Dear Friends,

On September 13, 2008 at the age of 42 I was diagnosed with multicentric invasive ductal carcinoma in both breasts.  What's that you ask?  Simply stated...I was diagnosed with BREAST CANCER in BOTH breasts.  Fortunately, after a bilateral mastectomy and 4 months of chemotherapy, a year later,  I'm doing well...and about to celebrate one year cancer-free.

I found my cancer by doing a self exam and by utilizing high risk screening procedures.  I learned about high risk screening procedures because of a genetic mutation I inherited from my mother.  You see, breast and ovarian cancer run heavily in my family.  My grandmother died of breast cancer in her 60's, my mother died of ovarian cancer at age 51 and my sister died of breast cancer at the young age of 42.  It was my gynecologist who pressed me to do genetic testing to see if I was at risk for carrying a genetic BRCA mutation and confirm if I had a genetic pre-dispositon to getting breast or ovarian cancer.  For those who carry a BRCA mutation, there is an increased risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer....ALMOST A 90% INCREASED RISK!!!

Well...I tested positive for a BRCA mutation.  I was directed to an organization called "Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered" (FORCE) by my genetic counselor.  It was here I met the most amazing people.  These were people who shared my genetic legacy.  It was here I learned about my options.  It was here I learned about my mutuation.  It was here I no longer felt alone and vulnerable.  It was here that I made LIFELONG friends. 

My first course of action was to try to lessen my odds of getting ovarian or breast cancer...There was a 95% possibility I would get one or both of these cancers.  I chose to prophylactically remove my ovaries.  Years of precancerous activity during my regular checkups made my choice of surgery easy.  I had my family and now it was time to ensure I would be there for them.  I was only 9 years old when my mother died.  My daughter was 6 when I was diagnosed.  I could NOT face the possibility of leaving my children motherless at such a young age.   I would do anything to ensure my health and being here for my children.

From there, I stepped up surveillance on my annual mammograms.  I committed myself to monthly self exams and saw a breast surgeon twice a year.  I began getting breast MRI's.  I had made my decision to have prophylactic surgery to remove my breasts and lessen my risk of breast cancer.  Repeat mammograms, needle biopsies, waiting for results...well these were just too stressful, so I decided on the surgery.  Unfortunately, I waited too long and found a lump which turned out to be malignant....the rest is history.

FORCE is an amazing organization that provides education, information and above all compassion and support for those of us affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.  FORCE improves the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.  FORCE is out there educating people making significant strides in the medical community and in congress by going out there and being heard.  Those of us touched by FORCE's diligent mission have much to be grateful for!

Your support will ensure that FORCE continues to do the fantastic work they do.  FORCE saved my life and the lives of others very close to me.

Please....dig deep...no reasonable offers refused!  For your generosity, I will be teaming up with my FORCE friends for a 5K walk on November 8, 2009 in Washington, DC.  This walk will hopefully ensure that FORCE meets their fundraising goal of $100,000!  And the best news is that ALL donations will go to FORCE 100%.  Your donation is also tax deductible!  Please visit www.facingourrisk.org for more information on this fantastic organization.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.  Your support is GREATLY appreciated!

Love,

Mary Ellen