DCIS and Prostate in family

Keryl

DCIS and Prostate in family

Keryl

My mom had BC at age 64, had a mast.; she passed away last year of unrelated issues.  My father had prostate cancer for years, luperon, etc. He passed away last year of unrelated causes.

Now, I was just diagnosed with DCIS - have no idea of my genetic link here -- I have one younger brother, no other living blood relatives. I am 49. Now , I am considering lump. or mast; uni or bilateral. Because of the fact both my parents had a form of cancer, which reading, might be related (BC and Prostate as reproductive cancers) So, my question is.....should I have a genetic test before deciding or just go ahead and be very aggressive, ie. bilateral including healthy breast to prevent against future cancer?  Any help or thoughts around these risk factors? p.s. not feeling especially lucky.  

quinnie

Keryl, I have a very similiar situation. Well almost exact. Mom had DCIS at age 73 and Dad prostate cancer at 75. Both are still alive and doing very well. When I was diagnosed 6 months ago at age 51, all this was taken into consideration but they will look very closely at other factors. Size and location of DCIS, grade, if it is in more than one area etc. I had an MRI before making the final decision to rule out any other lesions. I decided on lumpectomy with radiation but will be watched very closely over the next few years. My DCIS was appprox. 1.5 cm, very close to the surface, only in one area and was intermediate grade so my treatment was very appropriate for my BC. I am also having genetic counseling soon and will be tested for BRCA. Unfortunately I have many other relatives with BC and Prostate CA.



I hope this helps. The final decision is always very difficult but you have to take all the information from your doctors and do what is best for you.



Take Care and let us know what you decide.

Quinnie

Keryl

thanks quinnie. yep, gotta take all into account. I am feeling though that I want to be rid of the risk, thinking I may go the distance on this with a masectomy. I just saw my parents go thru heck, really, it was bad....I have had a revelation about how short life is, even with the best odds.   Also, didnt mention earlier that I already have implants (for augmentation) so more worried about rads and ability to reconstruct at a later date. While my biggest concern is my health, there are so many variables. really,  I am a understated person, but still feel impt. that i can maintain my physical expectations if I can. This is so complicated.

bisous3

Definitely make an appointment with a ceritfied genetics counselor.

Also, check out FORCE: www.facingourrisk.org

Lots of great info and a great Forum with high risk people