MY LIFE Matters: TNBC Patient Voices Issue 2022 - 27

have my reconstructive surgery done in
September 2020, after I completed all
my treatments.
I know that because I am triple-negative
(TNBC) and an African American
woman, my risk of reoccurrence within
the first five years is extremely high. This
type of cancer specifically affects BRCA1
mutation carriers and young African
American women under the age of 40. I
have regular check-ins every six months
with my oncologist team to make sure
everything is functioning properly and
to address any issues or concerns.
This battle and journey were very
personal for me as I have watched my
mother battle breast cancer four times
since 2002. In 2021, she discovered she
is triple-negative and carries the BRCA1
gene mutation. Living in a rural area with
no direct access to knowledgeable doctors
and healthcare facilities prevented
her from making the best decisions and
choices when it came to her treatment
plans and possible steps to avoid reoccurrence.
There was no question when
I found out I that I was diagnosed that I
wanted to be an advocate and a voice for
the younger women in my community
and around the world. To let women see
that breast cancer doesn't discriminate
based on age, color, or social status.
Knowing your family history and advocating
for yourself puts you in a better
position to be aware and informed if you
ever have to deal with something of this
magnitude.
**BRCA 1**
In June 2015, I scheduled an appointment
to have the genetic testing completed. My
twin sister Sonya had already competed
the test the prior year. My OB-GYN
recommended that I have the testing done
as my mother has had several recurrences
with breast cancer and it was important
to see if I carried the BRCA1 gene mutation.
After having the testing completed, I
found out that I too carry the BRCA1 gene
mutation. My twin sister Sonya does as
well. This put us at a higher risk of getting
both breast and ovarian cancer.
My family history of breast cancer
steams from both my maternal and paternal
sides. Because of this, we started our
mammograms before the age of 40. KnowMY
LIFE MATTERS
TNBC PATIENT VOICES ISSUE 2022
27
ing that we both carry the BRCA1 gene,
we are proactive with doing our monthly
self-breast exams and being advocates to
make people aware of genetic testing and
the importance of getting it done.
We have a family history of people
remaining silent and keeping things a
secret when it comes to healthcare issues
such as breast cancer. Sonya and I will
be the change that our family needs to
ensure these topics are not pushed under
the rug. They need to be discussed
openly so individuals know what options
are available to them and that they have
the support of family members or others
that have experienced the same things.
FAMILY ANGEL Advocate
We are changing the narrative and
being a voice in the community to let
individuals know that young women can
get breast cancer under the age of 40.
You need to know your family history,
be your own self-advocate, and complete
your own research as well. If you
are asking questions and your doctor
appears to be brushing you off, please
get a second or third opinion. It is OK
to request to have the genetic testing
done, especially if you have a family
history of breast cancer or any other
type of cancer. I look forward to being
a voice and helping to change the world
one day at a time. l
" The day I found out was devastating and the entire time it
felt like I had it as well because WE ARE ONE. "
- Sonya Watson
MY LIFE Matters: TNBC Patient Voices Issue 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MY LIFE Matters: TNBC Patient Voices Issue 2022
