Tuesday, May 14th.

 

 

HAS ANYONE NOT HEARD THE NEWS???????

"My Medical Choice" by Angelina Jolie was released today.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?_r=1

 

She is BRCA1 positive and recently had a prophylactic double mastectomy.
  Now comes all the misinformation and opinions from people who have not done their research and have no idea what they are talking about.  I belong to a few groups on Facebook- all women who are BRCA positive.  We get advice, give encouragement, and share our stories with one another. ALL POSITIVE.
 I didn't realize until today,while browsing outside my groups, that there were people who thought having my breasts cut off and being in menopause at age 42 was somehow related to "wealth or vanity".  Really? I actually read that on a feed today. It was directed at Angelina but I felt offended. I wrote a response "have you seen her breasts? do you have any idea what a mastectomy involves? her beautiful tomb raider breasts will never be the same and she may never have feeling in them again?  Vanity??? Seriously???"

Wealth was also talked about.  The dumb dumb obviously didn't know that if you fall within the guidelines insurance will pay for the testing as well as the surgery.  If you don't have insurance there are doctors and non profit organizations that will make sure you get the testing and treatment you need.
 

I've felt nothing but love and support from my family and friends so the rant above is not aimed at you! Just needed to get it off my chest (heehee)
 

I thought I would provide some additional information on BRCA:

 

Having a BRCA gene mutation is uncommon. These mutations are present in far less than 1 percent of the general population.  Inherited BRCA gene mutations are responsible for about 5 percent of breast cancers and about 10 to 15 percent of ovarian cancers. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/brca-gene-test/MY00322

 Harmful BRCA1 mutations may also increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical, uterine, pancreatic, and colon cancer. Harmful BRCA2 mutations may additionally increase the risk of pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, gallbladder and bile duct cancer, and melanoma.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

 



Who should consider testing?

Genetic testing is only recommended for certain people, including those with:

• A personal history of breast cancer at age 50 or younger
• A personal history of triple negative breast cancer (breast cancer that is estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and HER2/neu receptor-negative)
• A personal or family history of male breast cancer
• A personal or family history of bilateral breast cancer (cancer in both breasts)
• A personal history of ovarian cancer
• A parent, sibling, child, grandparent, grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or first cousin diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 or younger
• A parent, sibling, child, grandparent, grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece or first cousin diagnosed with ovarian cancer
• A family history of both breast and ovarian cancers on the same side of the family (either mother's or father's side of the family)
• Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and a family history of breast or ovarian cancer

There is only a very small chance that your family carries a BRCA mutation if:

• You or an immediate family member is the only person in your family with breast cancer
• The breast cancers in your family all occurred at older ages.
• http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

 

I would like to say that scheduling the prophylactic surgeries was a difficult choice. But, it was a no brainer.

87-90% chance of breast cancer VS less than 5%.

 

If you have any questions regarding BRCA or my story please email me (jstella6635@charter.net) or message me on FB. I would be happy to answer your questions or chat!

 

My prophylactic double mastectomy is scheduled on June 3rd.

 

 

 

 



April 27, 2013

I woke up Tuesday morning with a sense of peace.  I felt the prayers. 

Shel and Jim stayed with me til the very last moment.

 

 

I will not get ovarian cancer! 

 Hysterectomy and oophorectomy done. I had a rough day Monday before surgery. I was very anxious and ended up taking Xanax. What a life saver.  Tuesday morning was completely different. I felt calm and peaceful. I have to admit it didn't seem real until the gown went on and the iv went in.  Next, the anesthesiologist went over the game plan- I'm a difficult patient because I'm drug naive, tiny, suffer from vertigo, and have problems with nausea. He did a great job- maybe too good since I couldn't open my eyes until the next day! My surgery went well. I haven't gotten the pathology report back but my doctor said there were no surprises. 

My sister woke up feeling great after her surgery three weeks before- I couldn't open my eyes and was dizzy for days due to the patch I had behind my ear for nausea. I will not talk about the packing that was placed in my body. If you are going to have this surgery inbox me and I will give you the details. I'm not in pain. It feels very tender and my stomach is swollen.  I'm tired all the time. My husband has been amazing. He has taken over and encouraged me to just rest and recover. 

 

The kids had prom on Friday and that was difficult. Thankfully my sis and friend Missy took all the pictures. I was able to sit and watch. Sis and I were both exhausted after. Little things wear you out quickly.

 

Next topic, menopause.

I'm less than a week in and it sucks. The hot flashes set in almost immediately.  It's not like anything I can explain. It's horrible. The heat moves up my body and is unbearable. I'm sweating in places I never knew could sweat!  

I'm trying to be positive but,

don't hold it against me if I start swearing like a trucker.

 

Next surgery, June 3, 2013.

April 22, 2013

 the journey becomes real for me tomorrow.

 my first surgery-

 laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy w/bilateral salpingo oophorectomy.

big words for: removing everything.

I'm feeling very emotional.

 

I wish I had more to write but, I'm out of words. lets do this.