When You Test Positive for BRCA 1 and 2
It’s now been a week since I learned that I tested positive for BRCA 1 and 2 gene mutation which significantly increases a woman’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer. On my mother’s side of the family, we learned that both her father’s and mother’s family lost women to ovarian cancer, including my grandmother and her mother. When my mother and one of my sisters tested positive, I decided I would get the test as well.
Ever the optimist, I hoped that I would be lucky since on my father’s side of the family, no one had cancer. Unfortunately, I ended up with the gene mutation and a big decision. Or maybe not so big, depending on how you think about things. My doctor strongly recommended ovary removal. Since she practices integrative medicine, I’ve always found her to be conservative when it comes to invasive procedures. If there is a natural way of healing and protecting one’s body, she prefers to start with that. However, she was quite firm about taking pre-emptive action as soon as possible; so we’re looking at early November for surgery. So, now my schedule includes an surgical consult and working around surgery and recovery.
I didn’t think I’d be emotional about this; after all, I am healthy right now, but I found myself tearful when I received the news. In that moment, I thought about rolling the dice and not having the surgery, (I’m not a fan of hospitals at all) and wondered about the accuracy of the saliva test I took in June to determine whether I had the gene mutation. I mainly thought of my daughter who just lost her father last October. I thought about my former husband’s suffering and the difficulties that illness of this type cause families. It’s one thing if illness happens—that’s life—but if it can be prevented…I guess that’s where I ended up, wanting to prevent suffering, as much as possible, for my loved ones.
I’m not a fan of the medical machine, and the farther I can stay away from it, the better. I try to do what I can do to support my health through diet, exercise and emotional self-care. I want us, as a community, to support each other in living the healthiest, most vibrant lives we can. So, yes…
To learn more about this the BRACA 1 and 2 gene mutation click HERE
To learn more about ovary removal surgery click HERE
I’d love to hear from those of you who’ve traveled this path, what decision did you make? What did you learn? What can you share with our community?
Mature Style: Summer Shapewear for Women Over 50
Spring Dresses for Women Over 50
[* Shield plugin marked this comment as “trash”. Reason: Failed GASP Bot Filter Test (checkbox) *]
my sister in law her twin and her sister were all positive did the surgery and never had a regret, their mother died when they were 11, so they had many missed years.
That makes me feel better. Thank you.
It’s so worrying isn’t it? Not one member of my family (either side) has had cancer and I’ve always been so proud to say that, plus it’s less worrying. And then my mother died riddled with it eight weeks ago.
OH no! I’m so very sorry. My prayers are with you.
What a scary discovery and a tough decision to make. Sending good vibes your way!
Nina,
I am so sorry that this is happening to you.
I know you will make the right decisions with your health and I am sending you positive thoughts my friend!
Hugs,
Robin
Thank you Robin!
Nina,
You are a wonderful mother to want to forge ahead for her good. I’m sending all good wishes and prayers your way for some good news!
Thank you so much Pam! It really made me sad to think of her loosing both of us. She and I have been super close.
Thanks for this post, it’s so honest and informative. Thank you for the linkup too, I do hope you’ll join the #chicandstylish #linkup that’s live now. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Hey Jacqui! I seem to get busy and miss Thursday linkups, I will make a point of stopping by this week for sure. I hate missing them! See you next week, I promise!
I know that it’s scary, but you are making the right choice. Those of us that have regular preventative healthcare are so lucky. I accidentally linked to this post – mine doesn’t have anything to do with wellness, so please delete if you can!
Pam, you are most welcome to post your links—I’m not big on rules, the more the merrier I say!
[* Shield plugin marked this comment as “trash”. Reason: Failed GASP Bot Filter Test (checkbox) *]
Are you seriously having difficulty with this decision? Ovarian cancer is absolutely a horrible, horrible road to travel. Thank the Lord that you have the advantage of of knowing this now unlike many women who don’t have this luxury.
Yes, at first I did. My former husband’s death was the result of a series of “mistakes” in diagnosing, and treating, so I have major trust issues.
Hi Nina
I am only getting to read this now. What devastating news, but at least you can preempt cancer by having surgery. I see that you have thought through all this and I am sure you are making the right decision. Otherwise you live in fear. A wonderfully brave post my friend and I send you love and strength from Graham and me here in Ireland. While recuperating get planning that trip to Ireland.
Thank you Dear Friend for your prayers. While I’m recuperating you can bet I’ll be working on the trip to Ireland and the UK. I’m planning for next July. It will be my 60th birthday. See you than!
We do not have cancer that runs in our family. I have thought about that if I ever tested positively for the possibility of getting cancer I would most definitely get the surgery done. I think preventing something and possibly extending your life, or doing things to try to extend your life is a positive thing. Thank you for sharing!
http://www.mylittlenest.org