Cutting the chances of cancer

With family history of early cancer deaths, sisters opt for drastic surgeries

By BRAD DICKERSON

Friday the 13th did prove unlucky for Missy Marrs.

The Lexington resident was sitting in a doctor’s office on March 13 when she was told a biopsy of her right ovary revealed cancer.

Marrs turned 30 only four days earlier and had undergone a complete hysterectomy on March 3. The news “shocked” her.

“I was in disbelief until (the doctor) told me stage 1A,” Marrs said. “After he told me, I started thinking of questions I needed to ask.

“(The news) made me know that my decision to have the surgery was the best decision that I had made.”

That decision stemmed from genetic testing both Marrs and her sister, Markey Hart, 26, underwent to see if they tested positive for the BRCA 1 gene mutation, which increases one’s risk of breast cancer.

Their mother and grandmother had both died from ovarian cancer in their 50s.

When the tests came back positive, the sisters underwent double mastectomies and reconstructive surgery as a preventative measure.

Marrs said there was “quite a bit of second guessing” prior to her November 2006 procedure.

“A lot of people thought that I was being over-reactive,” she said. “It was mostly family and friends who weren’t sure of my decision making.”

One of those who expressed initial concern was Glasgow native Benji Marrs, 31, her husband.

“The tougher thing for me to handle was her decision to have the (genetic) test done itself,” he said. “I wasn’t equipped with any information. I was of the opinion of why would you want to know that you’re going to be sentenced to an almost probability of having cancer.”

It was after speaking with geneticists and doing more research that Benji eventually came around to his wife’s choice.

Hart was single and childless when she had the surgery at the age of 25, while Marrs has two children. One question she pondered prior to the procedure was whether it would be worth loosing the ability to breast feed one day.

“Since I don’t have a crystal ball allowing me to know when I might have children and when cancer might present itself, I had to make the decision,” Hart said via e-mail. “With all things considered, I hope my children - if I have children - will appreciate my desire to be ‘around’ for them longer and will understand why I sacrificed the benefits of breast feeding.”

Although she has not yet undergone a hysterectomy like her sister, Hart said the “question plagues me daily.” Her doctor is encouraging her to proceed with the surgery in light of Marrs’ diagnosis.

“It’s hard to imagine having a hysterectomy now and living the rest of my life just for me,” she said. “I want my own family to be a part of my purpose. To say this decision is difficult would be an understatement.”

For Marrs, four rounds of chemotherapy to combat the cancer began in May. She completed her final session at the beginning of August.

A CAT scan two weeks ago presented a clean bill of health.

“As far as the CAT scan, they believe I am cancer free at this time,” Marrs said.

She and Benji are now devoting energy to their non-profit group, the National Gene Test Fund. The purpose is to raise money to pay for genetic testing for individuals who cannot afford it.

The initial test for a family member runs around $2,800 while each additional member would pay $320, according to www.healthsearches.org.

“The ultimate goal is our mission statement; to encourage discussion, action and funding of genetic testing for those people who are at high risk for genetically transmitted diseases and are willing to take preventative measures but cannot afford the cost,” Marrs said.

To raise money for the cause, a bean bag toss, or “cornhole,” tournament is happening at 16 locations throughout Lexington during Septem-ber and October.

Marrs said the goal is to raise $8,000.

“Genetic testing is expensive and people need assistance with the cost,” Hart said. “We can’t be afraid to ask for help.”

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