You Can’t Pick Your Family – Or The Family Genes
I am lucky to have a nice olive skin tone and chocolate brown eyes that have been passed down from my family. Unfortunately, I also happened to get the BRCA 2 gene that can cause breast cancer. You know the saying “You can’t pick your family”? Well, you can’t pick the family genes either.
Most cancer is not genetic. Even in families where there are several cases of cancer, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s genetic. There are two types of genetic mutations that can cause cancer. BRAC 1 and BRCA 2. Apparently, I have the ‘better’ of the mutations. BRCA 1 has a much higher risk of ovarian cancer and a second type of breast cancer. So, from that stand point, I am lucky!
Going through the counseling portion of the test, they warn you about finding a positive result. Apparently, there are some people who would rather not know. I needed to know either way. I’m glad I took the test. I feel like I can make some environmental and lifestyle changes that may impact the rest of my life. I will have to get screenings more frequently than the average Joe – and keep a close eye on follow ups and updates. So, it changes my situation from one that you get through and go on with life, to something you have to stay on top of for the rest of your life. I’m in it for the long haul now- there is no getting out of it. I can choose to push it under the rug or own it. If I want to live, I will own it and accept it and start making lemonade out of lemons.
I found this out young so I can live a long, healthy life. I am glad I know.
One looming thought still remains and that is that now both of my kids have a 50/ 50 chance of having the gene. Especially my daughter because she is just a younger version of me. We won’t be able to perform the test until they are 21, but until then, there are certain things I can control, like our eating choices, our environmental choices and exercise. I read a quote recently that said “Life is not about finding shelter from the rain – it’s about learning to dance in it.” In the end, it is up to God on who gets the gene. What we choose to do with it is up to us.
For more information on the BRCA genes visit The National Society of Genetic Counselors or Virginia Piper Cancer Center
Hey you,
You must have just put this up because it wasn't here a second ago. The more info, the better I think. Well - maybe not all the time, but most of the time anyway. I had just gotten on your blog to ask you to post more info on what type of bc you have, and what your treatment is. What kind of chemo are you getting? How often? Is it every day for a week and then you're off for a week? I've been spending a bunch of time on the computer reading up, so of course now I have questions. If you're willing and/or up to it, will you fill me in on some of the details? If you'd rather not, that's fine, too. Just hungry to feed my brain so I don't feel so helpless, y'know?
Brrrrrrr!!!!!!!!! Sure is freezy out here. It was -9 this morning. IT'S ONLY DECEMBER 6TH!!! We're really in for it this winter, I think. Remember cold weather? Not the kind you VISIT - the kind you LIVE in. Two totally different categories.
Watch a pretty desert sunset for me, okay?
Miss you Bella!
XOXO
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Brrrrr.. . .Stay warm!! It's raining here but no snow- At least it's fun for Christmas time and what about the cross country skis? I saw Tracey the other day- I am very happy
Anyway, let me see if I can answer some questions here:
The type of cancer I have is infiltrating ductal carcinoma in situ with lymphatic invasion.
I had to look that up! It's a lot to remember. The last time we checked it was a stage 3, but that could change I suppose if my lungs aren't clear. They like to further you along in the staging process - maybe because of insurance? Or maybe so someone wouldn't sue them saying " But you said stage 2 and now your telling me it's more advanced? " I don't know really. Honestly, I try not to get too caught up in it If I really thought about having stage 3 cancer I would be upset - now I just think " I have cancer- I'll have to have chemo for a long time and then it will be gone!"
My treatments are every other week. I chose to have them toward the end of the week so Matt could be home with the kids. The first 4 treatments are Adriamycin and Cytoxan. Then the second round which is Taxol which has some nastier side effects like more joint pain.
After the 16 weeks, I will have the surgery. Because of the genetic scenario I decided to get a masectomy and hopefully at the same time my ovaries removed. That way I won't have to be getting tested every six months. Can you image getting tested every six months and just have to keep going through it over and over and over again? What stress!
I think after that I need radiation and then I will be on Tamoxifen for 5 years.
That's the plan - but anything could change ( as we all know) so, I'm just thinking about gettingt through next week.
You can find out more about Chemo treatments at http://www.chemocare.com
Love you!
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Ang,
How informative all this is, I am glad you have found this out at an early
age too. Somthing BIG is coming out of this, I feel it. You stold my favorite
saying, "make lemonade out of lemons"
You once had a peice of paper taped onto
your mirror in our old home. It said
"Expect the Best yet Be Prepared for the Worst". I've passed that on many times.
Love, Mom
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Anagella,
I love your writing and your insight. You are going to be a great inspiration to many women. I don't know why you got this horrible disease, but I do know that you were chosen to be a role model. I think of you every day.
Wendy
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There really is purpose for everything. I just hope I can remember that on my 'bad' days too. Only time will tell... Thanks for the good thoughts! Hope you are staying warm!
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Angie,
This is your cousin, Cathy Murphy (Baer), Phil's daughter. Mary Lou has been keeping me up to date on your situation and passed along to me the infomation about your blog. I was so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was glad to hear that you had the genetic testing done. I hope that the results, along with those from Laura, will help someone else in the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Cathy
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