Today is the day...

   The day has come.  It seems like we have been waiting for this day forever.  I have spent the last few weeks making lists, crossing things off the lists, enjoying my family and preparing mentally, physically and spiritually for this "BIG" day.  I feel prepared.

   I am so appreciative of all the prayers, fasting and temple attendance on my behalf.  I can say without a doubt that the calm, peaceful feeling I have and the strength I feel is a result.  I am at peace.  I was even able to sleep ALL NIGHT last night.  Amazing!!  I have had my share of a few anxiety attacks the last week, but they were short and fleeting.

   The house is stocked with food, freezer meals, and homemade cookies.  Laundry and ironing...done.  To do lists have been completed.  I purchased numerous "XL" button and zip up tops and bottoms to live in the next couple of weeks.  My parents brought over their recliner for me to live in while recovering.  Scott and Jensen are ready to wash and style my hair.  Apparently arm mobility is limited the first couple of weeks of recovery. So, I have tried to prepare for everything.

  Hospital bag is packed and ready...toiletries, new zip front sports bra (per Plastic Surgeons request), loose, new PJ's to wear home, slippers, socks (my feet freeze in hospitals), ipad loaded with books and TV shows from the DVR and of course a blow dryer for my hair.

   At noon today I turn everything over to my amazing team of doctors.  They are awesome! Dr. Jennifer Tittensor is my general surgeon and she is fabulous! Dr. Mark Jensen is my plastic surgeon and he is everything and more I could ask for or want.  I have complete confidence in my doctors.  They work together on a regular basis, they have performed this surgery numerous times before and I know they will do all that is necessary and best for me.

   A HUGE Thank You to family, friends, and my doctors.  I love each and every one of you.  I am ready to move this journey forward and start the recovery and reconstruction process.

   Lots of love, gratitude and thanks!
            ~Brandee

 

BRCA...what?!

                  this is the story of my journey with BRCA testing, results and my ongoing journey

  Almost 2 years ago my cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 39.  Due to her young age and the type of cancer, the surgeon requested to have all extended family members participate in genetic cancer testing.  About a year and a half ago my father got tested and found out that he was BRCA 2 positive, as was my cousin and her sister.  Due to my father's positive results I needed to be tested.  I had a 50/50 chance of being positive.

  With the relocation to Utah I was not in a place to deal with the testing and results, until May of this year.  Angelina Jolie had already made public her testing, surgeries and feelings. It was a "HOT"topic of the moment.  On May 28th I went to the surgeon for my BRCA test. I was nervous, had a lot of questions, but ultimately I was pretty confident that I would test positive and wanted to know what my options were.  

  BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 is a gene mutation that produces a hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome for affected family members.  Testing positive also puts you at risk for prostate,  cervical, uterine, pancreatic, stomach, gallbladder, colon, bile duct and melanoma cancers.

  In July, I received the news that I was positive for the BRCA 2 deleterious mutation.  The surgeon explained to me that I had an 87% chance of getting breast cancer before I was 70. It was no longer a matter of IF, but a matter of WHEN. 

  The good news is I had options.  It was up to Scott and I to decide what option we wanted to choose.  1st option: I could have screening every 6 months consisting of MRI's and mammograms and take tamoxifen (cancer drug). This option felt like I would be waiting for the cancer.  2nd option: Undergo a Prophylactic Bilateral Mastectomy and reconstruction. With this surgery I would go from an 87% chance of getting breast cancer to a 97-99% chance of not getting breast cancer. 

  So many things to consider...

I was still fairly young.

My kids were young and I wanted to see them grow, marry and have kids.

I would be a nervous wreck every 6 months doing testing.

Could I emotionally and physically handle such an aggressive surgery, recovery and reconstruction?

What were Scott's thoughts and feelings?

I needed to discuss this with Kenzie and Jensen.

  Emotions ran high for awhile. I couldn't talk about it without breaking in tears. It occupied my mind constantly. There was definitely an "elephant" in the room.  Through much discussion, pondering and prayer, We came to a decision as a family.  I am immensely grateful for a faithful, strong and courageous family.  This is truly a family journey and I couldn't do any of it without them.

  When Scott and I went to the appointment with the general surgeon we had made up our minds which option we would choose.  On  August 28th I will be having a Prophylactic Bilateral Mastectomy with reconstruction.  This will be my first of two surgeries. Hopefully in 2-3 months I will have had my second surgery and be completely on the road to recovery.

  For me, this surgery is what gives me peace of mind.  I feel at peace about this.  I know there is a long, hard road ahead, but I am willing to sacrifice so that I can have a leg up on this horrible cancer.  I am starting to feel anxious and nervous about the upcoming surgery, but who wouldn't? 

  I can't help but be reminded about some of my "mottos" from year's past...

We Can

DO 

Hard Things!

and

It Will

All Work Out!

  This has been a tender mercy in our lives.  We have felt blessed through out this whole process.  

 Information:

-12.5 % (1 out of 8) American women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in their lifetime; as women age this percentage will increase.

 The risk is higher for women who:

-Are carriers of the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 deleterious mutations genes

-Have strong immediate family history of breast cancer

-Breast tissue density is high

-Personal history of breast cancer

Prophylactic Mastectomy:

-Surgical removal of one or both breasts

-For women who are at high risk to prevent or reduce the risk of breast cancer

-Current data suggests that preventive mastectomy may significantly reduce (by about 90%) the chance of developing breast cancer in moderate and high risk women.

Officially a Teenager!

Oh, Man I LOVE this boy!!!

I can't believe that today he is turning 13!!

He completes our family.

It is fun to have a boy and all that comes with him.

From wearing his sisters cap at BYU graduation.

To watching him play Lacrosse in freezing Utah temps.

Being the cool guy on the golf course.

And watching countless basketball games.

Alec is a blessing to our family.

I can't imagine what our life or family would

be like without him.

1. Always gives me hugs and tells me he loves me.

2. Loves to hang out with friends.

3. Enjoys reading a good book.

4. Great student.

5. Hilarious/sarcastic sense of humor.

6. Adores his sisters and spending time with them.

7. LOVES Lacrosse

8. Sour candy is his favorite.

9. Always asks for pasta on his birthday.

10. In 'N Out is a close second.

11. Can't get enough of his iphone or music

12. Is an amazing example

13. Loves to play jokes on people

Alec is a great young man!

He has always been my little shadow and buddy...

don't ever stop!

Alec,  you were always a fun, smart and nice little boy.

You have become a remarkable Young man!

We LOVE you and are so proud of you.

HAPPY 13th BIRTHDAY!!

Lots of Love,

Mom and Dad

Happy 18th!

 

So hard to believe that 18 years have flown by.

Jensen has brought so much life, fun, and humor

into our family and lives.

Jensen was such a tiny baby when she was born.

Kenzie adored her baby sister right away.

The girls have always been lucky to

have one another.

What I love about Jensen:

1. Her determination

2. Strong Values

3. Love of dance

4. Academic Achievements

5. Sense of Humor

6. Friend to everyone

7. Loyal

8. Intense love of Fashion

9. Her ability to laugh at herself

10. How she can remember facts or tidbits

11. Movie quotes

12. She can lighten a mood

13. Love for the gospel

14. Selfless

15. Loves to cook and bake

16. Will share with all

17. Positive outlook

18. Amazing blue eyes

I am blessed to be Jensen's mom.

Jensen has always accomplished whatever she

has set out to do.  She lets nothing stand in her

way.  As a young dancer, she would set her

sights on a role and would work 100% +

to accomplish it. I have always

admired that about her.

Our family is so lucky!

Jensen, I am so proud of you!

You are a beautiful, smart,

and gifted young woman.

Happy, Happy Birthday!

Lots of Love,

Mom and Dad

twenty!

Happy Birthday!

Twenty years ago today I delivered my first baby.

The sweetest baby girl ever.

Mackenzie is a joy and a blessing in our lives.

1. She is loving

2. Loves to read

3. Hard worker

4. Caring

5. Observant

6. LOVES children and they love her

7. Strong testimony

8. So Smart

9. Pitches in when anything needs done

10. The best Big Sister

11. Loyal

12. Holds on to her convictions

13. Love her sarcasm

14. Amazing Teacher

15. Tender heart

16. Loves the gospel

17. Beautiful

18. Great eye for photography

19.  Great baker

20. Loves to watch movies

I am so lucky to be Mackenzie's mom!

Mackenzie is an amazing daughter and woman.

I am proud of her and all of her accomplishments.

Happy 20th Birthday Mackenzie!

We LOVE you!

Mom and Dad

~HAPPY~

The last couple of years my "word" for the year

has centered around doing hard things and

all will work out.

With the commuting and relocation behind us

I decided it was time to to truly

"BE HAPPY".

This year I will focus and work hard on

being happy...with the little things, the big hurdles,

my family, accomplishments, the gospel, the amazing

YW and women I get to serve with, the beauty that

surrounds me and most importantly with

myself.

This quote is perfect for me to remember.

Life has worked out, and now it is time

to embrace life, and be happy.

I am blessed beyond measure.

I am thankful for all that I have been given and

continue to receive.

2013 will be a great year 

full of much happiness!

23 years!

Happy Anniversary!

23 years ago on a snowy day in Boise, Idaho.

Scott and I were married for time and all eternity.

We have moved 14 times in the last 23 years.

Had numerous jobs.

And produced this lovely family.

Happy Anniversary Scott!

I love you!

You are my best friend, a fabulous father and 

a great provider.

Here's to many more years!