I have always had a girl crush on Angelina Jolie for many reasons, some to do with looks and others to do with whom she’s shacked up with, but the old adage ‘Be careful what you wish for’ has come back to bite me in this case because now she and I have something in common and unfortunately, it’s not Brad Pitt. Today I got back my results from my genetic testing and very surprisingly to all involved, I tested positive for BRCA2. This is particularly interesting, for want of a better word, as it is predominantly people with a Jewish back-ground who have this gene mutation and I never knew that I did. My great grand parents on my father’s side were from Poland, so I am guessing that the genesis of this is from there. The gene can pass down through the male side increasing the risk of prostate cancer which my father had, but he was also in his 70s when it presented.
So what does all this mean? Well as a ‘happy’ coincidence, I had an appointment with a gynecologist today around yet some other thing going on and as I got the news just before seeing her, we could talk in some depth about it. Spoiler alert again for those that I work with as there will be mention of ladies parts! The BRCA2 mutation substantially increases the chances of breast and ovarian cancer, along with a greater chance of colon and skin cancer. From originally having the option to have a lumpectomy or a bi-lateral mastectomy, the latter choice is now required. I will also have to have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed, along with getting a good workover from a dermatologist and more frequent colonoscopies.
The next steps are that I have to go for a blood test for the cancer marker for ovarian cancer and then have a hysteroscopy at the end of June. Dr. Dick (yes, that is the name of the gyno) is checking with the breast surgeon to see if it can all happen during the same surgery but thinks that the reconstructive surgeon will nix it as they want to minimize any chances of infection. The oophorectomy (you may have to google that one!) takes place through the naval, leaves minimal scarring and the recovery time is a week. A hysterectomy is more complicated. I will also be meeting with the genetic counsellor to talk this through in greater detail and the implications for Sarah and Victoria.
And how am I feeling about all this? Well I had a major sob over the gynecologist and Steve but surprisingly, still feel very present to my experience and in my body. After all, paraphrasing what Sarah said when I explained to her about genetic testing some weeks ago and the potential implication to my baby making machinery “well, that ship sailed long ago”. And that is how I feel as I do not feel attached to these body parts. The things that bother me the most are the increased chances of having something that might’ve already spread (trying not to think on that one too hard) and the future impact for my two beautiful daughters.
So lots more love and light and good wishes needed – everything that you can all spare, I am happy to absorb.
Love Amanda
So sorry for the “series of unfortunate events”! It just doesn’t seem right or fair. That being said…..I do believe that you will continue to amaze all of us with your unrivaled courage, humor and capacity to love….yourself, your family and all of us who count ourselves as lucky to be your friend.
Thank you so much my friend. I know that I might appear to be courageous and some days I feel that way. Other times, I am playing the fake it until I make it game 🙂
Amanda, having watched you navigate these cancer waters the last time and this time, I totally understand the initial sob fest, but my guess your knowing you have the gene will empower you and be a positive buoy have always seemed to embrace knowledge and use it to anchor yourself during all the tumult. As far as passing the gene on to your girls, knowing is better than not knowing, and the amazing wonderful genes you passed on certainly tilt the scales toward the wonderfulness you also have passed on.
And let us not overlook that tidbit of info — having some Jewish blood in you — I could have guessed! We are happy to have you as a, albeit distant, member of the tribe.
Thank you for welcoming me to the tribe! John, who I work with, is a master genealogist and he’s helping me research my family tree. We’re back to my great grand-parents so far who were from Germany, not Poland. My great grand father was a jute trader and already John has found a record of him coming to Boston on business in the mid-1800s. Fascinating stuff!
I realize that you dont need people asking you more, suggesting ideas… all you need is love. And Love your body, despite it all. It’s talking to you.
I send you strength so you keep going and can see yourself healthy again, after all these surgeries are done.
I’m so glad we’ll get to see you Friday. So looking forward to it.
love love love
Thank you for the love – I can feel it over the airwaves! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow night 🙂
Sending you love, light, strength and positive energy, Amanda … oh, and a HUGE hug in there too! One day at a time, my friend.
Thank you my friend for your continued love, support and encouragement. And yes, one freakin’ day at a time!!!!
I’m sorry the common denominator is not Brad……..Knowledge is 1/2 the battle. I’m so glad you decided to have the BRCA2 test. Now you can fight this fully informed and take the necessary steps.
Lots of love and positive energy flowing your way, Mandy….for Steve and the girls, as well!
Brad is getting on a bit, so perhaps I should find myself a younger piece of eye-candy! And yes, I know when I get over the shock, I’ll be grateful for knowing although still feeling like a ticking time bomb as opposed to a well informed person that’s making great decisions!
How are the chicks doing?
I’m glad the common denominator is not that you have six children under 13, Brad or no Brad! Amanda, I share Ellen’s sentiment — it was smart to get the text, and now you know. And now your girls will know.
I went to an inspiring wedding two weeks ago. The bride and her twin sister, both 47, fought the same fight you are now embarking on. They stopped the reception at one point and took over the microphone, asking anyone who is currently battling cancer or who has survived it to come to the dance floor. They said, “This next song has become our mantra and we want to share it with you.” This is what they played. There was not a dry eye in the house!
I know, the idea of dealing with 6 kids under 13 exhausts me just thinking about it! Thank you so much for sharing the story about the wedding. It’s an inspiration to me to hear about people who are on the same journey and even better, have survived just fine. I didn’t see any video or anything as to what they played but would love to know.
Amanda
Ok, I found the video – sometimes my technical skills are a little challenged. Am on the train but will listen to it (and no doubt cry!) tonight before I watch this week’s episode of GoT!
sending ALL THE LOVE AND LIGHT surrounding ME to YOU today, along with THE BEST POSSIBLE WISHES…XO, M.E.
Thanks as always for your love and support and have a great weekend in Chicago. The place looks amazing.
Amanda