Let's do this!

First of all, I would like to say that I am genuinely touched by everyone who has reached out to me so quickly. Second, I am incredibly shocked, as over 2,500 people have read my blog already and it hasn't even been 24 hours! Third and most importantly-- all of you wonderful people out there who have already told me you are going to get tested.. HECK YEAH! So, so, so proud of each and every one of you for being so proactive!!!

The schedulers called me this morning and I will be having my surgery, next Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 12:30 at Florida Hospital. You would be surprised how relieved I am to have my surgery scheduled. It was like a wave of relief to finally have a date to just get it over with!!!

I have gotten a bunch of questions already so I figured I would back track in my story to give everyone more details...

Yes, I do have a history of cancer in my family. My Aunt Michele and grandma, Honey Ruth (because she is too cool to just be called grandma), being the warriors that they are, have both beaten breast cancer. Two of the strongest ladies I know! My dad and grandpa have both had prostate cancer, both also being warriors and continuing to fight back each day. Two of the strongest men I know!

After my aunt was diagnosed her three children, my awesome cousins, all tested positive for BRCA 2. My grandma told my sister, Shelby, and I to go get tested. Well, Shelby was way more proactive than I was and went and got tested right away! She is negative for the BRCA gene. Praise sweet baby Jesus! Me being me, I was like... well Shelby doesn't have it, so I don't have it either. DON'T DO THAT. 

Once I explained to Honey Ruth that I hadn't been tested she told me that I needed to go soon! So my next trip home, this past March, I got tested! I patiently waited for my results and finally the phone call came. There is no good time to get bad news... but in the middle of finals.. at Carolina... no bueno. 

I decided that I could take the news in two ways-- either freak out and let it take over my mind or take the information, finish out my time at Carolina, and deal with it after graduation. I decided that I would be nervous just for that day and then put it in the back of my mind until after graduation. I also had two wonderful friends who went out of their way to get me a slice of banana cheesecake from the cheesecake factory... that helped make it better for sure!

Putting it in the back of your mind doesn't mean that I didn't think about it! I just didn't let it bother me. Once I graduated and came home, I started meeting with doctors to learn more about my options, which is when I decided that the surgery was the best option for me!

There are other things that you can do if you test positive. You can have MRI's and mammograms rotating every 6 months or I believe there is also a medication in the trial stages that can be taken. But don't quote me on that part, haha.

I chose surgery because why sit around waiting and wondering if you can just get it over with and not have to worry!  

I have been extremely nervous over the past few weeks but I have found things I like to do that occupy my time and keep my mind off it. The biggest help for me has been music-- getting into my car, jamming out, and singing at the top of my lungs sure does make me feel better! Shout out to the reggae bands such as Rebelution, SOJA, Iration, and Krooked Treez for making feel good music that puts a smile on my face and takes the worry away! Good Vibes!

Word of the day: Previvor: The term 'previvor' is used for people who have these preventative surgeries to fight against cancer. So if you are reading this, going through a similar situation, you are a warrior and a previvor.

Happy Monday, Everyone!