A new year has begun, and thus new goals. While some goals quickly fall to the wayside, others have a little more staying power. Each year I create a list of intentions. Some intentions are more typical resolutions, while some are one-day goals or home projects that I want to be on top of the list rather than put off yet again. One primary goal for this year was to make an appointment and follow through with genetic counseling.
In the last nine years, I have had four immediate family members diagnosed with cancer. Both of my parents had Pancreatic Cancer and passed away. Two of my sisters were diagnosed with breast cancer. They both received treatment and are doing well now. Through these diagnoses, I became aware of the risk of cancer in my life. After speaking with my Primary Care Physician and OB, I was given a referral to Mercy Genetic Counseling for further discussion.
I had no idea what to expect when I walked into my first genetic counseling appointment. My preliminary paperwork didn’t seem thorough enough to provide the information needed to determine my risk level. However, it quickly became clear that the information needed would be gathered during the appointment. I sat with the genetic counselor as we discussed my family history, and he drew an extensive family tree complete with all health considerations. At the end of the appointment, the counselor shared all of his notes with me and discussed what they would look for in the blood work that would follow. He even went so far as to discuss how they would proceed based on possible findings. I left the meeting prepared to get my blood drawn and empowered by taking steps toward finding answers. They will test 98 genes, and in a few weeks, I will have another appointment to discuss the findings.
While I have not gotten my results yet, I am encouraged by the steps I have made toward understanding my own cancer risk and how I can best prepare myself to mitigate that risk. I am thankful I had doctors who came alongside me to urge me in that direction. I am prepared to move forward with whatever steps are necessary to help diminish my cancer risk.
Knowing you could possibly be at high risk of developing cancer is quite daunting. Knowing that information and doing nothing with it is scary. Using that information to gather more information to empower you is freeing. I am excited for my follow-up appointment and ready to move forward in order to ensure I am doing everything I can to create a healthier future for myself.
Are there appointments or important tasks you have been putting off? What would the cost be of taking the first step? More importantly, what would the benefit be? I encourage you to make the appointment or complete the task. You will certainly be grateful you did.
