My name is April Bhattacharya and I’ve created this blog to keep family and friends updated with my journey. I hope that others out there that are facing these same decisions find my blog encouraging and informative.

After losing multiple women in my family, including my mother, to breast cancer, I chose to have genetic testing. I found out in March 2010 that I tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation. This does not mean it causes breast or ovarian cancer, but it leads to an increased risk for its development. I have an 85% lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 40% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. The general population’s lifetime risk for breast cancer is about 12% and less than 2% for ovarian cancer.

After doing much research, discussing things with my husband, talking with doctors and genetic counselors, I came to the conclusion that a prophylactic (preventative) bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) and reconstruction would be my personal best decision. By having this surgery I reduce my risk of getting breast cancer by 90%. I have also taken on a vegan diet. At 23 years old, I am empowered to take steps to prevent breast and/or ovarian cancer from taking my life early. I am grateful to be a woman with options that could change the future of my family.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Today's Appointment

The PA was sick today so I had to reschedule my appointment with her. I was still able to see my cosmetic surgeon and he said I will need around 3 more expansions. I didn't do it today since the PA was gone, but I go back Thursday for one.

Now I'm off to some late night grocery shopping with Sameer : )
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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope all went well with your appt and it wasn't rescheduled again because of weather. Stay warm!

Amy

February 4, 2011 at 2:34 PM
Anonymous said...

April my name is Bevin and i'm 28years old and I just found your blog. I have the same story that you do, and I'm having the same surgery you did on April 6th this year. I would LOVE to talk to you about it. I'm so scared about the surgery. Thank you

February 4, 2011 at 6:42 PM
April Bhattacharya said...

Bevin,

I would love to talk to you about your upcoming surgery! What is your email? Or in the next couple of days I'm hoping to create a "contact me" link for my blog. Just trying to decide the best way to do that. I'm glad you found my blog! Talk to you soon : )

-April

February 5, 2011 at 12:22 AM
Anonymous said...

April,
Thank you so much for getting back to me. As soon as my husband got home lastnight, I sat down with him and showed him your blog. I am so happy that I have found you to talk to, although reading your blog, has really brought this whole thing to reality. My email is bevnscott@gmail.com. I sent your blog to my cousin as well. Her mom and my mom both died of breast cancer, however, she tested negative for the BRCA2 mutation and I tested positive. My sister has tested negative as well. When I first found your blog (honestly just through a random google search when I was looking for some photos), and read your post, it actually sounded like something that I would have wrote. I love your comment about "feeling empowered" because that is the words I have been using when I tell women about why i'm doing this surgery. I am making a choice, and standing up to say I don't ever want the doctors to tell me I have Cancer. I will not allow my children (I do not have children yet, but they are in the plans!) to have to go through what I went through growing up with my mom's cancer. Can't wait to talk to you more. THANK YOU for your bravery in doing this blog!

February 5, 2011 at 7:37 AM

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