There are no words to describe how I feel when I listen to this song.....This is my new theme song. It describes my battle with breast cancer perfectly. My battle began when I found out I was BRCA1+ in 2008. The family curse that took my 4 sisters and my niece from this earth actually has a name, Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOCS). When I first found out I carried this gene I was advised by doctors to have both breasts, my ovaries, uterus, and cervix removed for risk reduction purposes. I even had a doctor tell me that my then fiance (now husband) must not love me if he had a problem with me having these surgeries. 6 yrs later Im still shocked and appalled by this doctors beside manner. Needless to say I got a 2nd opinion and was monitored closely. I did have a hysterectomy and my ovaries/tubes removed after my precious Amira was born in order to prevent ovarian cancer. Because I was being monitored so diligently, my breast cancer was discovered early and though fast growing it was treated successfully. I have a brother who is a 10 yr prostate cancer survivor and another niece who has been diagnosed with breast cancer but has been successfully treated like I have and is doing well. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 1994 and he just passed this year in January when in recurred. Most people think you are only at risk if your mother has had breast cancer. Heres the thing, if you have 1st degree male relatives with prostate cancer you could be a risk. The common link in my family was my father. We are biologically half siblings. We all have the same father but different mothers. There are/were 12 of us. Out of the 12 6 of have had a breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer diagnosis and 2 have daughters (my nieces) that have had a breast/ovarian cancer diagnosis. That makes 8 probable BRCA1 carriers. Only 3 of us have been actually tested (1 of my sisters after she was diagnosed, myself, and my niece). The morals of this story are as follows: 1) If you have a strong history of cancer in your family speak to your PCP about genetic counseling and testing. 2) Early detection does truly save lives; I am a living testimony 3) Last but certainly not least, 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, For we walk by faith and not by sight. Hebrews 11:1 says, Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. If had focused on that fact that HBOCS had taken the lives of many of my family members, I would not be where I am today. My spirited 20 month old certainly would not be here. You have to step out on faith and know that God will be there with you every step of the way. Thanks Latoria Lola Thompson for sharing this song. It is beautiful and so true. I love you all! Happy Sunday!!!
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 11:42:18 +0000
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