Amy Armstrong is a breast cancer survivor — but stomach cancer also runs in her family. SurvivorNet has had the pleasure of interviewing both her mother and her brother, and the family’s situation is quite unique — but also quite important to help our users understand just how helpful genetic testing can be.
“[My mom] uncovered that she had a very rare stomach cancer gene called CDH1,” Amy said. “If you have this gene, not only is it incredibly rare, but you’re also confronted [with] making a pretty big decision to avoid getting stomach cancer. You have to have a prophylactic gastrectomy. When my mom found out that she had the gene, it had a domino effect for not only her siblings to be tested for the gene, but also her children and 3 out of 4 of us, my siblings, tested positive for the gene.”
Read More“I was determined to look into some alternative [conception] methods to eliminate the gene because it’s a 50/50 chance,” Amy said. “So I went through the IVF (in-vitro fertilization) route … I’m very thankful for IVF because the odds were against me and my children, that they would have this gene. Now, I’m happy to report: it’s been two years since I’ve had any surgery and I feel fabulous, I look fabulous, and hopefully all of that is behind me.”
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