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Paula
My name is Paula, I am 33 years old from Sydney, and like everyone else have inherited the BRCA1 Gene!
I suppose my journey began when my aunt (mum's twin sister) was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43. Thankfully after radiation therapy and surgery she has been cancer free since. In 1996 at age 46 my mum was then diagnosed with breast cancer. Unfortunately a much more aggressive type than my aunt. She sadly passed away after a very tough battle in 2004 at age 54. Only a few months after my mum passed away her mum, my grandmother was diagnosed. After this our family with the wonderful help from Westmead Hospital began the journey of Gene testing.
After an anxious wait my grandmother and my aunt were told they carried the faulty gene BRCA1. With this other family members got tested and we found the gene was wide spread throughout the family. My sister was then tested and her test came back negative. Much too our relief. Now it was my turn, and you guessed it mine came back positive. Even though I knew in a way that I would have it, it still was quite a shock and a million thoughts start racing through your head.
Since then I have been having regular check ups and gathering as much information as I can, as well as help my grandmother through her battle. Right now in April 2010 my grandmother is now 84 years old and has almost lost her fight. Since watching her fight so hard and go through the motions of cancer, it is now that I have made my decision to go down the road of a preventative mastectomy.
I am so grateful to all the girls of "Pink Hope" who have already shared their stories - thank you..
Watching my mum and my nan being taken away gives me all the inspiration I need to do what ever I can to reduce the risk of cancer and look forward to a long and happy life with my family.
Best Wishes to all
Paula xx
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