Dr. Stacey Flinner
Three years ago, I lost my father to pancreatic cancer. As I took care of him in his last days, his oncologist called and said that he tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation and to have his children tested. I immediately scheduled my genetic testing and three weeks later it was confirmed that I too carried this mutation. This mutation for women means more than a 60 percent chance of getting breast cancer. It wasn't the case of 'if' I get breast cancer, but 'when.' My mutation results concerned my oncologist enough to recommend a complete mastectomy. I had that surgery two years ago and because I was proactive in prevention. My father's misfortune with pancreatic cancer saved my life. I am not a survivor per se; I'm a 'Previvor.'
