Hi Nancy,
I always say you are not alone, come meet your sisters....
hugs & kisses... I would say that this is very normal to have these difficulties, but would also say that with time most of my patients are very happy with their reconstructions, and these emotional difficulties usually go away with time. I also have a number of patients who have finished the reconstruction process and have volunteered to speak with new patients, and this can often be very helpful for new patients. Additionally, having a very understanding spouse or significant other, as well as family and/or friends, is usually very helpful.

Tough question...
I have to say that the most difficult issue is wondering how many other family members have inherited this gene mutation.
I deal with all issues in my life in a positive way. I am a very positive person & I ALWAYS look for the funny & the good in life.
I try to enjoy every day & help others. I love my friends & my family. Tough question...
I have to say that the most difficult issue is wondering how many other family members have inherited this gene mutation.
I deal with all issues in my life in a positive way. I am a very positive person & I ALWAYS look for the funny & the good in life.
I try to enjoy every day & help others. I love my friends & my family.

This is the easiest question of all for me.
I was my mom's caretaker for 2 years. I literally went through her cancer diagnosis & treatment with her as well as taking her last breath with her.
When my next family member was diagnosed & we found out that we carried the BRCA gene mutation, in my mind it wasn't an if for me, it was a when.
I knew that I had to do everything that I could to not go down this road.(No woman in my family has lived past the age of 60.)
I knew that for me giving up my breasts & ovaries was my only choice with the odds stacked so high against me. In MY opinion taking prophylactic measures was far easier than the choices I would have to make if I developed one cancer cell. This is the easiest question of all for me.
I was my mom's caretaker for 2 years. I literally went through her cancer diagnosis & treatment with her as well as taking her last breath with her.
When my next family member was diagnosed & we found out that we carried the BRCA gene mutation, in my mind it wasn't an if for me, it was a when.
I knew that I had to do everything that I could to not go down this road.(No woman in my family has lived past the age of 60.)
I knew that for me giving up my breasts & ovaries was my only choice with the odds stacked so high against me. In MY opinion taking prophylactic measures was far easier than the choices I would have to make if I developed one cancer cell.

Wow... that is one powerful question!
While I was going through my "previvor" experience, I was invited to join a group of women breast cancer survivors. Since I have the BRCA gene mutation, I have lived the breast cancer experience with my family members. I can certainly empathize with the breast cancer community, but those of us who have never heard the words: YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER are NOT the same.
This same group invited me to a luncheon that I happily attended to show my support & friendship.
When it was time to check in, I was asked if I was a survivor & I honestly said no. I was told that I could not sit with my group of friends.
At this point, I was just a blog with a huge following. I had over $2000.00 in donations in my purse to present.
Yes...I made the phone call to someone high up (who was expecting me) to tell them what was going on.
At this point, my someone met me, apologized profusely & I vowed that I would start our group for "people like me" and I did. Wow... that is one powerful question!
While I was going through my "previvor" experience, I was invited to join a group of women breast cancer survivors. Since I have the BRCA gene mutation, I have lived the breast cancer experience with my family members. I can certainly empathize with the breast cancer community, but those of us who have never heard the words: YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER are NOT the same.
This same group invited me to a luncheon that I happily attended to show my support & friendship.
When it was time to check in, I was asked if I was a survivor & I honestly said no. I was told that I could not sit with my group of friends.
At this point, I was just a blog with a huge following. I had over $2000.00 in donations in my purse to present.
Yes...I made the phone call to someone high up (who was expecting me) to tell them what was going on.
At this point, my someone met me, apologized profusely & I vowed that I would start our group for "people like me" and I did.

Thank you for inviting me today to answer some questions.
Creating a 501(c)(3) was not as difficult as the decision to create & maintain one was. Once I made the decision to become a not for profit I just turned to professional advice. Accountant, attorney & a team of doctors, social workers & genetic counselors to turn to for help when needed.
I started the group with a personal donation of $25.00 to our checking account & I also made the personal donation of all start up costs.
previvorsandsurvivors.com is something I believe in & am commited to as it is a much needed group in our community.
I am now proud to say that we are a full fledged group with a caring board to help me help others.
Thank you for inviting me today to answer some questions.
Creating a 501(c)(3) was not as difficult as the decision to create & maintain one was. Once I made the decision to become a not for profit I just turned to professional advice. Accountant, attorney & a team of doctors, social workers & genetic counselors to turn to for help when needed.
I started the group with a personal donation of $25.00 to our checking account & I also made the personal donation of all start up costs.
previvorsandsurvivors.com is something I believe in & am commited to as it is a much needed group in our community.
I am now proud to say that we are a full fledged group with a caring board to help me help others.

Hi AnneMarie,
I would suggest that you call your genetic counselor. The genetic counselor knows your history & can advise you best..That's just MY OPINION!
xoxo Tobey Hi AnneMarie,
I would suggest that you call your genetic counselor. The genetic counselor knows your history & can advise you best..That's just MY OPINION!
xoxo Tobey