The BRCA Gene....Cancer Anyone???

Unspeakable Speaks.....

Cancer Anyone???
Alright, now that I have given you a small taste of where my mind is, it's now time to discuss the details of my diagnosis. Those of you that know me personally or have read the first few posts on this blog are fully aware that my mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer and passed away. What you may not know is that her mother before her was diagnosed with breast cancer and also died. I have several aunts from my maternal side of the family that have been diagnosed and died with ovarian cancer and colon cancer. I have one aunt who remains that was diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage, but who beat it through mastectomy.My maternal grandfather died from prostate cancer within 6 months of my mother and aunt. Needless to say, Cancer has had it's reign in my family life for quite some time. Once I was diagnosed, I was determined to put a stop to this generational curse through prayer, education, and preventative procedures. In doing so, I was encouraged by my oncologist and surgeon to undergo genetic testing. The genetics test consists of a questionnaire that will target the family health history, origins, and identifies parallels with other BRCA gene carriers. After which your DNA has to be tested either through a blood or saliva test. It sounds more gruesome than it actually is. The process as a whole typically takes about an hour and a half. There are a few genetic tests that the counselors can use and some times these tests are dictated by your insurance. Which brings me to an interesting point..Insurance.....Pay Close Attention to this:It is my recommendation that you get and secure your life insurance policy prior to get this genetic test done, so that you are not red flagged and unable to provide for your family in the event that something happens. If you take this test pre-diagnosis, you will meet great difficulty trying to secure a life insurance policy. However, if you take the test post diagnosis, it becomes another part of the procedure in your health protocol, should you decide to complete it. Make sure that all of your basis are covered, prior to making a move, so that you are not adversely affected.

What is the Cancer Gene??

“BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes (inherited factors) that, when working correctly, prevent cells from growing out of control and becoming cancerous. When someone has inherited a mutation in the gene, it doesn’t work correctly. They are then more likely to develop certain types of cancer during their lifetime (mainly breast and ovarian for women, and prostate and breast for men).” You can read more about the BRCA genes by pasting the links below in your browser. The part of the American population that possess this gene, represent approximately 5-6%, and that statistic decreases even further for women of African American decent. So needless to say, it's no joke and something that needs to be handled quickly to ensure that you have the proper care at the proper time.

What was my diagnosis??

My results were the following: After undergoing treatment for the first breast cancer, I had a 30% chance of contracting a secondary breast cancer in the left breast after 3 years. Afterwards, I would then have a 70% chance of contracting ovarian cancer, within 5 years, which would ultimately lead to my demise. In layman's terms...I am dead at age 38 from multiple cancers as a result of having the BRCA gene.

What did I do??

Once it was confirmed that I possessed this gene, it became evident that I needed to educate other members of my family that they needed to look out for the pre-cursors and take their health seriously and get regular checks. I sent them emails informing them and made arrangements for the genetic counselor to be available to discuss the details with them. If you have been tested and confirmed as having the BRCA gene, it is important that you not keep that information to yourself. Protect your family by informing them of the facts and encourage them to seek a professional that can walk them through the process effectively. Personal, I began my quest to "break the mold" that was given to me and dictate to it, God's plan for my life...which simply is, "Life and that more abundantly." I truly believe that, "The number of my days, God will fulfill," however long that may be. In the meantime, I will touch lives, while I am here....the rest is up to God.

Now What???

Having the BRCA gene is not a death sentence!! All it means is that you have to live your life as healthy as possible in mind, body, and spirit. Reality teaches us that you can be physically fit and still die from internal complications. What I realized during this process and what I want you reading this to realize is that what happens to your body is often a manifestation of what is present in your spirit. Sickness manifests only after you have been sick in your mind and spirit and done nothing about it. We all have a predisposition for something, whether it is greed, lust, slothfulness, pride, hatred, alcoholism, addiction, or racism, but it doesn't have to rule our lives. Just imagine the power that you could possess if you ruled it? Imagine.

Interesting reading about the BRCA gene can be found on the following websites: Copy and paste into your browser.

• www.cancer.gov
• http://press.nci.nih.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA/print?page=&keyword=#r11