My Story
We all have genes that come from our mothers and fathers. It’s just that sometimes there are genes we don’t really want.
Experts have identified a certain gene that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer earlier. And I have this gene. It just wasn’t confirmed until I wanted to have kids.
In 2013, I had my first breast surgery when I began leaking bloody discharge out of my left breast. At the time I didn’t carry out the testing even though the surgeon had recommended it. Even though I knew, and he knew there were known BRCA1 carriers and breast cancer survivors in my family. I was scared and 30. And just not ready, despite all the red flags.
When my husband and I sought fertility help getting pregnant, it was clear something wasn’t right. After multiple miscarriages, I was sent for genetic testing to discover why my ovarian reserve was so low. This is how I discovered I had the BRCA1 gene.
This sent me down a path of additional screening, specialized care, a high-risk twin pregnancy, a breast cancer diagnosis and a dozen surgeries including a bilateral mastectomy and multiple complications.
It’s become my mission
to share the experience and knowledge with my community so others can learn how to advocate for their health and make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
MyJourney
Noticed clear discharge from one breast that eventually turned to blood. I had surgery on my breast and the ducts were closed. This was the beginning of a ton of screening, ultrasounds, biopsies, mammograms and MRIs.
2013
Our infertility journey began after trying to conceive for years. I had four miscarriages, three rounds of IVF, two embryo losses, two retrievals, one IUI due to no mature follicles and polyps. Experts at the fertility clinic sent for genetic testing to try and understand why my egg reserve was so depleted.
2014 - 2017
When I got pregnant with twins after a successful transfer, I noticed my right breast turned hard at about 20 weeks. I was also diagnosed with gestational diabetes and was admitted to antepartum at 30 weeks for another six weeks. This is when we found out twin B stopped growing and we had to find a hospital with a NICU. Even though we didn’t end up using it.
2017 - 2018
After being referred to the hereditary clinic, I had annual mammograms and MRIs and was told to prepare for a prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction. I was supposed to be the previvor. Meaning I was supposed to have this surgery before I got cancer.
In August of 2019 I had a mammogram that looked suspicious. That biopsy was the first time the pathology reported the tissue sample was positive. And that changed everything for me.
Bilateral mastectomy reconstruction procedure phases 1 to 5 was seven procedures; segment resection and reduction, bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP (deep inferior epigastric perforator) flap reconstruction, lymph node removal, fat grafting and 3D nipple reconstruction, implants, bilateral oophorectomy and two emergency surgeries, due to hematomas caused by an unknown bleeding disorder.
2019 - 2023
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It’s become my mission to share the experience and knowledge with my community so others can learn how to advocate for their health and make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
- Natasha B.
Let’s stay in touch!
Sign up for our email list and be the first to get the inside scoop on events, new programs and blog posts.
It’s become my mission to share the experience and knowledge with my community so others can learn how to advocate for their health and make the best decisions for themselves and their families.
- Natasha B.
