Wow, it sure has been some time since I last wrote and so so much has happened.  I’m learning more and more each day about genetics and the ways it can dramatically impact your life in a split second and will use this post to not only re-charge my passion for spreading awareness for us BRCA positive guys and gals, but also for my newfound passion for purple.

Jumping right back in…Did you know that carrying the rare BRCA mutation puts you at an increased risk for pancreatic cancer?  And, that even though it is rare, it is the 3rd leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States?  The lack of early diagnosis and often times “silent” symptoms are eerily similar to the challenges with detecting ovarian cancer in a treatable stage.   When caught, like ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer is extremely hard to treat and fight.

While pancreatic cancer survival rates have been improving from decade to decade, the disease is still considered largely incurable. According to the American Cancer Society, for all stages of pancreatic cancer combined, the one-year relative survival rate is 20%, and the five-year rate is 7%.

These statistics are absolutely devastating to me, especially considering this “new” information recently hit me like a ton of bricks when I lost my otherwise healthy best friend and father a mere 4 weeks ago from this terrible cancer.  Below you will see us celebrate my fathers 62nd birthday with a large scale balloon release to represent the pancreatic cancer that took his life, far too young and early.

Up until summertime, 2018 had consisted of my doctor groups closely monitoring my ever-changing “girls” as well as my ovaries that had been causing some stir, while my father had simultaneously been vigilant with his prostate health given his elevated risk in that department.  We had no idea to consider pancreatic cancer as a possibility or a reality for his unexplained back pains, body aches and difficulty eating that he had struggled with for the greater part of spring.  On Friday the 13th of July, we received the terrible news that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had spread to several areas within his body.  He only survived 3 weeks and 3 days after this diagnosis.

Devastation does not do justice for the emotions I am feeling.  Especially because we all felt we were doing our BRCA2 mutant part…scanning, blood tests, more appointments, more physicals, eating well, exercising, more worry, more scans, more everything.  While my personal healing has not yet started for the loss of someone with such a profound impact on my life, one thing is certain…I am even more passionate about raising awareness for those that carry a rare genetic fate and what the recommended surveillance journey may look like.

Soon, I plan to detail my “round two” experience going through genetic testing with an amazing company that enables you to go through testing right from your home and provide an update on where my previvor journey stands and the research I’ve done recently to guide my path.

In my father’s honor, I will scream the purple passion from the hilltops and talk about genetics with everyone and anyone willing to go there.  If our journey motivates even one person to take a proactive step in discovering more about their genetics, I will feel humbled that I could play a proactive, helpful and supportive role in that huge leap.

Until next time…

#passionforpurple #brt

xox

Carey