Annie G, Mooresville, NC

Age: 58

Diagnosed w/endometrial cancer 11 years ago;BC 1st time in 1992; BC came back, other side in 1998. Found Sue & FORCE, and genetic testing.

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

Favorite book / authors:
Susan Love, MD

Favorite TV / Movies:
Dr G Medical Examiner

Favorite Quote:
Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work.

Favorite Superhero:
Caryn Rosenberg

Other favorites?
SoccerMom, Motherof2inNJ,

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My journey

I found FORCE in 1998--learned about genetic testing from Sue & tested neg for BRCA 1&2, but geneticist tested for 1 more thing- Lynch II, which I tested positive for the MSH2 strain, which is high risk (80%) for colon cancer,breast(both BRCAs)bone, endometrial, uterine,bladder,kidney,brain,prostate cancers.I had my coloectomy w/ileorectal anastemosis. I received ALL my support for everything from FORCE and my sisters here, and I loved them all.

The hardest part of my journey

Still hard. I was given 5 years, have made it to 11 (in large part thanks to genetic testing). I' had a double mastectomy, lymph nodes removed, endometrial removal, hysterectomy, oophosalpingorectomy (sp?), colectomy with ileorectomy, and the Gamma Knife Brain surgery on a meningioma. Finally I got so my primary care physician thought I should not be working and wrote me out on disability.

That was 2 years ago, and my lymphedema has kicked up; I also have 3 heart blockages with a stent. I've had 2 strokes, and type II diabetes. So adjusting from a healthy busy outside full time working person with a husband and grown children and the beginning of the grandchild years, I've had to slow down, and medicate.

It's hard to find peace with a body that won't do what you want. Friends (even virtual) and helping others (even virtual) helps a lot. For me, prayer helps. And I still feel sorry for myself some days.

If I could do it over again

Yes, I would not have reconstruction at any point. I'd have my hysterectomy, etc....all in the beginining, and my PBM all at the first cancer diagnosis. And genetic testing as soon as I heard about it.

My participation with FORCE

FORCE has kept "my cheese from slipping off my cracker" several times, although I would recommend counseling for most women going through counseling, or a peer group face-to-face. FORCE was my daily salvation!