My story begins in 1996 when my mother, who is also my closest friend, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 49 years of age. I was 29. I had also just lost my grandmother to bone cancer and we were three generations of woman who shared a wonderful relationship. I feared the future and could not imagine life without mom. She was fortunate to have discovered the disease in its early stage. She was amazing. After treatment, she recovered, went back packing on her own through Europe and got life back to normal.

In 1996, my mother participated in one of the first genetic studies that looked at the link between ovarian and breast cancer and mutated genes. Through this research study she learned that she carried the BRCA 1 gene mutation, making her at greater risk for breast cancer as well. As a result, I was told by the doctor conducting the study, not to delay having children, consider genetic testing and after completing my child bearing, consider having my tubes tide and eventually a prophylactic hysterectomy, as I had a 50% chance of also carrying the gene mutation.

In 1998 my daughter was born and in 2001, afterward the birth of my son, I had my tubes tied as recommended through genetic research.

In December 2003 my mother's life was turned upside down again and her courage was put to the test when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Once again my mother underwent treatment like a trooper, quickly recovered and was back to herself in no time.

After my mother's diagnoses of breast cancer I decided I needed to undergo genetic testing. In January 1995, I found out that I also carried the BRCA1 gene mutation. I immediately had a prophylactic hysterectomy in June 1995, as recommended by genetic research findings, with ovaries removed.

I had done everything they recommended. In my opinion, I had now taken care of everything. Everything but remove my breasts. I dismissed that idea, as I had just turned 39. I dismissed the idea of getting ill myself for the research showed that the hysterectomy would almost eliminate my chances of developing ovarian cancer and reduce my chances of developing breast cancer by half. I would consider removing my breasts much later in life…..not now,,,,,I am only 39.

Who would have figured? Even after testing positive for the BRCA 1 gene, I thought I would not have to worry about this until I was much older. I have always been healthy. I have always taken care of myself. I ate well and tried to exercise regularly. I was a very active adolescent. Besides, I took charge of my situation and did everything they told me to do to reduce my chances. Again, everything but remove my breasts.

As a BRCA 1 carrier, I had been closely monitored and screened at the high risk clinic at Mount Siani, Hospital in Toronto, with imaging every 6 months. One year after testing positive for the gene and 6 months following my hysterectomy, I found a lump. It was between Christmas and New Years. I had decided to be very thorough with my self examination that month, even though the mammogram I had done three months previously and an earlier breast MRI had been fine. But recently, my husband's cousin lost his young wife to ovarian cancer.(no blood relations) This shook me. I was going to be more thorough about self-exam. I was….. and……I found it.

More imagining was ordered by family doctor and not being able to tolerate the wait at our local hospital, I called the high risk clinic at Mount Siani and they saw me the next day. The mammogram did not show the lump I felt, and a smaller tool was used. Still the mammogram looked "normal". An ultra sound did find something suspicious and a needle core biopsy was done that day.

One week later my family doctor contacted me. With my husband and me sitting in his office, on January 18, 2006, I heard the dreaded words, "you have breast cancer." WHAT? I am only 39 years old.!!!! Suddenly my world was shattered. My life had been going so well. We were living in our new home in Collingwood, closer to family. I had a fabulous career, two wonderful children and a terrific husband. I was enjoying the new friendships I had developed and the wonderful perks that came with living in such a fabulous community. Life was great! Too good to be true! And so it was!

Fortunately my breast cancer was found early, stage one with no limp nodes involved. I endured 6 rounds of chemotherapy that followed my double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. (double mastectomy, recommended for BRCA 1 and 2 carriers). Three bone scans and two CT scans in one year, threw my emotions and nerves into a whirl wind, after diagnosing abnormal, but non malignant results.

While waiting for my final reconstruction surgery to replace expanders with permanent implants, I longed for my hair to grow back. I wore my wig daily. I didn't want to see myself as a cancer patient. A bald head was a vivid reminder. I wanted my life back before breast cancer. I carried on through ups and downs, waiting for my next surgery, which took place January 24, 2007. I found this second surgery a test of my resilience, mostly emotionally, but the results were quite favourable.

And now, with my hair now short and stylish, and great results due to my wonderful plastic surgeon, I look and feel almost as good as new. Only one minor surgery left on the horizon. One I won't fret over.

I think I am finally back. Recovered from my most difficult life challenge so far; however, I will always live with some fear. Anyone with a life threatening illness is in tune with this. I always knew that good health, family and friends, mean everything in life. I have been blessed with a wonderful family. My parents, and especially my husband and my mother, made the horrors of this journey so much more tolerable. I don't know if they really know how much they helped me. My mom, having been through cancer twice now, gave me strength and courage. My husband, held my hand every step of the way. My two dads, helped in other ways. I discovered that I have been blessed with wonderful family and friends. Both new friends and old ones who seemed to know just what I needed, showing support in the simplest of ways. The simplest of ways that were, so helpful and meaningful to me.

Because of breast cancer I have met some wonderful new friends. Friends whom I know will be in my life now forever. There is nothing good about getting cancer but something very comforting in knowing other young woman who have been there and share the same fears as you. Young woman, regardless of their personal situations, will worry about their future involving cancer. Young woman with young families. Young woman, like me, who want to have fun, enjoy their families and friends, grow old and enjoy the wonderful things life has to offer.

We don't know why people get cancer. I do know that I was more susceptible, having inherited the gene. I do know that I worry for my daughter, as my mother worried for me. I do know that I have a wonderful family that loves me. I do know that I love life. I do know that I have always had a positive attitude. I do know that I did almost everything possible to avoid getting breast cancer and then, everything possible to prevent recurrence. I do know that I still feel blessed even though I came face to face with a life threatening illness. I also know that there are many women, some much younger than I, facing the same challenges, others yet to come. Life is full of good experiences and painful ones. It is up to us to make the best of the good and the best of the bad. And so, I leave with my very own quote….FOR ME…….

"There was nothing good about getting cancer BUT a lot of good came from the people I love and from those I meet along the way."

Lesley