My sister Jessica Paskin is having her preventative double mastectomy today at noon. She starts her journey as my sister, Nicole and I have just finished. I pray for steady hands and sharp skill for her team of surgeons today. This is Jessicas post from last night. I LOVE YOU JESSICA!!! Im going to share something very personal with everyone. Tomorrow I am undergoing a prophylactic (preventive) double mastectomy and reconstruction. Many of you know that my sister, Jody Jo, had breast cancer, and after successful chemo treatments and surgery, she is now cancer free. Because of her diagnosis, our family learned that my sisters and I carry a BRCA genetic mutation that greatly increases our risk of getting Breast Cancer (among many other cancers for which we are screened). I realized that having up to an 87% chance of developing breast cancer changed the if I get cancer, to when I get cancer. An MRI found a mass last year that was biopsied and determined to be benign, thats when reality set in. Because of our genes, I undergo routine screening for cancer every 6 months. And every 6 months, I panic a little, because I am going to the doctor to see if this time they will tell me I have cancer. If I can do something to reduce this risk, then I absolutely will, not just for me, but for my children. I dont believe that what I am doing is brave, I know that my choice is one made out of fear and hope. I am fearful of cancer, and hopeful that I am giving myself a greater chance at life. Brave, thats what cancer survivors are. So today, I will share with you a new word: previvor. Thats what I am. A survivor of a predisposition to cancer; an unaffected carrier. My intent is to stay that way. I have amazing doctors and I have been so blessed with an incredible support system of family and friends. I have a rough road of recovery ahead of me, but I am confident in my decision. Lastly, if you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, here are some great resources for determining and managing your risk! facingourrisk.org/ brightpink.org
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 14:26:13 +0000