TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — With October being breast cancer awareness month, a Bay area family wants to inform the community about genetic testing for families with cancer histories and to rally support for one of their own who is fighting for her life.
“I think it’s very important that if you have a family history of breast cancer, you talk to your doctor and look into genetic testing because it just might save your life,” said Mandi Johnson.
The BRCA 1 gene continues to ripple through her bloodline, reshaping their futures. They hope, by sharking their story, it will inspire you to get tested.
At the age of 43, Johnson decided to get genetic testing done at the recommendation of her doctor.
“I almost didn’t do the testing because it cost $250, but something told me to do it,” said Mandi.
When the results came back, she learned she had the BRCA 1 gene.
“It kind of changed the trajectory of my next year,” she said.
The BRCA 1 gene, when mutated, as in Mandi’s case, leads to an increased risk of several cancers, including breast cancer, and particularly, triple negative breast cancer.
Mandi did not have any tumors, but decided to take aggressive preventative measures, after her aunt, back in the early 90s, received a late-stage breast cancer diagnosis while pregnant at the age of 39 with her last child. That’s when they learned this genetic mutation runs in their family.
“I was able to, you know, proactively treat my risk by having a double mastectomy, hysterectomy, and reconstruction,” said Mandi.
It shook her world emotionally, physically and financially. Mandi’s 23-year-old daughter tested negative, but her 64-year-old mom also carries the gene. Doctors told Mandi, based on her family history, she should have had the had the mastectomy at 29.
“But then, Skylar was diagnosed at 29,” said Mandi. “So, it tells me that there really is no rhyme or reason, right?”
Skylar Trujillo is Mandi’s cousin. Skylar is 29 and a mother battling stage three triple negative metastatic breast cancer. She too has the BRCA 1 gene.
“The first thing I think is oh my gosh, I have four kids, so now I have to worry about them,” said Skylar.
Skylar had just gotten done breast feeding her fourth child when she noticed a lump.
“It was starting to protrude like it literally just grew so fast,” said Skylar.
Her doctors at Moffitt have already seen a 50% tumor shrinkage.
“I’m on a clinical trial that I do treatments every week,” she said. “I get immunotherapy every three weeks, and I do that for 12 weeks and I get scans and things in between.”
While Skylar tries to keep working, the physical and emotional toll grows heavier.
“I didn’t realize how much it’s going to change and the way it affects my kid, you know, I try to be as strong as I can for my kids, but I don’t like them seeing me, like, sad or upset or like, sick,” she said.
She is also preparing for a double mastectomy and 35 weeks of radiation to follow.
“I want people to be aware. You know, I didn’t even know if there was genetic testing or anything like that until my cousin brought it up to my attention,” said Skylar.
Skylar and Mandi share their story to stress that early testing and preventive action can mean the difference between life and death.
“I’m young myself and I’ve seen younger people in there after me doing the same treatments that I’m doing, you know, so it’s very hard,” said Skylar.
She has big plans once treatment is complete.
“I truly want to be an advocate for girls young girls who are going through this, you know, because by the grace of God, I’m doing okay,” said Skylar. “I have a great support system. You know, there’s a lot of people that don’t know and I just want everybody to just be aware.”
The breast cancer non-profit, Nickels for Nipples is holding a fundraiser on October 19th from 3-8 p.m. at the Texas Roadhouse in Brooksville (12935 Cortez Blvd). A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Skylar.
Mandi’s company, Next Path Career Partners, is sponsoring the family in the Miles for Moffitt event on November 22. You’re welcome to joins their team!
Skylar also has a GoFundMe, if you would like to donate.
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