- R
Cancer has been a huge part of my life since I was a child. It took both of my grandfathers, when I was young, and directly impacted me when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was in her early-40s and only fought for a few years, before her battle was lost.
Since my mother's death, there has been an incredible amount of research happening to fight breast cancer, with genetic testing being the newest and most effective study. Scientists have found that there are a couple genes that are linked to certain cancers, BRCA1 and BRCA2. My aunt (Mom's sister) was tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation, after having her own post cancer mastectomy. Knowing that the mutation is genetic, she urged me, my sister and cousin to have our blood drawn for testing. 1 of the 3 came back positive for the same BRCA2 mutation...it was mine.
As soon as I got the results, information came rushing in. I bought books, saw Dr's, spoke to a genetic counselor, sat down with my family, talked to my mom's friends and prayed like a freakin' saint.
I've learned that everyone has this gene and it's purpose is to fight cancer cells. When it is mutated like ours, however, it can't do it's job...meaning that I have incredibly high risks of not only getting breast cancer, like my mom and aunt, but skin, pancreatic, ovarian and cervical cancers. They've also discovered that the cancers linked to our BRCA2 mutation are typically the more aggressive type and not as easily beat.
If I were to wait and be diagnosed with even the tiniest tumor, I would have to go through chemo, radiation AND a mastectomy (in which I would more than likely lose my nipples, skin and lymph nodes). Before then, the cost of mammograms, MRIs and cervical ultrasounds, every 6 months, could be more costly and stressful than I can even imagine.
For these reasons, and so many more, Dr. Melissa Kinney and Dr. Fadi Constantine will be performing my prophylactic mastectomy, on July 3rd.
The cost is higher than I can afford but promises such a better turn out, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.
I never want anyone to feel the pain of losing a mother at/before the age of 15. It should never happen and I am determined to take the steps now that will ensure that I not only live past motherhood but into my "grand" years :)
Since my mother's death, there has been an incredible amount of research happening to fight breast cancer, with genetic testing being the newest and most effective study. Scientists have found that there are a couple genes that are linked to certain cancers, BRCA1 and BRCA2. My aunt (Mom's sister) was tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation, after having her own post cancer mastectomy. Knowing that the mutation is genetic, she urged me, my sister and cousin to have our blood drawn for testing. 1 of the 3 came back positive for the same BRCA2 mutation...it was mine.
As soon as I got the results, information came rushing in. I bought books, saw Dr's, spoke to a genetic counselor, sat down with my family, talked to my mom's friends and prayed like a freakin' saint.
I've learned that everyone has this gene and it's purpose is to fight cancer cells. When it is mutated like ours, however, it can't do it's job...meaning that I have incredibly high risks of not only getting breast cancer, like my mom and aunt, but skin, pancreatic, ovarian and cervical cancers. They've also discovered that the cancers linked to our BRCA2 mutation are typically the more aggressive type and not as easily beat.
If I were to wait and be diagnosed with even the tiniest tumor, I would have to go through chemo, radiation AND a mastectomy (in which I would more than likely lose my nipples, skin and lymph nodes). Before then, the cost of mammograms, MRIs and cervical ultrasounds, every 6 months, could be more costly and stressful than I can even imagine.
For these reasons, and so many more, Dr. Melissa Kinney and Dr. Fadi Constantine will be performing my prophylactic mastectomy, on July 3rd.
The cost is higher than I can afford but promises such a better turn out, mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically.
I never want anyone to feel the pain of losing a mother at/before the age of 15. It should never happen and I am determined to take the steps now that will ensure that I not only live past motherhood but into my "grand" years :)