BRCA-1

BRCA1 is a gene mutation that is passed down through a family . The BRCA stands for breast cancer. There is a BRCA1 and a BRCA2 gene mutation.

My family has the BRCA1. I found this out in May of 2010 that I carried this gene mutation. Wow a mutant did this mean I had some kind of super power. Well Kail said it meant Boobie power:)

My sister and Kail were the next to be checked. Kathi's came back clear and you could hear a cheer go up to heaven for that. Kail got hers back and there was no cheering. Hers was positive and with a positive BRCA1 mutation this means that you have a 87% chance of developing Breast or Ovarian cancer in your life time ( pretty pretty high)

Next it was Rachaels turn. They said it is a 50/ 50 chance she wouldhave it. Oh please Lord not Rachael to. Her call came back and she called he sister first. I think that they talked and cried togather and then they started making plans. Yes Rachael ahd it also.

I cried for both of my daughters. Felt guilty for passing this on to them. Then had to put up my big girl panties. They had both put theirs on and I was not going to pull them down.

They both watched as I had a second mastectomy and a lengthy reconstruction. I think the worst for them was to seeme go through the Chemo. Oh how I hate Chemo.( that is another story)

Kail and her husband Dan had decided that they had 4 kids and she wanted to stay healthy and have the best chance of being in their lives for a long long time. In Dec she had a full hysterectomy. Then just about 3 short weeks ago she had a double mastectomy. She is already in the process of reconstruction and doing so well. I am rejoicing that her risk of breast cancer or ovarian cancer is now ONLY 1% praise the LORD. Am I so sad that she had to make this decision... oh yes... am I glad she did. With all my heart I am rejoicing. I know that sheis going to be so happy with her new super mutant boobie power, that in the end she will know beyond a shadow of a doubt she had made the right decision.

Rachael and Nolan did not have any children....... Well they do now. As soon as Rachael found out about her BRCA1 gene mutation she and NOLAN!! got right on it and were blessed with a beautiful baby boy Rylan Gillespie one of the happiest baby's I know. They both want a bigger family. Rachael has decided to get her mastectomy first and then go for the hysterectomy after they have had more children. She should be having her surgery soon. She to will join the elite group of strong women with the super mutant power BOOBIES ( could you hear the echo after the bobbies)

I am so proud of both of my girls.

Here is a list of other realatives that we assume had the genetic mutation BRCA1 and did not have the advantage of knowing it.

My great great Grand mother on my Dad's side died of breast cancer in a little cabin in the woods in Eastern Oregon

My great Grand mother Grace died of Ovarian cancer

My Grand mother Georgia Martin Beers died of Ovarian cancer in 1985

Both of my great aunts Louise and Virginia had Ovarian and breast cancer

Great Uncle Bud Martin their brother had prostate cancer. BRCA1 shows this way for men it can also be breast cancer in men.

His daughter Patty Martin died at the age of 40 of ovarian cancer.

My Aunt Judy had breast cancer ( my Dad's sister) she is a survivor

Me Christine Beers Brennan had breast cancer in 1985, 2010, 2011.

2010 Now we are armed with the information of the BRCA1 gene and we will defeat the BIG C .




My Grama Beers in the middle with her sister Lousie on the left side and my Aunt Judy on the right side. (Picture to the right)

                                                                                             This is my Great uncle Bud and my Great aunt Virgina