Strong Family History...How do you deal with stress?

Anonymous

Strong Family History...How do you deal with stress?

Lula73

For genetic testing, reach out to Counsyl. You didn’t mention when your mom had testing done, but they may not have identified as many genes as they have today at the time and your dad’s contribution to your genes also plays a role (it’s not just passed mother to daughter). so best to just get tested. Remember before you found the lump and did additional research on dense breasts? You knew a family history but it likely didn’t consume your every waking moment, right? Same thing with results from genetic testing whether positive or negative. It will be your focus for a bit but then will take a backseat to other things that need your attention. It just takes time.

ladybugmommy2010

I wish I had advice for you but I don’t. All I can say is I truly understand. I also have strong family history and recently had a benign cyst removed because it was causing pain. It’s scary because every little lump or pain you are wondering is this it? I’m 29 and will be 30 next month. I am doing the 5 month surveillance and it’s just really nerve wrecking.

edwards750

I have a family history too. My mother had breast cancer and now both my sister and I have it. Btw I am 7 years out this month. My sister is a year behind me. Neither of us had genetic testing. Frankly I didn’t want to worry about it if I tested positive. Ditto my sister.

My MO told me 70% of breast cancers are not genetically driven. They really don’t know why some women get breast cancer but I’m sure my sister and I are carrying the gene. I have a daughter and 3 granddaughters who unfortunately will have to deal with this in the future.

Of course even if you carry the gene it doesn’t mean you will automatically get BC - it’s just more likely than not. Still it’s not an exact science despite the stats.

So try not to worry and keep us posted.

Diane

WC3

If my mother and her mother had breast cancer, and both tested positive for a breast cancer associated mutation, I would have been tested as well and would have had also tested positive, I would have had a prophylactic BMX if it were within my reach. If everyone tested negative, I would also want a prophylactic BMX given the history and the possibility of an undocumented gene mutation.