Genetic Testing

exactly!

Hi all, I was referred to genetic clinic as I lost my Mum to Breast Cancer 7 Months before I was diagnosed with invasive Breast Cancer.  Her Sister also carried the braca 2 gene and I lost both cousins to Breast and Ovarian Cancer.  There was a lot of different Cancers found in my Family.  My Father died of Bowel Cancer and then when my oldest Brother was diagnosed with it he had genetic testing and was found to carry Lynch Syndrome (a hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectial Cancer).  Consequently, I was refered to the Genetic Clinic again and tested positive to this gene also.  I am happy to say that I turn 6o next Month and I am glad that I survived Cancer and enjoy each and every Day.  That doesn't mean to say that I don't worry about Cancer coming back as that thought never leaves you but I am happy to have a second chance.

Hi all, I was referred to genetic clinic as I lost my Mum to Breast Cancer 7 Months before I was diagnosed with invasive Breast Cancer.  Her Sister also carried the braca 2 gene and I lost both cousins to Breast and Ovarian Cancer.  There was a lot of different Cancers found in my Family.  My Father died of Bowel Cancer and then when my oldest Brother was diagnosed with it he had genetic testing and was found to carry Lynch Syndrome (a hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectial Cancer).  Consequently, I was refered to the Genetic Clinic again and tested positive to this gene also.  I am happy to say that I turn 6o next Month and I am glad that I survived Cancer and enjoy each and every Day.  That doesn't mean to say that I don't worry about Cancer coming back as that thought never leaves you but I am happy to have a second chance.

Yes Bella, odd indeed.  I felt like saying 'WELL HELLO".  And yes I know I am proactive, and not hypochondriac. 

And on top of watching young family members pass away, it is their young children that they leave behind.  

Candy

Thank you Tracy,

I look forward to hearing how you get on, it will probably be a drawn out process.

Interesting that they are looking for a gene mutation for cancer in general.  I must also say that my family history is only from my Grandmothers side, we have no contact with my Grandfathers side, but apparently there are cancers there as well. 

I am also in the Public System with the Austin Genetics in Melbourne.

Candy

what an odd question... are we worried about getting cancer?  that's a no-brainer as far as I am concerned - the answer is YES.  Does it rule our life?  NO.  Are we trying to be pro-active in managing the risk ?  YES.  I think what happens is that health professionals look at it from a merely clinical point of view, not the reality from our perspective of having treatment, surgery etc, and watching loved family members die at a young age from this horrible disease.  You're definitely not a hypochondriac, and please don't ever let them make you feel that way. You have a valid reason for being concerned.  take care!

This is all really useful information. Not sure if the Genetics people will be interested?  I have been emailing all the cousins that I don't know and getting them to make sure they have had mammograms with ultrasound and also colonoscopies.  The genetic team wanted to be able to look at the records of anyone with polyps removed, so that is a start.

Bella, I totally understand it when you say it was a relief to be given the Braca news, at least you can have the next generation having appropriate tests, earlier than regular protocol. And it's a shame that we get the brush off for even thinking we have a bad gene.

I also find it strange when you push these people for information, I remember her asking me if I was worried about getting cancer,  I asked was she referring to recurrance bc or bowel cancer, she said either.  Well of course, we try to put it at the back of our thoughts and be proactive in our lifestyle choices, but if I say yes please don't think I'm a hypercondriac! 

Candy

You have certainly been dealt a double whammy, yet from your previous postings remain very positive.  Thanks for posting your info;  and I'm sure candygirl will be interested to read it as well.  

Hi.  I tested positive to the braca 2 gene and more recently the lynch syndrome.  I have had breast cancer and subsequently I have had a full hysterectomy and a double masectomy.  My Mother carried the braca 2 gene and my Father the Lynch Syndrome.  I have to have colonoscopies every twelve Months.  These genes are also responsible for other Cancers.

Hi.  I tested positive to the braca 2 gene and more recently the lynch syndrome.  I have had breast cancer and subsequently I have had a full hysterectomy and a double masectomy.  My Mother carried the braca 2 gene and my Father the Lynch Syndrome.  I have to have colonoscopies every twelve Months.  These genes are also responsible for other Cancers.