I was joking, as I have through most of this unexpected adventure that if I didn’t have to have chemo, I would totally and willing try and keep gluten out of my diet. Good news, I am still gluten free.
NO CHEMO.
Dr. Dan, my oncologist, gave me the option of chemo or not as the tumor didn’t impact my lymph or perineural systems. It was “poor differentiated” therefore it means it was aggressively growing. It is a gray area based on the research. My decision was built around only having one area of concern, means no egg retrieval, the obvious, NO CHEMO toxins in my body and that I am on an aggressive monitoring plan for at least the next five years.
The next step in the process has been genetic testing. There is genetic testing for all aspects of human life, and personalized medicine. Working in genomics, this testing adoption by so many industries for a variety of different applications. My opinion, why is this not more largely adopted within human medicine?
An awesome read on this subject is The Genome Odyssey by Dr. Euan Ashley. Form your own opinion.
I did a quick blood draw at St. Luke’s in Boise. My sister has started her testing with Huntsmann Clinic in Utah. My results will be sent to Huntsman for comparison with my sisters. Quick and easy.
I got my results back today. Surprise, surprise…I have Lynch Syndrome.
I am positive for the MSH6 gene. GOLD STAR FOR ME…kidding. What this means, I am at a higher risk for a variety of gastrointestinal cancers and being a female, that means I am at a higher risk for endometrial and ovarian cancer. Real positive news.
That monitoring I mentioned above, yeah, it will continue my whole life. Which is not terrible, just a lot to process today. I will be meeting with several specialists for additional monitoring plans. And then keeping in touch with my genetic counselor, whose name is also Maddie, and see what is the latest in genetic advancements.
We shall see what my sister’s results are (praying she is the 50/50 that is not positive for Lynch Syndrome), and that the rest of the family on my Dad’s side is also clear!
Remember, check your colon and advocate for yourself! If you have questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
And go see Reba if you get the chance. Ideally, wear a red wig if you can, you’ll basically be famous.
