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Kate

Breast Cancer was always a sore spot for my Mum. My grandmother died at the age of 40, and my Mum pretty much became a Mum to her

brothers and sisters at the age of 18. To be honest, I don’t think she’s ever really gotten over losing her Mum.

Although my Mum was always vigilant about having her breasts checked, it wasn’t until my sister was diagnosed at the age of 37 that there were any thoughts in relation to our genetic history.

My sister Amanda (see the Looby sisters story) underwent aggressive chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy. It was such a shock for all of us, especially my Mum as I think she may have felt she was re-living a nightmare. My sister handled the whole horrible process with such strength and determination and she is an inspiration to me and my family. She is doing really well now and has even climbed a mountain – literally!

As there seemed to be a pattern forming, it was suggested that Amanda undergo genetic testing and six months later it was confirmed that she carried the BRCA2 Gene Mutation.

It was then up to us to decide whether or not we wanted to be tested, but we all decided it was for the best. Obviously, my Mum was positive. It was a strange scenario when I went to get my results. I knew in my gut that I had the gene. I don’t know why. Amanda and I are very alike – I was told this had absolutely nothing to do with it but it seemed a strange coincidence to me. My sister Carolyn and I were taken in together along with our partners and I noticed the uneasy expression on the genetic councillor’s face. One of us had it and one of us didn’t... “Now Carolyn, the good news is you haven’t got it – Kate, I’m afraid you have”. No shock to me whatsoever and I didn’t really feel anything at that point, but my sister burst into tears and approached me with open arms.. So, 2 sisters had the gene and 2 didn’t. My Mum, my Uncle and my cousin also had the mutation.

I knew what I was going to do before I’d found out. I would undergo a preventative mastectomy and reconstruction. However, there was something I needed to do first. I already had one son, Charlie, and I really wanted a little brother or sister for him – I also really wanted to breastfeed. I had an MRI to check there were no little abnormal cells, and then approximately 12 months later, my beautiful Henry was born.
When I was 33 years old, and 8 months after Henry was born, I underwent a bilateral mastectomy and insertion of tissue expanders. It was all very surreal, frightening and empowering at the same time. My husband, Damon was a tower of strength and I couldn’t have coped without his support and understanding. I have absolutely no regrets, and it has definitely taken a massive weight off my shoulders knowing that I’d gone from having an 80-90% chance of getting breast cancer to having a 5% chance which is less than the average woman.

I underwent 4 surgeries in total, all part of the reconstructive process, and although it has not all been smooth sailing, I don’t regret a thing. Life is precious and when you’re given a chance to prolong it, why wouldn’t you – not just for you but for your family.