Genetic testing...does anyone have the CHEK2 gene mutation?

@wwbosworth
Yes, sounds like they don’t know a lot yet. my oncologist said she’s going to do more research about it before I see her again in December. Take care!

I'm not sure which mutation was the source of the problem, and neither are the doctors. I don't think there's enough research about the mutations to be definitive.

I am male and 85. I had proton beam radiation to treat prostate cancer at MN Mayo and PSA is stable at .20. I had a left mastectomy and 3 positive nodes removed and proton beam radiation again at MN Mayo. Just had negative colostomy and plan another in 3 years. Thyroid checked twice each year by my internist. I also do breast and thyroid exams on occasion. Take 20 mg of tamoxifen and have adjusted to its side effects with mental attitude shift. It's a nasty gene. Have regular exams. Good luck and bless you.

The current standard of care for the CHEK2 mutation is to have a yearly MRI and also a yearly mammogram (six months apart). Otherwise, treatment is not different for breast cancer. Colonoscopies should be 5 years apart, not 10, since CHEK2 has a slightly higher risk for colon cancer. But that’s it!

@wwbosworth
Wow! I am sorry you have had to go through all of that! Do they think it has to do with the CHEK2 mutation?

When I first found out that I had two genetic mutations, I read a post from a 74 year old man who had had seven cancers. In a weird way it made me hopeful. I realized that cancer is not a death sentence and we can live a normal life span, which was verified by my oncologist. We do, however, need to be vigilant.

Melanoma, thyroid, endometrial and last March kidney.

@astaingegerdm
I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and alternating mammogram and MRI every 6 months so I guess that’s good if that is what they recommended for your daughter. Thank you.

@wwbosworth
What 4 cancers did you have and when?
I am glad you caught them all early!

Yup, CHEK2 and Lynch Syndrome MSH6. I’ve played wack-a-mo with my 4 cancers. I advocate for myself and have caught all them at an early stage.