Genetic Mutation: Waiting on the other shoe to drop

ThePiedPiper

I'm a single mom with two young boys (9 & 12) and a CHEK2 genetic mutation. I made it through two bouts of breast cancer. Got those bitches cut off, but what's next? Mets? Pancreas? Colon? And when's it coming? This holding my breath is exhausting. I lay in my bed every chance I get - which is a lot.

WC3

Hi ThePiedPiper:

Sometimes we are scared of things or depressed or anxious about something and that is just how we feel about it.

I think in times like that it's important to surround yourself with people who make you feel safe and who can distract you from your worries, and to keep yourself busy. Acknowledge that you are at an increased risk for cancer, form a game plan for if it happens, but try not to give yourself time to dwell on the worry.

mustlovepoodles

I agree with WC3. I have both Chek2 and PALB2 mutations. I have the choice every day to either worry about it or let it go and enjoy the day. Most days I let it go. This disease has already robbed me of so much. I just can't allow myself to perseverance on the what ifs. Could the cancer return? Could it metastasize? Sure it could. And if that happens I will be devastated. But I refuse to be devastated TODAY about something that hasn't happened and may never happen. I had my BMX, i take my AI, and I get my colonoscopy every 5 years. Beyond that I think it's the luck of the draw.

edwards750

Good advice ladies. All of us have the fear factor and we can choose to let it control our lives or not. Of course we are concerned about a recurrence but we can’t control that either. I think that was the hardest thing for me. I couldn’t control getting it and I can’t prevent it from coming back.

The Pied Piper - You have young children so I know that makes you more anxious. My children are grown. I’m the poster person for worrying so it’s taken some doing not to agonize over the what if’s but I have managed to do just that. Time does help.

I’ve donated enough time to this disease. Enjoy and cherish your time with your family. You can’t get that time back.

Diane