I was diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome in January 2017 after my dad, who has been battling colon, ureter, and liver cancer had his genetic testing done and tested positive for the mutation (MSH2). I can very clearly remember sitting in the genetic counselor's office in December, looking at my sister and being very clearly aware that one of us would in all likelihood test positive for Lynch Syndrome. Thanks to my genes, I drew the short straw.
I remember reading the different cancers associated with Lynch Syndrome--colorectal, endometrial, ovarian, stomach, small intestine, hepatobiliary tract (I didn't even know what that WAS), urinary tract, brain, and skin cancers. That list is hefty, and with each cancer and it's own special inherent risk--I could feel the crushing weight of it. It feels pretty terrible to think of your body as a ticking time bomb. I met with my genetic counselor and an oncologist with a laundry list of specialists I needed to see, and it was completely overwhelming. That was in January. I didn't make my first appointment with a specialist until April. I was annoyed. I felt inconvenienced. I was only 31. Why did my body have to completely betray me like this?
My first colonoscopy yielded two polyps. Learning that, I realized the severity of my Lynch diagnosis. Cancer is a real risk, and had I not been tested and diagnosed--what could those polyps have become? I probably wouldn't have had a colonoscopy for almost another 20 years if I didn't know I was Lynch-positive. Those two tiny polyps could have become full-blown cancer and I would have been none of the wiser.
In the last six months, I've had eight different biopsy or screening procedures performed. Yes--I am tired of being poked and prodded and I grumble about it, but I am grateful to know that I have Lynch Syndrome. I know screening and preventative care make all the difference. I know I have to play the if/when game with cancer, but if/when it comes...I am armed and ready.
I am grateful for my doctors. And most of all, I am grateful for my dad, who has been bravely fighting the good fight against cancer for two years. His journey has not been an easy one, but his love and sacrifice for me and my sister could very well save my life one day.