Just made a decision

[stephanieg]

I just made a huge decision this morning,going to have my ovaries and falopian tubes removed and it was not easy.I was tested if I have the gene for ovarian cancer while highly runs on my mom's side of the family,I have it.That was last week and talked about it with my gynecologist.So far I have support from my mom that survived it 6 years ago including my fiancee Troy.Surgery date is on the 19th and have one week of recovery.I know it sucks having this gene and I know that I made the best decision knowing I don't want to go through what my mom went through.

[chelzaya]

Are you BRCA positive? I am as well, and am trying to decide whether to have my ovaries and breasts removed. It's such a hard choice. I keep pushing off the decision, but I know I need to figure it out eventually. My mom recently had both surgeries done and watching her go through it made me dread it even more. I think it's fantastic that you've made a decision and I honestly think it is the right one to make. I'm just too scared to do it yet, so I wish you the best!!

[stephanieg]

I am BRCA positive and my mom said I am doing the right thing.I have a daughter Taylor,she is 14 years old and I am going to have the talk with her having her get tested too tonight.

[chelzaya]

Yeah, it's tough. My younger sister hasn't been tested yet and I really hope she doesn't have it, so she doesn't have to go through all this. She's still trying to make that first decision to even get tested. Do you know if you have the BRCA1 or 2 mutation? Are you going to get a mastectomy as well or just keep on top of mammograms? My main concern on having surgery (well, if I even had health insurance!) is the recovery. My mom needed a lot of help at first but I live 2000 miles away from my family and don't have anyone to help me out while I'm recovering. I think if I had it done, I'd probably have to move back to Oregon temporarily.

[brendalin]

Is it safe to do a procedure on a 14 year old girl? I would think that would have some major effects on her going through puberty and her hormones. Also, I don't think that you can make a decision like that until you are of a certain age.

I am glad that you have the family support in your decision, hopefully your surgery goes smoothly. It must have been a hard decision to make.

[chelzaya]

Well, the test to find out if you even have the mutation can be done anytime, as far as I know. I can't imagine her daughter would have anything surgical done for many, many years! :)

[stephanieg]

I did get advise from my gynecologist on testing my daughter too,said not yet which I forgot to mention.Will have the talk to have it done later in her life.My fiancee is pretty much supportive of my decision,he lost an aunt to ovarian cancer a year ago and it was not pretty when she died of it.I watch out on family history on things very well.My father is going to be bummed out for a week and he is supportive too saying I made the right decision.I am 32 years old turning 33 next month wanting live a long life seeing my children grow up.

[stephanieg]

Here is an update,surgery was this morning and went very well.I went in like a fighter and did well.Did take a couple samples and sent them in for a biopsy too.I was hungry when I got home,my Aunt Barb was on the spot.Brought over a bowl of her homemade chicken soup I love since I was 7 years old.My Uncle Terry came over tonight to visit and he said he will bring over a bowl of his home made chili he makes I love too.Did have my daughter tested right away after I made the decision,she has it too.Will make the decision when she is an adult one day and I will be behind her the day she makes it.

[gwenshack]

Glad all went well. :flower4u:

[WebLady]

Glad the surgery went well for you. Wish you all the best.