Genetic Testing brca 1 & 2

pattypoo53

Just wondering how many of you diagnosed at 50 and over ,and had genetic testing, ended up carryiing the genes? I had the testing this week, will know the results in about two weeks. My mom had breast cancer at age 65 and I was 50, my dad also had colon cancer. The genetic counselor doesn't think it is hereditary, I am doing this for my own info., I have two daughters, and I am concerned for them. The genetic doctor told me that not all triple negatives are hereditary. I'll keep you all posted about the results.

Patty

FloridaLady

I had read somewhere where TN ladies are higher with the gene but only something like 50% of us carry it.  I'm interested in what you find out.

Flalady

CalGal

Hi Patty & FlaLady -

BRCA1 & BRCA2 only make of 5-10% of all bc.  However, of BRCA1, 80% are triple negs; but it does NOT go the other way..  BRCA!'s have a much higher rate of both bc and oc than BRCA2.  Lifetime bc for BRCA1 is 80% - so a much higher rate at every age.  For BRCA2, most are hormone pos.

Prime ndicators of BRCA! is a family history of pre-menopausal bc and bi-lateral bc, which mom and I had.   (In my case, I'm the 3rd generation, as my mom and maternal grandma also had bc pre-menopausally).  

Grandma died in 2005 unrelated to bc at age 92.  Mom died at 59, after a 13 yr battle against bc.  Despite having early stage bc in 2004,  One year later, I had recurrent bc and mets to the liver that my doc missed ... and I found two months later.

I hope ou're both neg for BRCA1.

Best to you.

CalGal

smithlme

Patty,

My first BC at 47 was a triple negative and my second diagnosis at 48. I am BRCA 2+. My oldest sister is also BRCA 2+, was diagnosed at 36 and is a 19 year survivor. Our 83 year old dad is a colon (13 years) and kidney (5 years) survivor. His mother died of BC. Get the testing done for your own peace of mind...

Linda

SuzShea

Hi Patty - My mom tested + for BRCA 2.  She has BC and ovarian cancer for the past 11 years.  2 separate primaries.  Her only brother (my uncle) had BC and prostate cancer.  So I was tested and my 2 sisters for BRCA 1 & 2.  My one sister tested + for BRCA 2, and me and my other sister tested negative.  However, 8 mos later, at 42, I was dx with Stage IV triple negative BC with mets to my bones in 04/07 and finished Taxol, Avastin & Carbo & radiation in 12/07.   I was put on a maintenance of Xeloda (oral chemo).  However, after my 3 month check up PET/CT scan in 11/08, I am back on chemo (Abraxine & Avastin) with more mets to bones.  My oncologist just had me retested for BRCA 1 & 2 because he feels something just doesn't make sense.  I am still awaiting those results.  I hope this info is helpful and be strong!