Miralda's eyes is a soft green sea of glass. Expressive, lively, they light up when she smiles (which she does often) and the dancing fool around when he laughed.
Then suddenly, unexpectedly, they were glistening with tears. This operation, he said shyly. He was afraid of surgery. From the hospital, and the pain afterwards. He blinked, shook his head gently, and tears disappear.
And that's the only time during our two hour meeting that he showed fear that, in a strange way, is a relief because I was so shocked by what he has to go through, that fear that I can connect with.
In January, scientists confirmed what Miralda Genetics has been suspected for years - that she carried the gene for breast cancer.
Her mother had breast cancer at age 32, and died at 50 when the cancer is eating into the bones. Aletta grandmother was 62 when they found cancer in one breast. He lived for 14 years before it spread to his bone marrow. Aunt Sylvia cancer spread from her colon to the liver, and 10 years ago my aunt had a mastectomy Elain (bilateral) double.
"That's when my mother died that the doctor advised me to go for genetic testing," said Miralda 'and I want to do it, but with grief and trauma that followed I never got around to it.'
A year later he suggested again, and this time he made contact with the clinic. They take a full family history, and against that there is something obvious descendant of the required further investigation.
Geneticists required blood samples from close relatives who have had breast cancer, and in terms of who is the aunt Miralda, Elain. Most families are at risk of having a unique gene mutation that carries on from generation to generation. The only way to isolate a particular mutation is to test a living relative.
Hereditary breast cancer occurs in approximately 10% of breast cancers, and in terms of Miralda an 80% chance he will develop at some point in his life.
He has three choices:
monitor the breasts for any changes or signs of cancer through regular mammograms, ultrasound and sonar Magnet; Resonance Imaging (MRI);
go the route of chemo to use preventive medications such as tamoxifen or raloxifene. Studies show that these drugs can reduce the risk by 60%, but they carry side effects;
or to have both breasts removed, which doctors term 'reduce the risk of mastectomy.
Miralda choose the third option, generally (and obviously) the most popular among young women.
'I was told that because I have the gene, I have a 80% chance of triggering breast cancer, obviously, I want to prevent, "said Miralda. What initially did not realize is that breast tissue loss also means the loss of her nipples." It was a real surprise . Until then I thought it would be a bit like a breast reduction surgery, but when I heard I had lost my nipples too, I'm not so sure anymore.
'I was very hesitant, "said Miralda, but his family history, and the knowledge that 25% of all women who get breast cancer develops in the nipple, finally persuaded him.' My father was very supportive - he never saw what my mom went through - and my brother said that at the end of the day we all get old ... at least this way I will not be sick, I must live. "
Elain was his aunt who was a big inspiration. He was so positive, he was successful and amazing. He said life is not the end after you lose your breast. His trick is to wear beautiful lingerie. He said it made him feel fantastic 'Miralda are in long-term stable relationship .. It is important that he involve his girlfriend in his decision. Miralda doctor who talks to him about the procedure, displays the images of this type of breast re-construction after the surgery he had.
Other friends are not so encouraging. "They were terrified. They could not understand why I want my breasts removed, why not just routine," he said. Miralda is a woman, a young vibrant sporty with a beautiful figure and pretty big breasts. I understand the disappointment of his friends.
"They do not understand that I'm fighting for my life here. There are days when I felt the whole world was against me," he said. "Watching my mother suffer from is a big part of my decision. Yes, it is difficult to do. My life has turned upside down. Choose mastectomy is as healthy as you choose amputation. But I honestly believe I did everything I possibly can to prevent breast cancer, "she said, her green eyes blazing with passionate conviction." This is my second chance. '
For a moment he was silent, staring at his coffee. Then he said: 'Can you imagine what it would be like if I chose to go the route of regular monitoring? Every time I go to the next examination I was wondering if the test is positive this time. I can not stand to live with a kind of fear every day of my life. '
Having just driven a dry-mouthed from my doctor's consulting room to the clinic for my first mammogram, I had a hunch about that fear. The possibility that the cancer would appear that crippling.
Our interview over, he gets up to go. Slender body in a figure-hugging polo-neck catch the eyes of a young man at the next table. I have no doubt that this woman, incredibly brave beautiful young flirty be catching a lot more in the future.
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