WE ARE BRIGHT PINK

Katrina
I grew up with the words "breast cancer" floating around my house. They were always in reference to my father's side of the family. His mother passed away due to breast cancer when she was 33 years old. He and his 4 sisters then were raised by their grandmother. Breast cancer was always something that they knew they might face one day. Sure enough, one after another was diagnosed during ages ranging from 28-35. Three of my aunts were diagnosed, one was not. Two of my aunts that were diagnosed passed away before they were able to celebrate their 40th birthday. One of my aunts, Cindy, was actually diagnosed with breast cancer during her 3rd pregnancy. Since she couldn't receive treament during the pregnancy, she had to choose, her life or the baby's. She chose the baby girl's life. Cindy passed away within the next year, giving her baby to her best friend who was unable to bear children.

I never really thought that breast cancer would touch my life until my last aunt Sandy was about to pass away. She was approached to be tested for BRCA. She tested positive for BRCA1. My father was then tested...positive. At the age of 20, I decided to be tested...positive! I thought that would be the worst day of my life. However, it was the beginning of something beautiful. I now thank God for blessing me with BRCA. We now have the technology to know for a fact our chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer. I no longer have to wonder.

I dealt with this information and finished school over the next year. I was engaged within 7 months of learning that I was BRCA+. My fiance (now husband) was so supportive and encouraging during this time. We both knew, without a shadow of a doubt, what I was supposed to do. So, we decided that I would have a mastectomy within a couple of years after we were married.

We were married in Spring 2007. After we were married, I continued to find lump after lump. They were all benign, but we were prepared to hear the opposite every time. So, Christmas 2007, I scheduled my surgery. I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction with tissue expanders on January 10, 2008. I am now in the "expansion" process. My 2nd surgery (to swap the tissue expanders for implants) is scheduled for May.

I now have such a peace. I have done everything in my power to avoid this horrible cancer. The plastic surgeons do wonderful things! The period of time during and between the two surgeries is inconvenient at times, but cosmetically, things look great! I am 22 years old and very pleased with the way my breasts look after the surgery!

For those of you who are trying to decide on having a mastectomy or not...You will know what is right. For me, I couldn't live with myself if I let my husband and children watch me battle cancer knowing that I did not do everything in my power to keep that from happening. I do have an advantage, though. I have Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. He has carried me through this every step of the way. There was never a question as to what He wanted me to do. Pray for His peace! We can do all things through Christ! With that, He has also blessed me with the most supportive husband and family in the world!