Genetically Flawed - Surviving the Breast Cancer I May Never Have
When Veronica Neave tested positive for the BRCA2 `breast cancer gene' she was devastated. The genetic test, combined with her family's history, increased the probability of one day battling breast cancer to more than 85%. Veronica had watched her mother's ongoing struggle and knew well the history of other relatives dying young at the hands of this pernicious disease. When Veronica's two sisters also tested positive for the gene, it seemed the deadly pattern was destined to continue. Veronica's options - on paper at least - seemed simple: prevention through high maintenance testing, medication, or the more intrusive step of removing her healthy breasts, and possibly her ovaries too, in the hope of prevention. With her breasts now centre stage, the decision was extremely personal and introspective and yet also seemed to be everybody's business. As she unravelled the information of experts from across the medical spectrum and views from others, Veronica battled her own beliefs about sexuality, body image and even the thought that her breast removal and reconstruction would be seen as a cosmetic `improvement' by many, not as a life-saving operation. Pieces of Me is a beautifully written, informative and thought-provoking account of Veronica's journey from initial diagnosis with the BRCA2 gene mutation to her decision to remove her healthy breasts. Along the way she shares her choices, insights and fears as she untangles the different perspectives and advice, to eventually find her own way.
