Genetic testing

Hi Pammy. I had mine done at gosford too. My results took 6 weeks and apparently that was unusually fast. But was negative.

My surgeon said to me...whether gene positive or not your breast cancer treatment today doesn't change. All other options if surgery, breast removal, ovary removal can be done after cancer treatment. She needs to know the ovarian cancer risks though as there is no effective diagnostic screening as yet for early detection. The breast surgeon appt is to check breast density so they can determine best early detection method for breast cancer. It may involve several methods to increase detection. Kath x

I have the bracken 2 gene. My daughter we found out has it to. I did not have to have a masectomy though  I have breast cancer. My daughter was advised to remove ovaries. She was told to leave it no longer than 44years. My daughter has an option to  have a double masectomy or have intense monitoring. She has chosen to monitor her health. Some people with the bracken gene do not automatically get cancer. I will eventually have my ovaries removed but in my individual case was told finish treatment and then have the operation. We are all different.

Offer to go with her to the genetics people.  They will give sound advise and give risk % for her age etc. Your friend will need to talk over options with a breast surgeon and an onco gynacologist before making decisions. 

Feeling a bit shattered my walking buddy has just been diagnosed with BRAC 1 gene . She is relying on me for support and I don't know much about this . Any ideas to support her? Kylie 

I was diagnosed with BRCA2.  My surgeon said there would be no negotiation about it, that if I had the gene mutation, she wanted to do a mastectomy to remove the healthy breast and she also urged me to have a full hysterectomy, in fact she referred me to a Gynae Oncologist immediately after my Gene Test Results came back as she felt the risk associated with BRCA2/Ovarian Cancer was the more pressing issue before doing a mastectomy. So I ended up having the full hysterectomy before the mastectomy of the healthy breast.  I am relieved I had these preventative surgeries because neither myself nor my team of specialists were risking a recurrence.  It is a shock to be told you have a gene mutation but as I have learned recently it is common for individuals from the same family to get bc without a gene mutation so having the mutation doesn't necessarily mean we are worse off, it just means we are empowered to do something about it and be proactive in reducing our risk.

It takes some time for results. In my case about 8weeks.  I tested positive to Bracken 2 gene. The breast surgeon advised me to only have a lumpectomy which I agreed to. I have yet to have my ovaries removed. There was no hurry to remove the ovaries . I have only just finished a year of treatment and this will probably be coming up next.

Hoping results come quickly but the nature of the testing takes at least a month.  It is a big decision based on so many factors, so it's putting all the pieces together from all your Specialists and making your own personal choice. Hugs Melinda xo 

I know I'm the same I'm scared if it comes back positive I would have to make big decisions after what I've already been through with surgery and  horrible burns from radiation still having ovaries out in may seems like it never ends! 

I had my genetic test yesterday so hopefully going to rush thru the results to help me decide on bilateral nipple saving mastectomy. But I think regardless just to do it as I'm scared to go through it all again if anything is found in the good breast later down the track. Omg I hope I'm doing the right thing. A crystal ball would help right now. Lol