On March 10th, 2017, Sigrid found out she tested positive for the genetic mutation called Lynch Syndrome. Most are unaware of what that means exactly, so we encourage everyone to read this website to fully understand more about what Lynch Syndrome is: http://www.dana-farber.org/uploadedFiles/Library/adult-care/treatment-and-support/centers-and-programs/cancer-genetics-and-prevention/hereditary-colorectal-cancer.pdf
Lynch Syndrome is absolutely not a death sentence. She has begun preventative care through Mayo Clinic and is in great hands in terms of the care she will receive for the rest of her life.
Though Lynch Syndrome largely impacts the colon, for women, the risk of getting endometrial cancer is elevated as well. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it), this means that Sigrid will undergo a hysterectomy before she turns 40. We've both discussed wanting to have children of our own, and now have been put on a pretty tight timeline to make that dream/hope a reality. If we are to try to have children the old-fashioned way...we have a 50% chance of passing Lynch on to our children. However, we recently met with a geneticist that told us of an option that we have in order to put a halt to Lynch Syndrome with our offspring.
Our geneticist told us of how we could undergo genetic testing with the embryos that Alex and I would produce. We would then work with an IVF specialty team, and only implant the embryos that tested negative for Lynch Syndrome. We are meeting with specialists at Mayo Clinic and other clinics to fully discuss the price tag and see what insurance will cover - but as of right now we will be looking at a $30,000 bill to make this happen.
Alex and I have a chance to put a stop to Lynch Syndrome and change the trajectory of our family tree if we take the IVF/genetic testing route. If you are interested in being a part of the story, we would be extremely grateful.