Katey, Lawndale, NC

Age: 48

I have had a bi-lateral double masectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction and I am BRCA2 mutated. Married for 29 years with 2 kids and 5 grandkids.

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

Favorite book / authors:
Janet Chapman

Favorite TV / Movies:
Magnum PI

Favorite Quote:
It's all Good

Favorite Song:
My Child is Comimg Home by David Phelps

Favorite Superhero:
Wonder Woman

Other favorites?
I love to read, e-bay, yard sale and take off for the weekend with my hubby of 29 years.

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My journey

Was diagnosed with BRCA2 mutation, history of family breast cancer. Mom, 3 aunts and cousin died from cancer. I have had biopsies, MRI's, mammograms every 6 months for the last 20 years. After they unlocked my BRCA2 mutation I was told that I had 87% chance of breast cancer. Had already had a hysterectomy at age 32. Found fantastic plactic surgeon and have bi-lateral double masectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. I have had my second surgery for the reshapement of my breast and to take out some scar tissue from my stomach. I have lost weight and feel better than I have in years. I am 48 and had this surgery to be the first female in my family to make it past 59.

The hardest part of my journey

Not really realizing the pain that I would be in after my first surgery. I had a vein they had trouble with- so I was in surgery for 16 hours. I didn't have but one person to talk to that had this procedure done. She hadn't had the surgery done at the same time.

If I could do it over again

I would try to get out of bed in the hospital earlier. It was 4 days before I was let up.

My participation with FORCE

I have looked for months to find a place that I couid find someone that has went what I have. All that I can find is the breast cancer support sites. I would reccomend this site to others.

Other thoughts

People tell me how brave that I am to have had this surgery, I try to explain that I am not really brave- I did this to try to stay alive.