1. < Breast Cancer

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

Posted by deannajean @deannajean, Apr 4, 2023

I have breast cancer for the second time. My oncologist did a genetic test to see if I have the gene that puts me in a class that it could come back. (There is a history of cancer in my family.) I am supposing that if I have the gene I need a bilateral mastectomy. The waiting to know is really on my mind.

Anyone have any advice? I only need lumpectomy if don’t have the gene.

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mandy75 | @mandy75 | Apr 4, 2023

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?

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1 reply
deannajean | @deannajean | Apr 4, 2023
In reply to @mandy75 "I know you have to so worried. It’s an awful wait. Hoping you get the answers..." + (show)
@mandy75

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?

Jump to this post

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.)

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2 replies
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Apr 4, 2023
In reply to @deannajean "Since I have a family history of breast cancer there is a genetic test to see..." + (show)
@deannajean

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.)

Jump to this post

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?

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2 replies
Zebra | @californiazebra | Apr 4, 2023
In reply to @deannajean "Since I have a family history of breast cancer there is a genetic test to see..." + (show)
@deannajean

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.)

Jump to this post

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

REPLY
1 reply
deannajean | @deannajean | Apr 5, 2023
In reply to @auntieoakley "If I were guessing, and just a guess would be brca testing. With or without this..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

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?

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
deannajean | @deannajean | Apr 5, 2023
In reply to @auntieoakley "If I were guessing, and just a guess would be brca testing. With or without this..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

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?

Jump to this post

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.

REPLY
1 reply
deannajean | @deannajean | Apr 5, 2023
In reply to @californiazebra "Hi @deannajean -- I agree that waiting for test results and all the uncertainties can be..." + (show)
@californiazebra

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

Jump to this post

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.

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1 reply
bpknitter53 | @bpknitter53 | Apr 5, 2023

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.

REPLY
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Apr 5, 2023
In reply to @deannajean "Thanks for your reply. I am really not in the know when it comes to medical..." + (show)
@deannajean

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.

Jump to this post

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?

REPLY
Zebra | @californiazebra | Apr 5, 2023
In reply to @deannajean "Lori, thanks for your information. Sounds like you went through quite a bit. Hope you are..." + (show)
@deannajean

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.

Jump to this post

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.

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