My First Cancer Scare

I am 35, and I've had my first scare with the big scary C word, cancer. My mom was 42 when she was first diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer.  It's odd that 42 doesn't seem that far away.  Through her experience with cancer we learned that we are BRCA2 positive.

Being BRCA2 positive means that while I have an increased risk of getting ovarian and breast cancer, there are things I can do to minimize my risk and for early detection.  I had genetic testing done at 21, when the idea of mammograms and ultrasounds seemed far off.  I was told when I was tested that I would have many false alarms; my doctors weren't going to take any risks with me.  They were going to check everything out.  This would mean I would have more biopsies in my life than most people do.  Hearing this warning would help me years later.

About a month ago, I had my first "routine" mammogram and a pelvic ultrasound. These routine check ups are suppose to help with early detection. Even though it was a routine check up, it  was emotional for me. I even wrote about how scary these check ups can be. I didn't realize, how much scarier, things could get, then my mammogram came back abnormal,

The last month has been a series of picking up medical records, delivering medical records, more testings, and lots of calls to my doctor, the hospital, and the insurance company. But, it has also been a month of sobering reality.  I realized that I do not take care of myself.  I am a typical Latina.  I take care of my daughter, my family, and work, but not me.  I knew that needed to change.  If I want to be around to take care of those I love, than I need to take care of me.  I know I want to be there at my daughters wedding.  I want to live to be a grandma.  I know, I never want to tell my brother that I have the cancer that killed our mother.

I started working out.  I've worked out three times a week for the past month.  I am watching what I eat and I'm taking more breaks.  I'm hugging my baby girl tighter and randomly holding my husband's hand.  Life is too short.

A biopsy this week showed that I do not have cancer.  The relief is great, but I know the journey ahead of me is still long and difficult.  I have many decisions to make.  I plan on being aggressive in prevention. Someone said "but you have faith and believe in god, why would you want to go through preventative surgeries?" My answer is simple, you have to do your part then God will do the rest.  I will do everything in my control to make sure I get to be here as long as I can.

Knowing that I have difficult choices and a bumpy road ahead of me makes me feel incredibly blessed.  My mom didn't have these choices.  For her, it was too late.  There are also many women who don't have health insurance or the support system I have in place. I am lucky!

I'm ready for this beautiful journey & Thank you for coming along for the ride with me!

I survived my first biopsy!