Interviewed by Baddie Ambassador, Miranda Gonzales

Often, in this crazy cancer community, we come across people with who we instantly bond – that person for me is Lucy. Both our children attend Camp Kesem at the University of Houston. I don’t remember how exactly we started talking, but we became war buddies very quickly (if you’re looking for someone with a hilarious sense of dark humor, she’s your girl!). A few years ago, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and found out she carried the BRCA1 gene. As someone who did not carry the gene, I was always curious about how women who did, began making their decision to have a preventative mastectomy. I wanted to interview Lucy to understand her experience better as it now relates to becoming a part of the breast cancer community.

BCRA1: The Gene Mutation That Changed My Life

1. Please tell us a bit about your background and subsequent diagnosis.

I am a wife and mom of 3. I was diagnosed shortly after moving to the Houston area; we were still settling in when I decided to look for a new OB/GYN. I made an appointment for my regular PAP smear, and the doctor felt something odd when doing the manual test. She ordered blood work and an ultrasound. Cancer was not in my purview. I don’t think it is for most people. I had no idea I was BRCA1 positive. That meant I was at high risk for ovarian and breast cancer. That appointment sent me, my husband, and my family on a chain of events that changed our everyday life from “normal” to a flurry of chemo appointments, surgeries, and blood transfusions, amongst many other things.

2. How did you find out you were BRCA1 positive?

Once I was officially diagnosed, my oncologist decided it was a good idea to go through genetic testing. It wouldn’t change the course of treatment, but it would give me information about my breast cancer risk. Most importantly, I would know my status, and I could empower my kids to get tested when, not if, the time comes.

3. How did you determine if a preventative mastectomy was right for you? What helped you make your decision?

Once we knew I was BRCA1 positive, I was told that a preventative mastectomy might be an option. But, I needed to finish my ovarian cancer treatments first before contemplating that option. I was under high-risk surveillance, which meant rotating between an MRI and mammogram every six months. I realized that surveillance would not prevent breast cancer, but it did mean we could catch it earlier. It wasn’t IF I was going to develop breast cancer, but more likely, WHEN. My decision to have a mastectomy was cemented after my breast specialist told me my risk for developing breast cancer would go from 80% to 1-5% if I went forward with preventative surgery. At that point, there was no question in my mind that a bilateral mastectomy was right for me. I would still be monitored via physical exams, and having a mastectomy would not affect treatment.

4. In the Latinx community, we are discouraged from discussing taboo subjects (like cancer) with strangers, whether an acquaintance, a medical professional, or even outside family members. Support and therapy aren’t something that we look to in difficult life situations. How did you find support?

I don’t know that I looked for support other than what my husband and immediate family offered. I was just going through the motions of chemotherapy appointments and scans. I was in a very negative and dark place mentally; I did not want to live. It felt unfair to put my family through that because my depression convinced me it would be easier for them without me. If that wasn’t hard enough, it became even more challenging after treatment; when I was declared NED.

When I finally heard we had defeated cancer, I didn’t know how to proceed with life. I fell into a deep depression and overwhelming anxiety. I cried every day in front of my kids, which created internal guilt. I finally decided to seek professional help and started therapy. I also consulted with a psychiatrist, and after much consideration, I was prescribed anti-depressants. I am so glad I made that decision because it helped me get back some of my old self. It is hard to explain, but I gained a lot from cancer. I still wish it had never happened, but the person I became after this traumatic event is different from before. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

5. Do you feel being a woman of color affected your diagnosis/treatment/options?

I don’t think being a woman of color affected my treatment, but at the same time, I don’t know how a white woman’s treatment might have gone. I was fortunate during treatment to have been offered information on participation for research studies from MD Anderson, which I elected to take part in, so I’m hoping that my involvement in research studies makes a difference for the future of cancer treatment.

6. What advice would you give someone considering getting a preventative mastectomy but is hesitant?

Prevention is the keyword here. A mastectomy will significantly reduce your chances of developing breast cancer. Is it 100%? No, nothing is. You have to decide what level of intervention you consider the best for you and your situation.

7. What, if anything, has this experience taught you?

Just to be present and make people aware of the ever-elusive ovarian cancer symptoms. The goal for me as a cancer survivor is awareness.