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THI carry the BRCA2 gene.
I actually didn’t know that I had it until after my cancer diagnosis.
Even knowing what I know now, I don’t believe it would have changed the path I chose. I also chose not to have preventative surgery after my diagnosis.
This was not a decision I made lightly.
I want to be clear that I have nothing but respect for women who have done surgery. Everyone deserves to make the decision that feels most aligned with them.
But my story ultimately chose something different.
Yes, removing tissue can reduce risk. I read that when I was scouring the internet, binge reading books and asking anyone who would listen to my questions.
My dear friend who is an MD and breast pathologist told me to get the mastectomy; I remember her saying on one of our lengthy phone conversations “get it over with and behind you”.
And I just couldn’t align even WITH a diagnosis.
But my journey led me to learn more about epigenetics the idea that while genes can increase risk they don’t determine DESTINY.
Our internal environment matters…Inflammation, stress, trauma, nutrition, lifestyle, toxic exposures, chemicals/ air, water….. it can all influence how genes express in the body.
For me, the deeper question became: what kind of terrain did I create for unhealthy cells to thrive?
After experiencing heavy events in my life, moldy apartments….my focus shifted.
I chose to focus on changing the environment within my body and my life. Reducing stress. Healing trauma. Supporting my immune system.
Creating a terrain where healthy cells thrive. Obviously medicine was involved too but yanking weeds and creating a healthy garden was what I kept my eyes on.
I talk with so many women in this community. Some carry a cancer gene but have never had cancer. Some have had cancer. And many share how overwhelming the decisions can feel especially when it seems like there is only one “right” path and that’s the funny thing. We don’t belong in a box… so much can happen outside of it.
None of this is about certainty or guarantees. It’s simply the path that felt right for me🤍
@thewellwagon
