Advice For My Daughters about the BRCA Mutation

The BRCA mutation in my family is called G1738R. It’s considered a Greek founder mutation. https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24010542 Here are the women in my family with the mutation.

Grandma: Died age 42

Mom: Died age 53

Aunt: Died age 59

Cousin: Died age 36

Me: Surviving since 2007

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PART 1:

1. So you were brave enough to take the BRCA test. And now you know. Consider it a gift.
2. Your #1 goal here is NOT TO GET THE CANCER. Is this clear? You will be really mad at yourself if you do, knowing that you had the power to do something about it.
3. Do not fear the mastectomy. A mastectomy is not “cutting off your breasts.” It’s more like an extreme breast reduction followed by a boob job. They may end up looking more fabulous than you ever imagined.
4. Do not let them take your ovaries, at least not without a fight. Hormones make the woman. (Everything else is a lie.) Fallopian tube removal may be all that you need. https://medpagetoday.com/resource-centers/focus-ovarian-cancer/most-all-ovarian-cancer-originates-fallopian-tubes/1898…
5. Keep the nipple. The psychological benefits are significant.

Good luck.

PART 2: How to choose a partner for the BRCA experience.

1. You want the guy with a flexible schedule. So that he can be available to you on the day that the genetic counselor reveals your fate, given that you may end up being really upset by this news.

2. You want the guy who is good with God. Who with cross and icon in hand, prays really hard for you during the 8 hour surgery.

3. You want the guy who is a leader. And says — I’ll go first — when it’s time to remove the bandages.

4. You want the guy who, well, how shall I put this? You want the guy who as soon as you are well enough to lift your head off the pillow, tells you that he wants you. And takes what is rightfully his. Mostly, this is the guy you want. Choose carefully.

Good Luck.