Today we are honored to share one more story involving a gene mutation and a gyn cancer diagnosis. Thank you to Monica, and all the women who shared with us this month and making us more aware of gene mutation and the impact it can have on your life and cancer journey.

How did you find out you were BRCA positive?
I had the genetic testing completed in 2016

What Does a BRCA-Positive Diagnosis Mean?
To me, it meant that I had a higher risk of developing breast cancer. However, it could mean that someone who has breast cancer and is BRCA+ could develop ovarian cancer too.

Did you feel supported by your healthcare team after your diagnosis?
I felt very supported. My doctor recommended a double mastectomy because I had an 88% chance of developing breast cancer. I had the surgery 1 year after my diagnosis.

How has being diagnosed and being BRCA positive changed your diagnosis and care plan?
It didn’t change things very much for me. Because of my amazing medical team, they acted quickly and we took all necessary steps to prevent any future complications.

How has being diagnosed and being BRCA-positive changed your outlook on life?
It forced me to lean on my family for more support, encouraged me to be more healthy, and not be afraid to tell my story. If I can help one person by speaking up or being a soundboard for others, then I feel like I made a positive difference in the world.

What is some advice I’d give to someone newly diagnosed as BRCA-positive?
There’s so much that I could say, but I’ll try to sum it up. First, take a deep breath. You’re not alone. I know that it feels overwhelming, but so many others have walked this road before us. Find support within organizations, such as Teal Diva. Second, knowledge is power! Knowing about your specific mutation and what it means for your cancer risk will be very important. Also, trust your medical team. They should have your best interest at heart and a second opinion never hurts! Lastly, take care of your mental health, talk to your family, and be kind to yourself. All of this will be new and uncharted territory. Give yourself grace as you navigate through this new chapter.

What has testing positive for the BRCA mutation taught me about my body and my strength?
It has taught me that I’m stronger than I thought I was. I won’t say that the surgery recovery was easy, but once I was fully healed and came out on the other side I was impressed by myself. I never thought that I would be able to endure what my body had to go through. I thank God every day for his grace and mercy. I truly believe that I was able to have so much strength because he carried me the entire way.