Genetic Testing Results

On Monday, May 18th I received the results from my genetic testing and it turns out I am positive or I have a mutation in the BRCA1 gene. The information from my doc explains it well, “Women found to have a mutation in BRCA1 have a lifetime risk up to 85% to develop breast cancer.” Yup, been there, have that.  “They also have a 40-60% chance of developing a second primary breast cancer if they have already had breast cancer.  The lifetime risk to develop ovarian cancer is 20-50%.  There may be a small increase in risk for pancreatic cancer.” Well bummer.  Thankfully having a bilateral mastectomy will decrease my risks of developing breast cancer again to 5-10%. This is why Angelina Jolie voluntarily had the preventative mastectomies, and the more I research it the more I learn of other women that have done that. One of which wrote a super cool crossfit article here:

http://boxlifemagazine.com/community/courage-crossfit-and-a-bilateral-mastectomy

Obviously I don’t want to lose my boobs. I actually like my boobs, and I have boobs. Sometimes it pisses me off when I have boobs and can’t wear the super cute strappy Lululemon bras. But overall I would like to keep them. And I would also like to not go through a super intense surgery, mostly for the recovery and what it will do to my pectoral muscles, mobility and strength. But deep down I have been thinking even if I have the option of a lumpectomy I may go the route of a bilateral mastectomy. Just to give myself peace of mind for the rest of my life. So it is what it is and it’s nice to know what caused my cancer. And it is helpful for my family. Now Angie (my sister) will get tested and if she is also positive she can take the necessary steps to ensure she doesn’t develop breast cancer.  And the good news is, if I do the mastectomy then hopefully and most likely I won’t have to do radiation! (As long as no cancer is in the lymph nodes at the time of surgery).