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Genetic testing...does anyone have the CHEK2 gene mutation
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Nov 18, 2023 | Replies (51)Comment receiving replies
So sorry to hear this. I had a mastectomy on my left breast and it was Stage 2 but I was in my early 40’s so they did chemo and radiation. I did genetic testing back then but they only tested for BRAC 1 and 2 which I didn’t have. My oncologist just requested that I have genetic testing again and this is when they found the CHEK 2 mutation. The genetic counselor suggests yearly MRI’s now and a colonoscopy every 5 years. My mom who is 82 is going to be tested now for free. She has had no cancer of any kind. I am scared about the cancer return especially even after this length of time. I’m really scared at this point to have another mastectomy. I’m 57 currently. So they found a lump after 11 years in the other breast and you had a lumpectomy and radiation? Do they suggest having a mastectomy? What are the odds it would come back again?
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No one has suggested a mastectomy. After having BC twice, I know I do not want to go through that again. Prophylactic mastectomy was my idea. When I had the second cancer last year, I suggested a mastectomy and the surgeon was against this. We did not know about the mutation at that time. I talked to my oncologist about it last month and he is neutral on the idea. I could deal with the extra testing, but that won’t prevent me from getting it again. If that were to happen, I would probably be forced into a mastectomy and I would be older and I might have to do chemo. So I figure I could do away with all the nonsense and just get it done now and hope for the best and avoid the daily fear. I was shocked to get it after 11 years. BTW, I have not had luck with radiologists and this last cancer was diagnosed as probably benign and six months later benign. I asked for a biopsy at that point and I had invasive ductal carcinoma. It seems that my friends that have had DCIS seem to be getting another cancer in the other breast. There are really no predictions with the CHEK2, so I would rather be safe than sorry.