Double Masectomy
Donation protected
Double Mastectomy for BRAC1 Positive Mutation
Hello Friends and Family:
On Thursday, July 26, 2018, I will be going in for a prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction surgeries at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Washington DC. I have a BRAC1 positive mutation which means that there is a general 87% chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer in my lifetime, with even greater risks for me because of extensive cancers in family history.
Cancer sucks. My baby sister is currently fighting breast cancer. My aunt is a survivor and has had breast cancer twice. My cousin has survived breast cancer. My grandfather died at 37 of brain cancer. My Great Grandmother died of breast and ovarian cancer at 52. And my Great Great Grandmother died of breast cancer at age 37.
For those of you that don’t know me well I am the oldest of 4 children. I have two sisters and a brother and out of all 4 children, all three girls share the BRAC 1 positive mutation. Last month my 29-year-old sister Kristina was diagnosed with breast cancer and has just completed 1 out of 15 chemo treatments at UCSF. My second sister, Anna who is 21 months younger than me, choose to do a prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction back in 2015.
In a few weeks, I am pulling the trigger and choosing to take charge of my mind, body, and health. I am tired of waiting for cancer to strike. Twice a year I have to go in for screenings and my stomach is tied in knots. This has been exhausting and stressful.
The average recovery time is 4-8 weeks. I will be taking FMLA in a few weeks and could really use assistance to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses and living expenses while I recover. I will need a second surgery in about 4 months but luckily this will be an outpatient procedure and will only require 3-4 days off work. If you are in a position to help thank you for your love and support.
Sincerely,
Heidi Koller-Calhounhttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/10003562/maureen-odonnell https://www.sherberandrad.com/plastic-surgery-washington-dc/breast-cancer-reconstruction/diep-flap/corrective-flap/total-reconstruction/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/sibley-memorial-hospital/patient-care/specialty/cancer/types/breast/index.html
Hello Friends and Family:
On Thursday, July 26, 2018, I will be going in for a prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction surgeries at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Washington DC. I have a BRAC1 positive mutation which means that there is a general 87% chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer in my lifetime, with even greater risks for me because of extensive cancers in family history.
Cancer sucks. My baby sister is currently fighting breast cancer. My aunt is a survivor and has had breast cancer twice. My cousin has survived breast cancer. My grandfather died at 37 of brain cancer. My Great Grandmother died of breast and ovarian cancer at 52. And my Great Great Grandmother died of breast cancer at age 37.
For those of you that don’t know me well I am the oldest of 4 children. I have two sisters and a brother and out of all 4 children, all three girls share the BRAC 1 positive mutation. Last month my 29-year-old sister Kristina was diagnosed with breast cancer and has just completed 1 out of 15 chemo treatments at UCSF. My second sister, Anna who is 21 months younger than me, choose to do a prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction back in 2015.
In a few weeks, I am pulling the trigger and choosing to take charge of my mind, body, and health. I am tired of waiting for cancer to strike. Twice a year I have to go in for screenings and my stomach is tied in knots. This has been exhausting and stressful.
The average recovery time is 4-8 weeks. I will be taking FMLA in a few weeks and could really use assistance to cover out-of-pocket medical expenses and living expenses while I recover. I will need a second surgery in about 4 months but luckily this will be an outpatient procedure and will only require 3-4 days off work. If you are in a position to help thank you for your love and support.
Sincerely,
Heidi Koller-Calhounhttps://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory/profile/10003562/maureen-odonnell https://www.sherberandrad.com/plastic-surgery-washington-dc/breast-cancer-reconstruction/diep-flap/corrective-flap/total-reconstruction/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/sibley-memorial-hospital/patient-care/specialty/cancer/types/breast/index.html
Organizer
Heidi Koller Calhoun
Organizer
Arlington, VA