Recently I shared with you that I was BRCA 2+. In layman’s terms, that means I have a higher chance of developing breast and ovarian cancer. At my genetic counselor and gynecology appointment, my doctor discussed with me the possibility of removing my ovaries. Since my Grandmother died from ovarian cancer and I already had a partial hysterectomy the decision was easy.
My ovaries had to go.
At these same appointments, my doctor recommended I have bi-yearly MRIs, mammograms, and consult with a breast specialist.
My husband and I naïvely went to the appointment with the breast specialist expecting her to agree with the other professionals. Her recommendation floored us: She told me I needed to remove my breasts.
Let me say that again.
Let’s amputate your breasts. |
It felt like a gun had gone off. The room began to spin, and I became acutely aware of my breasts. The doctor didn’t skip a beat, telling me they could construct new breasts from my extra skin before I even left the operating room. I might even be able to get my ovaries removed at the same time, she said.
I was in shock, and half hoping the doctor was lying to me or the tests were I wrong. So, I scheduled an MRI and a second opinion.
So now here I sit, googling mastectomy, mastectomy bras, BRCA 2+ support groups, BRCA 2+ therapists, etc. and asking advice from friends and family.
I sit here scared s-less.
My breasts are a huge part of my womanhood and I’ve always been well endowed. Many times I have said, "if you got them flaunt them."
So, you can imagine my feelings on this whole topic.
My husband is saying the right things and he’ll go with whatever decision I make. He understands the pain I’m going through as his mother died nine years ago from breast cancer.
My girls say you are not nursing anymore, and reminding me I’ve talked about reducing my breast size before.
My son is just stoic but, I’ve been noticing the last few days more I love you Mommy's from him.
I don’t want to sit here behind my computer screen and pretend everything is perfect in my life. I want to share the real me, Me and my real feelings. Plus, if I help someone who is going through something similar not feel so alone? Bonus.
I went in for a second opinion and this amazing Doctor stated that I have no history of breast cancer, so let's just monitor your breasts. I cried and hugged her when she told me that. I had a mammogram and everything was perfect. In February of 2020, I had an MRI. Still perfect. Then in September of 2020, I had a mammogram again. This time the film showed my breasts were dense. From the Mayo Clinic "Dense breast tissue refers to the appearance of breast tissue on a mammogram. It's a normal and common finding. Breast tissue is composed of milk glands, milk ducts and supportive tissue (dense breast tissue), and fatty tissue (nondense breast tissue)." The Doctor recommended an ultrasound. I have had many ultrasounds in my life, but never on my breasts. It was different. Thankfully the ultrasound showed nothing unusual. The next step is an MRI in March.
You can view my other articles about my Fertility and BRCA 2+ journey, by visiting:
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