Kristina

My journey began at the age of fourteen with a six letter word, CANCER. My mother, a vibrant, beautiful, healthy 33-year-old woman was diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer. What I didn’t know then, was that this was the beginning of a life filled with worry and a fear of the unknown. My mother fought very hard, but lost her battle to cancer in 1992 at the age of 38. Since my mother’s death, I made a very important decision to be educated about my body. I saw my gynecologist every six months, had a pelvic sonogram every year, and was advised to go on a type of oral contraceptive that would eliminate my body from ovulating monthly. I married young and was very eager to start our family before I was in my thirties out of fear of what my mother went through. My husband and I have two beautiful sons born in 2000 and 2005.

During my second pregnancy, I asked my gynecologist about removing my ovaries. My gynecologist recommended going for genetic counseling. After reviewing my family history, which is filled with cancer, I took the next step of getting a blood test to screen for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. Much to my surprise, I tested positive for BRCA1. The results were earth shattering. I had as much as an 87% risk of developing breast cancer and a 44% risk of getting ovarian cancer.

After researching online, in November 2005, I decided to have a laparoscopic oophorectomy. I chose to remove my ovaries before removing my breasts because I felt that the physical change would have less of an emotional impact on me. Also, at two weeks, the recovery from the oophorectomy would be quicker than bilateral mastectomies and reconstruction. This was important for me because I had two little boys to take care of.

My oncologist told me that I could reduce my risk of developing breast cancer by 95% if I had bilateral prophylactic mastectomies. I then began my search for a breast surgeon and a plastic surgeon. In the meantime, I began taking Tamoxifen and was followed closely with mammograms, ultrasound, and MRI. I continued to see my oncologist every three months for blood work and physical breast exams. This was extremely draining for me. Every time I had an exam or a blood test, I feared the worst. This was no way to live, and was definitely not fair to my husband and children.

By the summer of 2006, I consulted with several breast and plastic surgeons. When I found the surgical team that was right for me, I knew that I had made the right choice. I scheduled bilateral skin-sparing mastectomies and immediate abdominal free flap reconstruction for July of 2007. The surgery took sixteen hours, and the first several weeks of recovery were truly difficult. I needed a lot of help from family and friends. Psychologically, I was doing better than I had expected, but I was sad that I couldn’t play with my two children. I was relieved when I looked at my new body. My scars are proof that I have taken control of my destiny and prevented cancer from happening. My hope is that this entire journey is the hardest thing that I ever have to endure in my life.

It has been thirteen weeks since my surgery, and I feel healthy as well as sexy. My breasts have never looked so good. Although I have yet to have nipple reconstruction, which is scheduled for January of 2008, no one would ever know that my breasts were reconstructed.

As I approach my 33rd birthday, the same age my mom was when she was diagnosed with cancer, I have a new outlook on life. I eat healthier, exercise and have regular check-ups with my doctor. Because of genetic testing, I was given the opportunity to make life-changing decisions to benefit my long-term health. It was important for me to remove my breasts and ovaries on my own terms. I take great pride in being called a ‘previvor,’ and I look forward to a bright, cancer-free future.

Photos and Doctor Commentary
Pre-operative markings for bilateral mastectomies and abdominal free flaps
After bilateral mastectomies and muscle-sparing TRAM free flaps
Early after bilateral skin-sparing mastectomies and muscle-sparing TRAM free flap breast reconstruction, Kristina’s scars remain red.  It is anticipated that her scars will soften and get much lighter within several months after the surgery.  We look forward to seeing Kristina after her nipple reconstruction surgery scheduled in January of 2008.