The other day I met a woman whose mother, sister and aunt had all been diagnosed with breast cancer. When I asked if she had taken the genetic test that would tell her if she had inherited the gene that might make her a candidate for breast cancer she said, “No. I’m just going to leave it to God… Plus I eat healthy.” Hello!! This is a woman who clearly does not have the survival gene. <PREVIEWEND>
It is still shocking to me that she has no desire to know if she is at higher risk of getting breast cancer, maybe I should say of preventing breast cancer, or passing the gene on to her daughter. Knowledge is power girlfriends. Oh what I would have given to have had that knowledge BEFORE I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was four years after my breast cancer diagnosis when I discovered I carried one of the breast cancer genes; I did not hesitate a millisecond before saying, "take the other breast NOW!!" My decision to have a preventative mastectomy was a proactive stance in my fight against breast cancer, and it was empowering. That mastectomy was on my terms, not breast cancer’s.
Even if there is not a history of breast cancer in your family (I had no family history but I carried the BRAC2 gene) please consider getting a BracAnalysis to see if you carry the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. It is easy—a simple blood test. Most health insurance plans pay for genetic testing. It may save your life, or the life of someone you love. Do not be one of those women who have the “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil” gene. Be smart: Stop breast cancer before it starts. For further information, go to Myriad Genetic Laboratories, http://www.myriad.com/
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Bonne Saum commented on 18-Nov-2009 03:26 PM It's 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. Tomorrow morning at 8:45 a.m. I am seeing a surgeon to get the results of my mammogram, ultrasound and MRI, all done within the past two weeks. I'm sure this pain in my breast is nothing, but I am scared.
Brenda Coffee commented on 20-Nov-2009 04:41 PM Bonne, I know how you are feeling. It is a terrible fear that will not let go. By now, you have met with your doctor. If you feel like it, email me and let me know what he says. Brenda Coffee
brenda@breastcancersisterhood.com
brenda@breastcancersisterhood.com
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