Normally I don't write anything unless I'm inspired. If I truly want to write a short story, or blog type post I make sure it's something I'm passionate about and the words just flow. I have been percolating this post for over a year now, and I'm still not "there" in terms of wanting to write it, or finding the right words. However, things are being put into motion maybe quicker than I expected and I wanted to get this post out before I have to do all the emotional labour of explaining everything one person at a time. So here it goes.
I am BRCA1 positive.
This means I have a genetic mutation that greatly increases my risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer. My risk of getting breast cancer in my life is somewhere between 60 and 90 percent where as the average woman has about a 12% chance of getting breast cancer. The risk for ovarian cancer is a little bit lower (40-60 percent) although ovarian seems to be what presents itself in my family's lineage so that number may be higher in my case.
For the last year and a bit I have been going to VGH every six months to the hereditary cancer center for routine exams related to BRCA1. I get an MRI once a year, and now that I'm 30 a mammogram once a year as well. But the reality is that hereditary cancers are fairly aggressive so even if cancer shows up "early" on one of these screenings it would not be as simple as getting a mastectomy and I'm cancer free. BRCA1 means I would have to go through full chemo/radiation as well as the surgery. In light of this, and the fact that we're not planning on having any more children I am following the doctor's suggestions and beginning the process of having a Prophylactic (preventative) Bilateral Mastectomy (PBM). This procedure will cut my risk of breast cancer down to between 2 and 5%.
I met with my surgeons in February (one to do the mastectomy, and a plastic surgeon for the reconstruction) and just got my surgery scheduled for June 26th
In about ten years I will also be pursuing other surgical options to greatly decrease my risk of ovarian cancer as well.
This is not a decision I have taken lightly. I know there are risks involved. But ultimately all I have to do is look at my daughter and strive to do as much as I can to be there for her for as long as I can.
Anyways, I just wanted to get this out because I want my friends and family to know what's going on in my life, and I could use my support system around me as I continue on this journey. Feel free to talk to me about this, or ask questions. I would really like to be an open book and bring a little more awareness to hereditary cancer genes and screenings.