When I say doors, I mean BRCA1 or BRCA2. I didn’t choose BRCA2, but it chose me. I found out today that I am BRCA2 positive. I am sure you have all heard about the BRCA gene, but have no idea what it really means. I didn’t either until a few weeks ago when my world changed forever.
To get all scientific, I will attribute a paragraph from cancer.gov: BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins help repair damaged DNA and, therefore, play a role in ensuring the stability of the cell’s genetic material. When either of these genes is mutated, or altered, such that its protein product either is not made or does not function correctly, DNA damage may not be repaired properly. As a result, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that can lead to cancer.
As a result of having the BRCA2 gene, I am now at risk of developing other types of cancer such as Ovarian. That’s not fucked at all, is it? But there is a good side to this. If you could choose which BRCA gene to get, I kinda won the jackpot. With BRCA2, the chances of getting Ovarian Cancer drops to 11-17% whereas BRCA1 is closer to 39%. See I got something good out of my shitshow, right? BTW, the risk of getting Breast Cancer with BRCA2 is 45%. To that, I say a big fat DUH.
Anyway, I have an appointment tomorrow with my genius geneticist over at Cedars in the scary cancer building to talk about the results. I am quite relieved to know that I have this fucked up gene, but it’s still rather fucked up. When I met with him the first time you know what I told him? That he was a bad fortune teller. I was right.
At this rate, I have a glimpse of my future and can control my fate. My fate will probably result in a hysterectomy, but that’s cool with me. I have my two kids already and not getting a period ever again? Sign me up (TMI? We are all friends here, suck it up). It’s not a path that I would choose had I not tested positive, but if it saves me from having to go through this emotional roller coaster, stress, pain and chemo I will do whatever needs to be done.
So aside from that glorious bit of news, my day was otherwise good. My kids destroyed my parents house in a matter of 5 minutes, I polished off some Thai food and could taste it. Now Asher just woke up the baby so now I suppose I should go check in on him….
xo,
Jessie