Leigh-Ann Jones
Leigh-Ann Jones & the BRCA1 Cancer Gene
Fundraising for Cancer Research UK
Story
I'm 35 years old. Why am I here? After 20 years waiting wondering about my family history of breast cancer and on August 12th 2008 I found out that I had inherited the BRCA1 gene mutation from my mother (also BRCA1 gene positive). What did this mean for me? Upto an 85% lifetime risk of Breast Cancer and upto 60% lifetime risk of Ovarian Cancer (to age 70).
My family have endured and battled against breast and other cancers so many times. Of 11 diagnosed, 6 have died.
Grandmother (70) - survivor - breast cancer - lumpectomy and Tamoxifen
Grandfather (78) - deceased - colon and throat cancer
Great Aunt Vera (76) - deceased - breast cancer
Great Aunt Joan (54) - survivor - breast cancer - mastectomy
Great Aunt Veronica (65) - deceased - breast cancer
Mother (46) - survivor - breast cancer - lumpectomy, lymph nodes & radiotherapy
Father (53) - survivor - bowel cancer - intestine surgery
Aunt Lynette (46) - deceased - cervical cancer
Aunt Phyllis (27) - deceased - breast and spinal cancer
Aunt Susan (48) - deceased - breast cancer
Cousin (33) - survivor - double mastectomy - no reconstruction
Me (35) - PREVIVOR - prevented breast cancer by removing healthy breasts!
On 16th March 2009 I underwent prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using the Latissimus Dorsi muscle (large back muscles or 'Lats' as body builders like to refer to them). I have no nipples, two 7 inch scars on my back but a reduced risk of breast cancer..
..from 85% to 2% - I didn't have much choice. Surgery was the only way to change my risk. Screening would only detect what was almost inevitable. I still have to undergo removal of my ovaries which will reduce my risk of Ovarian Cancer to 2% but it will mean the end of all chances of having a family.
I am raising money so women don't have to undergo risky surgery, so that science can find a way to fix gene mutations, so women don't have to lose their breasts or live in fear. I have lived in fear of cancer for nearly 20 years.
My blog - Boobs & Ovaries documenting my feelings, thoughts and decisions made whilst waiting for my gene test results and after diagnosis.
I set up BRCA Umbrella - BRCA Support & Social Network
Bringing people with a BRCA+ gene & those at high risk together. Shared experiences of genetic cancer risk. BRCA Gene Support Group + Forum. Blog. Discuss. Share. Support yourself and others.
Membership by approval in respect of the people who share information within the site.
A great snippet of a documentary from the BBC talking about the advances in science and genetic cancers. Cancer: Does Science have the answer?
Please dig deep and sponsor me online – it’s quick, easy and totally secure.
Events like Race for Life are vital in funding Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. By sponsoring me now you can help more people survive cancer.
Gift Aid it!
If you are a UK taxpayer, please remember to tick the Gift Aid box when donating so that an extra 25%, plus a 3% supplement, can be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Every pound you donate really does make a difference – so please sponsor me now!
Many thanks for your support – Together we will beat cancer.
My family have endured and battled against breast and other cancers so many times. Of 11 diagnosed, 6 have died.
Grandmother (70) - survivor - breast cancer - lumpectomy and Tamoxifen
Grandfather (78) - deceased - colon and throat cancer
Great Aunt Vera (76) - deceased - breast cancer
Great Aunt Joan (54) - survivor - breast cancer - mastectomy
Great Aunt Veronica (65) - deceased - breast cancer
Mother (46) - survivor - breast cancer - lumpectomy, lymph nodes & radiotherapy
Father (53) - survivor - bowel cancer - intestine surgery
Aunt Lynette (46) - deceased - cervical cancer
Aunt Phyllis (27) - deceased - breast and spinal cancer
Aunt Susan (48) - deceased - breast cancer
Cousin (33) - survivor - double mastectomy - no reconstruction
Me (35) - PREVIVOR - prevented breast cancer by removing healthy breasts!
On 16th March 2009 I underwent prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction using the Latissimus Dorsi muscle (large back muscles or 'Lats' as body builders like to refer to them). I have no nipples, two 7 inch scars on my back but a reduced risk of breast cancer..
..from 85% to 2% - I didn't have much choice. Surgery was the only way to change my risk. Screening would only detect what was almost inevitable. I still have to undergo removal of my ovaries which will reduce my risk of Ovarian Cancer to 2% but it will mean the end of all chances of having a family.
I am raising money so women don't have to undergo risky surgery, so that science can find a way to fix gene mutations, so women don't have to lose their breasts or live in fear. I have lived in fear of cancer for nearly 20 years.
My blog - Boobs & Ovaries documenting my feelings, thoughts and decisions made whilst waiting for my gene test results and after diagnosis.
I set up BRCA Umbrella - BRCA Support & Social Network
Bringing people with a BRCA+ gene & those at high risk together. Shared experiences of genetic cancer risk. BRCA Gene Support Group + Forum. Blog. Discuss. Share. Support yourself and others.
Membership by approval in respect of the people who share information within the site.
A great snippet of a documentary from the BBC talking about the advances in science and genetic cancers. Cancer: Does Science have the answer?
Please dig deep and sponsor me online – it’s quick, easy and totally secure.
Events like Race for Life are vital in funding Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work into preventing, diagnosing and treating cancer. By sponsoring me now you can help more people survive cancer.
Gift Aid it!
If you are a UK taxpayer, please remember to tick the Gift Aid box when donating so that an extra 25%, plus a 3% supplement, can be added to your gift at no cost to you.
Every pound you donate really does make a difference – so please sponsor me now!
Many thanks for your support – Together we will beat cancer.