How are you doing with your bingo board?
Have you already had your physical exam this year?
If not, have you scheduled it?
Let’s get you that bingo and taking care of this square on your board!
With the permission of my cousin, Jenny – I am sharing a post she recently made on Facebook.
29. TWENTY-NINE.
The age in which I was told I would no longer be able to have any more children.
During this appointment with my oncologist, my ears started to ring, and I’m certain I blacked out, hearing those words. In a not-so-friendly manner, “let’s get your uterus out.”
Hmm. I was going into this appointment unsure of the outcome but was not prepared to hear these words. At least not yet.
This July, due to family history, I met with a genetic counselor to discuss possibilities as well as get some genetic testing done.
It was determined that I have a cancer causing genetic mutation, Lynch Syndrome MSH6. This typically shows up as cancer in your uterus, ovaries, colon, and other sections of your gastrointestinal tract.
Because of this diagnosis, I was strongly encouraged to have a total hysterectomy. Along with this, I will continue to need more frequent exams of other organs to ensure this mutation is not causing cancer.
*on a positive note, my pathology reports after my hysterectomy indicate all tissue tested was benign!
I’m usually not one for sharing details of my personal life, but this is intended more for educational purposes and to spread awareness.
After the sudden passing of Amanda, I always said I would advocate for and educate women who may be experiencing abnormal menstrual bleeding as well as other concerning symptoms. I continue to share her story. The cause of her death was unfortunate and could have been detected sooner had she not been 1) uninformed related to the “norms” of a menstrual cycle as well as endometriosis and 2) too embarrassed to mention the extent of her abnormal cycles.
This is what our physicians and OB/GYNs are there for. They want us to share these things. They are there to help. I am here to help! Your friends are here to help. Some conversations may be uncomfortable, but having an uncomfortable conversation may be enough to save your life.
After the untimely death of Amanda and the diagnosis of a brain tumor in Zoey, my family was advised to complete genetic testing.
It was determined that myself, along with a few other family members(as of now), carry the genetic variant of Lynch Syndrome, MSH6.
It may not be typical to conduct such studies without proper rationale, but I do recommend to everyone, not only women, to continue stepping out of your comfort zone and talk about your health, not only to your physicians but to your family and friends. The more information and awareness that can be spread, the better.
Hug your littles and your loved ones, and be sure to let them know what they mean to you. If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the last year, life is too short.
-Jenny Curry
That sure does pull at you, right? Makes you want to make that appointment, huh!
