Posted June 24, 2014 19:56:53
Live with the constant fear of cancer or have a preventative double mastectomy - this was the agonising choice facing BRCA1 cancer gene carrier Elise Worthington.
The 25-year-old ABC journalist today underwent surgery to remove both her breasts, a move that will potentially save her life. Here she shares her extraordinary story.
It's a bit awkward, but I am going to tell you a story about my breasts.
Last year we discovered mum carries the BRCA1 gene mutation which dramatically increases her risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
Six months ago I found out that I also carry the defect that has run through my family for generations.
My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 - it eventually killed her.
Her mother, my great grandmother, also had breast cancer.
Everyone on mum's side of the family has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the gene mutation.
Terrible news
Everyone was so positive on the day of the fundraiser, but just over a week after this celebration we got some devastating news.
A difficult decision
Even before mum got sick again I had decided to take control of my health.
The most effective way to reduce my chances of getting breast cancer is to have my breasts removed.
It is the hardest and most important decision I'll ever have to make.
Mum starts treatment again
As I struggle with the idea of losing part of me, I am also learning how to cope with the idea of losing my mother.
We don't know how long she will live, maybe one year, or two.
I'm back at the hospital with mum for her first round of chemotherapy since she got sick again.
Having chemo involves a lot of waiting around.
But it also gives us a chance to spend some time together.
Final preparations
It's the day before my surgery and I'm getting ready to go to hospital.
The last few days have been difficult. I just want to put this all behind me.
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