very worried now - just found out...

Just thought I'd chime in too that after sending some questions, to the Psychologist I was referred to by the Breast Surgeon at the Breast Clinic; about getting records, (my Father having had and dying from pancreatic cancer), that, I am to see my GP and have her refer me to the Medical Genetics Clinic, for assessement of risk. 

She said they will ask family background questions, and assess my risk of genetic cancer and can procure any files/records required.  IF they think my risk is high enough, they can send me for genetic testing, and if not, well that is just as reassuring.  I am going to do it.  That is the route I am to proceed with, here in Canada. 

EARLY detection is the only thing on my mind.  

Hope all goes well for you. 

I am fibrocystic but everyone on this board keeps saying the only other answer is we'll watch and are watched, then told not to worry - for another six months.  Whatever.

Hi blue74, saw the thread and was hoping my experience could help.

Since your biological grandma and your mom have both had bc, there are a few things you can do now to keep an eye on your health.  Because you seem to have a family history, you might consider a BRCA test.  Talk with your doctor about it, and, if you decide to do it, the facility that does the BRCA test will counsel you before and after to answer any questions and help with some of the emotional side of knowing or not knowing.  Depending upon insurance, if your doc recommends it, and there is a family history, the insurance might cover the cost.

Don't know your age, but get a baseline mammogram.

No matter what your age, probably the most important thing you can ever do for yourself is to learn how to examine your breasts and be diligent in examining yourself on a regular basis.  Don't be afraid because knowledge can only help you.

I speak from experience because my Mom had bc in her early 40's and eventually passed away at age 53.  She was the only woman in our family on either side who had bc, and just because I am her biological daughter it put me at 50% higher risk than any other woman walking down the street with no family history.  In my mid 30's I got a baseline mammogram and learned how to examine myself.  FYI, I flipped out the first time I examined myself because my breasts were really fibrocystic, but with the help of my doc and reading info, learned that it is very normal to have lumpy breasts.  That's where self exam comes in......once you know your lumps and bumps and the changes you have with your cycles, etc.,  you will know it if you feel something unusual or different, then you and your doc can check it out.

Last summer I found an unusual lump, had it biopsied and it was early stage bc.  It didn't show up on the mammogram, my doc didn't notice it because it was kind of soft, and I am so lumpy.  Most of the survivors I talk with found their lumps themselves.  I had the BRAC and it was negative.

blue, I can't stress enough how important it is for you to learn self exam.  Don't be afraid, give yourself the upper hand with knowledge.  The doc giving you a breast exam once a year or every 6 months isn't enough.  They don't know your breasts the way you can and they don't remember what your breasts felt like during the minute they examined them months before.  Only you can learn your breasts.

Try not to be afraid or worried.  Your doc will help you know what to look for and how to examine yourself.  You are venturing into new territory and like anything new and unknown it is scary at first, but once you get used to it, you will do just fine.

Keep us posted!

Having genetic testing is a two edged sword.  Although there is great potential to better see your chances (or not) of developing breast cancer, be sure your life insurance and disability insurances are in place beforehand as you may find it hard to get those afterward should you have a positive result.