By Charlene Meeker
September 7, 2022 marked the beginning of my fiftieth year navigating the complexities of the human condition. I found myself at a crossroads of personal transformation. Between 2019 and 2021, I had extricated myself from an abusive relationship, weathered the challenges of the pandemic, and mourned the losses of both my birth father and my stepfather. I was ready to embrace life’s brevity. FEAR was an omnipresent force, and instead of expecting it to magically dissipate, I set tangible goals for the gifted year ahead. Foremost among them was a comprehensive evaluation of my health. In April 2023, I received word that I had tested positive for the CHEK2 genetic mutation.
As I began meeting with my medical team, I found myself also confronting a familial legacy of breast cancer. My paternal grandmother’s tragic battle with breast cancer, which metastasized to her bones and claimed her life at age 32, is a story of loss that haunts my family. My maternal grandmother and my mother’s sister, facing breast cancer later in life, underwent double mastectomies and grueling treatments.
In the delicate space between trepidation and resilience, I confronted a pivotal choice that would redefine the trajectory of my life. Confronted with the stark reality of an elevated risk of breast cancer due to my CHEK2 gene mutation, I stood at the crossroads of uncertainty and courage. It was not a decision born of surrender, but fueled by an unwavering determination to seize control of my destiny. The looming prospect of a risk reduction mastectomy became a surgical dance with both fear and hope.
As I carefully considered the gravity of this decision, I realized that within the scars, a testament to battles fought would be etched — a declaration of an unyielding commitment to life. In that transformative moment, I chose the path of empowerment, understanding that by sacrificing a part of myself, I was affording the chance for a future unburdened by the shadows of what might have been. The operating room became my battleground, and the scars, my victory marks — a tangible symbol of the strength summoned to safeguard the precious gift of life.
Apologies are owed to Angelina Jolie for the ignorance I once carried regarding her prophylactic double mastectomy. Initially dismissing it as a purely cosmetic and vain choice, I now recognize the courage it took to make such a personal decision. Her celebrity status drew valuable attention to this potentially life-saving decision to greatly reduce breast cancer risk, and I commend her bravery.
The decision to proceed with the surgery was daunting but undeniably right for me. Opting for reconstruction added another layer of fear, yet it, too, felt like the right path. Graced with an exceptional healthcare team at Vail Health in Colorado and supported by a beautiful circle of friends, I embarked on a journey that my insurance covered comprehensively, alleviating the looming stress of potential debt.
Recovering from my mastectomy, I often thought of my family members who had gone through breast cancer as I faced the challenges of surgery recovery without the added burden of cancer treatment. Their grit, courage, and tenacity shine through the genetic codes we share.
As of this writing, one week post-reconstruction, my mind races ahead of my healing body. The haunting question, “What do you truly want to do with the time you have left?” persists. I cannot revert to life before my mastectomy now that I have newfound tools and experiences, and my commitment to share my story, advocate for healthcare options, and support others on this path remains steadfast. Living a long, healthy life demands a renewed commitment to making sound physical and emotional choices. And punctuating it all is the imperative to overcome fear and embrace creativity — a step in the direction of a new chapter.
In fifty-one years, I’ve navigated my fair share of frightening situations, but my mastectomy stands as the catalyst — a personal manifestation of fear. I can confront it squarely, acknowledging the depth of my abilities. The next chapter awaits with excitement.
Here’s to health, fears conquered, and the embracing of new beginnings!
Read More:
On the Podcast: Breast Cancer Conversations
Prophylactic Mastectomy and BRCA Mutation: A Personal Story
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