One group of dedicated volunteer men, women and doctors changed my life – together they make up a group known as FORCE. (Read about them over there in the left column) All the money raised through this effort -goes to the operating budget of FORCE.
To catch you up - Here are some excerpts from my diary :
Jan. 2004 – BRCA 1 Status Uncovered
Hello Diary – its been exactly 9 months since Gerrit was born. Today I found out that my mom and I are BRCA 1 positive. Which means an increase risk in Ovarian and Breast Cancer….yep 89% increased risk. Ouch. Enrolled in four year Early Detection Study at NIH. Genetic counselor mentioned checking out www.facingourrisk.org. Must look at that tomorrow.
December 2007 – Ovaries and Tubes Removed. Hello Menopause.
I know I made the right choice–I know I don’t want to roll the dice with ovarian cancer….no tears were shed, just a quick “I love you” and off I went to the operating room….my stomach hurts to laugh…could really use a shower and a cocktail. Couldn’t have done this alone…need every friend out there. Thank you FORCE.
December 2008 – PBM – Prophylactic Bi-lateral Mastectomy.
Call Karen Gowen - get before and after photos taken - if not you may never remember what you used to look like…did they just say 72 hours of straight pain meds are hooked up to my chest?…..its uncomfortable to replace the sheets and blankets on me in bed. I guess it’s the weight of the sheets that hurts so much….Today I asked Wills to put a bandanna on my head so I wouldn’t have to push my bangs out of my eyes- its getting too painful. I wish I could just flash-forward 6-12 months and have this all be over. The checklist that Sandy gave me is next to my bed. I am prepared for recovery…Thank you FORCE.
October 2009 – Reconstruction operation #2 complete.
Dr. Jillian Banbury is amazing. Its been 10 months since my mastectomy. I just turned 38 years old. 38 is how old my Mom was when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. I Know that I made the right choice. Look at me now. Back to work, back on the golf course and soon to be on the paddle court and of course back to hugging Teddy and Gerrit...and back to everyday life. YES! Thank you FORCE.
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The theme throughout my thoughts is to thank this group of men and women – most of whom I will never know face to face – this enormous online community of support and knowledge – this donation page is for them..THANK YOU.
I could not have been so brave without all of my friends, family and FORCE helping me every step of the way.
-tracy