BRCA Testing: A Journey for My Daughters

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Cancer has loomed large in my family for generations. Both of my grandmothers battled breast cancer, while ovarian cancer claimed the life of my great aunt. In the years that followed, several aunts and uncles faced their own cancer diagnoses, including breast and prostate cancer. The most devastating blow came in 2011 when my mother passed away from ovarian cancer. This loss left me feeling a mix of devastation and dread, as I grappled with the fear that cancer was inevitable for me too.

As I processed my grief, the anxiety surrounding my family’s cancer history grew. Questions flooded my mind: Would I succumb to cancer? Would my daughters face the same fate? The uncertainty weighed heavily on me. In an attempt to distract myself, I recalled a peculiar trip to Key West in 2006. During that vacation, I had visited a palm reader, who made several predictions about my life. While these claims seemed frivolous at the time, they offered me some comfort in moments of worry about my health.

Fast forward to last year during my annual OB/GYN check-up, my doctor insisted that I undergo BRCA testing, given my family’s cancer history. The recent media coverage surrounding Angelina Jolie’s decision to undergo preventative surgery after testing positive for the BRCA gene fueled my curiosity. I took home the informational pamphlet but buried it among other papers on my desk, overwhelmed by the thought of testing. I felt emotionally unprepared to confront such a significant reality.

Despite my initial resistance, the idea of BRCA testing lingered in my mind. It became clear that I could either carry the gene or not. If I did carry it, what would that mean for my future? Would I have to consider drastic measures like a hysterectomy or a double mastectomy? One day, I decided enough was enough; I had to take the test for my daughters. If I tested positive, they would need the information for their own health decisions. If I tested negative, I could provide them with reassurance. Scheduling the appointment brought me an unexpected sense of calm.

The day of the appointment was fraught with stress. There was a mix-up, and the nurse was unprepared for my arrival. After a lengthy wait, I was finally given instructions to perform a Buccal Wash, which involved collecting saliva and rinsing with Listerine into multiple vials. These samples would be sent off to a lab in Utah for analysis.

The subsequent insurance approval process was another hurdle, taking nearly six weeks. My insurance company ultimately deemed my case as “substantial risk,” and I found myself anxiously awaiting the results. I experienced sleepless nights filled with worry about the potential outcomes. Would I pass a harmful gene to my daughters? What if my husband could no longer love me if my body changed due to preventative surgeries?

Finally, a white envelope from Myriad Laboratories arrived in late July. Trembling, I called my husband at work. “I don’t have the genes—none of them,” I exclaimed through tears of relief. My daughters, sensing something was amiss, came over and hugged me tightly. “Mommy? Why are you sad?” I reassured them, “These are happy tears. It’s one less thing to worry about.”

This journey was as much for my daughters as it was for myself. For further insights on family planning and related topics, consider exploring this resource on home insemination kits or check out this excellent guide for information on female fertility.

Summary:

Undergoing BRCA testing can be a daunting process, especially for those with a family history of cancer. This personal account illustrates the emotional turmoil and eventual empowerment that comes with making informed health choices, particularly for the sake of one’s children. The decision to test is deeply personal and can lead to significant insights that impact both the individual and their family.