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.
