Forum Discussion
BRCA 2 gene Positive :(
Just found out i have tested positive for the BRCA 2. There hasn't been a family history of breast cancer so this has come as a complete shock. Just wondering if there is anyone who is BRCA positi...
Hi
I was diagnosed as BRCA2 positive also - after discovering an early breast cancer, lumpectomy and chemo. I had a strong family history so I wasn't surprised.
After discovering I had the faulty gene I did a LOT of research and for me personally, it was clear what I needed to do. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. This was done in July this year. Then, just before Christmas, I had my ovaries and tubes removed. This was all purely preventative as I had already been given the all clear for the cancer. But I'm a mum of two young girls and I felt it was my responsibility to ensure that I would be around for them for a long time yet. I didn't want the cancer to come back and with BRCA2, the chances of that are pretty high, as they are for ovarian cancer too.
So my choices were best for me - they may not be for someone else. Everyone's story is different and some may choose to just do regular screening. For me, the odds were too high and my babies and I were too young.
I am really happy with my perky new boobs and flat tummy following the mastectomy and recon! And I was fortunate that my little family was complete so losing my ovaries wasn't a big deal to me. Chemo had already kick-started early menopause so it made no difference there. :)
I am more than happy to chat with you if you have any questions.
I was diagnosed as BRCA2 positive also - after discovering an early breast cancer, lumpectomy and chemo. I had a strong family history so I wasn't surprised.
After discovering I had the faulty gene I did a LOT of research and for me personally, it was clear what I needed to do. I opted for a bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. This was done in July this year. Then, just before Christmas, I had my ovaries and tubes removed. This was all purely preventative as I had already been given the all clear for the cancer. But I'm a mum of two young girls and I felt it was my responsibility to ensure that I would be around for them for a long time yet. I didn't want the cancer to come back and with BRCA2, the chances of that are pretty high, as they are for ovarian cancer too.
So my choices were best for me - they may not be for someone else. Everyone's story is different and some may choose to just do regular screening. For me, the odds were too high and my babies and I were too young.
I am really happy with my perky new boobs and flat tummy following the mastectomy and recon! And I was fortunate that my little family was complete so losing my ovaries wasn't a big deal to me. Chemo had already kick-started early menopause so it made no difference there. :)
I am more than happy to chat with you if you have any questions.