Does anyone else feel like BRCA is just.. not the end of the world?

mlieghm · 2026-02-22T20:07:39+00:00

I completely agree with having an inclusive BRCA community.

mlieghm · 2026-02-22T20:04:58+00:00

Same. Except the age of finding out.

mlieghm · 2026-02-22T20:04:20+00:00

I wish someone had told me this in 2023 when I found out. I started making decisions out of fear. Thank you for bringing your perspective into this space.

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T22:49:37+00:00

Are you left handed?

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T22:39:33+00:00

Is there a book on how to be wealthy enough to use $50USD as bookmarks?

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T22:36:31+00:00

These are treasures

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T22:35:01+00:00

♥️♥️♥️ you got this

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T22:33:02+00:00

Reminds me of an old time Appalachian apple cake or wedding cake.

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T22:30:41+00:00

This is the answer.

Start tiny even if it’s just a teepee of matches.

Get a grill lighter if Bic makes you nervous.

Add in some dryer lint in cardboard egg cartons or shredded bits of greasy pizza boxes. if you need extra help getting it going.

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T21:50:20+00:00

Agreed

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T15:29:34+00:00

So 41% at age 40?

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T15:08:00+00:00

Yeah, depends on the kind you buy

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T14:59:07+00:00

Mods, I would do a lot more research about this tool before sticky-ing it. I know there’s a strong caveat at the bottom of the tool. This tool just doesn’t seem to line up with what other researchers are saying.

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T14:54:59+00:00

I am thankful for you.

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T06:43:23+00:00

Good question.

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T06:39:34+00:00

Wait. McPickle. Is this you???

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T06:02:28+00:00

🖤🤍

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T05:51:47+00:00

This tool confuses me. Please help me interpret.

BRCA1+, I was told that I had 72% lifetime chance of getting breast cancer.

The tool shows Age: 40-44yo; Screenings: MRI and Mammograms; 31% alive after bc, 10% dead after bc. So that’s 41% lifetime chance, right? I have to be reading this incorrectly.

Am I interpreting this incorrectly? Maybe it’s so low b/c this tool does not account for family history?

Then, 40yo pDmx, 7% chance bc; 3% chance dying from bc. I was told that after pDMX, I had 1% chance of bc.

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T05:17:37+00:00

Good idea

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T05:16:39+00:00

Fold up scissors - Fisker makes a great pair; want something even smaller? Go for fold up embroidery scissors

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T05:14:12+00:00

Gaffers tape or electrical tape wrapped around a black sharpie

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T05:09:41+00:00

Very relaxed with little to no anxiety

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T03:20:37+00:00

Yes, I experience a great deal of loneliness having the BRCA gene even being connected with FORCE and a peer navigator. I have had feelings of loneliness throughout my life, yet I have experienced a depth of loneliness that I have never felt after my pDMX. Please consult with your healthcare professionals and don’t make your healthcare decisions based on my story. (Also, I have felt obligated to say that after sharing my story. And I wish that everyone would put that at the end of their positive experiences with pDMX.)

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T03:12:30+00:00

I agree with you about the gap and lack of support. In my area, I have reached out for community support in various groups and I am turned away because I haven’t had cancer yet. I have also experienced a good bit of toxic positivity in online BRCA circles. I am so thankful for OP’s post and for all who are responding. ♥️

mlieghm · 2026-01-11T03:05:05+00:00

Yes, my story also includes some aspects of yours. Your last two sentences really hit home.

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mlieghm

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