I was 28 when I had my first diagnosis. I underwent chemo and radiation. Sixteen years later, during an annual mamogram, something was spotted. I thought, oh no, here we go again. After a biopsy, it was determined that I remove my right breast. That did not sit well with me at all. I thought about all of my options, performed research, as well as, genetic testing. While waiting for my genetic test results, I decided that I would remove both breasts as I did not want to have to deal with again. My doctor's agreed with me and, in the interum, I received my results, which determined that I was BRCA 1 positive. I underwent reconstructive surgery wherein the tissues from my stomach were remove and they replaced my breasts, technically called FLAP surgery. Additionaly, I had my ovaries removed as a precautionary measure. That was over three years ago. To date, I live an active healthy life. Dont get me wrong, there are some side effects from the medicine, as well as all of the surgeries, but they are all minor set backs to being ALIVE!!

Tambudzai
Los Angeles, CA