How Genes Can Change Everything: My BRCA-2 Status

Posted January 28, 2016

I AM BRCA-2 POSITIVE.

⇐ In NYC, where I took my first MRI that serves as a baseline for future use to detect any changes in my breast tissue.

Why did I get tested?

I truly thought cancer, especially breast cancer, would never affect me in any way, shape, or form until my mom was diagnosed December of 2007. I’ll admit, even then, I still wasn’t phased enough to become proactive with my own health. It wasn’t until just a couple years ago, and a much more mature me, that I took my mom’s advice in BRCA-2 gene testing.

BRCA-2 is an abnormal gene mutation that is linked to a much higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer as well as prostate cancer for men who test positive.

How is testing done?

A simple blood test, where specific genes are tested for any abnormalities.

Was I terrified of my results?

NO. The power of knowledge outweighed my fear. Due to this genetic testing, I now know that I HAVE TO stay up-to-date with check-ups twice a year, an MRI + a routine breast exam. Knowing that I can take certain measures in preventing or catching cancer early is relief to me.

Being 30 weeks pregnant, I have not been able to do my routine check ups but as soon as I am cleared by my doctors, postpartum, I will. Nothing is as important to me as my health.

The benefit of this genetic testing is also giving my future children a chance for prevention as well.

KNOWLEDGE = POWER

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF4QB0J7c2g?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0&w=560&h=315]

If your family has been greatly affected by breast cancer and you wish to find out more information on genetic testing, please visit www.BreastCancer.org.

Last but NOT least, I have to give a personal shoutout to my mommy and GLAM-MA to be for officially being 8 years CANCER-FREE. YIPPEE.

Go ahead, comment on how we can be sisters and NOT mother-daughter, that will make her day lol

Have you or someone you love been affected by breast cancer? Have you gone through any genetic testing? Share your story by commenting below.

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❤

BRCA2, Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Support, Breast Cancer testing, Cancer, Family, Family History, Genetic Testing, Healthy, Hyperemesis Gravidarum, lifestyle, Pregnancy

Amy

Amy, the 28 year-old mom boss behind Amy with a Twist. I’m a lifestyle blogger based in Miami, Florida, where the sun is always shining. Aside from sharing my day-to-day lifestyle, my mission is to inspire other moms in finding their inner voices. Be proud of you are, share it, and don’t let anyone steal your happiness. I believe in the power of self-love. After all, “self-love is the greatest middle finger of all time.” From early on, I always had this immense passion for helping others and changing the world for the better. Following that passion lead me to becoming an educator, the greatest profession in the world. Even though I am a full time stay-at-home mom, I feed the teacher in me through private tutoring. I strongly believe that education is the most powerful weapon in the entire world.