Alexandra Miles

Survivor

Knowing your history and risk matters

 I wish I knew my BRCA risk, but was forever told that since my mom was negative, I would be too. Despite an extensive family history on both sides. After trying to expand our family and give our daughter a sibling, I discovered I had breast cancer at age 32. And I was BRCA-2 positive from my father who was subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer.

It’s been a rough four years that has consisted of a double mastectomy, fertility preservation, chemo, radiation, multiple reconstruction surgeries and not to mention, a lot of post trauma anxiety.

Life after cancer is so hard but I’m incredibly thankful for my family and friends who continue to give me strength. Now my husband and I are navigating a surrogacy journey in hopes to complete our family and give our 6 year old daughter a sibling. I continue to fight for her because I know one day she may have to face tough decisions. But I hope she’ll have the info she needs to be proactive about it before it’s too late, unlike me.