In 2006, at the age of 41, I fell ill for the first time. A triple-negative tumor in each breast. This led to a lumpectomy on both sides, with the removal of 6 and 9 lymph nodes, followed by 6 chemotherapy sessions and radiotherapy. I recovered fairly well from this episode and continued my life, believing it was just a “freak accident” of nature.
Seven years later, in 2013, I had a relapse on the left side. Once again, it was a triple-negative tumor. I was told that my affected breast would have to be removed. After the mastectomy of my left breast, I underwent another 6 chemotherapy sessions.
At that point, I requested a genetic test, which came back positive: I carry the BRCA1 mutation. My parents also got tested, and it turned out my father was the carrier. He passed away in 2019 from aggressive prostate cancer, diagnosed too late. He had multiple metastases in his bones.
Six months after finishing chemotherapy, I underwent a preventive mastectomy on the right side, as well as a prophylactic oophorectomy.
I came out of it extremely weakened, and the aftereffects were numerous. But I am alive!
I deeply regret that no one in the medical field ever informed me that I could be carrying a genetic mutation. I was not well-informed, and an association like BRCA+ would have been invaluable to me.
I now wish to contribute, in my own way and to the best of my ability, to improving the care and support of people with genetic mutations and to raising public awareness about hereditary cancers. If I can help build something meaningful, I will be happy to do so.
BRCA+ Network asbl
