Krystal, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Age: 25

I'm 25 and single with a six year old daughter. My ethnic background is Icelandic/ Ukrainian. I'm BRCA 1 positive.

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

Favorite book / authors:
The Wounded Spirit by Frank Peretti and Pretty is What Changes

Favorite Quote:
Something my Mom wrote: "To have peace of mind in life, you need to forgive, Just because you've forgiven doesn't mean you've forgotten, but let the burden go. It's only holding you back."

Favorite Song:
Wasted by Carrie Underwood

Other favorites?
Superhero: My Mother because even though her battle was long and hard, even though she was in pain, my brother and I always came first. She taught me what it is really like to be a fighter. I can only hope to be the Mother she was.

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My journey

Found out about BRCA1+ status 6 months to 1 year ago. Tested because my Mom was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer in 1999, tested positive for the BRCA mutation, and passed away in 2001. My Aunt (my Mom's sister) was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 20's and it was terminal. She also tested positive for the mutation and passed away in 2004. I have not had cancer. I am two weeks out of having my PBM with skin-sparing DIEP reconstruction and couldn’t be happier. I will continue increased screening for ovarian cancer as I would like to have more children. But after that I will be going down the prophylactic surgery road again.

The hardest part of my journey

The hardest part of my journey was finding out my results. After my results it became more of a reality. It's also brought up a lot of feelings I had about my Mom's death.

If I could do it over again

I wouldn't do anything differently than I am now. I feel empowered with the knowledge I have been given. For my Mom and my Aunt, the knowledge wasn't available till it was too late. Now I have knowledge that I will someday share with my daughter and future children.

My participation with FORCE

FORCE and the wonderful people that are a part of FORCE have been my rock through this ongoing journey. The knowledge I have attained here has been amazing. The feedback from others who have been or are in my situation reminds me that I am not alone and that we can make it!

Other thoughts

I am funny and charismatic, I love to read, spend time with my daughter and friends and family. I am a normal, single 25-year-old who loves life!!!