Many doctors in the first few years getting BRCA1 positive results, advised me to do double mastectomies and remove my ovaries ASAP. To a person under 30 who has no children its devastating. The options advised were have children close together or no children at all. After that, surgical menopause at such a young age could have like 10 other lasting health implications. There seemed to be no good decision.
One day I was talking to my sister about this and she invited me to come with her to an appointment so I could ask the doctors some questions. This is after I had my first child and my head was swimming with advice of others. I was overwhelmed with just one baby let alone just entertaining the thought of immediately getting pregnant all in the name of lowering my risk. Having surgery sooner did not seem like a great idea.
The oncologist has become like family to us. I broke down in front of her. She said very sweetly, "Know your risk, know the facts, and then...go live YOUR life. When you are ready, you will know." I have done just this. It has not been with some fear and trepidation. But I have lived on my terms as much as my brain and heart will allow. Now I feel as ready as I ever will. I've had my children and I am now entering my mid-30's. As my dad says, "I must feel the fear and do it anyway." We can do hard things. Courage is where strength and fear meet.
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