How do you tell your family you tested positive for a BRCA2 mutation when you’re still trying to understand what it means for you?
I remember sitting in my driveway after getting my BRCA2 results over the phone. I’d only recently been told there was no evidence of colon cancer, and suddenly I had a whole new set of decisions to think about. I called Steve, my mom, and my brother. My mom had already watched me go through cancer, and I found myself trying to reassure her while I still had a million questions of my own.
In this solo episode of BRCA & Beyond, I share what I wish I’d had before making those calls, why my brother needed more time to decide about genetic testing than I did, and what helped me let go of feeling responsible for everyone’s decision.
With Thanksgiving and National Family History Day coming up, I also talk about how to ask about cancer on both sides of your family. My dad died of pancreatic cancer and never had the chance to get genetic testing. There are questions I wish I could ask him now, and I think about that when I imagine the conversations I’ll have with my own boys as they get older.
IN THIS EPISODE
RESOURCES
This episode shares my personal experience and is for educational purposes. For guidance about genetic testing, your results, or your cancer risk, speak with a genetic counselor or your healthcare team.
If this episode gave you a way to start a conversation you’ve been putting off, share it with someone in your family and follow BRCA & Beyond for more conversations about living with hereditary cancer risk.
","author_name":"Marisa Stachelski, Cancer Survivor & BRCA2 Previvor"}