8 The Independent • The Herald
October 20, 2016
From patient to survivor Highlands Ranch woman heeds genetic clues to beat breast cancer
By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com Rae Atherton isn’t a procrastinator. After learning both of her older sisters had been diagnosed with cancer, Atherton got tested in 2009 for BRCA 1 and 2, genetic mutations that show an increased likelihood of developing cancer. She scheduled annual mammograms and MRIs, with an appointment for one test or the other every six months. “I’m a proactive person, not reactive person,” the Highlands Ranch Realtor said. She had taken the initiative, and a string of negative test results reassured her. But a phone call in August 2015 informed Atherton a tumor had been
found in her breast, leaving her almost at a loss for words. “I said it out loud — ‘I’m not supposed to be in this club,’ ” Atherton said. “I was in shock — there’s no doubt about it. But I don’t let things sit, I was on it.” A month after that call, Atherton had surgery to remove the initial tumor, along with two smaller ones discovered during the procedure. In October 2015, she began radiation treatment. She underwent another BRCA test, again relieved to find she had no trace of the gene. The 2015 panel, known as the MyRISK panel, was more advanced than the screening just six years earlier, checking for 25 genetic mutations that could lead to a higher risk of a variety of cancers. “The test was incredibly improved,” she said. “The 2009 test was like a piece of the pie, but with the 2015 test I got the whole pie. The information Genetics continues on Page 13
Dr. Christine Rogness, left, and Rae Atherton reunite in front of the “Hope Tree” sculpture at Parker Adventist Hospital on Oct. 6. Patients beginning treatment write a prayer or wish on a piece of paper and stuff them into a knothole on the sculpture. Photo by Tom Skelley
This fall, rethink nature’s fertilizer Did you know that fall leaves and grass clippings contain phosphorus and nitrogen– the two common nutrients found in fertilizers? By properly reapplying these wastes to your lawn and garden, your yard can benefit from nature’s fertilizer while protecting local streams and ponds. This fall, try composting your leaves to reuse in next year’s garden or use a mulching mower to chop up grass and leaves on the lawn. Local stormwater agencies are teaming together to bring you this message. We take this so seriously that we posted this ad rather than send you more garbage in the mail. One thing is clear: our creeks, rivers and lakes depend on you.
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