Brown Girl and BRCA Plus

Tell the World Who You Are...

Hello my name is Kellie, I am married and a mother of two! I enjoy traveling, exploring new things, and thrift store shopping. I grew up as an Army brat, served in the Army and married a soldier, therefore I am at my best when planning new adventures. I love having something to look forward to and most of all, I love, sharing this incredible life with my family. They're an interesting bunch! I enjoy doing life with them.

I am a BCRA1 previvor and the daughter of a two-time breast cancer survivor.

Recently, I had a mastectomy and a hysterectomy (2/21/2018). I am excited to be on the other side of recovery. Sharing my BRCA1 experiences via my blog at www.browngirlandbrcaplus.com and Instagram @browngirlandbrcaplus is my passion as I am confident that sharing my journey will save lives.

What process did you have to endure to learn about your BRCA 1 gene?

My primary physician recommended genetic testing to me years ago based on my mother's medical history and I didn't give it a passing thought. It sounded like a great idea, but life and all the things. Five years later, another physician recommended that I take the test and I decided "might as well". It wasn't until I saw the likelihood percentages that I realized the gravity of the BRCA1 gene mutation. It was a difficult decision, but I knew for my family that I had to take a proactive approach. I consider it a blessing to have been given a

choice.

How did you decide on the treatment/procedure to have?

It was easy for me to settle on having a hysterectomy, as my gynecologist said, I wasn't "using any of the parts anymore anyway". I hadn't had a cycle for months, and considered myself pre-menopausal already, so I was onboard with that surgery fairly quickly. Deciding to have the mastectomy was a bit more emotional because mentally my breasts were closely tied to how I view my femininity. Given my options though, a long and healthy life without the risk of ovarian/breast cancer seemed like a good trade-off for both of the surgeries. I don't regret it at all.

How is life since your diagnoses/procedure?

Deciding to have the surgeries was the most scariest decision I've had to make in my life. I liken it to leaping out a two-story building with faulty wiring because you THINK that the building may burn down one day. It's total madness! In that leap though, I have learned things about myself that I may not have known otherwise. I am much stronger than I give myself credit for and it is through this experience that I have found my strength. In truth, I also believe I have found my passion. Many women of color do not undergo genetic testing and it could mean the difference between life and death. As a culture, we are mostly personal and private (and so am I, normally!), but if sharing my experience can make the slightest difference for someone else - I'm all in!

Advice or words of encouragement you would like to share with women recently tested positive for BRCA gene.

There's no right answer. Everyone's experience is different. The options are plentiful and varied. The best course of action is the one that BEST suits you. This is your walk. Own it. Step into it knowing that there will be good days and bad days...but on the other end, you will emerge with more clarity, more confidence and more appreciation for this amazing life.

#BRACA1 #spreadingawareness #previvor