I carry the BRCA1 gene, and the women in my family have a history of breast and ovarian cancer. BRCA stands for breast cancer, and the 1 is an indicator of the type of cancers. The doctors recommended a prophylactic hysterectomy and double mastectomy for me. I had the hysterectomy in August, and now I am scheduled for the mastectomy on November 28th, 2012. I am getting ready, mentally, physically, and emotionally for my "party."
It is for the best. I know it is, so I am taking the only approach I know to take -- the positive one.
So, I am putting on my party hat in preparation for the next steps I need to take. My Christmas tree is already up and decorated! It is not even Thanksgiving yet! This is a first, believe me. But, I needed to get a jump on the holidays since I will be recovering between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I am planning on relaxing a lot while I listen to Christmas music and contemplate life and why it is so wonderful.
I believe in the power of prayer. My prayer is that I will learn from this experience, recover safely and quickly, and that I can help teach others about the BRCA1 gene. Being proactive can save a precious life. For those of you who may read this, if you have a family history of breast cancer and someone in your family has already taken the genetic test and it was positive, then you owe it to yourself to meet with a genetic counselor and find out if you should take the test to find out if you carry the gene. My genetic counselor is such an incredible person. She explained everything to me (twice) and showed me all of the options available to me. She gave me a list of doctors to interview, and she answered all of my questions. If anyone wants her contact information, I will be happy to provide it to you.
Making the first phone call to set up the appointment was the hardest part of this entire process. Even after I found out that I was positive and knew that I would be facing three major surgeries, I was motivated to find out more and get answers. But, before I knew that I carry the BRCA1 gene, I really struggled. I felt frozen in time. I kept asking myself if I should get tested or not. Doctors asked me what I would do if I found out that I was positive. I didn't know what I would do, because no one had explained it to me yet. Should I? Of course I should! And so should you! I waited almost four years to get take the genetic test after my mother took it and found out that she is positive. There are several reasons why it took so long for me to make that call, but the main reason was fear. And then, the main reason I finally did make the call was fear.
At first I was afraid to find out if I was a carrier of the gene. Now that I know I am, the options are not as scary, albeit, unpleasant. The doctors tell me that I am absolutely doing the right thing. They said that I am in the highest risk category possible. My chances of getting cancer are 250 times higher than the average person. After the surgery, my risks are lowered significantly. That is the good news. That is why I am ready for this party!
If you have any questions, please let me know! I would be honored to help any of you who want to investigate this strange, puzzling process.
Cheers! Let the party begin.
Shannon P.S. Last week, as a distraction, I did something that is keeping me busy and happy! I signed up as a consultant for a new company called Bellaroma. A dear, sweet friend shared this opportunity with me, I met with the owner and vice-president of the company, and I really liked what I saw. If you are curious, check out my brand new website: www.mybellaroma.net/shannonhoward
If you place an order through my website, your name will go into a drawing for a free 21 oz. candle at the end of the month! Bellaroma
