I got a call from the genetic counselor and I tested positive for the BRCA 1 gene mutation. What does that mean? Well this is why I have cancer. You can read more in detail about this test and what it means here:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

BRCA 1 cancer risks

BRCA1 is the name given to the first gene discovered which pre-disposes an individual to breast cancer. The BRCA1 gene is on chromosome number 17 and is thought to explain apporximately 50% of inherited breast cancer families. The BRCA1 gene functions as a tumor suppressor gene. The most recent literature states that BRCA1 mutation carriers have a lifetime risk of 50% to 85% for developing breast cancer. Women who have been affected with breast cancer and who carry a BRCA1 mutation are at a 48% by age 50 and 64% by age 70 risk for the diagnosis of a second breast cancer. There is a two-fold higher risk for men and women who are known to carry a BRCA1 mutation to be affected with colon cancer. Women who carry a BRCA1 mutation have a 40% to 60% risk for ovarian cancer by age 70.

Here is what Jessica my genetic doctor has told me so far. My chances for a second reoccurance of breast cancer within 5yrs is 20%-64%. I have a 44% chance of getting ovarian cancer within my lifetime.

Here is what I am going to do to save my life and spare myself from hopefully never having to go through this again. I will be getting a bilateral mastectomy (both breasts removed) with Diep reconstruction ( they will make new breasts with my tummy fat) now theres a perk free tummy tuck I have enough to make some nice ones! I will also be getting my ovaries removed. Drastic I know but necessary. It reduces my risk by 96%.

Here is my schedule of things so far. I get my last chemo treatment of A/C tomorrow. I get to take a two week break and only have to give myself the neupogen shot for one more week then no more. I then start new chemo meds Taxol I do this for 3 months. When I finish the chemo I have to wait 4-6 weeks and then we do surgery. Because no doctor in AZ has done the Diep flap reconstruction (which is a micro vascular surgery that takes 8-10hrs) I will be going to San Francisco for the operation.  Probably around the end of October beginning of November.

I just found this out today so it really hasn't sunk in. My children and sisters now have a 50% chance of having this mutated gene that causes cancer

God has given me strength. I will get through this. At least I was able to get this and probably save the lives of either my sisters or my own children through this amazing testing. There is a lot of positive to come from this.

If any female cancers run in your family please go get tested for this gene or see a genetic counselor.

I've got my boxing gloves on and I am ready to fight. Cancer will not claim my life!

Thank you to all who have shown support and love to my family and I.

The good news is my tumor is now 8mm! The chemo is working.