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Alana's Story

When I was only 18 months old, Breast Cancer began its curse on our family, I don’t remember my Mum’s Mum and only have a few photos to look back on, it makes me so sad that she didn’t get to see all of her Grand Children’s achievements and to watch us all grow.
All my love to Nanna Patricia Eckersley.

At the age of 22, I had just fallen in love and bought my first house. The last thing on my mind was cancer, although Mum was my age when Nan passed away. Growing up I never knew how much Nan’s Diagnosis of Breast Cancer had impacted on my Mum who feared for 20 years that she too would develop Breast Cancer, her fears were met in 2008, it was so hard for me when mum was diagnosed as she lived over 1000klms away and felt that I couldn’t be there the way I should have been, our relationship had not been great throughout my teenage years but now through everything our bond is starting to grow again.

Our family first found out about the BRCA2 Gene in 2010, after taking a look at our family history. There have been 5 women under the age of 45 diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We are lucky that Mum is here to start the process of genetic testing, it took me several months to decide about being tested and I tried to stay positive for the whole month before the results came back, that is when my rollercoaster of emotions began, finding out that I carry the BRCA2 Gene was not what scared me the most. It was the thoughts that I have not had children yet and to be given a time frame to do this was the hardest part. I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful, understanding partner who has been my rock through all of this. Now that I am aware of the BRCA2 Gene that I carry I want to do everything in my power to prevent passing it onto my children. I know that I am at an increased risk and will always be very vigilant and make sure that I have all the tests available to me to help prevent the development of Breast Cancer.

Over the past 4 months I have been there with mum through her preventative hysterectomy, double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, it has certainly opened my eye to the amazing work of all the specialists out there. I completely understand the reason why mum wanted to have these surgery’s done.

I will be turning 24 at the end of this year and the thoughts of Breast Cancer are still very fresh in my mind, knowing that my chances are increased by more than 85% and yet still not a definite makes decisions so difficult. Do i sit and wait, continue a life time of scans followed by worry or do i act now to prevent it. Some days are harder than others, I will admit there are times i wish i didn't know, then the positive takes over, knowing now means that i have the best possible chance to prevent and survive Breast Cancer. I hope to be able to help others in the same situation, especially in a rural community when it is sometimes hard to find support groups.

Im very greatful that Pink Hope is here to help us, its so great to have people around to help you through the challenges and discission, especially when your mind is racing and you cant seem to grasp any thoughts.