What should a person do if there is a history of cancer in the family?
At age 32, Angie Serfling was facing a life-altering decision. She knew that her mother had breast cancer when she was 42-years-old. And, she knew that she had two other family members that had died from breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
“It had been something I had always been concerned about,” shared Angie. “I asked my primary care doctor for a referral to the breast clinic for about ten years, and they had repeatedly told me that there wasn’t a genetic component.”
Finally, the doctors listened, and she proceeded with the genetic test. When she went in for the genetic test, she was told that there was less than a 1% chance that she’d have the BRCA mutation gene. When Angie’s test results came back positive, she was told that the combination of having the gene along with her family history increased her odds by 90% that she would have breast cancer at some point in her lifetime.
At first, she was in denial and complete shock.
She had been dating Adam Serfling of rural Preston for nearly two years, and was thinking about her future with him. Now, she was faced with a lot of uncertainty.
At that time, she had two options. Angie could have frequent surveillance monitoring, and wait until she was diagnosed with cancer. Or, she could be proactive and proceed with risk reducing surgeries.
Both decisions were not taken lightly, especially considering the 90% risk factor.
“I researched extensively. I still research all the time. Mayo ran me through a myriad of appointments. Surgeons, genetics, social workers, psych, anyone and everyone,” explained Angie.
At the age of 32, Angie was hearing some pretty daunting recommendations. Her doctors suggested that she have a Preventative Bilateral Mastectomy by the age of 40, and a full hysterectomy when she was done having children or by the age of 35 – at the latest.
“We knew we didn’t want to pass this gene on,” shared Angie, knowing that children couldn’t be tested for the gene until age 18. “That’s too long for us to not know.” And, along the way, Adam was there to support her in everyway.
She continued, “We looked into Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis to prevent passing the gene on, but the cost was around $25,000 for one round.”
She knew she at least needed to reduce her breast cancer risk, so she decided that she would proceed with the mastectomy. However, she also had an ACL reconstruction surgery scheduled for July of 2014. So, her mastectomy was postponed until 2015.
“I had one scare after a biannual mammogram that lead to more testing, which at that point I said that was enough and scheduled my surgery as soon as I could,” said Angie, as she identified a turning point.
And, unfortunately, it didn’t go well.
“Awful!” is how she described the recovery process. Angie experienced many complications: extra surgeries, infections, extensive IV antibiotics at home and while she was hospitalized, a blood clot in her arm, and allergic reactions to the medicines. Her entire experience is provided in greater detail at https://www.gofundme.com/2qe896gs?ssid=768581181&pos=2.
After going through everything she has gone through, Angie has come to realize what’s truly important in life. “Cherish the good days and feeling healthy. Lower the stress and drama.”
And, throughout Angie’s life-changing experience, Adam (her husband) has been by her side. Shortly after she found out about the mutation gene, they became engaged.
“My husband, Adam Serfling, has been my rock through their entire journey. His job at MnDOT fully supported us and allowed Adam the time to come to appointments, take off for surgeries, and for my recovery. This definitely has not been easy on our relationship, but I feel it has made us stronger as we grow. I’d also like to include my in-laws, Danny and Jeanette Serfling, for supporting me in my choices and helping when they were able to,” concluded Angie.
“Make life changes for a better you,” are her words of wisdom.
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