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I am 30 years old. My mother died of ovarian cancer last year. As a result I decided to have BRAC 1 and BRAC2 testing done, I came back BRAC 2 positive. Currently I am scared outta my mind. A hysterectomy is scheduled May 26. Anyone else in the same boat? I have had melanoma in the past it was caught at Stage 1 and have had no reoccurances. I have 2 young children. What should I do?
Cancer Surgery Chemotherapy Hysterectomy Melanoma Breast cancer Ovarian cancer
you mention you have two children.like me and most here our fight is for our children.one thing for sure is i will and have set an example for Michael (my son) that you never give up and you do anything within your power to get better.i was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer and pretty much in the beginning handed a death sentence.well, i'm still here and cancer free.so if your looking for advice?continue living and do the absolute best you can with what God has given you and everything will be just fine.remember were all here when you do or don't need us...have a great day!!
Hey I am new to the group.. and seen you are BRAC2.. So am I... I had the bilateral double mastectomy done. I am to chicken to have my overlies removed it.. but I know sooner or later I will have to have it done.. My surgery for my mastectomy was January 28 2008.. and I just wanted to say .. sounds were I am glad I am not alone for being BRAC2
I am 61. My mother died of breast cancer when she was 50 and recently my 33 year old niece was diagnosed when the same type cancer my mother had. My niece immediately had a double mastectomy and started chemotherapy. She now has started taking Tomoxifin (sp?) and her surgery to remove her ovaries is scheduled November 10. She is positive for Brac 2.
Had ob gyn appointment yesterday and blood was drawn for the Brac analysis. She said if I come back positive I will have to have my ovaries removed and have a mastectomy and then get recontruction. She made it seem matter of fact, as if anyone with a reasonable mind wanting to do something to prevent getting breast cancer would do this. Also she said my sister does not need to take the Brac Analysis because she has the gene mutation for sure and she should schedule her mastectomy and surgery to remove her ovaries right away. She is 50. So I am processing this information and my daughter is waiting for my results as well since she will have to act if I am positive. Would like to hear from anyone who has been through this or is going through this. The phrase, have your double mastectomy and then get a beautiful reconstruction sounds way way way too easy and I just need to camp on it for a while to even get used to the idea.
Also I am concerned for my niece who will be having her ovaries out and will be taking estrogen blockers at the young age of 33. There must be some people out there with experience with that and your feedback would be appreciated.
Thank you very much.
I read your post and would like to know if you can share some information about the process you went through for your mastectomy after your were positive for Brac 2. Do they call this a "radical" now and what was your recovery like? And do you plan to get a recontruction? Thank you for your reply and I hope you don't mind discussing it. When you got the positive results was it difficult to work with your insurance company to pay for the procedure since it is a prophylactic procedure or did the Brac people and/or your physician have to help you with the documentation? Thank you,
Auntlou
Yes it is called radical... My case was the case they never talk about..
As far as my insurance was concerned I didn't have a problem at all with them, my husband is the Military so our insurance paid for a huge chunk of it. I was diagnosed Oct 28 2007 being BRAC2 Positive. It took a bit for it to sink in but the facts are the facts..January 28, 2008 I went in for my Prophylactic bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction at the age of 34. Unfortunately my reconstruction failed.. I ended up with my implants in my hands.. Not what you dream of when you get your new boobs.. There was a total of 7 surgery's to put me back together again.. but now I stand strong and proud boobless and all .. I debate from day to day if I will put on my high speed prosthetics.. The impact that it has left on me and my very supporting hubby is tremendous.. but we get by everyday.. I really didn't know much about my family history.. my family didn't talk about things like that.. they were very old fashion and didn't deal with things head on.. that was there way of dealing with it was not talking about it which left us in the dark and clueless. But I am making my mark and talking to my kids about it and letting them know that it is hereditary not meaning you will get it but your chances are could be higher then most.. It has been 1 year and 10 months and a few days since my first surgery and 1 year 2 months since my last surgery.. And everyday I look at my scars and just take a deep breath and realize I am still alive and I am still fighting even though I know I need to have my hysterectomy soon for some reason I am more scared to have it done then I did when I had my mastectomy... As far as your niece .. I have the same concern with mine.. All I can say is if they are positive.. Do the research, find a support group, and stand by her side. I hope I could be helpful.. But don't let my case scare you I have a good friend who we grew up together also BRAC2 and She had no problems what so ever.. She loves her boobs!!
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