Jessica’s Story
My name is Jessica. I am a 31-year-old wife, mom of 3, pastor and breast cancer previvor. Prior to October 2021, the term “previvor” was completely foreign to me. And yet here I am- living a story I would have never imagined myself being the main character in.
In 2015, I got married to the love of my life. The honeymoon phase ended abruptly when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. She endured multiple, radical surgeries, chemo, radiation, and more surgeries. In the same year, my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. What are the odds that my mom and my aunt were battling against the same nasty disease in the same year? I watched my church, my community, my family, and my friends rally around them. Our faith in Jesus was our anchor in a stream of what felt like unending currents of crisis. By the grace of God, both my mom and my aunt came out victorious in their fight against breast cancer. In 2017, we got answers to unresolved questions through genetic testing. It turns sout the odds were higher than we realized. We learned that a genetic mutation called BRCA2 exists in my mom and my aunt which was passed down from my grandfather. In non-scientific, street terms, BRCA2 is essentially a cancer gene which drastically increases their risk of certain types of cancer. As if this news wasn’t alarming enough, less than three years later, my grandpa was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Cancer has clearly been a theme in the plot of my family. At the end of 2020, I was tested and discovered that I, too, have the BRCA2 mutation. Honestly, my first reaction was anger and anxiety. I began to imagine what my life was going to look like. I sunk into self-pity and sorrow. Thankfully, I didn’t stay there for long. I started talking with my husband and my health care providers. I was set up with an incredible team at a High-Risk Clinic that guided me in my journey. The Clinic basically gave me three options: 1) I could do nothing and operate business as usual. 2) I could increase my rhythm of scans and checks to stay on top of any cancer growth. 3) I could undergo preventative surgeries before cancer is ever a diagnosis. My doctors described that the last option was the most radical and the rarest. They said most women convince themselves that they will be the rare exception to the rules of genetics. After months of praying, planning, and talking with my husband, I landed on option #3.
In October 2021, I had a preventative double mastectomy and later had reconstructive surgery. I saw these operations as an opportunity to spare myself from further pain that could await in my future. Ultimately, I believe all healing is God’s healing. He can heal through a moment, through a doctor, through medicine, through surgeries and through information. Having the knowledge of my genetic make-up gave me the power to make choices for myself that I am proud of. The peace that I’ve experienced on the other side of my surgery was well worth the scars. Yet, it isn’t lost on me that I am beyond blessed to have avoided breast cancer altogether. I know a hysterectomy awaits in my future as the threat of other cancers linger. Still, I am determined not to be a victim in my story.
Although my life is playing out differently than I anticipated, I am still living. I am healthy. And I have a unique purpose. Unusual outlets to share my experience have popped up along the way. Regardless of the platform or the audience, my goal is to encourage and empower women everywhere to be proactive in their health journey. Get the tests. Do the scans. Go to the appointments. Gather the information. Knowledge is power! What are you doing with your power?
