HI! Previvor and new Mom just moved back
Hi everyone!!
My name is Hailey. I am in my early 30s and I am a Previvor who just moved back to the Kansas City area after a decade in Chicago. My mother had metastatic breast cancer and passed away in 2011, I do not carry mutations, but I’ve been screening for the past several years and I’ve had many biopsies. I just had my first mammogram at KU Cancer Center (benign!) but saw a card for this group and think that it’s completely fabulous. Peer support is so major, even as a Previvor or someone who is screening, and I’m so thankful this exists and can provide local support.
I’m also a new mom! I have a baby girl who’s seven weeks old so a ton of changes going on in my household. 🙂 you all are amazing and so strong thank you for sharing your stories, I’m looking for some Kansas City Previvor friends and some new mom friends. Sending you all a ton of love thanks for this space and glad to be part of the community.
Hi! I am a survivor, but had originally planned to be a previvor. 😉
KU is great and where I went for monitoring pre-cancer, during cancer and post. I have the BRCA mutation and one little one pre-cancer and one post!
Always happy to chat!!
Hi Hailey, and welcome back to KC! Being a new mom is overwhelming for sure and I hope you’re finding time for yourself, if only to catch up on sleep!
My story is somewhat similar to yours; my mom passed away over twenty years ago after a recurrence of breast cancer and I also don’t carry any mutations that put me at an increased risk for breast cancer. I’m now 63 and have been followed for many years by the high-risk folks in the KU Breast Cancer Center and have been more than satisfied with my care. I have regular screening including annual mammograms, MRI’s, and check-ups with my gynecologist and high-risk specialist. I’d be happy to chat more off-line if that would be helpful!
Hi Hailey! I had never heard the term "Previvor" before, but I am a Previvor as well, with no known breast cancer genes. I am also from Chicago. I loved raising my children in KC. Congrats on your new baby, so many wonderful changes in your life!
My mom and 3 aunts have survived 6 breast cancer diagnoses among the 4 of them. They were all initially diagnosed in their early 50s. My mom passed away from causes unrelated to breast cancer, but my aunts are living healthy lives in their late 70's and 80s.
I am fortunate to be able to have an exam every 6 months: a mammogram and ultrasound, followed 6 months later by a breast MRI. After experiencing a number of scares and benign biopsies, my sister chose a double mastectomy. She is grateful for the peace of mind it has given her. My sister and I chose different paths based on what felt right for each of us.
Whether one chooses surgery or not, I believe the most important actions we can take as Previvors are to be vigilant, stay aware, know our bodies, perform self checks, eat healthy, educate ourselves and never miss regular doctor visits.
KU Cancer Center has a wonderful reputation. It sounds like you are doing everything right. Enjoy every second with your new baby! I am happy to chat anytime.
Hi Hailey. Previvor here too. Living the dream with a couple of rogue gene mutations. 😉 I've been monitoring for a couple of years now, planning for DMX surgery in a couple of weeks through KU. A bit older than you, as my kids are high school and college age, but happy to connect anytime. Enjoy those littles and welcome back to KC!
@keepchanging, good luck with your double mastectomy surgery! I was curious what tipped the scale for you from monitoring to surgery. Were you waiting for the right time? Have you had one too many scares? Sending best wishes!
A list of reasons really but on the short list; scan anxiety and timing. Timing and health more than anything. I'm as "fit" as I'm going to be and my kids aren't dependent on me physically anymore. From studies I've read, my cancer risk elevates drastically at the age I am now so trying to maintain agency where I can. Won't lie, wonder frequently these last few weeks if I'm making the right decision, but learning to trust myself slowly.
@keepchanging I’m almost 2 years out from preventative double mastectomy. The fear does creep in as you get closer. I lost my mom recently to breast cancer and before she passed she told me that doing this surgery and knowing I wouldn’t be told I have breast cancer was the best gift I could give her.
I’m here for any questions you have. I had my surgery done at KU. Best decision I’ve ever made. 🩷