Jessica, Jupiter, FL

Age: 32

Just found out I was positive for BRCA1 two weeks ago.

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

Favorite book / authors:
anything by James Patterson

Favorite TV / Movies:
Steel Magnolias, Breakfast Club

Favorite Quote:
If you don't like it don't look!

Favorite Song:
too many to list

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My journey

Muy mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33 and passed away at age 37. My grandma had breast cancer and survived only to have a reoccurence in her late 70's, she passed away a few years ago. My moms cousin died from breast cancer in her 30's as well and my grandma's sister died in her late 70's of breast cancer.

My 41 year old sister had the BRCA test done the end of September 2011. Her OBGYN did the test and gave her her negative results. I decided then end of October 2011 to make an appointment with a genetic counselor to get the test done. My sister gave me her results to take to my appointment. At the time she handed them to me I did not look at them. I met with the counselor and she asked if I had my sisters results since I had told her that my sister was negative, I gave her my sisters results and she looked at them, gasped and said that my sister was in fact positive. I broke the news to my sister that day and immediately got her in to meet with the genetic counselor. my results came back on November 7th and I am also positive.

We both meet with the oncologist on December 15th. I have always said that when I was diagnosed with cancer I was going to have the doctors take everything. I know I have not been diagnosed with any cancer but for me this positive result is my diagnosis and I plan on having the mastectomy and reconstruction as well as getting my ovaries removed.

Losing my mom at some a young age, (I was 6 when she passed) has made me grow up fearing dying at a young age and not being here for my boys. So while this is new to me it is very old at the same time if that makes sense. I told my husband long ago when we were just married that I would do whatever it took to stay alive (that was 14 years ago) with the knowledge I have today I plan to do just that.

The hardest part of my journey

Although my journey has just begun, the hardest part was going to get my results and having my sister there and fearing that I would be negative after me having to tell her she was positive. Not that I didn't want to be negative I just didn't want to have it be right there in her face if that makes any sense.

If I could do it over again

I would have gotten tested earlier.

My participation with FORCE

So far it has been great in providing me with information and resources