Thyroid cancer 2 years after bc

Hi Lea.  Yes, there is a link between thyroid cancer & breast cancer.  I had thyroid cancer more than 30 years ago.  I only had surgery and replacement thyroid hormone rest of my life (not sure the radioactive iodine was used that long ago.)  Was just diagnosed w/BC in September.  My mother also had thyroid cancer - no breast cancer.   

Anyway, while I was giving family history & making appointment for myself and my daughter for the breast cancer mutation gene, they told me there was also a link between thyroid & BC.  Due to that history, they also suggested I get the genetic P10 test for that - and would have implications for my kids in terms of  monitoring thyroid and breast.  I'll learn more Thursday because that's the genetic counseling session that goes into more depth.  I believe they are only beginning to scratch the surface in terms of how cancers are linked genetically.   The sooner they get to a cause & cure the better.

Just got back from my genetic counseling appointment.  They took saliva sample for the BRCA1 and 2 test.  They also recommended the P10 test (as I posted earlier).  She said the Cleveland Clinic is doing a free study - you can get the test for free.  If you contact the closest cancer center, they can link you to that.  She said Baylor also does commercial P10 testing (about $1500 and most covered by insurance) and can get the results quicker.  For CC, by the time all the paperwork is done, sample submitted and results - that can take about six months.  I'm not in a particular hurry, so I will use the CC process.  It will show if it is genetic.  There's not much you can do about it except be monitored more closely in terms of thyroid & breast for yourself and other family members.  If you have the gene, 50% chance each child will also.

Lea,

It is just too much, isn't it? Janet, thank you so much for your information, and as you know I have my ultrasound on the 20th. Lea, I too am having issues with swallowing and a feeling of fullness, and the occasion weird gurgle back there.

 I know this is another hurdle to go through, and I have also read that thyroid cancer is slow growing. Will you please keep us updated on your progess?

Janet,

Thanks for the info on the genetic testing, like I said someplace else....I am not sure why my Onc was not interested in the BRCA 1 and 2 testing for me. My mom had DCIS and died of pancreatic Cancer. There are many Cancers on her side of the family. I do not have children, but do have a Sister. Wouldn't the test be of importance to her, or other cancers for me? The P10  is very interesting as well. I'll check out the Cleveland Clinic study, thank you. Always a wealth of info to find here and in the big brains of my Sisters

Hi Traci!   In my opinion genetic testing is one of the very few proactive ways to deal with cancer.  One day I'm sure they will find links to many different kinds of cancers.  The research just isn't there yet.  For BRACA1 and 2 test, it's especially important if family members had early onset breast cancers (young women pre-menopausal.).  They don't consider a strong link if family members had breast cancer late in life - but you can't tell without the test.  It can skip individuals or generations.  The other problem is only 2 generations back, if someone died from cancer they did not have sophisticated tests to tell exactly where the cancer may have started.  They told me if I come back positive, they would recommend prophy mastectomy on right side (just had left mastecomy 2 weeks ago) and ovaries/tubes because 50% chance of cancer. Yikes!  For children, grandchildren on down the line, it means much earlier screenings and for them to be tested too.

In my case thyroid was papillary cancer - the very slow growing kind & surgery all that was needed.   (Although it had some rare mitotic feature).  Follicular (sp?) is more aggressive.  She said another study is starting soon - for the life of me I can't remember who she said, except it was also in Ohio.  I told her I'd be happy to send blood samples, saliva samples anywhere to support research.

Janet,

Thank you for your valuable info. I am not sure if my Onc skipped over testing as I do not have children, and had a hysterectomy? But I do have a sister...so do you know what are the recommendations?

Lea,

There is a thread about thyroid cancer and BC. There is also a thread under the autoimmune disorders and BC....you could probably search using those words. I know you and Janet are certainly not alone. I wish you the best, and saved this thread so I will be able to hear how things are going for you.

Best wishes!!

Lea - absolutely yes ask for a thyroid protector anytime you are getting Xrays.  I only let the dentist Xray me and my children about once every few years!  Otherwise she'd do it routinely.  My original thyroid surgeon told me that 30+ years ago.

I've never had a radiologist offer one - have found you have to ask.  However, as precise as radiation fields are programmed these days for cancer treatment, the thyroid may not have been in the "field."  It's just a good practice to get into asking for it in general - it's a simple preventive measure.  The same is true to ask for lead apron for parts of body not getting Xrayed (pelvis, whatever).  They may roll their eyes - but who cares.  They aren't the ones getting the Xray.

somanywomen,

I think that is wonderful advice. It's so important for "patients" (us) to be empowered. I'm glad you feel better having talked with the Rad Doc with your scans in front of you. I have my ultrasound tomorrow, I'll let you all know how it goes.

Lea,

How are you doing?

Thank you Janet! Much appreciated

Lea, Good luck tomorrow, it's so hard to get some control back into our lives after this bc dx, but it is so important to be your own advocate, I will check back to see your good news.....Jewly

Hi Kelly.

I just wanted to say hi from a former Rochesterian I still don't get why my Onc didn't do any genetic testing for me....I am so going in there on the 14th with a pad and pencil. (he explained it in the past, and I just said...o.k.!) I have a sister, and I might benefit as well. I wonder again if it's because I had a hysterectomy in the past? Maybe my Sister needs to have genetic testing? My mom had DCIS and passed from pancreatic though...has anyone seen pancreatic cancer as an increased risk in BRCA 1 or 2?

I am glad yours came back negative Kelly! I am triple neg as well. Funny, I am starting to see more than a few Upstaters here, and one lady (kindone) from Buffalo mentioned the Roswell area as a hotbed for BC. I honestly don't know that area, but wondering if you had any thoughts? I have one thought of this horrible factory that used to spew this awful smell which I think was an animal waste plant. We would all have to pull our windows shut in the summertime. It wasn't every night...but I grew up in Penfield, on the border of Brighton. The name of the company was Steffenback (spelled phonetically only...not sure of correct spelling, and tried to look it up last year and could not find anything.) If you know anything about Rochester can you share? Several of our neighbors have had different forms of cancer...ovarian, pancreatic, breast, a "common" one and another one that is rare and the name escapes me. This was in four houses and we all were neighbors. Who knows about the rest of the block?

Kelley - if I tried to explain P10 test from memory I'd probably get it wrong because I got so much information that day it's all running together.  I THINK it gives you family/genetic thyroid link just like the BRCA test results for BC.  Whether it connects dots to BC, I can't remember.  Maybe that is what CC is studying in this research.  I don't have any brochures about P10 so  I just emailed the genetic counselor to see if she would point me to something that explains it in depth.  Will pass on what she says. 

hope,

Thanks so much for your information, I am going in for my U/S today, and will touch back. I hate being in a hypothyroid state, but know that's a necessary part of treatment. How did you do with that, and how do you feel now (fullness and trouble swallowing?)

Hashimotos is not caused by an iodine deficiency. This is an autoimmune disease, and is not treated by adding iodine. I would like to make this distinction, as this is a potentially dangerous proposition for those with autoimmune thyroid issues. I have several references if needed.