Gratitude After Gastrectomy

When Cherielee was 26 years old, she was found to carry a mutation in the CDH1 gene. Her genetic diagnosis led her down a path that included a prophylactic gastrectomy at the age of 30, followed by multiple complications. Today, Cherielee is 31 years old, still recovering but very glad of her decision to undergo prophylactic surgery and grateful for her aunt's cancer diagnosis and testing that allowed her to take steps to prevent cancer. Cherie is passionate about the need for doctors to focus on their patients’ cancer family history and either offer hereditary cancer testing or refer their patients on to a genetic counselor. She also recently started an Instagram account focused on Stomach Cancer Awareness: @previvor_perspective Story Reference Points: Cherie’s aunt is found to carry a CDH1 mutation @ 1:56 Cherie’s mother gets involved with No Stomach for Cancer and has genetic testing done through a genetic counselor @ 7:17 Medical management for someone with a mutation in CDH1 @ 10:30 Cherie and her younger brother and sister consider testing @ 15:26 Cherie receives her positive test results @ 17:57 From screenings to prophylactic gastrectomy @ 19:59 Multiple complications and a long recovery @ 24:04 Adjusting to life without a stomach @ 29:40 Breast screenings and a decision about prophylactic mastectomy @ 34:15 Cherielee’s story inspires her fiancé’s career @ 35:52 Cascade testing saves other relatives’ lives @ 39:40 Looking ahead to family planning @ 40:54 Inspiration to start the @previvor_perspective instagram account @ 43:32 Why are doctors missing patients who should be offered testing? @ 47:07 Links and Resources Cherie’s Instagram focused on Stomach Cancer Awareness: @previvor_perspective No Stomach for Cancer Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)/a> Cherie on Linkedin Cherie on Facebook Check out other Patient Stories podcast episodes. Read other Patient Stories on the Grey Genetics Patient Stories Page Do you want to support Patient Stories? You can now make a donation online! Want to support Patient Stories in a non-monetary way? Leave us a review on iTunes, or share your favorite episodes on Social Media. Patient Stories on Twitter: @GreyGeneticsPod Patient Stories on Instagram: @patientstoriespodcast Are you looking for genetic counseling? Patient Stories is sponsored by Grey Genetics, an independent telehealth genetic counseling and consulting company. Book an appointment with a genetic counselor specialized in hereditary cancer or in or another area of concern. Choose from our growing Network of Genetic Counselors. All genetic counseling appointments take place over secure, HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing or by phone. Check out ou