The Pink Journey Foundation Spotlight - March 2024

 

Following along with the topic of Gene history, testing, and its role in our current research for breast cancer, we continue our chat with Lauren Yerkes and her breast cancer journey from our February newsletter.

Lauren's call for help is not for herself, at this point, but for others who may walk the same cancer journey she was on. Her call for help is for the many who are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age deemed by insurance companies to get the scans and procedures needed to save lives. Lauren's own struggle with getting her first mammogram, began at the age of 37 because she wasn't yet 40 (recommended age to start mammograms for women without a history of breast cancer) even though she felt a lump. She was told by a doctor and radiologist that she shouldn't worry especially since she didn't have any family history of breast cancer. Her mammogram was clear, ultrasound was clear, and the radiologist didn't feel what Lauren felt. Lauren was so sure there was something more going on and couldn't get the thought out of her mind. Four months later she woke up to nipple discharge, but once again nothing was showing in imaging. It wasn't until the radiologist felt what she was feeling and did a biopsy did she find out she had breast cancer. Lauren's amazing breast surgeon asked her if she came from a European decent, nothing she had thought of before. She did a blood test for genetic testing where she found out she is a BRCA carrier. This was when Lauren's sharp mind started to further question the rules set forth in the health industry for genetic testing, mammograms and more when a woman doesn't fit the criteria of getting a mammogram or being tested. "At no point in my years as an adult did any doctor ask me about my family history or question if I was of European decent, despite filling out paper forms that asked my history," shared Lauren.  She asked herself, "Why isn't it an option for every person to get a blood panel at the age of 18 or 21 to determine if they are a carrier of certain genetic mutations? We can vote at 18, drink alcohol at 21, but we can never know how to live a long and healthy life?" Frustrated, Lauren shared that had she known in her early 20's that her chances of getting cancer were so high, she would have been put on screening sooner and would have started to reevaluate her own health to prevent cancer from forming in her own body. "They say knowledge is power and I wholeheartedly believe that to be true. If someone had told me prior to April 7, 2022, that I would get cancer, I would have been as proactive as possible to do everything I could to try to prevent it from forming," said Lauren. She didn't want others to go through what she did if they could avoid it. Cancer does not know your age...but if you have preventative measures to avoid it wouldn't that be the best route? "I promised myself that I would educate others on the things to watch for, the importance of fighting for yourself and to give back to others who were newly diagnosed and maybe make them feel a little less scared or give them a glimmer of hope," promised Lauren.  Chris (Lauren's husband) and Lauren knew they wanted to pave the way for others, even if they were only able to help one person...fast forward and they have helped several women with their outreach. They have started their outreach to various executives at health insurance companies and government agencies asking them to require that genetic testing be done (or at least offer it) at their annual physical. "I've emailed over 30 individuals, a few bounce backs, and I've gotten two responses," shared Lauren. In her follow up emails, she has included the most recent news about the increase in cancer diagnosis for individuals under the age of 40, with breast cancer being the second most common cancer.  Lauren and Chris are not discouraged, they will continue with their persistency, determination, and time...their hope is it will change. "Everyone wants to have the choice to take care of their own bodies, and I believe we should have the control to choose if we want to try to reduce our chances of getting cancer, especially if we learn we have genetic mutations," stated Lauren from experience.

Facts that Chris and Lauren learned and found that most people don't know about BRCA: What does BRCA stand for?  BReast CAncer gene Every person has both BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but not everyone has a mutation Having this mutation carries an 87% risk of developing breast cancer; 67% risk of developing ovarian cancer; and a higher risk of pancreatic and prostate cancers Most people don't know that the BRCA gene mutation can be inherited from either parent

If you would like to follow Chris and Lauren in their continued focus to educate, promote early detection, and their outreach to medical professionals and politicians who have the power to make the changes for age limits to determine if genetic mutations exist please follow them here: Chris and Lauren Yerkes

Hereditary breast cancer is caused by genetic mutations passed down from your parents. Five to 10% of breast cancer cases are caused by inherited gene mutations.  Let's say hello to Lauren's mother, Rochelle, and walk with her through her journey surrounding breast cancer.

As told by Rochelle: I am an Ashkenazi Jewish woman, and I had never heard of the gene or an increased breast cancer risk. I have always kept up with my health and I am a member of temple sisterhood groups. How it began... I write this first as a mother of a daughter diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37. I unknowingly had the BRCA gene and passed it on to my daughter, Lauren; I was 60 years old. With Lauren's diagnosis, my successful, beautiful, fiercely independent daughter had a problem I couldn't fix. I had never been this heartbroken and scared. What we learned... Lauren's diagnosis has potentially saved the lives of other family members. Early on we learned that Lauren's cancer had a genetic component, BRCA2. With all Lauren was going through, she immediately encouraged our family to speak to their physicians regarding genetic testing. Through the genetic testing it was determined that I was the carrier of the gene passed down from my father. It was also determined that one of my brothers was also a BRCA carrier. What we did... I will start with my brother who we learned will now be at a higher risk for prostate, breast, and pancreatic cancer due to the results of genetic testing. He now gets routine checks, and his young daughters will soon receive genetic testing. As for myself, early on, it was determined through increased screening that although I was a carrier with increased risks, I showed no sign of cancer. With this knowledge, my priority continued to be Lauren's battle. Fast forward and where we are now... Lauren is cancer free and using all her powers to get the word out about the importance of genetic testing! I have since had prophylactic (elective) surgeries, a full hysterectomy and bilateral mastectomy.  Due to the results of the genetic testing and elective surgery my risks of developing breast or ovarian cancer have been reduced by 90%.

Rochelle and Lauren hope that with their story others will be proactive in genetic testing and have the benefit of making life saving choices before a cancer diagnosis.

The Pink Journey Foundation Spotlight - February 2024

 

We had the honor to share our story with The Pink Journey Foundation for the month of love, February!   Spotlight- Lauren and Chris Yerkes

In February we reflect on how love in our lives strengthens, guides, encourages, and provides that human need of being loved.  It doesn’t mean it will be easy or that we take it for granted,  as every day is a gift.  It is how we choose to live it,  hoping for many more days ahead, as if it is our last. The love story of Lauren and Chris Yerkes represents all of this and their journey through Lauren’s breast cancer treatment, together,  and are moving forward post treatment.

Lauren's creed I am a woman, a wife, a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a niece, a cousin, a boss.   I am a warrior and member of multiple teams.   I serve myself, my husband, my family, my friends and all those I encounter.   I will always place the mission first.   I will never accept defeat.   I will never quit.   I will never let my strength go.   I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, willing to learn and adapt to anything I encounter.   I will always maintain my gratitude and love for life.   I am a strong, proud cancer survivor.   I stand ready to fight off fear, uncertainty and anxiety for whatever comes my way.   I am the guardian of my life, and my husband, family and friends are here to cherish life with me.   I am a woman, a wife, a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a niece, a cousin, a boss.

The Power of love  and their fight to survive  Facts: Diagnosed on April 7, 2022 Age: 37 Family history: none Type of breast cancer: Triple Negative, Stage 2 Immunotherapy: 7 of 9 rounds of Keytruda (too weak to complete) Chemotherapy: 14 of 16 rounds (too weak to complete) Hyperbaric treatment: 30 rounds (due to nipple necrosis) Surgery: Bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction Side effects: Nausea, vomiting, ulcers, weakness Result of side effects: GI tube placement Gene disorder: BRCA 2 (gene testing) Surgery: Preventative hysterectomy Pros: Self-exam discovered a lump; later nipple discharge Persistent follow up with mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy Great insurance Great doctors, nurses Great family and friends support Cons: Shock, fear, life changing news Dr said, “You aren’t 40 yet, you don’t need to worry about breast cancer.” Under 40 Vomiting Loss of weight GI tube Ulcers Weakness (wheelchair bound during this phase) Unknown factors (what does a diagnosis of cancer bring to you) Cancer does not know your age In 2021 after Lauren found a lump in her breast followed with eventual nipple discharge, she went to her doctor and found she had a normal mammogram, normal ultrasound, and even with follow ups with these tests showing normal results.  During this four-month period, Lauren and Chris knew something wasn’t right. With Lauren’s persistence she insisted on further testing with a biopsy. This was after she was told, by a doctor, she was “too young” to have breast cancer.   The biopsy confirmed her suspicion that she had breast cancer. She was right!  She found out she had Stage 2 Triple Negative breast cancer which launced her into her cancer journey. The year 2022 was supposed to be a year of celebration for Lauren and Chris....milestones of their 10-year wedding anniversary, Chris' 40th birthday and their newly remodeled home along with visiting their favorite "go to" relaxing place, Maui. “I was raised in a family that accepted challenges and along with being in the military I learned that giving back, fighting for what’s right and not giving up was how we were going to get through this. Were we in shock and scared, yes, but we weren’t mad or sad, just that we had a fight on our hands and no money or time would deter our focus on conquering this through our optimism,” shared Chris. As the caretaker of someone going through breast cancer one takes on a different role than the patient. It is not always the easiest role to manage. Loving someone prior to any true health challenge takes on a new meaning and puts you to the test of what that commitment is to that person crossing over to a health diagnosis.  Some marriages are challenged by a cancer diagnosis, some end in divorce or are changed forever in a way that is unexpected. Chris, being the co-survivor had a different role to play in their cancer story. For him it only made his love for Lauren even stronger. To see Lauren go through the challenges and struggles of cancer were heart wrenching and painful. Both knew their marriage commitment would withstand this battle no matter what it brought.  Lauren had her own thoughts, “Initially we cried and hugged each other, Chris called our family and friends to give the news in hopes of finding support, comfort, and advice on our next steps. All I could think was people die from this and I’m not going to make it to Christmas. I was only 37! I needed to live; to live for myself, for Chris, for my family and friends. Chris was my biggest source of encouragement. We have plans to grow old together and we were not going to let cancer get in the way of that,” said Lauren. “Before breast cancer (bc) we never thought about a serious health diagnosis, we have a large family and many friends whom we spent time with and shared wonderful memories. But we were too young to worry about anything beyond enjoying our lives,” Chris and Lauren said together. Leaning on the doctors and cancer team to do their magic and move Lauren through her bc journey became their focus. Trying to maintain a sense of normalcy by continuing to work became a challenge for both Chris and Lauren.  “My company was wonderful, but I realized my self-care was important and I had to move my energy to overcoming the many ups and downs in this journey,” said Lauren. Chris supported Lauren by attending appointments with her, caretaking her medical needs, balancing work and family needs. This all jumped to the top of the priority list for him. Their daily routine quickly changed to treatment plans, scans, surgeries, and doctor appointments. Normal conversations went from planning family events and vacations to talking to those who have walked in their steps and hoping to find comfort in their knowledge.  Questions ran through their minds…with so much technological advancements in medicine why were so many institutions focused on the magical age of 40 for mammograms? Gene testing is still not utilized as a normal routine testing for women getting mammograms. Lauren had gene testing to find out she is a BRCA 2 carrier. “If we knew that Lauren was going to develop breast cancer years ago, we could have taken the necessary steps to get ahead of the breast cancer diagnosis…..vs Lauren having to be her own advocate and fight to get the scans, tests, and treatment she needed,” shared Chris. We are learning that many women are being diagnosed with breast cancer  under the age of 40. Yet many national organization guidelines, including American Cancer Society, suggest starting annual mammograms at this age, 40. American Cancer Society Recommendations for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer Lauren’s cancer journey was one tough battle. It included chemotherapy, immunotherapy, bilateral mastectomy, breast reconstruction, a GI tube, many days of sickness due to her lack of strength and ability to keep food down, time in a wheelchair, a hysterectomy….all of which threw her in to menopause in a very short period of time which normally occurs over a 10-year period….all before she was 40! Fast forward (and no disrespect to the process in getting there) Lauren and Chris have pure gratitude to the doctors, the medicine and research, the nurses, their family and friends all who supported and contributed to Lauren’s cure.  Celebrating………. In October, Lauren gathered her friends and family to support her participation in the American Cancer Society Breast Cancer walk. The year before Lauren was in a wheelchair and unable to participate, this year she walked, and she raised over $10,000 to provide support and hope to others.  Redefining how Lauren was going to live her life as a cancer survivor and Chris as a co-survivor became their focus. Being on the other side of their cancer journey; helping others as they begin their cancer story is part of what Lauren and Chris want to do to pay it forward. Not a day goes by where they don’t think back to the struggles and the unknown, but the feelings of pure pride, joy, happiness, and love move past the hard parts. Sharing their story in a blog has allowed them to inform their family and friends and hopefully educate those who may be newly diagnosed.  They call it: The Lessons We Learned as Husband and Wife.   Blogging became a therapeutic outlet for both, they wanted to share a step-by-step process through their cancer journey, turning it into a book someday. Lauren’s words of wisdom include, “It’s going to be okay; you don’t know everyone’s outcome, tomorrow is not guaranteed. Don’t try and control it, have trust and faith in those around you…family, friends, and medical staff.” Through the blog posts, they have engaged with others on their cancer journey and continue to focus on making a difference on their progress. “If we can help one person, we have made a difference,” shared Chris.    New normal post cancer diagnosis Some days it hits Lauren hard and everything that has happened to her catches up to her and she must take a minute to talk it out, cry it out or write about it. For Lauren the old “me” is gone, it has all changed. It is the fear that comes, the anger, and the crying goes on and on, but she continues to find something that brings it back to a place of optimism, a silver lining that helps her to keep moving forward. “Life is getting back to ‘normal’ or the ‘new normal. This includes constantly seeing doctors, scans, blood work, etc. but we are okay with it, as long as the news is good, and it has been. I am stronger than I ever thought I would be and much braver than I ever wished to be…my husband, family and friends were right beside me the entire way. I’m finally able to think about the things I miss and grieve the loss of the things I know will never come back or won’t come back in the same way. I hate the grief, but it helps with the growth, so I take it in stride.” reflects Lauren. November marked a few milestones for Lauren and Chris…they celebrated their 11-year wedding anniversary, one year from Lauren’s bilateral mastectomy and ONE YEAR BEING CANCER FREE!A perfect month to celebrate the many things to be “thankful” for on their journey. Lauren and Chris smiled and passed a look to each other that only their bond and love story understands, sharing that they are “dedicated to each other, that patience truly is a virtue, that acceptance is imperative to keep moving forward, that pride goes beyond the things you own, and that appreciation is the greatest gift when it comes to the life you get to live as a husband and wife.  You can read more about Lauren and Chris' story in their blog here: Lauren and Chris Yerkes cancer journey blog

Lauren and Chris met over 23 years ago (married over 12 of these years) and through many events in their life together took this life-threatening challenge on with the commitment of ..."from this day forward, for better for worse...in sickness and in health, to love and cherish always..."  2022 was supposed to be a year of celebration for Lauren and Chris-normalcy took on a new look! Family events, vacations, and "normal" routines were quickly replaced with doctor appointments, scans, treatment, surgeries, and so much more! “I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the old me. Cancer comes quick and it gives you no time to mourn the loss of what you have; the only thing you can do is focus on staying alive,” says Lauren. Support comes in many forms....Chris didn't have to do much to mirror Lauren's hair loss!  "We had a fight on our hands and no money or time would deter our focus on conquering through this with optimism," shared Chris. “Life is okay and I’m going to be okay and it’s my time to live happily ever after-so grief and worries, step aside-I’ve got a lot of love to give. I am alive, I am healthy, and I am living,” expressed Lauren.  Chris and Lauren are on the other side of cancer and are paying it forward by sharing their story on their blog as well as getting back to the "new normal" by visiting family and favorite vacation spots once again.  "We are going to grow old together!" Embracing the Journey- In shadows cast by doubt and fear,  A glimmer of hope begins to appear. Through battles fought and tears we've shed,  We find strength to face what lies ahead. The journey's path may seem unclear, But united, we'll overcome, my dear. With love and support, hand in hand, We'll navigate this foreign land. Together, we'll embrace the fight, Illuminating darkness with our might. With hope as our compass, we'll find our way,  Conquering breast cancer day by day. -Unknown

Next month we will follow Lauren and Chris and their continued outreach to various executives at health insurance companies and government agencies asking them to require that genetic testing be done, or offered, at a woman's annual physical.