Why I Turned Down Genetic Testing For the Mutated BRCA 1& 2

I am 27 when I received the shock of my life, my first mammogram, and then strongly encouraged to get genetic testing.

I was a classical trained ballet dancer still performing with a civic theater. I barely had breast! Why so young, you might ask? My mom was misdiagnosed at 48. She was told she had a calcium deposit on her sternum, but intuitively she knew something was terribly wrong. At her insistence, correct diagnosis came at 50. She lost her battle at 62. My older sister, years later diagnosis at 46. She lost her battle at 52. Both were said to be survivors.

Our family doctor insisted that the girls, there were 5 of us, come in for genetic testing. I made a conscious choice not to. I asked myself, what would I do differently knowing if I was positive or negative for the mutated BRCA1 and/or 2 gene?

Would I opt for drastic measures, preventive surgeries. . .removing both breast and ovaries? Chemotherapy prophylactics? Would I be enslaved in fear with knowing or not knowing if I carry the mutated genes?

The answer for me. . .it didn’t make a difference. . . knowing. . not knowing. I live my life to the fullest, in the healthiest way possible, mind, body and spirit and all without fear of what may or may not happen. I was a wife, and continue to be a mother and now proud grandmother. I continue to educate myself and others on being proactive with their health.

I now help women, breast cancer survivors a year or more in remission, to live fearlessly, reclaim, renew and thrive with their second chance at life.

Each of you must make your own decision to genetic test or not. Do your own research and ask questions. Make your decision base in knowledge not on what the next celebrity decides to do.

Next month's newsletter will give the pros and cons on genetic testing.

Life To All,

Linda