Worried and unsure

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For-my-mom-who-fought-3-times
For-my-mom-who-fought-3-times Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer
Worried and unsure
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  • For-my-mom-who-fought-3-times
    For-my-mom-who-fought-3-times Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2009

    My mother was first diagnosed when i was 18 years old. she has fought breast cancer a total of 3 times and just had surgery this past week for possible reoccurence. I am only 21 and i can't start getting mammograms until i am 25. lately i have been considering breast removal just to possibly lesson my chances of getting breast cancer. i was wondering if that is a good option or if i should just start my breast cancer screening at the age of 25. help me out

    Mal

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  • ElaineD
    ElaineD Member Posts: 2,265
    edited December 2009

    The first thing you need to do is meet with a geneticist, who will be able to test you and see if you have the gene mutation which increases your chances of developing a cancer. I doubt very much that you would find a surgeon at the moment, who would undertake mastectomies without more information. If you have a gene misprint, then having this firmly diagnosed would help your case. If you don't have a gene misprint, the likelihood is that your risk of developing b.c. is no higher than average, so such far reaching surgery might not be wise. I deliberately said, " the likelihood", as new genetic misprints may still be found in the future. But, in the first instance, seek help and counselling from a geneticist, who can start by calculating your risk-good luck.

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  • LISAMG
    LISAMG Member Posts: 639
    edited December 2009

    Mal,

    I agree with Elaine. You may wish to seek genetic counseling and/or testing ONLY if your Mom has a positive BRCA mutation. How old was your mom at the time of her first diagnosis? Any other family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer? Would she consider testing for you? Ideally, the family member affected by cancer needs to be tested first and then others, like yourself, can decide whether or not to be tested to determine a clearer picture of your risks. If your mom were to test positive for the BRCA gene, you would have a 50% chance of also being positive. Of course this also means you have a 50% chance of testing negative too! Lots to consider, but knowledge is power and genetic testing is a very personal choice!! Best wishes. Do not panic, but gather all the facts, do your own research and you can make informed decisions best for YOU. If you need help in finding a certified genetic counselor, send me a PM and I will foward you the web sites for assistance. Ideally, you should begin breast surveillance 10 yrs. prior to your mom's diagnosis. Given your young age, this may include sonograms and MRI. Sometimes, but not always, mammograms are not recommended for your age group

    Warm Regards,

    Lisa

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  • mlrbelle
    mlrbelle Member Posts: 108
    edited December 2009

    I absolutely agree with PP.  First, get your mom to have the genetic testing.  I was diagnosed pretty early (35), my mom had it at 50, and I have 25 and 26 year old sisters.  I am currently awaiting my genetic results - partly to assess my future risks and partly to assist my sisters and eventually my daughters in getting tested early.  I would suggest fighting for an MRI in addition to a mammo the first time around so you have a baseline for both.  This is what my sister has been advised.

    That being said, deciding to remove your breasts is a BIG decision - I know, I just underwent a bilateral mx last month.  The decision was not an easy one, nor is the emotional recovery, even with a diagnosis of BC.  Whatever you decide, having your genetic history will only help you in deciding and finding someone to treat you if necessary.

    Good luck!

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