About Me

In early 2017, I sent a saliva sample to 23andMe, a DNA testing website, mostly because I’m interested in genealogy, but also because I was interested in the health profile they offer. In the 23andMe health profile, you can find out if you are a “carrier” of some of the most common genetic variants. Mine showed I had none of these gene variants.

Then, on my 61st birthday (April, 2018), I received an email that said the FDA had just approved 23andMe to share a new report:

“The report looks for three genetic variants associated with a greatly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer in women, and an increased risk of developing male breast cancer and prostate cancer in men. These three variants are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.”

I chose to look at the report. (You have the option to read it or not.) Since I had none of the variants for other illnesses, I was certain that I would not be a carrier for one of the BRCA gene mutations. WRONG. I have a BRCA1 mutation.

The statistics are pretty startling for BRCA1 folks:

Breast cancer risk, to age 70: for generation population, it is 7.1%. Mine is 46% - 87%
Ovarian cancer risk, to age 70: general population .7%. Mine is 39% - 63%
Pancreatic cancer, to age 80: general population 1%. Mine is “elevated risk”

Naturally, I started researching immediately to find out what having a BRCA1 variant means and how it would impact my risk of getting one or more of these cancers. The way I calm myself is to find out as much as I can. This is how we dealt with Larry's vestibular schwannoma diagnosis in late 2016 and brain surgery in early 2017.

Next, I went to see my gynecologist. A blood test soon confirmed the BRCA1 result. We talked about options, including various prophylactic surgeries and a "watchful waiting" approach with close monitoring. This led to a ton more doctor visits and some important decisions. (See: Timeline)

Along the way, I figured out that my gene variant comes from my Dad. I have a first cousin on Dad's side who had the prophylactic surgeries 12 years ago. I called her and learned that she has the same BRCA1 gene variant that I have. Plus, my Mom had also done 23andMe and her report for the BRCA genes said "no variant detected." For some reason, it had never occurred to me that I might have this mutation, even though my paternal aunt died in her 50s from breast cancer, and I knew my cousin had discovered she had a BRCA variant.

On July 12, 2018, I had a "bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy" -- removal of my ovaries and Fallopian tubes. It was a short outpatient and laparoscopic procedure. I have had very little pain and am recovering well. By doing this, I almost entirely remove the possibility that I will get ovarian cancer and also slightly lower my risk of breast cancer. Waiting for pathology results...

Back on June 4, I had a breast MRI which showed no sign of breast cancer. On July 17, I learned that there was no cancer in my surgically-removed ovaries and Fallopian tubes. Yay!

At this point, I am fine, if a bit overwhelmed by this news. Life throws you curve balls! The good news is that I am healthy and can take action to prevent cancer. I am glad that I did 23andMe because I’d rather know and have the option to be proactive.

Larry of course is extremely supportive and will be with me at appointments and will help with all the decisions. We will forge ahead just like we did with Larry's major medical issue. (I guess 2017 was “his year”, and 2018 is “my year”!)