Fallopian tubes... who needs them?

Salpingectomy. Say that 3 times fast... or really just say it correctly at all and get a gold star! 

I will be undergoing a Salpingectomy, removal of my fallopian tubes, this coming Tuesday, June 16th. The somewhat minor surgical procedure opportunity came about due to increased research about ovarian cancer in BRCA+ patients. 

And if you are just tuning in... or we've only recently become friends... I was diagnosed with the BRCA 1 genetic mutation which exponentially increases my risk of breast and ovarian cancer in my lifetime. I had a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts) and reconstruction in June 2012. Now 3 years later, I have the opportunity to help researchers at MD Anderson and possibly lower my risk for ovarian cancer. The current standard of care and what was explained to me 3 years ago was that it would be in my best interest to remove my ovaries at 39 or 40 years of age. At the time 39/40 was a decade away and I just said ok! As it creeps closer and closer the idea of going into early menopause isn't very appealing-- although yes-- I know about hormone replacement. Regardless I would always lean on the experts advice. 

So here is where this new study comes into play! Since those original conversations science has advanced just a hair. There is major research going into the thought that in patients with the mutated BRCA gene ovarian pre-cancerous cells are originating in space where the fallopian tube meets the ovary. So-- can removing the fallopian tube not provide the "breeding" ground for these cells to form? MAYBE... and maybe not! That's why it's research. However, they are looking forward to studying me for the next almost full decade to see. Here are a few disclaimers: "Even if the fallopian tubes are the cause of many gynecologic cancers in mutation carriers, researchers caution that there is not enough evidence to suggest that all of these ovarian cancer start in the fallopian tubes. Also removing just the fallopian tubes is not likely to lower the risk for breast cancer."

The surgery will be a laparoscopic procedure which will only require 3 very small incisions and 3 VERY small scars below my bellybutton. Nothing like my c-section battle wounds! It is also an outpatient procedure so I will be in and out. Recovery is 2 weeks no driving and 6 weeks light duty. I'm ready to take it like a champ! 

With every procedure comes risks but I am fueled by the opportunity to help these researchers! Twenty years from now when my daughter is quite possibly having to make very similar decisions for her health, I pray that the small ways that I contributed to the bigger picture will help make her outcome easier. Decisions like this-- especially family planning type decisions-- are not easy for most people. God has given me such a peace about this entire process-- even reaching back over 3 years ago when I decided to do the mastectomy. It's with that peace that He continues to open doors for more chances to live proactively and help change the way we deal with breast and ovarian cancer.

Everyone has motivations. 

This one is mine. 

An Amazing Chance Encounter

Last night was the Family Time Hearts of Gold Gala where Family Time honors 13 women with the "Women of Achievement" Award. The award has been given to roughly 300 women since it was created so recipients are ushered into a special group of truly remarkable women. The stories of the impact that these women have made and continue to make on our community is inspirational! I was EXTREMELY honored to be chosen as a recipient this year.

The whole night was wonderful and I was grateful for the many friends and family that were there to celebrate the night with me. But one of the absolutely coolest parts of the night happened towards the beginning. I was saying hi to friends and giving and receiving lots of hugs when I ran into Diana, a friend and former Leadership Lake Houston classmate. Diana was with one of her friends who she introduced as Meredith. Diana began to tell Meredith why I was receiving the WOA award and I elaborated on some details particularly about Bright Pink and the educational talks I do. Meredith congratulated me and said that her daughter was the Chief of Staff at Kingwood Medical Center this year and that she wanted to pass my information on to her.  I knew a few VIPs at Kingwood Medical Center so I asked what her daughter's name was. Meredith said my daughter is an OB-GYN-- Dr. Barnsfather. I swear I almost started crying! Why you ask? Well let's rewind just a bit...

Dr. Barnsfather was my OB-GYN when I was pregnant with Mason and for years prior to having Mason was always concerned about my strong family history with breast and ovarian cancer. Dr. B was very cutting edge and proactive and wanted me to have the genetic testing done to determine if I was a BRAC gene carrier. The BRAC gene exponentially elevates your chances of getting breast (87%) or ovarian cancer (54%). I told her that I wasn't ready to have the test until I was done having children. Well... that time came and Dr. B didn't forget about what I told her. She asked about the testing when Mason was just about a year old. I knew that I couldn't put it off longer so I agreed and we did the testing on the spot. The results were positive and Dr. B counseled me to reach out to Baylor or MD Anderson for my next possible steps. The rest you could say is history expect I live it everyday but you can read my other blogs about that journey. 

I have always given credit to Dr. B for pushing me (in the best way) to have the testing and taking the initial steps with me down this life journey. I wrote Dr. B a thank you note the night before my double mastectomy letting her know that by the time she read it I will have already had surgery. The peace of mind that preventative surgery has given me is priceless and it was Dr. B's preventative mindset that helped me chose to live proactively. 

So on a night that was a pretty big deal in my short 31 years of life, I received the gift of meeting the mom of the woman who propelled me on my journey--my personal journey and my advocacy journey to educate young women that they can take control of their breast and ovarian health. I can educate women on the facts just as Dr. B educated me. 

And if I was ever in doubt that God wasn't planning my steps-- He reaffirmed that truth last night as everything came full circle and I was able to celebrate with my husband, my mom, my friends, AND Dr. Barnsfather's mom in the audience. She is pictured in the center of the picture at the top.