BROOKE SCHLEBEN

EMPOWERED PRE-THRIVER. PASSIONATE ADVOCATE. ATTORNEY.

MEET BROOKE SCHLEBEN

At just 22 years old, Brooke Schleben faced a life-altering decision that women decades older struggle to make: After testing positive for the BRCA-1 gene, Brooke chose to have an elective bilateral mastectomy. An extensive history of breast cancer on both the maternal and paternal sides of her family had prompted Brooke to undergo genetic testing at 19. Both of her grandmothers and an aunt had developed breast cancer, and her mother was six and a half months pregnant when she was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. When Brooke tested positive and learned she had an 87 percent chance of developing the disease, she chose the difficult surgery to protect her health.

But Brooke’s recovery was fraught with challenges. The day after her initial mastectomy, July 17, 2018 – her 22nd birthday – a wound vac was inserted into her chest because of low blood circulation. Just one month later, Brooke was rushed to emergency surgery when her incisions ruptured. It was the very day her aunt passed away from breast cancer. Brooke returned home from the hospital to hear her aunt’s last breaths. Two additional emergency surgeries for ruptured sutures and the removal of expanders followed – all while Brooke attended law school. Following her surgeries, she struggled with her body image and how that might impact a romantic relationship.

Those heart wrenching experiences have changed her outlook on life. Today, Brooke is engaged and is a practicing associate attorney in estate planning, probate, and guardianship. She is back to doing everything she could before surgery, and pursuing her passion for helping others. Best of all, she says, is knowing that she has reduced her chance of developing breast cancer to 2 percent. Brooke lives in Centreville, Ohio, with her fiancee, Katie, and their four fur-babies: Zeus, Skyler, Seamus, and Mr. Catticus Finch.

WHAT IS THE SECRET TO MAINTAINING A POSITIVE OUTLOOK?

I think this is different for everyone. For me it was staying super busy and helping others who were in a worse position than I was. I really believe in helping others, even when you yourself need help; it brings meaning and purpose to your life. I was able to forget what I was going through. Staying busy prevented me from focusing on what was happening. Maybe this approach does not work for everyone, but it helped me. I also tell myself that it is okay to have a bad day. You are allowed to cry and be angry, you just can’t let one day turn into two.

WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT DECISION YOU’VE HAD TO MAKE TO PURSUE YOUR DESTINY?

It was very difficult to make the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy at 21. I struggled with my body image after the surgery. I was not in a relationship before my surgery, so I wrestled with how I would explain that, and wondered how partners would react. It was hard for me to look in the mirror and see my scars. But this process is a journey, and when I was ready, I was able to accept my situation, and move forward with my life.

IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE TO WORK ANYMORE, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH YOUR DAYS?

Volunteer at as many organizations as I could. I absolutely love helping people.  

WHAT IS A FACT ABOUT YOU THAT NOBODY WOULD GUESS?

I have been skydiving in California.

WHAT QUALITY ABOUT YOURSELF WOULD YOU LIKE TO PASS ON TO YOUR CHILD?

Empathy, the ability to genuinely feel what someone else is going through and listen.

BREAST CANCER RELATED

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO DISCOVERS SHE/THEY HAVE A GENETIC PREDISPOSITION FOR BREAST CANCER?

Find a phrase that you love and then live by it. For me it is, “And still I Rise.” I have this tattooed on my side. It is a constant reminder that I will get through this. I won’t let this determine who I am.

WHAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE THING TO COME OUT OF DISCOVERING YOU HAVE A GENETIC PREDISPOSITION FOR BREAST CANCER?

A whole new outlook on life, enjoying the small things, and meeting my best friend and fiancée, Katie. I also developed a closer relationship and appreciation for my dad, and I am not afraid of being me.

BIG PICTURE

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF HUMAN EXPERIENCE?

The purpose is to learn and grow. To take all of the emotions, and physical and mental experiences, and grow from them.