Basically, with the breast cancer genes I inherited from my mother and the fact that I've been taking high-estrogen birth control for 14 years, I have a 60% chance of getting breast cancer by the time I'm 35 (I'm 29 now) and an 80% chance by the time I'm 40. The oncologist wants me to get a double masectomy as soon as possible, then get my ovaries removed as soon as I'm done having kids. (The gene also increases your chance of ovarian cancer.) He said that if I don't have the surgery, there's a pretty good chance I'll develop cancer and need chemo and radiation, which could destroy my fertility.
Yeah.
I didn't take it very well. Thankfully my fiance was there with me, but still... I was a mess. He took me home, where I proceeded to eat too much and drink too much. I skipped my Pilates appointment and I (of course) didn't do my weight workout. I'm still pretty bummed about the prospect of this insane surgery, but I got up and ran 6 miles this morning and I feel much better today.
The good news is that I woke up this morning at 145.0. I'm dying to break through to the 144s, and I'm so close! Tonight is going to be a challenge because we're having dinner with friends at one of my favorite restaurants. I'm hoping to hold it together and maintain or--dare I hope?--lose, but we'll see what happens.
This has been a tough week--I'm so glad it's Hump Day!
Posted By: runjenrun
Comments to this post:
06/27/2007 09:21
Sorry
I'm sorry about your appointment. Let us know what you decide is best for you. That is a lot to deal with at such a young age.
I'm so sorry to hear about this. I've been (silently) reading your blog for awhile and am amazed at your ability to cope with all the challenges life has thrown at you. Lots of support to you as you go through this.
I always wonder why crappy things always happen to good people. I was hoping you'd get better news. At this point I suppose all you can do is listen to your doctor and do everything you can to prevent the cancer from developping. Thankfully you have tons of support here on EP and at home.
Meanwhile, keep running and taking good care of your body. I'm convinced you can beat this!
That's an awful lot to have to deal with. Especially since you're so young. I wish there was something (anything) all of us on EP could do to help out. We can at least try to be supportive. You're doing the best you can do, and don't worry about what you ate last night. NOT a big deal. Good luck with dinner tonight though.
Sorry about the bad news. But hey....stay positive. These are all things that COULD happen. Doesn't mean it will. You're doing things to stay healthy...all I can say is pray and lean on friends and family.
-Lindy
p.s. sorry I wasn't able to connect with you about coming to DC, but my trip was jam-packed...and sounds like you were dealing with all of this anyway.
