My Point of Heu |
7/2/2019 Wearing my Scars with Pride![]() A few months ago I made a decision to prolong my life... Instead of living with an extremely high risk of breast cancer, I opted to reduce this risk by over 90%. I had a simple bilateral mastectomy. What this means is I had a preventative surgery involving having both of my natural breasts removed. Yes, I opted to surgically remove both of my breasts in an effort to live a longer, healthier, happier and more productive life. With that I also opted not to undergo reconstruction (get implants), so I went completely flat. You might be wondering why someone under the age of 40, living a highly active lifestyle and in stellar shape would decide to have this done. Well, first and foremost I am an only child to a single parent, so I don't know anything about my paternal side of the family, but what I can tell you about my maternal family is a bit alarming. When I was just about to enter high school my mom's youngest sister died from cancer at the age of 34. I remember this because I was still living at home and my mom said it had spread from her breasts to her bones and literally everywhere. This was the first time I had heard about someone with cancer in our family. Then when I was working at KHON I remember taking a call from my grandmother and she was undergoing radiation for breast cancer. Again on my maternal side cancer begins to rear its ugly head. In 2016, my mother told me that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought a courageous fight and after it had metastasized to her scull, liver, and etc she passed away in 2018. Since then my medical attempts at prevention began to increase. I had already been receiving a mammogram and MRI every six months, but they opted to do more testing. It turns out I tested positive for a genetic mutation called the RAD50 gene abnormality. This is a newer gene, compared to the commonly known BRCA1 and BRCA2, that is associated with an increased chance to develop female breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and possibly other types of cancer. They said it was very likely that my mother passed this genetic mutation on to me. In the midst of all this cancer talk and drama, I was scheduled for my mammogram. As luck would have it they found something in my left breast. Lucky for me it was deemed benign and life goes on right? I had hoped that life would go on as long as possible and as long as I would like it to, so I decided to tackle the risk and opted to have my breasts surgically removed. I did a ton of research, saw several reconstructive surgeons, spoke to about a dozen breast cancer survivors and opted to have my surgery in the spring. It was an emotional time... nipple sparing wasn't an option because of the breast size and it was the anniversary of my mother's passing, my first time in the hospital (as I have never broken a bone or had surgery, I've never been under anesthesia and yes, I was scared) and it was the first time I would be staring cancer face on and saying NO. My husband encouraged me to document the process, I initially didn't want to but he noted that I could help so many people in the future. So, I took videos from the day before my surgery through the entire recovery and so on. Overall, the procedure went perfectly. My recovery was pleasant and now I am back to my old self again, with some limited range of motion of my arms and I lost 5 pounds from my chest... But I am doing well. I don't miss my breasts, I don't regret what I did, I am open to talking about it and interested in sharing my experience in time. Boobs don't define you, they didn't define me and honestly when I am out in public no one seems to notice they are gone. Mainly folks who know me will say I look like I lost weight, but the majority of the time no one says anything because they don't see anything. I am healed now and able to tell my story and when the time is right I will do so with courage and will continue to wear my scars with pride. 7/6/2019 07:47:21 am
Well, that's the right attitude to live by. If we let every scar affect us big time, then we might not be able to explore other things and explore ourselves as well. We don't want want such thing to happen, do you? That's why I am still hoping that people would learn to see scars as something to be proud of. They can never have the scar if they didn't fight too much. Scars means you have survived something, so you should wear it with pride. People will admire you if you are true to yourself and you don't hiding something from the public's eyes!
Sonny kaoo
7/15/2019 11:43:53 pm
So sorry about your mom I remember she lived around the corner from us and I used to visit her a lot ..that’s so courageous and awesome you did that and your husband supports you my prayers are with you glad you’re doing ok
Olena
7/23/2019 11:02:17 pm
Thank you. I hope the family is well.
Luci Donohue
7/16/2019 12:03:37 am
Hi Olena..thank you for sharing your story..you are awesome. Take care..💕luci
Olena
7/23/2019 11:02:42 pm
Thank you so much for your unwavering support and love Luci.
Lori Kiyabu Balisacan
7/16/2019 01:22:46 am
Mahalo Olena for sharing your story. I know deep down your story has helped other women to find courage to face it head on.
Olena
7/23/2019 11:03:33 pm
Thank you so much, every where I go and every day online people are sharing their cancer stories with me and it is emotional but also therapeutic as well.
Venus
7/16/2019 01:44:54 am
You are an inspiration! Mahalo for sharing your story as it gives others the courage to fight that nasty disease. Be proud of your scars! A true warrior! Venus
Olena
7/23/2019 11:04:08 pm
Thank you so much... I didn't mean to become a warrior but I hope to spread awareness.
Olena
7/23/2019 11:04:59 pm
Thank you so very much... I feel the love and the difference already. So many people made aware now. Mahalo for sharing your story. My wife went thru the same thing 5 years ago at age 30. It was a rough few months with self esteem issues but with love and daily affirmations, we pulled thru and wears her scars with pride too. Stay strong and know that you're just as beautiful today as you were before. Love and aloha
Olena
7/23/2019 11:05:27 pm
Wow 30?! You guys are amazing and thank you for sharing.
LEIMOMIJ
7/16/2019 12:11:53 pm
Prayer for optimal health...going forward. MAHALO NUI LOA for sharing your story, I’m sure it will strengthen other women facing breast cancer. GOD BLESS YOU
Olena
7/23/2019 11:06:10 pm
Thank you so much, I find the strength inside from others too.
Leilani Aki
7/16/2019 01:14:36 pm
You are awesome! Thank you for sharing a most difficult life journey. I know that your aloha will be a blessing to others. Be Blessed!
Olena
7/23/2019 11:06:29 pm
Thank you so very much!
Haunani Hendrix
7/16/2019 03:38:51 pm
Brave, brave, brave ~
Olena
7/23/2019 11:06:49 pm
Mahalo nui, see you soon!
Sterling
7/16/2019 03:58:35 pm
Aloha Olena, your story really touched me and brought back many painful memories. I normally don't like talking about these things. 40 years ago, I was just out of college and came home to Hawaii. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. It still feels like it happened yesterday. I was with her as she went through radiation and chemo and I saw what it did to her. In the end, about a year later the cancer moved to her bones and she died a very painful death. These experiences change you forever. A few years after that my sister decided to have a full mastectomy. While I didn't quite understand it, she was going through some very trying times, waking up with bad dreams and anxiety attacks. Unfortunately we didn't have all the medical and DNA technology we have today. After the operation she became a new person and then I understood. She is still working today, full of life. I am inspired by your decision and fully understand. Wishing all the best to you Olena.
Olena
7/23/2019 11:01:44 pm
Thank you so much for sharing your inspiring words. This give hope to so many.
Dee
7/16/2019 05:00:30 pm
You are beautiful and amazing! Thank you for sharing your story! 💜💜
Olena
7/23/2019 11:00:47 pm
Thank you so much for your support and love.
Pam
7/19/2019 01:38:55 pm
I'm sorry to hear of your plight. I also see you don't know anything about your paternal side of the family, which is not such a good place to be in given your predicament. I believe I can help you with your paternal side if you are interested, just email me. No joke and I'm not trying to sell you anything, not a stalker, etc, etc...
Olena
7/23/2019 11:00:12 pm
Thank you so much. I had gotten in touch with an aunt after my mom's passing... thus far I've been ok just being on my own. Mahalo tho.
haunani meatoga
7/20/2019 08:01:22 pm
Thank you for your Trust. I am a "high risk" 65 year old. I will never forget your encouraging and empowering words. Again, Thank you for sharing THIS part of your Life's journey with us. May you enjoy a LONGGGGG and happy life dear Olena.
Olena
7/23/2019 11:07:18 pm
Thank you so much, you are an inspiration.
Olena
7/23/2019 10:59:10 pm
Mahalo for your kind words. You are strong and you are beautiful. I appreciate you.
Yanon
12/19/2020 02:41:41 pm
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