One Man's Story of How the BRCA1 Genetic Cancer Mutation and Genealogy Research Changed His Life

Searching For Bella: One Man’s Story of How the BRCA1 Genetic Cancer Mutation and Genealogy Research Brought a Family Together

by Dave Bushman

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3615 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	147 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In 2013, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was 42 years old and had no family history of the disease. I was shocked and scared. I didn't know what to do or where to turn.

After my diagnosis, I met with a genetic counselor. She told me that I had a mutation in the BRCA1 gene. This gene is responsible for producing a protein that helps to repair damaged DNA. When the BRCA1 gene is mutated, it can increase a person's risk of developing breast cancer and other types of cancer.

I was devastated by this news. I had never heard of the BRCA1 gene before, and I didn't know that I was at an increased risk of developing cancer. I felt like my life had been turned upside down.

The genetic counselor told me that I could have my ovaries removed to reduce my risk of developing ovarian cancer. I also learned that I could take a medication called tamoxifen to reduce my risk of developing breast cancer. I decided to have my ovaries removed and to take tamoxifen.

These decisions were not easy, but I knew that I had to do everything I could to protect my health. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to learn about the BRCA1 gene and to make informed decisions about my health care.

After my diagnosis, I also began to research my family history. I wanted to learn more about my ancestors and to see if there were any other members of my family who had been affected by cancer.

My research led me to discover that I had a number of relatives who had died from cancer. I also learned that my great-grandmother had been diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. This information helped me to understand why I had a mutation in the BRCA1 gene and why I was at an increased risk of developing cancer.

My genealogy research also helped me to connect with other members of my family who had been affected by cancer. I learned that I had a cousin who had been diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. I also learned that I had an uncle who had died from colon cancer.

Connecting with other members of my family who had been affected by cancer has been a great source of support. We have been able to share our experiences and provide each other with emotional support.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned about the BRCA1 gene and to have conducted genealogy research. This information has helped me to make informed decisions about my health care and to connect with other members of my family who have been affected by cancer.

I encourage everyone to learn about their family history and to get tested for genetic cancer mutations. This information can be life-saving.

Searching For Bella: One Man’s Story of How the BRCA1 Genetic Cancer Mutation and Genealogy Research Brought a Family Together

by Dave Bushman

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3615 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	147 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE