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LeanneI's avatar
LeanneI
Member
13 years ago

Another Journey ended well

Well it is 2 days after Christmas and I have been reflecting on the year.

For me it has been free of dr's appts and surgery.

My sister on Friday had the final chapter of her life saving choice.  She had the exchange surgery for her reconstruction following her prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. She had not complications and sailed through surgery.

Her journey was one made through family history and medically due to carrying the BRCA2 gene.

So of our family - 2 gene carriers (Mum & Vicki) and 2 non gene carriers (myself and my sister Michelle) - 3 of us have now had bilateral mastectomys.

My youngest sister is busily losing weight in readiness to herself have the surgery in the future.

She has decided to do the same to reduce her risk also - even though she does not have the gene, the fact that I was diagnosed without the gene is high enough risk in her mind.

We are a family that have:-

  • Seen 3 relatives pass away in their 40's from BC,
  • Had our mother diagnosed 2 times before the age of 50, fight a tough battle and WIN,
  • Myself diagnosed with early BC have immediate bilateral mastectomy & recon
  • Have the BRCA2 gene found in family
  • Sisters electing to have prophylactic mastectomies.

As I don't have the gene, my BC doesn't seem to make sense, but in my mind it has been a blessing.  If I had not "got it"  and Mum was no longer with us, the genetic testing would not have been possible uintil someone else was diagnosed (maybe at a later stage) and the pieces were put together. So now for generations to come, our extended family will be able to have the genetic test and at least be able to make informed decisions before having to make decisions in crisis or worse, have to fight a tough battle.

I wish everyone much happiness, good health and friendship into 2013.

And always remember,

Family and friends are like stars - you don't always see them but they are always there. :-)

 

 

6 Replies

  • LeanneI's avatar
    LeanneI
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks for your reply Leonie - genetic testing for me was mixed emotions. I did not have the gene so my BC is still a "mystery".

    However we are so fortunate that my mother is still alive and the Professors & Genetecists "allowed" Mum to be tested - 24 years after her last BC.  When the results came back that she DID have the BRCA2 gene it the provided a key that other family members can choose to take the test or not.  My 2 sisters chose to and as you may have read - 1 has the gene and the other does not.  The sister with the gene took immediate action by having ovaries removed immediately (she is 47) and Mum did the same when she got the results.    The same sister has just finished her surgical journey of prevention.  Her daughter who is only 4 will have the benefit of testing at the appropriate time, and as she has a strong history on her fathers side as well as mothers, will be well and truly under surveillance.

    As for my little piece of the pie, still really doesn't explain my "luck" in getting BC and for my 18yr old daughter she will be classed as moderate risk as I was 45 at diagnosis - as I do not have the gene, then she cannot have it either.  For future generations, the need to proactive will be passed down by us all.

    May 2013 be good to you and you have much happiness and good health.  I agree that my wish is that a cure for BC is found before it plays havoc with so many more families in the future.

    Bye

    Leanne

  • LeanneI's avatar
    LeanneI
    Member
    13 years ago

    Thanks Lorraine - would be nice to think that this horrid disease will one day be totally preventable but in the meantime having women being able to be proactive in their surviellance and also have surgical options for prevention is a blessing. 

    I have always been of the opinion, that if our family story inspires others to increase their awareness and provides support to others going through the journey then our own individual journeys have been bigger than just us.

    Hope you have a great 2013 also.

    Bye Leanne :-)

  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    13 years ago

    Well written Leannel - I feel the strength in your family.  I had the genetic testing done as I wanted to know if there was a higher risk for my beloved daughters, granddaughter and for my descendants to come.  I have four sisters and some said that they didn't want to know my results.  Praise be to the Lord that I don't carry the mutant Gene.  My elder daughter who has 2 children and a professional career was prepared to have  prophylactic mastectomies if need be.  I am grateful everyday for my negative result.  There is still a concern though for my granddaughter as there is a family history on her fathers side.  It has skipped a generation ie her great-grandmother, her father's cousin so let's pray that it is within the "normal" spectrum and not genetic.  My positive thought is that there will be no more BC within the next 10 years.XLeonie

  • Leonie_Moore's avatar
    Leonie_Moore
    Member
    13 years ago

    Well written Leannel - I feel the strength in your family.  I had the genetic testing done as I wanted to know if there was a higher risk for my beloved daughters, granddaughter and for my descendants to come.  I have four sisters and some said that they didn't want to know my results.  Praise be to the Lord that I don't carry the mutant Gene.  My elder daughter who has 2 children and a professional career was prepared to have  prophylactic mastectomies if need be.  I am grateful everyday for my negative result.  There is still a concern though for my granddaughter as there is a family history on her fathers side.  It has skipped a generation ie her great-grandmother, her father's cousin so let's pray that it is within the "normal" spectrum and not genetic.  My positive thought is that there will be no more BC within the next 10 years.XLeonie

  • Lorraine's avatar
    Lorraine
    Member
    13 years ago

    Well you do have a very challenging family history.  I am so please to hear that your sister hascome through her journey and that you have had a year free of  doctor's appointments and surgeries.  

    I was impressed by your capacity to acknowledge that some good had come of your diagnosos.  It certainly did enable your family members to make informed decisions.  I hope 2013 is good to you and your family.

    Happy New Year

     

  • Lorraine's avatar
    Lorraine
    Member
    13 years ago

    Well you do have a very challenging family history.  I am so please to hear that your sister hascome through her journey and that you have had a year free of  doctor's appointments and surgeries.  

    I was impressed by your capacity to acknowledge that some good had come of your diagnosos.  It certainly did enable your family members to make informed decisions.  I hope 2013 is good to you and your family.

    Happy New Year