On the 26th I attended genetic counselling after already providing my family tree. They told me due to my age and confirmation of my family genetic mutation in Scotland it is very likely I have inherited a faulty BRAC1 gene. Oh shit....I didn't say. 51 ...breast cancer...grade 3 but stage 1...Her2+ Es + now possibly gene also. I now await confirmation of this.The hardest part was discussing it with my siblings who are now going for testing. My sister for her own risks. My brother for his daughter and multiple granddaughters. I am so hoping they are negative. (As well as myself ) My niece is super stressed.I have made the decision I will pursue more surgery if needed. Already a bilateral mastectomy and halfway through reconstruction, chemo over. So dissapointed I might have more to do before health returns. It's sure is a hard fight to reduce our cancer return risks. ..but ovarian cancer has no early detection...so what choice do we have?

Oh no! I hope you also told your niece that even if she tests positive for the gene it doesn't necessarily mean that she'll get it or pass it on, poor poppet.Like you, I saw the full mastectomy a logical step if I tested BRCA1 or 2 positive, and I went in to surgery pre-annoyed about the possibility of having to go in for more. It would have absolutely sucked. Sending you my most positive wish for BRCA negative results. <3

One step at a time was the advise given. We await my brother. If he is positive. ..she has a 50% chance of inheritance. Reassurance is empty on her presently as her mother died of endometrial cancer at the time of my diagnosis. So she is understandably stressed about this. Reassurance and not discussing stats...and a promise to me she will not Google, wait until we know more is all we can do.

Oh lovely, I hear you. Pretty much my journey too except didn't know family history so BRCA2 diagnosis after everything else was a huge shock.. Frustrated and sad at the prospect of more surgery after BC but ended up doing a full hysterectomy and so glad it is over now. We are blessed in a way to have the means to be proactive but is is a lot to deal with on top of BC I know. My daugher is 18 and my son 14. They will get life insurance sorted before being tested but just the prospect of them maybe having to consider prophelactic surgeries etc is daunting. Hope you get good results and if it isn't what you hoped for then for peace and guidance in making decisions that needs to be made. Hugs x

Thankyou. Still a long road ahead.

The personal & social impact of Genetic testing for families seems to be one of those really grey areas. The availability of the technology seems to have preceded adequate family counselling & support services. As a Cancer survivor it is absolutely normal to want to know the chances of recurrence & options to prevent it. But for those who are told they are genetically at risk to develop Cancer at some stage - I can only imagine how hard that information would be to digest. All the best with your results xx

Gene Testing | BCNA Online Network

36 Replies

lrb_03
Member
9 years ago
Such a relief for you, Kath. So pleased for you & your family. There's still so much they just don't know
Lyn
Jane221
Member
9 years ago
That's great news Kath, such a relief xx
ccasper
Member
9 years ago
Great news for you kath! X
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
that is wonderful news for you Kath, what a relief! Let's pray that your niece is also clear. Jane x
Afraser
Member
9 years ago
Great news! A "ring the bell" day!!
Michelle_R
Member
9 years ago
Wonderful news Kath - so happy for you! xx Michelle
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Oh Kath, What fantastic news!!! You must be over the moon with relief!! Definitely something worth cerebrating. Xx
Deanne
Member
9 years ago
Very happy for you! :) Deanne xxx
primek
Member
9 years ago
Update...just got the call from the genetics team. The retest against my scottish DNA confirms I DO NOT carry the family BRAC1 gene mutation...nor does my Sister Liz..we are ecstatic. So now just need to await my Brother's results to find out if my niece is at risk. My sisters (5 still alive) all need to be vigilent (the others have a diff Dad) as they now have 2 sisters with history of breast cancer (my sister Marilyn has lost her fight)and possibly there is some mutation not identified (they previously tested my sister and her daughter who also had bc and could not find one). I on the other hand just need to continue on my current surveillance plan...no additional surgery required. So Happy.
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Kath! Ive just returned from the Cook Islands, Im so elated to hear your news OMG! Thats fantastic! AND of course you can still be negative regardless of the history. YIPEE!! big hugs, you made my day! xo Melinda