Personal Reflections: My Journey With BRCA Genetic Mutation

June 13, 2013


When this post airs, I'll be in surgery again for
Prophylactic bilateral mastectomy due to
BRCA2 mutation and family history.

In the past 7 months, my mom, sister, and I have
undergone multiple surgeries in conjunction with
breast and ovarian cancers.

We don't have time to be shy. We're standing up to cancer.

Thanks so much for all the supportive comments
and emails expressing encouragement and hope.

just before mom's mastectomy

It wasn't my idea to be public about our journey,
but my mom and sister felt strongly about it
to raise awareness and support for those
battling feminine cancers and who test
positive for BRCA, so we did...
then Angelina Jolie
did the cause a HUGE favor
by sharing her story.

 just before jo's first surgery

I feel great about taking this next step.

Will I dish/rant/blog in the future about implants?

*AGITATES MAGIC 8-BALL,
a hard sphere girlfriend hopes is
far firmer than her new ta-tas*

Signs point to yes.

Original Abstract Painting on Canvas...ETHEREAL
peaceful paintings in my shop now

Will I continue to create paintings,
artworks, and beautiful pastry?

No doubt.


My faith, my medical team, and my
family make it so much easier to
stand up to cancer and watch
the risk plummet.

For updates on my BRCA2 journey, like
See you on the other side of breast cancer risk!

Peace to you right where you are.







You Might Also Like

26 comments

  1. Michele...have such a crazy day ahead but if there was one blog I wanted to stop in to visit it was yours. I am thinking of you today and keeping you in my prayers and sending you a giant hug, smiles and many good wishes. I pray that all will go well, and wish you a very speedy recovery.
    Your spirit and ability to see the silver lining in everything is both remarkable and admirable. You are indeed a superwoman in more ways than one.
    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Michele, Keeping you and your mom and sister in my prayers. Thank you for going public with this important heath message for all women. I pray that the other side of cancer offer's you a long and happy and healthy life full of God's best blessings! I will continue to pray for you and the girls in your family.
    You are very very brave and beautiful... inside and out!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Michelle,
    Wishing you love and all good wishes today--know that I am thinking of you and your family! Here's to a happy and healthy year ahead for you-xo Barbara

    ReplyDelete
  4. My best friend died from breast and ovarian cancer. Her daughter tested positive and after significant and many thoughtful moments, she choose to undergo a hysterectomy and then bilateral mastectomy with implants. BTW, she loves her new figure. She was only 32 when going through this with a new little baby girl. I am so proud of her, she will be around for those 4 lovely children and us. Much love to you and family. Thank you for sharing with us. Di

    ReplyDelete
  5. From one breast cancer survior gal to the three of you....Good for you for STANDING UP AND FIGHTING!!!!! My prayers are with each of you. May God heal your cancer, and may you go into the future with courage and joy.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This is my first comment to your blog but just wanted to say how brave you are and thank you for sharing your journey. Wishing you the very best and speedy recovery!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Got fingers crossed and toes and eyes and everything else I can cross for you. Best of luck and I'll be anxiously awaiting your post-op post. I'm not a very religious or even very spiritual girl but am sending you thoughts of a golden, healing light to help speed your recovery. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. You're brave and fabulous!
    Big hugs and prayers.
    Love Z xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. I´ll have you in my thoughts sweet lady!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sending you and your family my prayers.. I know God is there in your room.
    Keep us posted whenever you can.
    hugs,
    Leslie

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'm thinking of you and hoping all goes well.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm praying for you and will keep praying for you and your family.....for all women. We have to take our health and healthcare seriously and fight!!

    Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
  13. I admire your strength and curage to speek about it. Wish you all the luck and sending you a big and warm hug.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Standing right behind you sister! And I am here to brush up any wilted whiskers.

    Love to you always.

    Mon

    ReplyDelete
  15. Prayers for a speedy recovery!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Good for you! Sending prayers up!

    ReplyDelete
  17. I will be praying for you and hope you are out of surgery now and doing fine...

    ReplyDelete
  18. My heart is breaking for you ladies...and your bravery is overwhelming. Keep up the good fight and blessings to you for sharing your journey(s).

    ReplyDelete
  19. I send you hugs and much love !
    My mother had cancer and it's terrible.

    XX
    Anci

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your decision makes so much sense. I'll be thinking of you and hoping for a speedy recovery. All the best, Michele

    ReplyDelete
  21. i saw a t-shirt one time that said "yes, i have fake boobs. the real ones tried to kill me"....a sense of humor sometimes helps.
    i am sending you prayers, light, love and healing vibes.
    erin
    xxoo

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wishing you all the best. You may be interested to have a look at the blog alifelaidbare.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wishing you and your family peace and grace during these times. Love Sherika

    ReplyDelete
  24. Going backwards here.,...but standing with you on this journey from a virtual lookout ground. Best thoughts and wishes for you and your family. xo

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm catching up from being out of the country. Absolutely thankful to know the results before reading this post. So proud of you, Michele! x Loi

    ReplyDelete

Your comments add to the beauty...thanks in advance for your kindness.

blogher

Farmhouse Finds!