Emily

By Previve on October 7, 2010 | Category: Previvor Stories | No Comments

My name is Emily and I am a “previvor,” or pre-survivor.  I haven’t developed cancer, but am at an increased risk for the disease because of a genetic mutation that makes cancer much more likely to occur.

My mother chose to pursue genetic testing at the age of 50 because her own mother died of ovarian cancer at age 59, and her first cousin died of breast cancer. Both cancers were found to be genetically linked. When my mom’s test results showed that she was BRCA2+, I chose to be tested as well. My sister did the same not long after I did. Her test came back normal but mine did not. I, too, was BRCA2+. When you inherit a mutated gene from either one of your parents like I did, it stops the gene from working properly, increasing your risk for developing cancer.

Only months after my mother found out her test results (December 2007), she decided to have a hysterectomy/oophorectomy. Then in February 2008, she underwent a double prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction to try and eliminate all chance of ovarian and breast cancer.

About two years ago now, I made an appointment with a certified genetics counselor at Presbyterian Cancer Center in Charlotte. In my opinion, having a genetic counselor tell you your results is a must. You may think you will react one way when you hear them, but you may go the opposite way. I had a feeling that I was BRCA2+ already. I was not surprised. I now had the knowledge to make changes. To me, I had
to know. I did not want to be in the dark.

I am 27 now. I watch what I eat and exercise regularly, and try to not drink too much alcohol. I travel with my boyfriend whenever I can and love to play with my pug! As for now, I go in for breast yearly MRIs and trans-vaginal ultrasounds. I wonder if I am doing all that I can to keep cancer at bay, but my doctors are proud of me for being so
proactive. I will more than likely opt for the double prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction and then the hysterectomy/oophorectomy.