Karen’s Journey: A Previvor’s Decision to Take Control

I removed my healthy breasts and ovaries and have no regrets. In fact, I am extremely proud of my decision and would not change a thing.

I tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation, which gave me an 87% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and a 40% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. I felt like a ticking time bomb. I knew I could control my fate, and so, I dealt cancer a pre-emptive strike!

Understanding My Genetic Risk

My story began 12 years ago when my father tested positive for the BRCA mutation. Yes, men can inherit the BRCA mutation. We inherit 50% of our genetics from our mother and 50% from our father. It is VERY IMPORTANT to look at both sides of your family history.

Taking Action: Risk-Reducing Surgeries

After I received my positive results, I knew that I was going to have risk-reducing surgeries. Six weeks later, I underwent a full hysterectomy and oophorectomy (removal of ovaries). Two months later, I had my risk-reducing double mastectomy with reconstruction.

Creating a Community of Support

During this time, I created a women’s-only online peer support community on Facebook. It is the largest support group of its kind for women experiencing hereditary breast or ovarian cancer or who are at high risk for a hereditary mutation. We are 10,000 strong and growing daily.

Overcoming Challenges and Redefining Beauty

Throughout the years, I experienced many complications and had an additional seven surgeries to correct them. I was not interested in more surgery, so I decided to define beauty on my own terms and had a beautiful floral design tattooed on my left breast to cover my incision lines.

After this life-changing experience, I reached out to P-ink.org, a mastectomy tattoo organization that provides free mastectomy tattoos for women post-mastectomy, and told them I was bringing this initiative to Montreal. Five years later, I have been able to provide 15 women with an amazing experience thanks to the generosity of my tattoo artists.

Advocacy and Awareness

I have become a huge patient advocate and have had great opportunities come my way.

I have been featured in a BuzzFeed video that has reached more than 2.7 million viewers.

I have walked in NYFW for AnaOno Lingerie, a company that designs mastectomy bras and clothing.

I have been on the cover of Inked Magazine for a feature called Inked for a Cure, with 112 other breast cancer survivors. (I was the only previvor.)

I have also been fortunate enough to speak publicly from Canada to Iceland and focus on numerous topics:

Hereditary cancers

Being your own advocate

Defining beauty on your own terms

Advocating for recalled implants

Peer support

Navigating surveillance and surgeries

And more.

I also have a very large focus on metastatic breast cancer and how little funding goes to it.

A Message from Learn Look Locate

At Learn Look Locate, Karen’s courageous battle against breast cancer touches our hearts deeply. We are honored to share her story, offering a platform for survivors to come together, learn, and find solace in one another’s experiences. Through our diverse range of resources, including Karen’s survivor narrative, our mission is to empower individuals at every phase of their cancer journey.

We proudly stand by Karen and all those who demonstrate remarkable courage, celebrating their strength and reminding the world that hope shines brightest, even amidst life’s greatest trials.

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