32 and positive for BRCA1

saralou1118

hi! So I just found out I aM positive for the BRCA 1 mutation... my dad tested pOsitive which is why I got tested. I'm 32 and have 3 young children ...to say I'm pretty anxious about this result is an understatement! I have talked to a few OBs about this and all seem to have different reactions.. Don't worry about it yet, and get surgery now... just wondering if anyone is going though this and where would be a good place to get more info so as to relieve some of this anxiety! Thanks!!

besa

Saralou118- Go go to the web site:

www.facingourrisk.org

"Force" is a great resource - lots of information and help and you will "meet" many others dealing with the same issues.

DiveCat

Did you go through a genetic counsellor?

I don't think you should be going through OBs in this respect, you should be referred to specialists experienced with high risk patients - breast surgeons, gyn-oncs (due to increased risk of ovarian and other similar cancers, etc to discuss your risk reducing options and timing. In some areas you may be able to have this high risk care coordinated in one place. You don't need surgery right away if it is not right for you, but in meantime you should be having high risk surveillance, and so on.

I second the recommendation to FORCE!

Staceytodd666

hi there

I'm new as well. Same position as you,only I'm 40. Seeing doctors on Tuesday to see what's happening. I'm a bit lost to be honest, am I over reacting to panic? I don't know! I feel a bit like a drama queen so I'm playing it all down

rachelvk

I agree with the advice to stick with specialists. Find a breast surgeon you're comfortable with. My sister tested positive after I was diagnosed, and she's getting mammos/ultrasounds every six month (I think they alternate). FORCE is a great resource. You are certainly not alone - there are so many more young women learning about BRCA results before, thank goodness, they ever have a chance to develop BC. There are lots of decisions to make, but the most important thing to remember is that the BRCA result is a tool and powerful information, not a diagnosis. Find a doctor and put together a plan that will work for you.

Good luck!

Moderators

To all you worried women (and men) finding you have the BRCA 1 or 2 gene mutation must be very worrisome. We feel for you as you have to make such difficult decisions to let it go and monitor or have procedures.

You may find a new article on our main site Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Genetics to be of interest as it explains the BRCA and other geetics testing and your options.

All the best

The Mods

saralou1118

thanks all for the responses! I'm going to Sloan Kettering for a consultation... but I am also totally panicking. Of course I'm afraid I have cancer now and just never knew it. I'm hoping I can get over the initial shock of it and use this as a tool to better my health and not think or it like a death sentence.