After losing my sister to breast cancer last year, and our mother 6 years prior, after much delay and feet dragging, I decided to get tested for the BRCA cancer mutation genes. While I was sure at least one of the genes would come back positive, when the doctor told me I was positive for the BRCA1 gene, I was heart-broken. When the doctor tells you that you have an 87% chance of getting breast cancer, your world turns up-side-down. But my doctor also told me that I didn't need to live in fear of cancer. After all, my sister left behind a daughter, and I refused to do the same. Though I didn't want to make these "grown up" decisions at 33, I needed to take control of my health.
Since the ovaries produce estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer, we also did a full hysterectomy in August of 2014. I felt better than I had in years! It was like my hormones were so out of balance with the uterus, that now, with it out, I was me again! (results may vary)
We also decided to do a bi-lateral mastectomy and reconstruction. Since I have Muscular Dystrophy, we did not do the hysterectomy and boobs at the same time. I had my "boob work" done on Thursday; but not before any self-respecting woman would change their photoshopped Facebook picture. And while it has taken me several days to feel human again, the outpouring of support from women who have made the same choices is overwhelming. I am so thankful for the women who are willing to share their experiences to make the choices of others so much easier.
I know that I did what was best for me, and that cancer will not win!!!
Dickinson, ND
