Stephanie F., Coolville, OH

Age: 33

I'm more than my risk… some fun facts about myself:

Favorite book / authors:
"The Music Lesson," by Victor Wooten.

Favorite Song:
Round Here" by Counting Crows

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My journey

Found out about BRCA2+ status less than 6 months ago. Tested because my aunt died of ovarian cancer in her 40s. My grandmother died recently, and my mom tested BRCA2+. Lung and pancreatic/liver cancers also run in my family. I have not had cancer. I have managed my risk with increased surveillance and an enormous amount of research. I’m scheduled for an oopherectomy at the end of August.

The hardest part of my journey

The emotional rollercoaster. I buried my head in the sand for a couple of months, and now I am feverishly reading and researching. I am also having little (and sometimes big) emotional breakdowns. None of my family and friends have ever dealt with anything like this. It is hard for them to know how to support me.

If I could do it over again

Take my spouse to the initial genetic counseling session.

My participation with FORCE

Being from rural southern Ohio, I have felt very alone in this journey. It has been so incredibly comforting to relate to such a strong and beautiful group of women.

Other thoughts

I am proud of my family and career. I have one son and do not plan on more children. I am a musician/singer/songwriter who takes whatever life throws at me and turns it into song.
Knowledge really is power. This horrible situation we find ourselves in is rightfully infuriating, but it provides us tools with which to make sound decisions we can live with.