October & November 2024 Updates

This will be a recap of October to today.  Lots has been going on and we’ve been incredibly busy.  The format of this is going to be a bit different since we have so much to talk about, so we’ll format it by date since October 1!

 

-              10/2: Keck USC – What I Wish I had Known About Before Breast Cancer Before My Diagnosis

o   To kick off breast cancer awareness month, Keck USC asked me to write a blog post for the month.  Article can be seen by clicking on this LINK.

-              10/3: PET Scan

o   Dr. Vandermolen ordered an annual PET Scan, but things became tricky with insurance because they did not approve the order.  It was a bit of a nightmare battling with insurance to get the scan approved.  Their reasoning for denial was that there was no concern as to how Lauren’s progress this past year has been.  However, it was frustrating because they use everyone as an average against others and with a genetic mutation it shouldn’t have been denied.  We ended up paying out of pocket for the PET Scan for peace of mind and it was worth every penny.   

-              10/5: The Pink Journey Foundation Walk @ The Beach House in Seal Beach

o   Thank you to everyone that attended this year!  We absolutely loved being close to home, in a familiar setting and the intimate feeling of walking with The Pink Journey Foundation.  It was nice to get everyone together and we thoroughly enjoy these walks each year to be in company that has been in our shoes.  We plan to do The Pink Journey walk again next year and hope to see their presence continue to grow! 

-              10/6: Huntington Beach Air Show

o   It was a busy weekend with The Pink Journey walk the day before, but we spent the day with Chris’s parents at The Huntington Beach Air Show.  Chris and Jim have a love for aviation and we have never been able to attend this show because we’ve been busy.  We went and boy was it a bummer because the fog and clouds were so heavy that instead of seeing anything it purely became an ‘audio’ show.  Hopefully next year will be better!

-              10/7: PET Scan Results

o   We were anxious to get the results of Lauren’s PET Scan with the monthly check-in.  Lauren purposefully scheduled the appointment for the 7^th of the month since that is our lucky number.  And of course, we got good news that it was CLEAR!  Chris knew this would be the case but getting that confirmation for both of us was just icing on the cake. 

-              10/8 – 10/13: Chris Atlanta

o   With everything already going on in the month of October, Chris had a work trip for the Petit Le Mans race in Atlanta that he needed to attend.  While Chris was out there, he realized that our CDA house had a smoke detector that was chirping, as if the battery was dead.

-              10/13 – 10/14: Chris CDA for Smoke Detector

o   So instead of flying home from Atlanta, Chris flew directly to CDA for the night to change the battery, because the following weekend we were heading there to deliver our truck and the Jeep.  On top of that, since the last time anyone was at the house was when Lauren and her dad were there, and they had left in a haste because we had found out that Irv had suddenly passed away.

-              10/15: Chris rear ended in our white truck that was going to CDA

o   To get the truck ready for the cold weather and the salt that is used on the roads to melt ice in CDA, Chris scheduled for the truck to have a spray-in bedliner done before the 1,392 mile drive to CDA.  On the way to the shop in Huntington Beach someone who was on their phone was not paying attention and rearended him.  We aren’t sure if the person didn’t stop or if they mistakenly hit the accelerator pedal.  Luckily the damage wasn’t too bad and by the looks of it the truck probably needed a new bumper – just the worst timing on top of everything else we had going on.

-              10/18 – 10/21: Chris drive to CDA; Salt Lake

o   On the 18th at 4am, Chris left Seal Beach with our white truck and the Jeep being towed on a trailer so that both could be permanently left in CDA.  The trip was broken up into 2 days with Chris spending the night at a friends house in Salt Lake City.  Over the course of the 2 days, Chris drove just over 24 hours and NEVER again will he drive a trailer that far. 50mph winds from Barstow to Salt Lake, snowstorms in Utah and lots of snacks to get by.  Lauren got to fly to CDA!  We spent the next 2 days getting some things done around the house, managed to find a body shop in CDA to get the truck fixed and flew back home the evening of 10/21. 

-              10/22: Lauren & Chris talk at Motul

o   Chris’s work invited us both to speak about breast cancer and the journey we went through.  It was a really engaging and fun conversation and everyone had great questions.  It was fun for us to share our story and teach others about breast cancer.

-              10/23: Lauren spoke at Rosary High School

o   Lauren was asked to speak in front of about 30 high school students who are at a all girl’s school in Orange County.  They have a club and Lauren was able to share a little bit about breast cancer, how she found it and the importance of genetic testing.  You are never too young to learn about the risks!

-              10/25: The Pink Journey Foundation Mobile Mammogram Event w/ REVOLVE

o   One of the final projects Lauren worked on before leaving REVOLVE was to get The Pink Journey’s mobile mammogram program as a partnership between REVOLVE and TPJF. Lauren went and volunteered at the event, where they were able to offer free mammograms to close to 20 attendees in partnership with REVOLVE’s customers.  Lauren’s sister, Kimmie, was able to attend and get a mammogram as preventative screening due to Lauren’s diagnosis, even though she is not yet 40!  Her’s was all clear.

-              10/27 – 10/28: Lauren CDA

o   We were notified that the truck was fixed sooner than the 2 weeks they had quoted us and with all the trips Chris had, Lauren decided to fly to CDA for one night to pick up the truck.  It was a quick 24 hours that was super productive.

-              11/1 – 11/5: Sedona

o   A few days later, we were off again!  We decided to spend time in Sedona and Flagstaff for our 12 year wedding anniversary since it had been 3.5 years since we had gone.  While in Flagstaff we went to a delicious restaurant called Atria for dinner and went to a 700,000 year old extinct lava tube.  Lauren chickened out so our excursion that probably would have lasted an hour ended up being about 15 minutes.  While in Sedona we ate, went on a few hikes and got massages.  It was a nice and relaxing getaway after a busy month.

-              11/11: Celebrated 2 Years Cancer Free & Veteran’s Day & USC Health Magazine

o   This day, 2 years ago, we received the all clear from Lauren’s surgeon, Dr. Guerra that there was no cancer left after chemotherapy and surgery!  We will always celebrate this day because not only did it confirm there was no cancer left but it confirmed that Lauren’s chances of reoccurrence were reduced to less than 10%.  Back in August, Lauren did an interview and a video shoot with USC Health Magazine to talk about her diagnosis and care at Keck.  We’ve had to keep it quiet until they approved that we could release the article and video – it just so happens that it was released on Lauren’s cancer free date!  The article will be published in their magazine that we will be getting some copies of in the next week, but you can view the video interview in the link provided.  

Link to article can be seen HERE.  Link to the interview can be seen on YouTube here:

 

We wrap November with Lauren heading to CDA with her mom and grandma for a few days, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and we look forward to spending time with family.  

 

Lots of love,

Chris & Lauren

Chris needs to see the trains in Flagstaff.

At the train station in Flagstaff waiting for a train to pass by.

This was at our table at Atria in Flagstaff.

Lava tube in Flagstaff

Inside the lava tube.  Lauren looks so happy, not.

Sedona!

On the Seven Sacred Pools hike.

Little America Hotel at Flagstaff.  One of the hotels Chris stayed at as a kid.

Dinner at Atria

Hiking somewhere in Sedona.

Chris taking picture of rocks.

Dinner at Atria.

Darwyn & Chris hanging out in Salt Lake.

Chris not happy driving to CDA.

More of Chris not happy driving to CDA.

Jeep & truck prepped for the 1,300 mile drive to CDA.

Jeep & truck now permanently in CDA.

Snow in St. George, Utah

More snow in St. George, Utah.

September 29, 2024 Update

September has been a busy month.  Today marks 6 weeks since Lauren’s stepdad Irv unexpectedly passed away.  It’s still hard to think that he is gone, our Sunday dinners and visits to Lauren’s parents’ house are different.  Everyone experiences different punches in their life and when they come, you learn how to adjust and cope to your new normal.  We continue to remind ourselves how fragile life is and how important it is to make the best of the one you are given because you never know when your next punch is coming.  We talk about Irv every day, have him present in our home and are doing the best we can as a family to move through the days of losing a husband, dad and grandpa.   

Amongst all the chaos, we were able to take some time and celebrate Chris’s younger sister, Tamara, as she got married in Colorado last week.  It was a beautiful wedding set in Marron Bells, Colorado.  What was to be a 2.5-hour commute from Denver to Glenwood Springs turned into a 5-hour commute due to big rigs not knowing how to drive on the I-70…our return trip back to Denver unfortunately had the same issue – our luck in travel was becoming unlucky.  Despite all the traffic, we had a wonderful time and highly recommend a visit to the area, it was really beautiful. Congrats again to Tamara & Jason!  

September 26^th was a huge milestone.  It was 2 years ago that Lauren finished chemotherapy.  It’s weird to think that was that long ago, it feels so much longer than that, but it is all still so vivid in our minds.  As we are gearing up for Lauren’s annual PET Scan, which has been a bit of a shit show to get scheduled, we know that once we see Dr. Vandermolen on October 7^th and he confirms Lauren is still cancer free, we can fully embrace and celebrate being 2 years past chemo completion.  We are reminded at how ridiculous insurance companies are, yet how wonderful they can be at the same time.  2 years ago, they fully delivered on everything we needed.  Now, they are a pain in the ass.  They denied Lauren of her PET Scan, despite it being ordered by Dr. Vandermolen because they did not feel it was medically necessary.  Shocking for them to determine that since they are not doctors and they don’t realize that Lauren is a high-risk patient due to her BRCA2 gene.  Lauren’s PET Scan is scheduled for October 3^rd and we will receive the results from Dr. Vandermolen on the 7^th at her monthly visit.   

The walk for The Pink Journey Foundation is in 6 days!  We are excited to see everyone and celebrate this life we get to live.  We hope you can join us, if you don’t feel up for the walk – come out to The Beach House in Seal Beach and enjoy some breakfast!  If you want more details, check out our previous post from September 2^nd that outlines everything.  We know everyone is busy, but these walks make us really proud but also we feel so comforted to be surrounded by other families who have walked in our shoes and we love to share that with family & friends.  The support of everyone showing up for us means the world.   

 

Stay tuned for the results of Lauren’s PET Scan and for any October updates!

 

Much love,

Chris & Lauren

 

September 2, 2024 Update - Cancer Walk Time!

Hi All,

As BCA month quickly approaches, we wanted to share our plans for 2024.  We are doing things a bit different this year for a couple of reasons.  

1. The American Cancer Society (ACS) has shifted their 'Making Strides Against Breast Cancer' walk we have done the past two years to an exhibit for all cancers.  While we do appreciate the recognition of all cancers, the exhibit experience wasn't really what we are looking for.
2. Lauren has been volunteering over the past year with a few organizations and we want to support them versus ACS because we know that the funds raised will go back to the organizations vs ACS taking out funds for the event itself and employees.
1. Cancer Vaccine Coalition: is a new nonprofit organization with a singular focus: working to move science forward faster, by accelerating breast cancer vaccines to market.  Lauren has been helping CVC with their partnerships and working on exclusive products that will launch between October and the rest of the year, with funds going back to the first trial for metastatic triple negative breast cancer.  
2. The Pink Journey Foundation: is a nonprofit organization in Orange County committed to providing breast education to all women, peer mentoring to newly diagnosed breast cancer women, and mobile mammography for underserved communities.  Lauren is a Survivor Peer Mentor for their Angels Survivors program and has been leading the charge on their 1st Annual Walk.  Additionally, TPJF spotlighted our story back in February.

This year, we are asking for you to decide what YOU would like to support in terms of donations.  The above 2 organizations are obviously very important to us for different reasons, so we'll let you decide how you like to support if possible!

• Please note that if you donate for CVC, they do not currently have a place for denoting who you are donating on behalf of - we are hoping it will be added soon.
• If you do want to support either organization, please let us know as we'd love to not only thank you for donating but also let the CVC and/or TPJF team know as well! 

As mentioned, Lauren has been working hard to launch the 1st Annual Pink Journey Foundation's Hope in Every Step Walk, we'd love for you to join us as we dip our toes in the sand on Saturday October 5, 2024 in Seal Beach, CA.  If you can join us, please sign up using this Google Form  (or scan QR code below) and denote that you will be a part of the team, 'PINK CHICKENS.'  While you have typically seen us use TEAM LOLO, this year the chicken reference is in honor of Lauren's stepdad who unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, August 25th.  He loved his chicken references and so our team name is a nod to him and the synonymous color for breast cancer.  You can learn more about the walk by going to this link (or scan the QR code below).  If you can join us, please sign up by Sunday September 15th as we are not sure if we will do t-shirts again this year or something else, so we want to ensure we have enough time to provide everyone an update.

Thank you so much for supporting our journey the past 2.5 years.  Lauren has a PET Scan at the end of this month that we know will be clear as she makes her way to being 2 YEARS CANCER FREE this November!  We will be sure to update everyone once we have the good news from Dr. Vandermolen.  We hope to see you on October 5^th! 

Much love,

Chris & Lauren

Sign up by scanning
this QR code

Scan this QR code to learn
more about the walk

July 29, 2024 Update

Chris here, for what seems like an eternity since the last time I posted an update in the blog. 

Thought I would share some brief updates since the last update in June.  With the postings on Instagram and blog posts, it’s no secret that Lauren is no longer with Revolve.  I am so proud of what Lauren became at Revolve.  Lauren started her career at Revolve as an intern, working harder than anyone that I know to end her legacy as Chief Merchandising Officer.  I will be forever grateful for Michael & Mike at Revolve who put their faith and trust in Lauren.  I firsthand witnessed the company grow from about forty to fifty people when Lauren started, to being a publicly traded company with thousands of employees.  With Lauren’s memories of Revolve, I often shared them with her with the many Revolve events and the relationships she garnered along the way.  I too worked at Revolve for a short period of time and will never forget the people there.  What I will never forget is the Revolve family going above and beyond to constantly support Lauren but even check in on me when Lauren was at her worst.  So, thank you Revolve from the bottom of my heard. 

 

What’s next for Lauren, well let’s just say something is in the works, but right now she is focusing on herself, volunteering with various breast cancer organizations, but living life and baking cookies and treats, is paramount.

 

Dr. Vandermolen visit last Thursday was another monthly routine visit where he checked Lauren’s blood panel, tumor markers, and the area where lymph nodes were removed.  Everything continues to trend in a positive stable manner.  It’s always a bit unnerving going into the monthly Dr. Vandermolen visit, you just never know if something is going to pop up during the visit but seeing him always seems to bring a sense of calmness and hope that if something does happen, Lauren will be in good hands.  We will continue to always take a new “normal” test result as a win in our books.

 

Dr. Vandermolen scheduled Lauren to have a PET scan in September.  Going into the test, it will be a totally different set of feelings and a sense of nervousness and anxiousness.  We know in the back of our mind, things will be just fine, but again, without knowing the unknown, it’s hard not to worry but we just take things as they come.  We will be sure to post an update as soon as we get information.  This test is simply routine (annually) and not because of any concerns Dr. Vandermolen may have.

 

Since the last posting in June, Lauren and I spent some time in Coeur d’Alene.  Although I had to work, Lauren was able to show her mom and stepdad around the town since it was their first time up there.  Did a few finishing touches to the place like assembling the replacement dining table and most importantly, for me 😊, wiring in a ton of lights in the garage.  It was damn warm up there, but manageable since the humidity never peaked over 30%, and the lake only about 15 minutes away from us.  For Lauren’s first time, we rented a jet-ski and roamed around the lake.  All this the week after Lauren left Revolve and leading to her appointment with Dr. Vandermolen.  The trip was well needed.

 

Lake Coeur d'Alene Sunset

Until next time, and thank you for following along.

 

June 28, 2024: Quick Update

Yesterday morning, I had my monthly visit with Dr. Vandermolen to get the results of my recent MRI, all was clear, thank goodness and which was to be expected (this MRI was of my tailbone and spine to see why my leg has been going numb when I fly - more to come once I see a back doctor next week).  

When I had told my parents the good news (they were of course happy too), my dad then told me that a family friend had passed away yesterday morning from cancer.  I grew up watching him play hockey with my dad and I remember his big smile, his friendly disposition and that he was always cursing!  He was very religious and his cancer was terminal and he knew it, so praying was really important to him.  When I got sick he’d message me all the time, telling me how proud he was of me, that I was doing great and that when I was done with treatment we’d get together and pray. I was supposed to go visit him with my dad a couple weeks ago, as his doctor had moved him to hospice because his treatments had stopped working. Unfortunately I got sick and could not go, but my dad was able to visit him and send a hug from me and to thank him for always praying for me. My dad told him how well I’ve been doing and he cried tears of joy; he knew his time was coming to an end but he was happy for our family and me that I was doing so well.  

Days like yesterday remind me how this disease can be full of so much sadness but then also so much joy.  I’m sad that life can be taken from you in the blink of an eye (even if you don’t have cancer), that cancer is one hell of a disease and that we lost a good guy yesterday. But, while I let the sadness settle, I also live in the happiness. Happy my MRI was clear, that my tumor marker continues to remain normal and that I am alive.  Mark’s cancer was very different than mine, but cancer is cancer, no matter what kind you have and it was a day full of highs and lows with this thing called 'cancer' that I’m just grateful to be in a good place.

Drink some beers, play some hockey and laugh a lot, Mark. Thank you for always cheering me on.

MRI 6.24.2024 - my hair is getting so long!

June 2, 2024 - National Cancer Survivors Day & Latest Updates

It’s been a minute since we have posted any updates here, mostly been sharing and updating on all the various organizations that have been so kind to share our story and my journey.  But, today is National Cancer Survivors Day so it felt fitting to provide some updates.  

We celebrated two years from my diagnosis day on April 7th.  Chris and I spent the day together doing the things we love the most – riding our bikes, spending time with family and enjoying life. I’ve tried very hard to turn all the bad days into good days and see the other side of the days that changed our world.  A few tears are always shed but I accept them and then work towards finding joy in the fact that I am alive!  We also celebrated my 40^th birthday 3 days later.  Chris and my sister threw me a surprise party at one of our favorite restaurants and it was so fun to see family & friends come together to celebrate another year.  All I wanted for my birthday was a trip to our favorite place, Maui (which we took a few weeks later) but this surprise party was so fun and just made my heart so full.  Apparently, I had told my sister a while back that I wanted a surprise party one day, so I got my wish.  Maui was perfect and exactly what we needed after a busy month of celebrations.  We took a trip to our house in Coeur d’Alene over Memorial Day weekend and got to enjoy the house, the weather and our neighbors – that place is really special and we love being there.

Our last night in Maui, until next time!

Morimoto Night

Near the lake by our house in CDA, Tubbs Hill.

April 7, 2024 - Bike Ride - 2 years from diagnosis day.

A really big change is coming July 12^th and I am so excited (of course a little nervous) but it just feels so right.  I have resigned from the company I have been at for 16 years.  I am so grateful, honored and proud of everything I was able to accomplish there, from Intern to Chief Merchandising Officer, there are a lot of memories and a lot of accomplishments that I will take with me forever.  Cancer changed me and everything I thought was important in a career just isn’t there anymore – my drive and motivation are very different now than what they were before cancer.  I hear this happens a lot with those that go through a life changing event like cancer and it did just that for me.  I am not sure what I am going to do next, but I know that to figure it out, I need to spend some time just living life a little.  

My health has been great.  Every month I go to see Dr. Vandermolen and get a blood draw (we always try to make him laugh – he’s very stoic so it’s like a game every time we go) and he tells me I’m doing great and my tumor marker looks good.  Our appointments are quick but those 5-10 minutes of seeing him each month give us great peace of mind and reassurance.  I saw my plastic surgeon in March and my breast surgeon in April – both were pleased with my progress and remind me of all the progress I’ve made the past 2 years.  Dr. Vandermolen has ordered for me to have an MRI the end of this month as the past 2 times we have flown I have experienced some numbness in my left leg – he does not think it is anything but I appreciate that he doesn’t ignore the things I bring up to him.  I am still in physical therapy and go once a week, I have made such huge progress and am so thankful to our trainer and my therapist – the combination of working with them has gotten me back to pre-surgery capabilities.

Visiting Dr. Vandermolen on May 30th.  My hair is finally in a ponytail again - with lots of bobby pins.

We are celebrating Chris’s birthday on Tuesday.  It’s weird to think back 2 years ago, it feels so long ago, that we were home and had a private chef over because I was in treatment to celebrate his 40^th.  We have another trip planned for July to Coeur d’ Alene and are just excited for all the things to come.  

As mentioned in the beginning of this post, today is National Cancer Survivors Day.  This is a BIG day.  To me this day has 3 meanings.

1. I was diagnosed with a disease that changed the meaning of life for me.  It is precious, it is a privilege, and it is my most prized possession.
2.  Chris and I are quite a team.  We’ve gone through tough events, but this takes the cake, and we came out of it stronger than ever.  We really both survived cancer, in very different ways and I will never forget that and will always remind people that he is a survivor too.
3. I now have an unwavering desire to educate, empower and give others a glimmer of hope when they are faced with a cancer diagnosis.   This is what I am trying to figure out how to continue to push forward over the coming months and years – more to come!

Ultimately being a survivor comes with fear but when those thoughts come up I let them simmer and then return my focus back to the above 3 meanings because that is what it means to me to be a survivor and it is one of my greatest titles.  

Hope everyone has a wonderful Summer!

 

XO,

Lauren

Susan G. Komen Blog Post: April 1, 2024

Lauren’s Story: Educating Others About BRCA Gene Mutations & Breast Cancer Risk

Just before her 38th birthday, Lauren Yerkes learned she had breast cancer. Genetic testingwould reveal she had the BRCA2 inherited gene mutation that made her at higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. “My experience has made me want to educate people about inherited BRCA mutations and to push for genetic testing, because people don’t really talk about it,” Lauren said. “I had no idea I was at risk.”

Several months before her breast cancer diagnosis, Lauren felt a lump in her breast. She immediately went to the doctor, but because she wasn’t yet 40, they didn’t think it was anything, however her doctor went ahead and set up a mammogram and sonogram, just to be sure.

“They didn’t find anything,” Lauren said. “They said to come back if anything changed or once I turned 40.”

Then, about two weeks before her diagnosis, Lauren woke up one morning and noticed yellow stains on her shirt. Later, she realized it was discharge coming out of her nipple. Lauren went back to the doctor, who sent her for another ultrasound and then a biopsy.

“I was at home when I got the phone call. I remember the first thing they said – are you sitting down or driving? And I thought oh no,” she recalled. “I heard the radiologist say,  ‘you have breast cancer.’ He said invasive ductal carcinoma and it didn’t really register what that meant. Then I realized carcinoma means cancer. My first reaction after that was, I’m going to die. My connection to cancer at that point is what I’d seen on TV or in the movies.”

Lauren’s diagnosis was stage 2 triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma. It was three days before her 38th birthday. “I realized later it’s not a death sentence and that gave me hope, but at that moment, all I could think was the worst.”

Lauren had already started chemotherapy when genetic testing revealed she had the BRCA2gene mutation, which led her to deciding on a bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery. “My breast surgeon was the first person to ask me anything about genetics. She said she wanted to test me based on my background, on the fact that I am an Ashkenazi Jew. Even though I was raised Jewish, it didn’t register to me what that meant,” Lauren said.

The BRCA2 inherited gene mutation increases a risk of breast cancer among Ashkenazi Jewish women and men; about 1 in 40 have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. Lauren’s gene mutation put her at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer, as well as other types of cancer.

“I think learning I had a BRCA2  mutation helped give a reason as to why I got cancer, especially considering my age. It gave me a reason as to why this was happening,” she said. “It showed there was nothing I could control because I can’t control my genes. In the beginning, I was upset – why did I get this and why didn’t anyone tell me about risk before?  I wish I would have known I had a genetic mutation, so I could have potentially gotten ahead of the surgeries.”

Lauren’s chemotherapy treatment proved to be difficult. She was originally supposed to have a total of 16 rounds, but ultimately only had 14 rounds. During round 12, she started vomiting. “I’d dealt with nausea, but never that,” she said. “It was 5, 6, 7 times a day. I couldn’t keep anything down.” Two weeks after treatment passed and she still couldn’t keep anything down. She lost 35 pounds. Her doctor sent her to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy, which showed ulcers in Lauren’s esophagus and stomach. She ended up getting a feeding tube, which she had for three months.

“My husband and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on the day I got my feeding tube,” she said. “During treatment, somebody told me ‘you’ll get your life back’ and I held on to that every day because treatment was really hard for me.”

During this time, a friend of the family who is a therapist gave Lauren coping techniques to use. “Whenever I was overwhelmed or at a breaking point, I’d sit and tell myself I’m sitting in a chair and I’m breathing, and it calms me down,” Lauren said. “I still use those techniques even now.”

Lauren’s husband helped her stay the course during treatment. “There were days when he’d say, okay, you’re going to take a walk today, even if it’s just around the block, or okay, I need you to fold laundry today. He gave me something to focus on other than just sitting and dwelling on what I was going through,” she said. “He was amazing.”

Because a mutation in the BRCA2 gene is inherited, several of Lauren’s family members also had genetic testing after she received her results, including her sister, maternal grandmother and mother. While her sister and grandmother did not test positive, Lauren’s mother did, and she chose to have a preventive hysterectomy and double mastectomy. One of her mother’s brothers also tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation and will now have screenings for breast cancer and prostate cancer. Additionally, his two young daughters will be tested in the coming years.

This past December, Lauren also had a preventive hysterectomy. “This reduces my chance of getting ovarian cancer, and I want to do whatever I can to prevent cancer from being a part of my life. What can I do so I’m not going to get cancer again,” she said. “I tell people if you are given the opportunity and you have the means to get genetic testing, do it. You want to take control of your health and the next steps.”

Read about family history risk factors and learn about your risk of breast cancer.