Day 65

So I'm actually trying to work on a "history" of how Mary's death has affected me, starting with the days leading up to her death. It's been a busy week though, and I while I'm still working it I just wanted to address the "BREAKING NEWS" from Angelina Jolie, and her decision to get tested for the BRCA gene, since her mother passed away from ovarian cancer. It's all over the internets and because of Mary and Dawn's breast cancer diagnoses I am stepping on my own soapbox for a minute.

Yesterday morning before work I read this article: http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/05/14/angelina-jolie-double-mastectomy/2157403/ from my favorite news app, USAToday. I posted it on facebook because I was really psyched to read it. Here's this huge celebrity sharing her decision to be pro-active with the world. I know that if Mary were still here she would be all about this. Mary never lived ashamed or privately about her cancer. Other people feel differently, and that is their right, I get it. But I think it's a good thing whenever a celebrity (or anyone for that matter, but let's face it, celebrities generally get more airtime/discussions going at the water cooler) speaks out about cancer: prevention, treatment, etc. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER and unfortunately, unless you're dealing with it first-hand most people don't know much about cancer. I can't imagine many people surf the web looking up cancer facts or trends in research, etc. just for fun. Cancer is the antithesis of fun. It is serious shit. But if we can educate ourselves in small doses or be made aware of treatments and options how can that harm us?

I'm proud of Ms. Jolie. I'm proud of my See-Star who shaved her head when her hair started falling out. Her hair follicles hurt, so she shaved her head. And if people did a double take or stared she would look them in the eye and say, "I have cancer." She didn't avoid public places. She didn't make a big deal about it, and hated the look she'd see in a stranger's eyes - pity. Cancer did not define her. It was a bump in the road that she had every intention, with three separate diagnoses, to overcome it and life as full and long a life as she could.

But I digress. Angelina Jolie - heard that ovarian cancer and breast cancer can get all buddy buddy if you test BRCA positive, and so she got herself tested. And it came back BRCA positive. And she decided to get a prophylactic double mastectomy with reconstruction. I am sure she paid for this out of pocket, and she's got the money so why not? I know there is criticism that she's publicizing an expensive cancer prevention method. Now. I am not advocating that everyone get tested for the BRCA gene. BUT. There are certain programs in certain hospitals, like the High Risk Program in the Breast Cancer Clinic at Roswell Park (disclaimer:my employer), and through a number of assessment methods, starting with a questionnaire this program can determine where you fall on the risk scale for breast cancer.

When Mary was first diagnosed she was tested for the BRCA gene. She tested negative, so the likelihood that I would test positive is very small. And when Dawn was diagnosed last year she was tested, and it also came back negative. Meaning that I don't really need to be tested myself. Instead, prior to Dawn's diagnosis I was advised to get annual mammograms (which I've been doing since I was 30 anyway per my GYN's recommendation of "being safe rather than sorry"). However, after Dawn was diagnosed, the program ran this new info through their matrix and it raised my risk level high enough that they are also recommending annual MRI's of my breasts as well. And you know what? If my insurance will cover PREVENTATIVE treatment like this (which I'm hoping they did because I just had my MRI a week ago!) then why wouldn't I take advantage of it? Because honestly, and here's the kicker....annual preventative scans are probably STILL cheaper than if I did get diagnosed with cancer and had to go through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, recovery, etc.

PREVENTION. Not just another pretty word. We need to take control and accountability for ourselves. Be aware of WHAT is happening to our bodies, what we put in it, on it, surround it with. We can only control OUR actions. No one will ever advocate more for yourself than YOU!

I have a plan to honor my sister. It's not going to happen overnight or even in a month. But I will dedicate whatever 'free' time I have to make my plan happen. Stay tuned. This blog is only the beginning.