I'm celebrating my last weekend with natural breasts at SOL CANTINA on 31st street, off Gillham. (Martini Corner) this Sunday at 5:30. If you don't have plans, or you just want to stop in for a drink to wish my boobies a safe journey, please stop by. Sol has tons of TVs and lots of good food, so you won't be disappointed. I'd love to catch up with anyone and everyone who can make it out before I head into surgery on the 11th.
I did get my genetic testing back and it was pretty difficult to hear that I do have a genetic BRCA2 mutation. I was getting used to the idea of being able to keep at least one breast, but I will now do a double mastectomy. I feel like it is the right thing to do to avoid having to go through this process again. I'll post a table below with the stats about why this is the correct decision for me. The other hard thing to swallow is I will also have to have my ovaries removed in the next few years. Because I have this gene, I have a very high chance of also contracting ovarian cancer. Therefore, it would be much safer for me to have them removed as soon as I am willing. Umph!
Despite all of this happening to me, the worst part about it is that I worry about my family. This is genetic, so if it came from my mother's side I worry about all of my cousins, all of their children, my aunts and uncles, and OF COURSE- my mother! If it came from my father's side, I worry about him! (He's an only child). And then.... my brother and his two beautiful girls! (there is a 50% chance of having the gene passed on) I am completely willing to go through all of this just to be able to help anyone in my family from having to do the same. They can all get tested and take precautions. If anything, I am giving them the power and information to understand the risks and do everything they can to prevent getting cancer themselves. For each and every one of them, I willingly take on this fight so they won't have to!
Here are the numbers that make everything too darn clear:
Type of Cancer | BRCA1 Risk by age 70 | BRCA2 Risk by age 70 | Risk in General Population by 70 |
Breast Cancer | 56-87% | 56-87% | 7% |
Second Breast Cancer | Up to 64% | 52% | 1% per year |
Ovarian Cancer | 16-44% | 10-27% | 1.8% |
Male Breast Cancer | Increased risk | Up to 6.9% | Up to 5.8% |
Anyhow, wish I could say I was enjoying our 5th snow day- but this information has made that difficult. Although I did get to play in the snow with my nieces (ages 2 and 4). We made some darn good snow angels....
I admire your bravery to do something so bold. I too am BRCA2 positive and have known for several years but I have not yet done anything that drastic to prevent it to a greater degree. But let me explain a couple things first.....My Mom died of ovarian cancer 18 years ago, her Mother and older sister died of the same so since I'm positive we are pretty sure they were too. Since my Mom was diagnosed with cancer over 22 years ago I've been getting a CA125 blood test to establish a baseline and check it 2 times a year. I've have 2 mammograms and several ovarian and utiran ultrasounds to keep an eye on everything. The other females on my mothers side have also had the genetic test and the majority are positive. I have since lost my older sister to breast cancer and my cousin and aunt to breast cancer. One of my cousins decided to go the drastic route and have a hysterectomy and a double profolactic mastectomy a few years a go when it was still controversial. She is now battling breast cancer after going through all those preventative measures. I will also add she is and has never been over weigh, has always been very healthy and in shape. So while I admire all that you have done and the amazing courage it must have taken for my cousin to have her healthy (at the time) breasts removed. But to what end? I am still asking myself that. I and still pushing the question as to why cancer has continued to become MORE prevalent and common and yet with all the technology and medical breakthroughs and research why have we not made more progress??? It has to be all the companies that make so much money off the people who get cancer. What other answer could there be?????????????? God Bless you and all others that are or will battle this HORRIBLE disease.
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