Join Janis Burns' Fight Against Hereditary Cancer

Hello there! Janis Burns here. This past year has been a life altering time for me. I've been diagnosed with breast cancer and BRCA-2 hereditary genetics,along with a rare genetic blood disorder Fanconi Anemia. BRCA-2 genetics puts me at high risk of Breast, Ovarian, Pancreatic, and Melanoma Cancers. Franconia Anemia affects my bone marrow production and leads to adult Leukemia, cancer of the head, mouth and neck, and Anogenital cancers. This adult Fanconi anemia component typically onsets in older people. My risk is between 500-3,000 times more than the general population. It will be the leading cause of my death as I age (currently 51). My current symptoms include birth defects in my bones, muscle weakness, extreme fatigue, pain management, Hypo/Hyper skin pigmentation au-lait skin spots,and multiple miscarraige pregnancies during my fertile years..all signs my bone marrow is starting to turn and raises my cancer-susceptibility. There is not much research for Adult FA, treatments currently only include bone marrow transplants and watching my blood counts.

I have had both of my breasts completely removed, along with Ovaries/Fallopian tubes.(HELLO MENOPAUSE). I will need 2-3 separate Breast reconstructive surgeries. Fortunately, very new technology will bring back some feeling in my skin tissue and reconstructed areolas. My first reconstructive surgery date is October 15,2024, a full year after my surgical mastectomies. It has been devastating to my soul, my career as a Massage Therapist and Pro-Cycling Soigneur, and as a woman dealing with fatigue, pain, Neuropathy, PTSD, social isolation, body image and financial concerns. Last month, I was sponsored by FORCE:

Facing Our Risk of Cancer, a non profit organization that advocates for people and families of those affected with hereditary cancer, to attend the annual conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My experience there has given me a more hopeful outlook, education,courage and a new sense of advocacy for women and men with genetic mutations. This September 19-22, I have been sponsored again! to attend Fanconi Cancer Foundation annual adult retreat in Charlotte, North Carolina, it will be another empowering experience for me and I am thrilled.

It is not easy to ask for help, in fact to me, its brutally hard. I have always fancied myself as self sufficient, a fighter and well..kick ass. To add some insult to injury, two months before my Breast diagnosis, I had a Lumbar fusion surgery and still have C4-T8 surgeries to repair herniations and disc bulges. My outlook on returning to normal work life is poor. It just sucks.

I have decided to dedicate all these sour lemons to science, early detection research is ever ongoing and I am all for it! That is my new path, along with working heavily on my physical and mental health. Ketamine IV infusion therapy is helping to repair my brain function, depression, and abilities to set healthy boundaries for my heart and soul. My journey is a fight for life and ongoing. Thank you for listening and your empathy. Forever Grateful, Janis :)