Sister Visit and Unexpected News

Mary Jo's sister Anne drove up from Omaha on Thursday to visit and just spend some "sister time" with Mary Jo. The girls shared lots of laughs especially when Michelle (MJ's youngest sis) and Mary Jo's mom would joined us for dinner on Thursday and Friday night. They all laughed to tears trying on MJ's new wig collection. That gag never seams to get old. Nick, MJ's nephew also joined us on Saturday night for dinner. It was good to see Mary Jo with her family together and laughing. Michelle received some shocking news on Saturday. Her genetic test results of the BRCA2 gene mutation came back positive, same as Mary Jo. All of Mary Jo's five siblings have a 50/50 chance of being a carrier of the BRCA2 gene, called the "cancer gene". Michelle and her husband Brian met with Sherri Balldigger, the genetic counselor at Abbott. Sherri explained to Michelle that because she carries this gene mutation, just like Mary Jo, she faces the extremely high odds of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Michelle will likely, as a precaution go through the same surgical procedures as Mary Jo, a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy. Michelle will have more doctor visits this coming week. At this point, Michelle carries the gene but it is important to note has not tested positive for any cancer and we are all praying she is clear. Mary Jo's mom and older sister Teresa have also had the genetic test performed but their results are still unknown. We continue to urge Ann and both of the brothers, Jerry and Rich to also have this simple blood test. The knowledge could save your life.