Why I'm Opting for a Prophylactic Hysterectomy

Do you buy lottery tickets?  Like most people, I play on occasion, usually when the jackpot reaches the multi-million dollar mark.  Who couldn’t use an extra 20 million dollars? 

Did you know that your chance of winning the Powerball is one in 175 million?  And yet we still play. 

What if you had a one in four chance of winning?  Would you buy a ticket?  I would with those odds!

Some wonder why I am having a preventative hysterectomy with these same odds of developing ovarian cancer (27% to be exact).  My journey through breast cancer came with an all expense paid trip to world BRAC testing.  It was a whole new world for me.  I dodged the bullet with BRAC 1 mutation but I wasn’t so lucky with BRAC 2.  I officially have something in common with Angelina Jolie!

According to cancer.gov, “BRAC1 and BRAC2 are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins.  These proteins help repair damaged DNA, and therefore, play a role in ensuring the stability of the cell’s genetic material.  When either of these genes is mutated, DNA damage may not be repaired properly.  As a result, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that can lead to cancer.” 

In my case, my mutated BRAC2 gene puts me at an 84% chance of developing breast cancer (seems about right) and a 27% chance of developing ovarian cancer.  I am thankful for having been diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer because at least I have a fighting chance.  Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it is too late.

This brings me back to my prophylactic hysterectomy, which is scheduled for Friday the 13...just a few days away.  With the odds leaning in favor of developing ovarian cancer and the fact that they are pumping out estrogen, which feeds my cancer, my ovaries are now my enemy.  Just as I was relieved to be rid of my cancer breast tissue, I am looking forward to saying goodbye to the ticking time bomb inside of my body.

Did I mention that this Friday, the 13th is a two for one special?  Not only am I saying goodbye to my estrogen producing, genetically “at risk” ovaries, but I am also having my final reconstruction surgery.  My rock hard expanders (temporary implants and yes...they are rock hard) will be replaced with my permanent silicone implants.  A nice, happy “C” that will be forever perky, even at my 40 year survivor celebration on 10/17/52.

I am not looking forward to being down after surgery, but I am more than ready to be done with my journey through breast cancer.  Please keep me in your prayers on my “two for one” lucky Friday the 13th day of exchanges, goodbyes and healing.

Thanks for reading!

Beverly McKee

The Breast Cancer Warrior

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