The decision to undergo BRCA testing is very complex and emotionally laden. This decision can be further complicated by the loss of a mother at an early age. The following personal account by a genetic counselor discusses the testing process and the struggle to accept the results and reframe one’s self-identity. The sensitive nature of this testing and the implications for other family members is explored.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I would like to thank my friends in the genetics community for their gracious support especially Joan Marks, and to my sister who has shown incredible strength and resilience through her journey with breast cancer.
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Valverde, K.D. Why Me? Why Not Me?. J Genet Counsel 15, 461–463 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-006-9055-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10897-006-9055-2