BRCA1 and CHEK2 Positive, first abnormal mammogram

jlb9797

Hello all. In November of 2020, I was made aware of my BRCA1 and CHEK2 mutations. It was not too much of a shock, as we knew my paternal aunt had a genetic mutation that caused her two breast cancers (first occurrence at 39, I will be 42 next week). Unfortunately, the day after I was notified of my genetic mutations, I was also notified that I had COVID - so it was a tough week and meant that I had to wait about 6 weeks before I started my screenings. I do intend to have a PBM and a hysterectomy, but my

On Jan 14th, I had my first breast MRI and they were able to compare it to a mammogram from August of 2019. All was fine, I was given a BI-RAD of 2 - just some non-worrisome cysts.

On Wednesday I did a screening mammogram and at the end the tech said "Someone will call you in a day or two". I was surprised and said "But I'll get a letter if all is fine, right?" And she replied "Yes, when all is fine, we send a letter". I did realize she was trying to tell me something. The next morning, the report was available on my patient portal. 1. Right breast asymmetry on the MLO projection. 2. Left breast focal asymmetry. Prominent left auxiliary lymph node. BI-RAD 0 - Inconclusive (as a note, it's been 13 weeks since my COVID vaccine, so I suppose the lymph node could be related to that?)

Interestingly, last week, I thought I felt a lump in my right side, but then when I palpated the left breast, I felt a similar lump, so I assumed it was nothing because I honestly thought if there was a problem, it wouldn't be felt on both sides. Now I see from this report, they are seeing something on both sides. I have scheduled a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound but the earliest they can get me in is July 21st (almost 3 weeks away). I did ask if that was a good sign (that they are not pushing for it sooner) but was told that at the moment they are so backed up with people coming back after COVID that the timing doesn't mean anything. I have been told I can call every day to see if there have been any cancellations. I'll be away for one week next week, so that will take my mind off it a little I think.

I fully understand that the chances of this being something malignant are small and that many women have to go back for further imagine. My mother gets called back for ultrasound on almost every mammogram - but, getting called back with BRCA1 and CHEK2 is another level of stress I don't think I was prepared for.

Anyway, just wanted to share with others who might understand that stress.

Monarchandthemilkweed

I’m so sorry you are going through this. I can’t imagine. I am chek2 positive as well and you can see from my signature i do have cancer. But for years I had callbacks and birads 2,3 and 4 which all turned out to be benign until a birads 4b turned out to be malignant.

I think you are very brave to be considering a prophylactic masectomy. The waiting period for me this last time was so difficult I may have finally decided to do a prophylactic masectomy.

I hope the waiting isn’t too hard. Know that everything moves slowly in the breast cancer world it seems. It drove me crazy but it doesn’t seem to affect outcomes. I waited almost two months from diagnosis to surgery. Take care to keep living your best life. Whatever the results you will deal with them.

Update when you can, I’ll be rooting for you as another chek2 sister