My BRCA Genetic Test
I had my annual visit to the OB/GYN a couple of weeks ago, and in reviewing my health history, we discussed my risk factor for cancer.
A few days prior, actress Angelina Jolie had announced that she tested positive in the BRCA genetic test, and had undergone a radical mastectomy. I hadn’t quite grasped, until her news broke, that the odds for breast cancer are over 80% if this gene is detected.
One of my sisters had breast cancer ten years ago, and is now healthy without a reoccurance. One of my grandmothers died of cancer at a young age, 59.
Although my parents are healthy and cancer free, my doctor suggested that I have the test.
I was conflicted about it, hesitant, and to be honest, a little bit scared.
The what-if’s came flooding in. What would I do if I test positive? Would I opt for surgery like many women do, including Angelina? What if I don’t get tested, will it haunt me?
I’m healthy as can be. I practically live on green juice. I never get sick, I rationalized.
But still, do I want to know?
The bottom line in my decision making was my young son. As a mother, I needed to know for him.
They took my blood sample as I jokingly instructed the nurses on how to notify me if it were positive.
“Please do not call me and say, call us back. I’ll know that it’s positive and I’ll worry. Call and say yes or no on my cell phone. I can take it. “
My sister was glad I did it. My husband was too. I didn’t share it any further than that (sorry girlfriends, Mom and Dad) because I didn’t want to think any more about it, and I knew they’d all worry. Especially my Mom.
Over the past couple of weeks, it brushed in and out of my mind, like a low grade fever. I got weepy a couple of times, and realized it was anxiety about the BRCA. I began to count the days until my results were due.
Yesterday I got the call. I saw the number on my cell phone; my son was next to me, smiling at neighbors as we walked into the post office.
I listened to the message.
They said no in every way possible, just to be clear. (I had asked them to do that too)
“Mrs. Thompson, your test was negative. That means that you do not have the genes this tests for. That means that this test was clear, and you do not have to come in. The answer is no, you do not have it.”
Knowledge is power. I let out a woop.
They’ll eventually be able to test for many genes that will indicate many different predispositions.
A positive test is not a diagnosis, nor is it a death sentence. It’s an indicator. An advanced warning system. A way of saying, hey, look at this. Take action. Educate yourself.
A healthy diet, and all the green juice in the world may not prevent cancer. But then again, I’m confident it helps to a large degree.
Most people roll the dice, and wait until they get a genetic test, or worse, a diagnosis, to take action. They even talk about it.
Well, if I had cancer, I’d go raw… If I went through that I’d change my diet, fast… I’d become a vegan if I were her…Have you read the China Study?
Why wait? Why not make the smart choices now, especially if I tell you it can become an easy way of life, and a delicious way to enjoy food?
You don’t have to go raw, or vegan, or juice all day to have a healthy diet. You don’t have to give up all meat, and never taste chocolate cake again..
One step at a time.
As for me, while contemplating my BRCA results, I felt assured by my food choices, knowing that my diet is anti-inflammatory, highly alkaline, and loaded with foods that support my health. I’ve been working on my immunity for years, strengthening my digestion and the way I assimilate nutrients. I felt empowered.
Does healthy eating mean nothing bad will ever happen? No. But it does mean that we’ll have an edge.
