Mom now diagnosed

Artista928

Didn't know where to put this. I'll report her dx to my tx team as all records show no fam hx of bc. She was dx'd in Oct with DCIS and got lumpectomy and will be doing rads. Do I need to be tested for the gene thing now or since I have no daughters or this happened backwards (me first) that it doesn't effect anything. If it's a gene thing then am I at higher risk? Anything I should insist on from my onc? TIA!

KBeee

My mom was diagnosed in 1992. Was cancer free.....

I was diagnosed in 2013. I tested negative for BRCA.

I had recurrence early 2015. My mom's Gyn ordered the full panel for her. VUS in CHEK2 gene. I was then tested and have the same variant.

My mom had a new primary in late 2015. So..... I guess I'd say it's a good idea you both have genetic testing. Hoping all works out well for both you and your mom. I'm sure you'll be agood resource for her.

MelissaDallas

I agree with KBeee. If you tested positive for another gene syndrome y'all might need to be checked more frequently for colon or other cancers. That was the concern with me when they found the LCIS on the heels of the ovarian cancer because both my dad's mom & sister had colon cancer. I tested negative for the several they tested me for. Even 5 1/2 years ago they weren't doing the big panels. I'm considering doing one someday soon

lintrollerderby

I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I'd definitely bring it up and see about genetic counseling. From there, you and the genetic counselor can decide what, if any, mutations you should be tested for.


Even though BRCA mutations are the most talked about of the deleterious mutations linked to breast cancer, there are others. BRCA, thought the most common of them, is still extremely rare--estimated that roughly half of one percent (0.5%) have a mutation in their BRCA gene. Even though you've already been diagnosed, it still may be a good idea to determine whether there's an identifiable genetic mutation. I'm less familiar with the others than BRCA due to my own situation, but finding out if you have a mutation can help guide decisions such as whether to have a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, whether to step up colonoscopy screening, more vigilance of skin conditions such as melanoma, closer attention to issues which might indicate pancreatic cancer, notifying relatives who might possibly be at risk, etc. Also, it's worth noting that research into BRCA-related breast and ovarian cancers shows that for many people, the addition of a PARP-Inhibitor and/or platinum-based chemotherapy has a favorable effect.

If it were me, I'd just ask to have a session with a genetic counselor and take it from there. They may think you're low risk and don't need to be tested, or they could identify a completely different risk for you based on the family tree that they compile.

Artista928

Thanks. Thing is I didn't tell fam. We don't have the relationship that would be beneficial for me if I did. Only my bro knows cuz he's different than my fam. I know about mom cuz bro figured it's DCIS not like mine otherwise mom told him don't tell me..

Meow13

Well Artista, sorry to hear about your Mom but sounds good she is DCIS not invasive. I hope she does well thru rads.