I plan on making a full recovery. I know in the real world and from the lab reports, which show me as a high risk for reoccurring. The goal of my medical team is to stop this nasty little cancer from
reoccurring. I am certain that with magic of modern research and discovery of I will be fine!
This is truly a "Relay For Life" - thank you American Cancer Association who fights to beat cancer!
Here is some information on the genetic research field that is happening from the Mayo Clinic.
My brothers and I are going to be part of this research. My brother Bob had bone cancer as a child and from what I know, is the genes they are looking for ( which might not show up in my testing) could show up in one of siblings. My goals are awareness of genetic cancer and also to maybe pave a path for others that are traveling a similar journey. This picture is of my Aunt Bernice (my Mother's sister She had breast and ovarian cancer) My Father Bob Ward, who died of colon and stomach cancer at the age of 63, and Beryl Christen (my Grandmother)
If you're in a high-risk family, you may be considering genetic testing. The most common cancers that have a genetic component include breast, ovarian, prostate and colon cancers (along with many others as well).
Before you undergo genetic testing, gather as much information as you can about your family and medical history. Talk with your doctor or a genetic counselor about your personal and family medical history. This will help you better understand your risk. Discuss any questions or concerns you have about genetic testing. Also, talk about what your options will be, depending on the results of the test.
If a positive genetic test is discovered, you'll be able to talk with an expert about your specific risk. Some of the benefits of genetic testing include early interventions to decrease risk of actually developing cancer, such as:
- More frequent screening tests (detecting cancer earlier with increased survival rate — colon cancer is a good example)
- Prevention strategies including positive lifestyle changes (such as diet and exercise)
- Informed decisions can be made for pro-active interventions (for example a decision to have prophylactic mastectomy or removal of ovaries for women with high risk to develop breast or ovarian cancer)
Please share your thoughts on this topic and your personal experiences.
