Hello, friend! Here’s a little something completely off the topic of books. So hey, why don’t we get straight down to business and painfully intimate 🤫 .. I was confirmed BRCA1 positive at the age of 30.
A positive test result essentially means that there is a mutation in one of the two breast cancer genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, in my case BRCA1. This means that I have a much higher risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer compared with someone who doesn’t have the mutation. This however in no way mean that I’m certain to develop cancer – just that the chances are much higher.
I recently came across Dr Holmes M.D. article “I’m Pleased to Inform You That You are BRCA Positive“. In this post they explain: “The reason that I am gratified to inform a healthy woman that she is a carrier of a breast cancer mutation is that most women are diagnosed with a mutation only after they have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. By then, they have already lost the opportunity to do a number of key things that could have prevented them from developing cancer in the first place.. The diagnosis of a BRCA mutation in a healthy woman is a priceless opportunity to profoundly improve the health and life of her and her immediate family. For example, prophylactic double mastectomy or preventive removal of both breasts combined with breast reconstruction nearly eliminates the risk of developing breast cancer in a woman who would otherwise be almost destined to develop breast cancer.”
This is what I have chosen to do to reduce my risk.
Over the past few months I’ve been searching the internet to find information about the procedures, specifically for someone who wants to carry out the operation as a risk reducing measure. There is a lot of information out there, sure, but the majority of the stories are by women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer and have had to go through various treatments before/after the mastectomy. I’d just like to add one additional experience as someone who’s going through it by choice.
I have already planned posts about my family history and what made me get tested in the first place, but this corner of my hidey-hole on the internet will fundamentally document my journey from getting tested to the recovery from a prophylactic double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. If this is something that interests you, please do get on board. We can embark on this voyage together!
In all seriousness, I truly hope that blogging about my experiences will help someone else considering a risk reducing surgery.
