Number 21 Today

Mary Jo and Campbel

Mary Jo and I enjoyed the nice unseasonably warm weather this past weekend. We even went for a few walks around Cobblestone Lake as the snow is all but melted now and the sidewalks and paths are becoming clear and dry. Mary Jo starts week five (session 21 of 33) of radiation therapy today. She really has not complained of any side effects and is tolerating the sessions well. We have just twelve more sessions to go after today, a couple weeks off and then the hysterectomy on April 16th.


Mary Jo’s has chosen to most aggressive approaches to battling the cancers associated with the BRCA2 gene by electing to surgically remove the effected breasts and attempting to eliminate the possibility of developing ovarian cancer with a prophylactic hysterectomy.

We received the news last week regarding the results from Mary Jo’s elder sister Ann, regarding her BRCA2 genetic test. Ann tested positive. Amazingly, all six siblings have tested positive for the cancer gene mutation. Genetic counselors had told us prior to testing that with a positive test of a parent, each offspring would have a 50/50 chance of carrying the BRCA2 gene mutation. Being a carrier of the BRCA2 gene does not mean you HAVE cancer or WILL GET cancer but it does dramatically increase the odds of developing several serious types of cancer associated with the gene mutation.

Ann and (Ann’s husband) Tracy are learning what options may be best for them and have not indicated what path they will take regarding Ann’s possible treatment or more vigilant observation.

Mary Jo’s eldest sister Teresa is scheduled for her double mastectomy (she already had a hysterectomy) with reconstruction on April 13th.

Mary Jo’s youngest sister Michelle was schedule on April 2nd for a double mastectomy and total hysterectomy but Michelle and Brian are likely going to reschedule for a few weeks later.

April looks like it’s shaping up to be a very busy month in hospitals and waiting rooms for the family. Please pray for Mary Jo and her sisters. Prayer is powerful and so is knowledge. We are so blessed to have this technology be available today so these women can take a proactive role in combating the cancer before its too late.