BRCA2 Just Diagnosed
"How are you?" I am asked at least once every day. The answer comes well rehearsed, "I'm good thank you" Sometimes it's true, and then other times like this past week, it's not. When you've come to t...
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BRCA2 diagnosis is a kick in the guts and I took it harder than my actual BC diagnosis, like you I'd just returned to work, I got the call on my second day back. I was 41 and my mum was 42 when we were diagnosed yet I still wasn't expecting it.That was in July, it was the first time through all the treatment- lumpectomy, chemo, mastectomy that I lost it. When people asked how I was I answered truthfully that, 'I'm not quite finished feeling sorry for myself yet'. They actually reacted better to that than my polite, 'I'm good' so now I tell it like it is.
Once I'd dusted myself off it was possible to see the finish line again, it is a little further away but at least it's there. I've decided I'm doing an obstacle course rather than a marathon as some parts are a mammoth climb and I need help but other are much easier to get through. Hopefully you get a little time to stop and cocoon yourself until you are ready to put your head up, then catch your breath before you have to set off again and I hope you can still at least see glimpses of your finish line as it does make it a whole lot easier.
The hysterectomy/tubes/ovaries if it is being done laproscopically is a breeze compared to the breast surgeries (the GO said not uncommon for some women to go back to work after 7 days but others need 14). The thing that helped give me a new bit of energy was a discussion with the Gyny Onc.He told me that the outcomes for BRCA patients are actually really good (sorry, I can't remember the actual stats).
I had the prophylactic mastectomy on my remaining breast 4 weeks ago and I'll admit to not wanting to play the game anymore. It was supposed to be my exchange surgery..the finish!... but instead the expander had to stay in and the other breast gets taken. Now on the other side I can see it as another obstacle cleared, another step closer. And when I start to feel myself wilting I remind myself that there is an up side; rather than one perky boob, soon I'll have a matched pair and I NEVER have to have another mammogram or pap smear again. When you can smile at that, you know you are ready to go again.
We'll be cheering for you at each obstacle and I'll see you at that finish line, Jen x