Strong Immediate Family History Increase Chances of Reoccurance?

Curlylocks

I am an 8 year bc survivor, diagnosed at age 41 in October 2005.  My stats are below in my signature.

My younger sister was diagnosed at age 42 in 2010 with a 7 cm tumour, no positive lymph nodes.  She unfortunately passed away last year at age 44 due to complications of high calcium levels due to bone mets.

Now my third of 4 sisters was diagnosed last week with bc.  She is having a double masectomy on Friday due to strong family history.

My youngest sister got tested for BRC1 and 2 and was negative.  I never had the testing done and my older sister couldnt get the testing done as she didnt have bc.

I am seriously considering having a prophy mast with immediate reconstruction as I dont like my chances now of developing a new bc with this strong family history.

Any thoughts or feedback?

I have a doctors appt on Thursday to get the ball rolling....

Michele

rozem

curly -with 3 out of 4 of you with a BC diagnosis, 2 of you pre-menopausally your family history is strong.   When your youngest sister was tested for brac I am assuming they did genetics counselling?  they could tell you what your risk is of having another BC with your personal risk factors.  When i met with the counsellor they told me to let them know if anything changes (a new diagnosis in the family) since your other sister was just diagnosed you should give them this info aswell.  Also the thinking is that even if you test neg for brac there could be a genetic component that hasnt been identified yet going on with your family.  It is a tough decision especially since you are so far out from your original diagnosis but meeting with the counsellor may help you decide.  At the end of the day it will probably come down to your comfort level.

BayouBabe

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the only "breast cancer genes" that they have identified thus far. I strongly believe that there are others, as families like yours are more than coincidence. Only you can make the choice that is right for you and you can live with. No one else could or should judge unless they have walked in your shoes. Best of luck and peace of mind as you make this difficult decision!

Curlylocks

Roze,

Three of us were premenopausal.

Michele