More than one sibling with breast cancer

KBL

I am starting this thread because I couldn't find one about this, so if there is already a thread, please point me in the right direction. I will delete this one.

As many know, I was diagnosed Stage IV de novo occult breast cancer in May 2019 but actually have had it since 2013 without knowing.

Also, some know my oldest brother was just diagnosed with breast cancer. We don't know what stage or any other information yet, as he sees the surgeon next week.

I have a few questions for anyone who has a sibling with breast cancer as well as yourself. Do you have the same kind, either lobular or ductal, do you each have a different kind?

Did you do genetic testing and find there was no genetic mutation found at this time?

I have invasive lobular, while my brother's is invasive ductal. He had a 6cm lump in his breast. They've never found the cancer in my breast.

I'm hoping he's very early on and can stop it in its tracks. I don't have that option.

I've learned so much about breast cancer in the last year and a half. Now I feel like I have a lot more to learn

Thank you.

illimae

KBL, I have no sibling with cancer but years ago my aunt (mom’s sister) was diagnosed stage IV de novo ER+ BC at age 63, 2 years after that my mom was diagnosed stage 1 TNBC at age 65 and a year later, I was diagnosed stage IV de novo ER & HER2+ BC at age 41. Genetic tests found nothing but I was told there is likely something in the genes that hasn’t been identified yet and was advised to notify female cousins to begin screening at age 31. There’s history but the cause remains unclear.

KBL

Oh, Mae, that’s what I’m afraid of. I have a 31-year-old daughter. I’m so scared for her. I have a sister who is three years older than me, and so far nothing for her. Thank you so much for letting me know, and I’m sorry this happened to your family. I don’t know what to do for my daughter to make sure she’s screened heavily. She did have an ultrasound, but she has dense breast just like me. If she is going to get cancer (God, I hope not), I want it caught early. I can’t imagine how your mom felt hearing your news, especially at your young age. I’d give my life in a second for her not to get this.

Was your aunt the first in the family or had others had it as well? Up until a week ago, I was the only sibling of five to have any cancer. Now there are three of us. It’s just mind blowing.

illimae

DD sharing a thorough family history with her PCP should be enough to get her screened early and regularly. When I told my PCP about my mom and her sister, he sent me for my first mammo at 39, which was clear. Unfortunately, just a year 1/2 later I was stage IV within 2 weeks of finding a lump. I’m sure there’s nothing I could have done given how quickly it happened.

Yes, my aunt was first but wasn’t diagnosed quickly, we assume because she’s autistic and likely didn’t fully understand the breast changes until it had spread and she had a collapsed lung, which they found bc cells in.

I’d definitely have your daughter mention her history just to be safe.

I do feel cheated at times being youngish but I’ve had a pretty darn good 45 years so far.

KBL

Thank you, Mae. She’s had one ultrasound because of my diagnosis. I do not want to frighten her because she has a very young son, and she’s been through so much with me. The last thing I want is for her to ever think something will happen where she won’t be there for him. She gets a thorough exam every year for her job, so I will make sure she lets her physician know at her job so they can keep an eye.

ctmbsikia

First, my apology for replying here, but felt compelled to answer OP questions.

Maternal aunt is first known bc in our family. She was diagnosed at age 70 was early stage, had surgery with no other treatment. She is now 81.

Sister diagnosed at age 50. Original diagnosis was lobular stage 3b, and thanks to her diligent MO, a bone scan was ordered just a few months into treatment (dmx, rads, tissue expanders), which revealed mets to her spine. She had reconstructive surgery and went 6 years on arimidex and xgeva. Just a couple months ago, pet has uptake in both spine and pelvis. She just started Ibrance. Hoping this new treatment regimen will keep her stable for many years.

My stats are in my signature, but should note that tumor was ductual with lobular features (mixed). Was tested and Brca negative. Our off spring will begin screenings at age 35. Ugh. No genetic link to our cancers, we are most definitely estrogen positive. No idea what happened.

Best wishes to you and your brother.

Hi Mae, hope you’re having a great day!

KBL

I’m so glad you replied. I want anyone to respond. I hope the mods don’t mind. I put it here because I’m Stage IV.

I don’t feel so alone and baffled with no genetic link.

I hope everyone in your family continues to do well. I’m sorry your children have got to start so much earlier. I’m sure my daughter will too now.

I read where if more than one sibling has it and one is a male, the chances are even higher for my daughter. Ugh!!

exbrnxgrl

Not quite the situation you are looking for ... My paternal grandmother passed away from mbc. My younger sister passed away as a result of a uterine sarcoma. My mother had uterine cancer. I belong to an ethnic group with a higher likelihood than the average population for BRCA genes as well as a few others. Yet I have tested negative for any known genetic markers that would predispose one to breast cancer. I have two adult daughters. They are aware of their family medical history. I don’t worry too much as I know they are being vigilant and that if new genetic mutations or other predictive/preventative are discovered they will take advantage of that.

redhead403

My mother had breast cancer, so did her sister and my father's sister. My father and all 3 of my brothers had prostate cancer. The Drs seem to think there is a connection. I believe there is a connection or a gene undiscovered as of yet that connects Prostate and breast cancer

KBL

exbrnxgirl, thank you for the info. I certainly can't worry too much about my daughter, as that would not be a good use of life left that I have, but I'm so hoping, for her sake, it doesn't happen. The field she's in predisposes her to cancer in the first place. She's hopefully switching fields after this next July. I'm sorry for your losses. I guess it's always going to be a mystery as to who gets it and who doesn't.

Readhead403, I just read something yesterday about prostrate and breast cancer, so I think that's true about some kind of connection. Unbelievable how it's affecting your family. I'm sorry.

KBL

I hope everyone can still see my thread. I asked the moderators to move it to this topic thread so anyone who wants to respond can.

illimae

Yup, it’s still here

KBL

Great. Thank you, Mae.

flashlight

Hi, My sister was diagnosed last year with IDC on her right side. My Grandmother had a mastectomy before she was 50. I don't have any more information on her BC. My daughter's Gyn also has BC and wanted me to be have BRCA genetic testing. If it came back positive her plan was for my daughter to have her ovaries out at 50. My genetic tests came back negative. The counselor said if I had sons they would also monitor for prostate cancer. There is a link. My sister hasn't decided yet to have the testing done. Both my daughters will be monitored because of the history.

KBL

Thank you, flashlight. It seems like there are many of us where there isn’t a genetic link. I don’t have a son but my daughter does. He’s just a baby. I wonder if he now has to keep an eye for prostate cancer or he’s too far removed from me. If, God forbid, my daughter had it, then he would have to check more often?

I have my first GYN appointment in a very long time at the end of the month. I will talk to her about it as well. She is going to be new to me.

Rainyday7

Just noticed this thread and in my family’s case I was the first to get Breast Cancer at 33. I’ve gone back through family history back 2 generations and the only BC was a paternal grand aunt who had it at 48.

Since my diagnosis, my older sister was diagnosed at 41. She was ER neg and Her2 +. My younger sister was diagnosed also at 41. She was Er+ And Her2 neg.

I was diagnosed with a recurrence this year and currently being tested if the spots on my spine are mets

2 of us had the genetic tests which came back negative. Strange that it didn’t show up in my parents generation and only one in the previous generation if there is a genetic link. I sometimes wonder if there’s an environmental link instead.