10/07/2025
A few years ago I got a letter in the mail. It reminded me that 6 years prior I had consented to be a part of a research study while getting blood work done during my first pregnancy. The researchers had finally received funding to run the samples and turns out “they found something” with mine. I learned that I have a genetic mutation called PALB2. This mutation puts me at greater risk for certain cancers including breast, ovarian and pancreatic. Over the last couple of years I’ve gone for MRI’s and mammograms every few months. Based on family history and a few other factors, my team and I decided it would be best to have a preventative double mastectomy. So that is my next step on Oct 20th.
Feeling a lot of things- grateful to have the information and the ability to make this decision. Knowledge is power and after spending over a decade as an oncology dietitian, I truly understand how important early detection can be. Anxious about what the recovery will be like. Thankful I was able to breastfeed my 3 babies. Worried about how my kids will adjust to me being out of commission for a bit. Excited to be able to run with a bit more comfort 🤣 Grateful to have the most amazing support network surrounding me. ✨
Not something I thought I would be dealing with at this point in my life, but so happy to be able to take the necessary steps to stay healthy ❤️