover . xxxx
5 years ago Place General
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Groups

Let's talk: vaginas, menopause & me
PRIVATE GROUP. This group is a safe, supportive space to talk about sexual health and emotional wellbeing during and after breast cancer. We discuss topics like menopause, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, UTIs, and changes in libido, and share ideas and products that may help. Whether you're navigating intimacy with a partner or reconnecting with yourself, you're not alone here. This is a place for open, respectful conversations and shared understanding.
Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
This group is for anyone diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer (ILC), which begins in the milk-producing lobules and accounts for around 10% of invasive breast cancers (US statistics). Connect with others, share experiences, and access peer support from people who understand the unique aspects of an ILC diagnosis.
Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.

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annajjj

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Let's talk: vaginas, menopause & me

Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)

Choosing breast reconstruction