Diagnosed 1 October

Anonymous

Diagnosed 1 October

Jcolby

After my recent mammogram, I was called back for a diagnostic mammogram, and then an US. BI RAD of 5, and a 6mm mass, which prompted a US guided biopsy which came back as IDC, with DCIS present. Nottingham score of 7, so grade II. My doctor and I discussed mastectomy and lumpectomy. Since he made this sound like an "easy" fix I opted for lumpectomy, sentinel node dissection, followed by radiation. Surgery is Tuesday. I feel very good about the outcome. Although I think about it often, I'm not anxious about the procedure nor the result. Doctor is suggesting genetic testing and I'm not sure about that. I'm 70, so I wonder if it wouldn't make more sense for my daughter to do it.

I have hardly told anyone, I just don't want those nosy nellies calling just to get the scoop.

Feels good to put this down, knowing this is a friendly place. Thanks all.

MaryToU

Hi, Jcolby, I was also diagnosed recently, October 6th. My surgeon also wants me go to a genetic test done. I already know that I will have to have a mastectomy on my left breast, and the genetic test is to see if I should also remover the right breast. I am 53 years old, and so I have many more years to go. I don't think it is a very invasive test. And where as they are doing so many test on you as it is, then why not. This way if you do not carry the gene, you can at least put your daughter's fears to rest.

Jcolby

MaryToU:  Thank you for your post.  I do have a question on this genetic testing thing.  If I am negative, meaning I don't carry the gene, does that mean my daughter is 100% assured NOT to have the gene?  Could she have it, even if I'm negative?  Or in reverse, could I be positive and she be negative?  I guess I need to do my homework before bugging people here.

I actually am getting anxious to get this surgery over with just to put my mind at east about everything.  There's always that nagging feeling that what if it is in the nodes? 

I got a call from the oncologist's office, and they set up an appointment for me the week after surgery.  I thought it would be scheduled for about a month after surgery, and I was worried it would interfere with Thanksgiving as we will have 12 people visiting at our house for a week.  So maybe it will work out OK.

keepthefaith

JC, Your DD could still have a gene from her Fathers' side. I'm not sure if it "skips" a generation though. Honestly, I don't think enough research has been done to find all of the possible genes that may contribute to BC. I have a family history, but none of us carry the BRCA gene...I did have a gene of "unknown significance". A good question for your Dr. Hopefully, we will have more answers in our lifetime! Good luck on your up-coming surgery. A lumpectomy is usually easy-peasy!:)