Help!

frillsandpills

Hi! I really don't know where to begin or where to post as this is my first time here! I am 27 years old and at high risk of developing breast cancer. My mum was diagnosed 15 years ago and although none of us carry the BRCA genes, it runs in the family(her mum, aunt, sister and grandmother). My mum was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in 2008 and has had herceptin for a number of years. We had news earlier this week that the cancer is active again and has spread. I am seriously considering a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and have been for some time. Has anyone reading this had that procedure and if so, what advice can you give me? TYI

Moderators

Hi Frillsandpills-

We want to welcome you to our community here at BCO. We're glad you've joined us, and hope you find the support and information you're looking for!

Undergoing a prophylactic mastectomy is a very personal, very difficult decision. We're so sorry you're in the position of having to make that decision, and for seeing so many of your family members battle this disease. Have you spoken to your doctor about your concerns? While the procedure can decrease your chances of developing breast cancer by up to 90%, it does come with it's own set of risks. You can read more about the procedure here: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/prop.... We hope that, in addition to getting advice here, you're working closely with your doctor and family to decide if this is the right course of action for you.

Please keep us posted on how you're doing, and how your mom is doing. We hope her treatments are successful and she sees NED soon. You'll be in our thoughts!

The Mods

vlnrph

So sorry to hear about progression of this nasty disease. Presuming she was a young age at diagnosis & with extensive family history, you really need to know what is going on.

Certainly see a genetic counselor before seriously contemplating surgery - the past two years have brought out tons of new possibilities in hereditary cancer testing. Your mom may be the best person to have further analysis (so much beyond BRCA 1/2 could be of concern). If her mutation is isolated, you have a 50% chance of having it. Perhaps you're in the other half and only have average risk! Then you can focus your energies on helping her through treatment. Best wishes for concrete answers soon.

vlnrph

Dear bereaved, that is some heavy duty family history - I assume it was your mom with the 1997 stage IV diagnosis that appears in your signature line? I wonder if you have met recently with a genetic counselor because, as I mentioned above, there is a lot more testing available compared to just a couple years ago. It would be great to have your mutation defined, then you might not have so much concern over uncertain risk. You are wise to realize that surgery is a major decision and I hope you find peace as time goes on.