Carmen Smith, a courageous individual carrying the BRCA1 breast cancer gene, has bravely chosen a preventive double mastectomy in light of an 88% risk factor. In this program she speaks about her harrowing journey that led to this decision.

The decision to undergo a preventive double mastectomy was not made lightly: It was a calculated response to the elevated risk linked with the BRCA1 gene. The gene is also linked to ovarian cancer and she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed.

In her tumultuous year of 2019, marked by a global breast implant recall, Carmen faced this challenge head-on. Concern about the impact of having had these implants and the possibility of having lymphoma on top of her concern of having the high risk gene lead to breast and ovarian cancer, caused her to make several important decisions.

Although the doctors tended to downplay the issues with respect to the implants, she listened to her own body and decided it was the right thing to do. In addition, removing her ovaries and breasts was tantamount to her decision to ensure her on-going health.

As a mother, she felt strongly that she needed to go forward as quickly as possible to ensure that she could look after her children as they grew up. She even opted to have the surgery done privately at considerable expense to herself to speed up the process by 18 months.

The emotional terrain of living with BRCA1 and undergoing surgeries proved demanding for Carmen. These experiences cast shadows on her mental well-being, instigating a quest for effective coping mechanisms.

A distinctive aspect of Carmen's journey is her choice to remain flat and employ prosthetics. This decision has not only shaped her self-image but has also garnered support from her community and medical professionals alike.

As Carmen shares her profound insights, her narrative serves as a compass for those standing at a crossroads, contemplating decisions regarding preventative measures, breast implants, and reconstructive surgery after health-related recalls.

Carmen's narrative echoes a voyage through risk, resilience, and the significance of a robust support system in the face of formidable health decisions.

Tri Cities Community TV is a group of volunteers in the region who are looking to support community video media and independant community sources and news stories. 

Facing BRCA1: Carmen's Bold Journey Through Risk, Resilience, and Support.