BRCA 1

My Dear Ryan and Sarah-
I have recently tested positive for a genetic mutation which puts me in an extremely high-risk category for breast and ovarian cancer. My sister, Joanie, is currently going through the struggles of breast cancer and found this mutation in our family. I have been presented with options to deal with this mutation. The option that I feel most comfortable with is a complete mastectomy (removal of breast tissue) and an oophorectomy or hysterectomy (removal of ovaries and/or uterus). These surgeries will greatly reduce my risk of developing these potentially terminal illnesses.
You, my sweet children, are so important to me. It breaks my heart to think of you dealing with the severe sickness of your mother that cancer would provide. I feel very certain that I am making the right decision to go through with these preventative surgeries. If it gives me the ability to watch you grow up and love you longer then it is worth it.
There is a 50% chance that either one of you could also have this mutation. I have been encouraged by the team at Huntsman to not worry about you now. There is very aggressive research taking place on this mutation every day. It is entirely possible that 25 years from now when you are faced with this same situation there will be advanced treatment for you.
Ry and Sis, you are my motivation in life to do what is right. I love you both so, so much. I will pull through this tough time and we will go on with our lives unscathed. I look at this as an amazing opportunity. I am given the chance to navigate around this horrible illness that is headed straight for me. So many people have illness ahead of them and never get this chance. I am so incredibly lucky to have been given this heads-up and I encourage you to both find out about your own possibilities when your time arrives.
With all the love in the world,
-Mama

4th of July

The kids enjoyed a fireworks demonstration given by Ferin at home before walking down to the Holladay city center to see a big, professional show. It was fun, loud and beautiful. The weather this year has been atypical to what we are used to. We have had cool, cloudy days and evenings. It even sprinkled on us during the fireworks show.