Tag: BRCA2
I have the BRCA2 gene mutation that raised my risk to over a 90% chance I would have breast cancer.
Every woman that decides to have genetic testing has a reason. Mine was my family history. In 2018 my mother lost her battle with cancer. Breast cancer when she was 30 and again at 50. Then cervical, bladder and ultimately stomach cancer that took her life. Both her mother and grandmother also had breast cancer, so we believe that is where the gene comes from. One of my mother’s cousins died from Ovarian cancer.
My story is very different. I decided to find out my genetic risk and fight this on my own terms. I didn’t wait for cancer. With that, I am doing everything to ensure that I do not have to have cancer. Which resulted in some body altering decisions with a hysterectomy, followed by double mastectomy and reconstruction. I was 53 when I did this, older than most women, so the stories I saw were of much younger women going through this process.
I feel fortunate that everything has come back clear and that I caught this before it was a problem. Many women who undergo preventative surgery, end up only to find cancer at a very early stage. As a #previvor I have learned much about myself and how strong I am. I have not always had it easy going through the process. Others have had it far worse than I have. This is my story and what has happened as I have gone through this journey. It is my hopes that somehow my story will help someone else go through the process with a little more ease.
Bravery sometimes is not giant moves…
Bravery is not always easy. I can tell you that I am not always brave. Today I put it out there for you. Over time I have learned that it is fear that often stops us from being brave. To be brave is scary and overwhelming. Your body makes you want to run and hide […]
Weekly Affirmation – For those struggling with isolation
Are you finding yourself struggling with isolation? You are not alone. As humans we crave interaction with other humans. That is why we are here. So dealing with the pandemic you suddenly are isolating yourself from others. It can be difficult. Trust me I understand fully about the struggle. This is where affirmations have assisted […]
Getting Back Into Spiritual Practice
My Spiritual Practice is evolving to where it needs to be to serve others more effectively. That is exactly what I am doing now — growing and thriving in a time of great stress.
Post Surgery Struggles
I see other women who go through it and it appears so easy for them. Then I see the difference, they are in their 30’s and I am in my 50’s.
Time to Get Political
Our nation was founded to be a kinder, gentler place where all could prosper. Regrettably we have slipped into patterns that are dangerous to that end goal. If we do not speak out, it will continue in a way that will only serve the few. Use our voices, and more importantly vote this November to end this insanity.
Previvors Take Time To Process
Previvors take time to process everything that happens to them. 546 days ago I sat in my genetic counselor’s office hearing what I had already known to be true. That I carried the genetic mutation that predisposed me to some nasty, yet preventable, cancers. The clock was ticking, at 53 I was a lot […]
Ways to Relieve Burnout
If you find that you do burnout and fall apart, give yourself permission to take care of yourself. Each day is a new day to do better. You can and will get through this. We all will.
Another Surgery ?*@!
I am facing yet another surgery this month in my BRCA journey. I am so tired of it. The last thing I want is yet another surgery. Yet that is where I am at. This time it is revision surgery. Take care of some of the bumps and imperfections away from my body after 4 […]
Weekly Affirmation – Becoming Healthy
I am becoming healthy and it has been something that I have been working on since my BRCA gene mutation diagnosis. To achieve this, I have had to change my mindset and thinking. I had to find reasons to commit to the changes. This week’s affirmation is as follows: I am giving myself […]