Genetic counselling and waiting for results

wallan

So I went for genetic counselling yesterday. Because I have had BC twice at relatively "young" ages (41 and 53) oncologist suggested their may be a genetic link. And it turns out, on my fathers side, my great-grandmother and her sister died of breast cancer at 40 years old.

My family has been pressuring me to get genetically tested since the first BC episode since I have two sisters and 4 nieces. I didn't because I thought there was no need since they are all getting regularly screened anyways. And me too.

This time though I thought I would after the oncologist suggested it. So I went for the blood test and am awaiting results. What I was not expecting is the increased anxiety I now feel. What if I do have a nasty mutated gene? What if I am at high risk for something like colon or pancreatic cancer, which apparently can have links to BC?

I can do nothing about it and need to just let it go I realize, but I was not expecting fear from this counselling session. I am surprised.

Anyone else go through this or can relate?

wallan

mustlovepoodles

Not so! If you find out you have a gene mutation that might cause other cancers you can be monitored more frequently for those particular cancers, in addition to breast cancer. I think you are wise to have the testing done. As you mentioned, if it turns out positive your siblings will want to be tested, too.

As you can see by my signature, I have two rare gene mutations. Together, they can cause lung, colon, pancreatic, and thyroid cancers, and lymphoma. All of which are represented in my 1st and 2nd generation relatives. As upsetting as it was to find out, I am grateful for the information.

Zillsnot4me

I'm waiting on results as we speak. I'm not concerned about my family as I'm not sure mine is hereditary. However it will be advantageous for determining treatments in the future. No sense wasting time or energy in treatments that won't work because of a mutation. I'm actually looking forward to the results.

Good luck.