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Age: 30-39
Robin
breast cancer
stage two

In June 2001, at age 37, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma, otherwise known as Breast Cancer. I was fortunate in that it had not spread to my lymph nodes. I underwent 4 rounds of chemotherapy and 35 radiation treatments. Emotionally, I had a very difficult time with my cancer, from diagnosis onward, however the worst time for me came after diagnosis. I became incredibly depressed. Just as the depression has started to lift, I have been given the results of my BRCA Analysis genetic testing, and found out I am positive for the BRCA 1 gene mutation. My medical team has recommended prophylactic bilateral mastectomies as well as a prophylactic hysterectomy...the same time, one hospitalization. I am devastated. Although I knew that my testing results would likely be positive, given my family's history, I was not prepared to lose my breasts and my female reproductive organs. I am presently feeling like having had the Breast Cancer was just a "warm up" for what I am about to undergo. I am angry, sad, and scared.

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