I am no longer a surgical patient.
Just three weeks after my hysterectomy and surgery to remove my
ovaries, my doctor has cleared me to take back my life. He said I am
healing perfectly and I can even resume exercising. I don't have to
go back to his office again until my next regular gynecological exam
in six months. And, here's the most exciting part: my days of
routine blood tests and radiological screenings to detect ovarian
cancer are over. Done.
Ever since I tested positive for BRCA1 four years ago (and to be
honest, ever since my mother died of ovarian cancer seven years before
that) I have been seeing a team of cancer-prevention specialists.
I've been getting CA-125 blood tests twice a year and a transvaginal
sonogram once a year.
So, not only has removing my ovaries brought down my risk of
developing ovarian cancer to about 1.5% (from 40-60%) and liberated me
from years of real fear - the operation has also freed me from being
poked and prodded on a recurring basis. I truly can't tell you how
thrilled I am that I had this surgery. I am free!
But wait. BRCA1 is not done with me yet. Even though I have cut my risk of breast cancer in half by having my ovaries removed, women with BRCA1 have up to an 85% lifetime chance of developing breast cancer. (The statistic for the general population is 12%). Breast cancer is still an all-too-real possibility. So, now what?
Well, because I've long known about my genetic predisposition to these
cancers, I've always gone for routine breast MRIs and mammograms, so
I'll continue that. I also see a medical oncologist once a year who
specializes in breast cancer, so I'll keep seeing her. But looming in
the future is another operation I will have to consider: an elective
bi-lateral mastectomy to prevent breast cancer.
For now though, I'll continue to heal and enjoy the holidays. I'll
even take the time to walk in the woods and throw snowballs with my
children. And when I toast the New Year in a few days, I'll drink to
my new, ovarian-cancer-free-life.
One day at a time. One day at a time. Happy New Year!
**Since my recovery from cancer-prevention surgery has been so
wonderfully ordinary, this will be my last Blog specifically related
to my operation on November 29th, 2007. Of course, I'll keep you
updated should anything develop I think is worth sharing.
Please keep your comments, questions, and emails coming. I'd love to
keep this important -- too often secret -- conversation going. It's
important we talk. These are, quite literally, life and death
decisions. They deserve and require public discussion.
My focus will now be on what's ahead - my husband, my kids, and
writing my next book. Thank you for sharing my journey with me.