The Power of Words

Talking is powerful. Words relay the stories of others and advice. Reading can become therapy to certain people. When you read a story about somebody in a similar situation as you, but was worse off, it is true that most people can find comfort in their situation that is not so bad.

Young and Naive

Although being naive isn't always looked at positively, it is easy to understand why being naive could be appealing in this situation. When you're young, you don't know as much and your mind isn't very corrupted. It is only until someone or something corrupts you that

Simply Inspired

Although I am of a younger generation, it can always be helpful to find a new source of inspiration. When I test positive, I started writing quotes on my bedroom and closet doors. Any quote that I liked or felt was true to my own life was written there. My door have collected many quotes over the past year. One quote that I recently discovered has become one of my favorites:

Puzzle Piece

My mom once passed on to me a saying I find to be very true. This isn't exact, but the saying was something close to: "Don't brood. Get on with living." When you brood on a situation you put way more energy into dwelling than moving on. I guess the question is then,

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day

This year will be my grandmother's 20th death anniversary. She put up a strong fight against breast cancer, but unfortunately wasn't able to win. In her memory, three of my family members and I have decided to participate as walkers in the 60 mile Breast Cancer 3-Day walk.

Bucket List

This is an exercise you might decide to take part in. Please feel free.

I find that many people say they want to do certain things in their lives before they die. People say this all the time, but most often it is found that they put these things off. It should seem obvious enough that these things must have some sort of meaning or importance to the person. It isn't like the list is a grocery list, but rather a list of things you would like to do in your life to most likely give you a feeling of being complete. These things don't have to be extravagant and unreachable, but can definitely be something very simple and obtainable.

Take out a piece of paper and a pen or pencil.

Color

The world may sometimes seem like it is simply black and white. Sometimes it seems like no color exists at all. This can seem true to some who feel like their lives represent no real value. Life is a gift, though. It is a delicate gift. The wings of life are fragile. The world would like to see you fly and there isn't someone out there who decided that you are the chosen one they have it out for. You are the pilot, though. You must move those wings of your life with your power and strength.

Blemished? Yes.

     Yes, blemishes can leave scars, but scars build character. It isn't hard to imagine that many people feel blemished or imperfect when they find out they are BRCA Positive +, but please answer this: Did you ever know anybody who really actually was perfect?

Sometimes it's Hard to Find Good in Something with a Negative Connotation

     Yes, I view my knowledge of my BRCA mutation as something positive, but not everybody sees it that way. That should not be so difficult to understand, though. When something is originally connotated with something bad an initial thought is normally, and most likely, going to be negative. As BRCA mutation carriers know, BRCA is associated with high risk for cancer; both breast and ovarian. Because of this, someone who has just found out about their mutation is most likely going to feel devastated. How can we question those who do feel this way when a negative connotation has always been associated with this mutation. Yes, some people go beyond the negative connotation and feel that knowledge is power. This is definitely true, but hard to believe when an 87% chance for breast cancer  and a 25-50% chance for ovarian cancer is staring you in the face.

Raising Awareness

     BRCA is a genetic mutation not many people know about. Mostly, it seems like, only the affected population are aware. The affected population and their genetic counselors and psychologists, that is. So how do we make the normal, and presently unaffected, populations aware?

Coping

     It is sometimes hard to deal with a life changing event. And sometimes it's even harder to know how to deal. When I first learned of my results, I was happy to know. As it all sunk in, though, I became a little worried. I didn't want my new discovery to frighten people away. Especially those people who I wanted to become romantically involved with. I was afraid that this truth would be viewed by people as a death sentence. In my eyes, BRCA is not a death sentence, but a rebirth and awakening.

My Promise

As I said before, testing positive for this genetic mutation was almost like a rebirth. I was suddenly seeing a new world through a brand new set of eyes. I realized that

BRCA Positive +

I have started this support site/ blog in my effort to help those men and women who have been faced with the reality of being BRCA positive. For some, BRCA is tragedy, but for others, its discovery and a blessing. Last year, at the young age of 18, I tested positive for the BRCA II genetic mutation.