We always talk about the 8 things to look for to identify breast cancer. But what do you look for to identify the BRCA gene? Is there a barcode somewhere? Perhaps a sign on your forehead. No. You look around you. Even the males in your family can give you an indication that you might need to be tested. I’d like to introduce you to Karen, who has the gene and started the BRCA Sisterhood. She learned some lessons along the way, such as It is best to research all of your surgical options. We recently asked her some poignant questions about being BRCA positive. This is definitely information worth sharing:

1. How did you know to get tested for the BRCA gene?

My father approached me 6 years ago because his first cousin was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. He told me that he was waiting for test results for a genetic test to see if he would be at high risk for certain cancers. I knew that his mother had died young but I never knew of what. I found out it was ovarian cancer as well. Once he tested positive for the mutation, I made an appointment to go for the test the next week.

2. What was the hardest thing about testing positive for the gene?

The hardest part of finding out I was positive was trying not to think that every ache and pain was cancer. My dad’s cousin waited too long to find out about the mutation and they found her cancer during a risk reducing hysterectomy. All I could think of is that I would suffer the same fate.  Waiting to get my surgery dates was extremely hard. My body parts felt like ticking time bombs and took over every waking thought.

3. How did you choose your doctors and surgeries?

I live in Montreal Canada and we thankfully have medicare. I met with a genetic coordinator at the cancer prevention center at the Jewish General hospital and they gave me options of a few doctors.  My ovarian oncologist (even though I never had cancer) was the head of the department and very well respected so I considered myself lucky that he was willing to do my surgery.

In regards to breast surgery, I was given the option of seeing a few plastic surgeons and I went with the first one I met.  In hindsight, I should have listened to the advice I was given and gotten a few opinions because as it turns out, this doctor was not able to fix my complications from reconstruction and I ended up going to a new plastic surgeon (who I researched this time)

4. We love that you started this group for women. How does it help you to talk to others with the BRCA gene?

I started the BRCA sisterhood 5 years ago with a friend, Teri, who I met online while searching for others to connect with. I needed to talk with others going through the same thing I was. I needed to connect with others who knew the stress I was feeling. Someone who got it.  When dealing with the BRCA mutation, it is very hard to explain to others that it feels like your body is plotting against you.  Having a support group of other BRCA mutation carriers who are dealing with the same concerns really helps to not feel alone. Many BRCA mutation carriers feel judged by others who don’t understand why they are making the choices they are making.  Not feeling alone and having others to talk to makes the journey much less scary.

5. What should all women with the BRCA gene know?

If you have tested positive for a BRCA mutation it is important to know that you are not alone. Although risk reducing surgeries are options for some, it is not the only way to deal with a BRCA mutation. Screening is an option for some, especially those women who are young and are not ready to make any decisions. There are also chemo prevention drugs which some women chose to take. It’s important for BRCA gene carriers to know that there is no right way to handle things, just what is right for each individual person.  I would also suggest that if you have tested positive for the BRCA mutation, reach out, find a support system, no one should feel alone.

The BRCA sisterhood is the largest private group on Facebook with over 4400 members and growing daily. Want to connect with Karen?

Facebook:  BRCASisterhood                 Twitter:  @KarenBRCAMTL

Instagram:  KarenLazarovitz_BRCA

Our Valentine wish for everyone, is to focus on where you want to be.  2013 for us was full of a cancer diagnosis and surgeries for natural breast reconstruction, alternative treatments to stay well.  2014 was about recuperating and nipple tattoos.  All the while envisioning health and being cancer-free. Remember Diane’s Rule to never focus on an unfinished product.  Make that choice.  Seek all options.  Choose to suffer less.    Stay tuned for our instructional videos and webinars to help you along the way. May 2015 bring you love, happiness and health!

If you’re like most people, you probably haven’t played with pH or litmus paper since high school.  But you should, you know.  Do you even know your pH level?  Do you know what that even is?  I recently had a healthy woman in her 30’s who just had her first mammogram and a clean bill of health ask me, “What information does your organization have that is important to me since I’ve never had cancer?”  I asked her if she knew her pH level.  That important number will tell you if your body is acidic or alkaline.  Cancer only thrives in an acidic environment.  A pH level of 7.2 or higher is alkaline enough that cancer is not welcome there.  That’s what our goal is going to be for 2015.  We are going to pHocus on our pH level, monitor it and take steps to take the “Welcome” sign down for cancer.  We will take charge and manage the future of our health.  More on this later.  For now, enjoy the New Year.  Count your blessings, and get ready to take charge and manage your health in 2015 with our powerful information.  Stay tuned!

There’s many things you can do to help make your journey easier, with any challenges you may be facing.  The holistic side of medicine has much to offer.  Utilizing a map of the body you can control things such as post surgical muscle spasms.  Getting to the root causes of fear can help manage stress you may have over illness, treatments or life in general.  If there is information available here to help you, a friend or a loved one, why not take a few moments and listen to this video.  Kathy Platt has done some amazing work!

If you were asked how to examine yourself for breast cancer, would your answer be to check for lumps? If so, then you need to continue reading. Checking for lumps while in the shower was long preached as THE thing to do to protect yourself and possibly help with an early diagnosis.  But there are many more ways that irregularities can present. Review this short list and tuck it in the back of your mind. You or a loved one may need this knowledge some day. Any of the following should be cause for following up with your doctor:

a. Change in the size of one breast versus the other breast.

b. Dimpling anywhere on the breast or nipple.

c. Discharge from the nipple.

d. Warmth , rash  or itching.

e. Pain

f. and of course…Lumps.

Love and Know YOUR GIRLS.