Christine B., Minneapolis, MN

Age: 48

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

Favorite Quote:
“Hate leaves ugly scars; love leaves beautiful ones.”

Favorite Song:
"I run for life" "Skin" "Willing"

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My journey

Found out about BRCA2+ status less than 6 months ago. Tested because most of the women on father's family side had breast or ovarian, or tested positive. I have had breast cancer. I have managed my risk with increased surveillance, chemo prevention, and a prophylactic mastectomy with TRAM (transvers rectus abdominis muscle) reconstruction.

The hardest part of my journey

Having to (choosing to) be public about such a personal loss.

My participation with FORCE

It hasn’t yet, but I believe it will.

Other thoughts

Being candid has been very helpful, although it is also uncomfortable; I have been proactive; I have been divorced two years, have three daughters and am fearful for them, but that is waning; this experience has caused me to allow more people into my life, on a much more personal level; I am ready to take on a leadership role in my family, having been the first in this family circle to test positive.

Just how proud I am of myself, how thrilled I have been to receive the support of friends and family, and also that I am willing to be on a list for people to phone for support, if such a list exists.