It's not over yet... genetics results
Well my last chemo may be over but the next chapter is just beginning. I just got the results of my genetics test and yes, I have the BRCA2 gene.
So next step is another meeting with the surgeon an...
Forum Discussion
I am so sorry you find yourself on this path. I have been down the exact same one. I thought my journey had ended when my active treatment stopped but the goal post got moved.
I am 40yo and my remaining breast was removed after my BRCA2 diagnosis. I had a total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (the removal of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries). My oncologyst gynaecologyst reccomended removing everything because he said that research had found that whith only removing ovaries a lot of ovarian cancer originates from the base of the ovaries in the uterus. So to only remove ovaries leaves you with a risk of ovarian cancer showing up in your uterus or cervix. Hence I opted for the whole lot to come out.
Because my cancer was ER/PR positive I am not allowed hormone replacement therapy so for the past 7 months my biggest challenge has been menoupaus and the battle with hotflushes which drove me nuts. I became very anxious and sleep deprived. The Dr ended up swapping my anti-depressant to a brand that has proven to lower hot flushes in menoupausal women. It is called Efexor. It did help a bit but they were still pretty full on. It is only after about 2 months that I know feel like it is gradually getting better but not sure if it is because of the cooler months? I also do PT twice a week which I think is helping.
I believe knowledge is power, so knowing your status and doing something about it is a good thing. I will encourage my children to get tested too. Happy for you to PM me if you wanted to talk more.
Huggles
Rene