Barbara had a persistent cough. It wasn't Broncitis like she thought. It was Ovarian cancer. Later she developed breast cancer too. Our world changed. When you think lightening doesn't strike twice, it does. Bonnie found a lump in her breast. Now 2 sisters were fighting cancer. I'll never forget the phone call when Brenna simply said, "I have what Bonnie has." I cried for days. My 3 sisters lost their battles in a span of 3 years and 13 days. They were 48, 46 and 34.
A few years later I read an article in the local paper asking for women at high risk for breast cancer to join the nationwide Breast Cancer Prevention Trial. Since I felt I was staring at the cross hairs of disaster, I signed up. I took Tamoxifen for 5 years. Results of the trial showed 50% fewer breast cancers in the group that took Tamoxifen. I hoped it was the magic bullet... and it was for 15 years. I never failed to have my annual mammogram. Over the years I was called back for more tests a number of times. The techs always paid close attention because of the family history. In 2008 I was sure the call back would prove to be nothing again. This time the look on the Doctor's face was different. I scarcely heard what was said as visions of my sisters rushed through my head.
1-1/2 yrs. later I'm on the other side of a bi-lateral mastectomy, 6mo. of chemo and working on reconstruction. That mammogram found cancer at stage 1 before a lump could even be felt. Technology unavailable when my sisters were ill typed it highly aggressive. Genetic test results will help my daughters be aware. I am going to be just fine. Technology saved my life.
Woodinville, WA