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Choosing Prevention: Alice’s BRCA2 Journey and Life After Mastectomy
Manage episode 514160996 series 3686654
When Alice Nicholson discovered she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, she made the life-changing decision to undergo preventative double mastectomies — not because she had cancer, but because she didn’t want to wait for it.
In this open and emotional conversation, Alice shares how she navigated the medical system, grief after losing both parents and her sister, and the reality of reconstructive surgery — from the practical to the deeply personal. She and host Samantha Vale talk candidly about body image, identity, and the moments of courage that come when taking control of your own story.
With honesty, humour and heart, this episode explores what it really means to choose prevention — and how to rebuild life, body, and confidence afterwards.
🎧 Cups & Courage shares lived experiences of breast cancer, preventative surgery, and recovery — with warmth, honesty, and a little bit of tea.
Chapters
1. Intro & Welcome. Samantha introduces the podcast and guest, Alice Nicholson, sharing her background and BRCA gene story. (00:00:00)
2. Favourite Biscuit & Acts of Courage. Alice reveals her biscuit of choice (Jaffa Cakes!) and talks about her recent courageous act—buying a business just months after surgery. (00:00:41)
3. Discovering the BRCA Gene. Alice reflects on her family history, early awareness, and the moment she discovered she carried the BRCA2 mutation. (00:03:08)
4. Losing Family & Making the Decision. She shares how losing her parents and sister shaped her quick decision to have preventative surgery. (00:05:32)
5. Understanding the Risk. The 70% truck analogy—a powerful explanation from her nurse that made the decision clear. (00:08:05)
6. Reconstruction Decisions & Funding Challenges. Alice discusses choosing reconstruction, NHS funding freezes, and the all-female surgical team who changed her experience. (00:09:15)
7. Her gratitude for the care she received at the Royal Marsden and UCLH, and the contrast with others’ postcode lottery experiences. (00:13:15)
8. Emotional Support & the Lack of It. Alice opens up about emotional care gaps in the UK system and a difficult encounter wi (00:16:29)
9. Finding Support & Community. The conversation turns to peer support, therapy access, and how communities fill the emotional care void. (00:20:31)
10. Recovery, New Boobs & Humour. Alice shares her initial recovery, lighthearted moments (including the postman story), and how humour helped her heal. (00:23:45)
11. Home Life & Partner’s Perspective. Reflections on recovery, her husband’s support, and how the surgery shifted their dynamic. (00:28:00)
12. Body Image & Connection. Alice talks about numbness, the disconnect with her body, and how her surgeons encouraged her to feel good about her new self. (00:31:23)
13. Phase Two & Nipple Reconstruction. She describes her second surgery, nipple reconstruction, and how it changed how she felt about her body. (00:35:16)
14. Acceptance & Gratitude. A heartfelt reflection on body image, acceptance, and focusing on what truly matters after surge (00:37:10)
15. Advice to Her Younger Self. Alice shares powerful advice about courage, resilience, and getting through life’s hardest moments. (00:39:28)
16. Closing Thoughts & Outro. Final reflections on hope and moving forward, ending with the standard Cups & Courage disclaimer. (00:40:47)
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