Today I will know if I have the genetic genes for cancer.

I know you have to so worried. It’s an awful wait. Hoping you get the answers you are praying for. What gene test did they run?

Since I have a family history of breast cancer there is a genetic test to see if I have a family gene where there is a higher change of breast cancer. (Angelia Jolie had the gene so she had bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction although she didn’t have cancer.)

If I were guessing, and just a guess would be brca testing. With or without this answer, I would think that the recommendation would be different for you the second time around just because it is the second time.
I will cross my fingers and toes and be waiting to hear results.💜
Will you come back and tell us what you decide?

Hi @deannajean -- I agree that waiting for test results and all the uncertainties can be the worst part. I have the BRCA2 and CHEK2 mutations that both significantly increase risk of breast cancer, ovarian and others. Angelina Jolie has BRCA1. I was told a lumpectomy would get rid of my stage I cancer, but genetics may keep giving me more tumors. I could choose lumpectomy, keep up with all the routine monitoring and just keep doing lumpectomies as needed. Or I could have a mastectomy and be done with it all. That was 2013 so listen to current physician advice and data. My thought was the whole process was scary, time consuming for months, disruptive to my life and job, expensive and just a lot to go through. I didn't ever want to do it again and wanted minimal risk and worry. My family is also heavy on cancers. I opted for the double mastectomy and had ovaries and tubes removed at the same time per the oncology surgeon's advice due to BRCA2. I was 54, divorced and those parts had all served their purpose in life. My dog had no opinion. Not sure how old you are so where you are in life can impact your decisions. Please don't hesitate to get a second opinion on everything! Insurance will cover it. Did you take hormone blockers after your lumpectomy? How long before the second occurrence? I hope you don't have the mutations. Sorry you are going through this again. Please keep us posted. Prayers for you. Lori

Good and bad….my oncologist said that I do have the gene, but it is more of an issue for my siblings and children. The doctor assures me a lumpectomy is all I need. He has a good reputation and so that is the way I am going. He said since it had been 16 years since my first cancer and it is very uncommon to have HER 2 positive twice. If he thought I needed a mastectomy then I would, but at 78 yrs I trust the expert. Thanks for caring.

Thanks for your reply. I am really not in the know when it comes to medical things. (Always been heathy) My oncologist feels a lumpectomy will be all the surgery I will need. I am 76 yrs old and since it has been 16 years since my first cancer I feel comfortable with my decision.

Lori, thanks for your information. Sounds like you went through quite a bit. Hope you are doing well.
I do have the gene, but it is more concerning to my siblings and children. Since it has been 16 yrs since my first cancer and I am 78 yrs old my oncologist said a lumpectomy will be all I need. (Of course the final say is mine) I feel comfortable with my decision and medicine has come a long way. So glad our animals love us anyway we are.

I'm TNBC and BRCA2+ my oncologist recommended bilateral and my surgeon said lumpectomy would be sufficient I was uncomfortable about them being of different minds and I wanted them on the same page. I asked them to confer before surgery was scheduled. oncologist explained her reasoning and bilateral it was - once they were on the same page I was ok to move forward with surgery.

If you are comfortable with your doctor and your decision. Then it is the best decision for you. I am so glad you are moving forward confidently with a treatment plan. I feel like this is a victory we should all strive for.
We cannot control the future, we can only make the best decisions we can for ourselves, and move forward.
Is your lumpectomy scheduled yet?

You've gathered all the data and made a sound decision. I'm happy you can take the easier route especially at 78. I wish you a quick recovery so you can just enjoy every day.