Attitude is everything, right? So I have just won the genetic lottery! Yay me! Let's throw a party! I have the BRCA1 gene that I inherited from my mother. She is 73 and cancer free even though she has the genetic mutation. I am 48, cancer free, and I am facing the decision to have a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and a hysterectomy in order to reduce my chances of getting breast and/or ovarian cancer. Right now I have an 87% chance of getting breast cancer and a 46% chance of getting ovarian cancer if I do not have the surgeries. I am very glad that my aunt and mom decided to have the BRCA1 genetic testing done when they did. As a result of their decisions, I was encouraged to meet with a genetic counselor to take the test. I put off taking this very simple blood test for three years. THREE YEARS! What was I thinking? Well, I was in denial. I didn't think it mattered. I knew I would be fine. That test couldn't be valid, could it?
Of course, I gave in and took the test when I had a "cancer scare." I decided that I was not ready to give in to cancer. So now, even though I am facing not one, but two major surgeries in the very near future, I am counting my blessings that I have the opportunity to take control of my future, save my own life, and the lives of my three children (who may or may not be BRCA1 positive) all because I took a genetic test. Knowledge is power, people! I have the opportunity to reduce my risk to 2%. So, please pass the party hats! My life is worth celebrating! So is yours!
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