CHEK2... my genetic plot thickens?
Today I went to have genetic testing for the CHEK2 gene mutation. Simply put the CHEK2 gene regulates cell division. If it's mutated the cells go on dividing and, well, cancer. It's also linked to ...
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I got the results of the test today. I have the CHEK2 gene mutation.
This places me at an elevated risk for breast cancer, colorectal and thyroid cancer. If I was male it would also put me at an increased risk of prostate cancer.
It's another reason to put in pro-column for the double mastectomy. Albeit in hindsight. I don't know how it affects my chance for a recurrence in the residual breast tissue I have. I'll have to talk to my BS about that I imagine. I'm seeing him in January so it can wait until then.
This places me at an elevated risk for breast cancer, colorectal and thyroid cancer. If I was male it would also put me at an increased risk of prostate cancer.
It's another reason to put in pro-column for the double mastectomy. Albeit in hindsight. I don't know how it affects my chance for a recurrence in the residual breast tissue I have. I'll have to talk to my BS about that I imagine. I'm seeing him in January so it can wait until then.
I'll go and talk to my oncologist early next year and get her advice on screening for thyroid & colorectal cancers. Yearly colonoscopies maybe. No idea how they screen for the thyroid. Ultrasound?
Would it be simpler to have a comprehensive scan once a year? An MRI or PET scan? Is this positive test enough to elevate me enough into increased risk territory to get an subsidised MRI?
All the kids will have to consider whether they want to get tested for the mutation. It will affect them in their lives. Only one of them is currently legally an adult. But at 19 he can have no idea what it all means.
The geneticist failed to suppress his excitement at the first CHEK2 mutation positive family he's come across. He was perfectly professional but it leaked through.
My mother has it, and my remaining sister doesn't. So with the information that I do, she is relieved of the decision to prophylactically remove her breasts. So that's good.
We're so special...
Would it be simpler to have a comprehensive scan once a year? An MRI or PET scan? Is this positive test enough to elevate me enough into increased risk territory to get an subsidised MRI?
All the kids will have to consider whether they want to get tested for the mutation. It will affect them in their lives. Only one of them is currently legally an adult. But at 19 he can have no idea what it all means.
The geneticist failed to suppress his excitement at the first CHEK2 mutation positive family he's come across. He was perfectly professional but it leaked through.
My mother has it, and my remaining sister doesn't. So with the information that I do, she is relieved of the decision to prophylactically remove her breasts. So that's good.
We're so special...