04/02/2024
Guess who's baaaaack 😜
I've contemplated whether I should post this so many times. 8/9 years ago I was much more open and carefree, I've become way more anxious in the things I share since I've got older! I cringe when this page posts pop up on my memories and I've even thought about deleting the whole page....yet even all these years on I still get people all round the world message me and reach out to me who have also been diagnosed with the CDH1 gene. And if this page can help even 1 person....then we'll suck up the embarrassment and keep it open. I said in my last post that when the time came to worry about my breasts that I'd post again....so here goes!
As we're all aware, I carry the CDH1 gene and had a total gastrectomy in 2015 (you ain't got a stomach?! 🙄). I was at a huge increased risk of developing stomach cancer and by carrying this gene I also have a high chance of developing breast cancer. I've been having yearly mammograms but I'm now at the right time in my life where I want to reduce that risk and get rid of them! Unlike my stomach, it doesn't completely remove the risk. However it'll reduce it to around 5/10%, and that puts my odds at developing breast cancer to lower than the average woman who doesn't carry a cancer gene, so that's a good enough reason for me to go ahead with the surgery!
I'm lucky enough to be made aware that I'm at a high risk of developing breast cancer and I feel extremely lucky to be given the chance to be able to reduce that risk. So that's exactly why, for me personally, that I want to go ahead with this surgery. Everyone and their circumstances are completely different however I know for me that this is the right decision.
I have a 2 year old little boy and my reasoning for having this done is all for him. I was 13 years old when my Mum died and as I've said previously, her dying is what made me aware that this gene even exists. She would have done anything to still be here watching her family grow up, which is exactly how I feel. I want to be here for as long as possible for my family and being a Mum to my little boy.
My surgery is booked for March and I'm going down the reconstruction route. I'm of course not looking forward to it, but we'll deal with it! I have the most amazing support around me and that's all I need. This post hasn't been written for any sympathy, as I've said so many times, I'm lucky I'm in this situation. However if anyone is reading this who has any advice and support for surgery, then please hit me up! I appreciate any advice! And as I still do for my total gastrectomy, if you are reading this in the future and I can offer any help or advice then feel free to reach out! I may post updates....we'll see how brave I am! 🤣
Sending best wishes to everyone, from a stomachless, and soon to be breastless, Amy! ✌️
