No Super Powers

So I found out n Friday that I do not have the same genetic mutation known as BRCA1 that my mom has. So I am not a mutant and I don't have any special powers. I am very relieved. I decided to have a good attitude either way, so I was amazed how much relief I felt when I found out. I also immediately felt sad for my cousin Michelle who has it and for my mom and aunts who have it.

The reason I was tested is because my mom has this mutation and it increases risk for breast and ovarian cancer by 40% - 60%. She found out she had ovarian cancer at age 51 and luckily it was caught in time to get rid of it. So far, my mom and 2 of her sisters have the gene mutation. One of her sisters does not have it. Some of my mom's 8 brothers will get tested to so they will know if their adult daughters should get tested. My sister Hannah was also given her results on Friday and she also does not have the mutation. My sister Heidi needs to call and get her results. I really hope she got lucky and doesn't have it either. And it is all luck - there is a 50% chance of getting the gene if one of your parents has it. There is nothing you can do to prevent it or get it. This mutation happens as your DNA is formed in the womb.

I am glad they can do testing for this type of gene mutation. If you have it, you start doing breast mammograms earlier in life and your tests are just a lot more thorough. Since my mom had cancer, I have heard of a few people that have cancer but caught it too late. My sister in-law's mother died of cancer pretty young. I hope research like this can continue so nobody has to go through something like that.

This whole experience has made me more aware of cancer research and a lot more apt to get involved in causes that raise money for this type of testing and research.