BRCA+ and under 40 yrs old? Anyone?

HI jillyG:    Been wondering about your genetic test results.  Seems like it has taken a long time.  I don't fit the "young" part of your inquiry, but have some suggestions.

After finding out my BRCA2 status, I've learned all I could about it.  These reference were very helpful for me:  www.facingourrisk.org     You will find many young women grappling with the question you are asking.   The other is a new book "Positive Results" by Joi Morris and Ora Gordon.  It, too, focuses on BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and also talks about hereditary risk in general.   

The timing of the oopherectomy is a personal choice -- you will have to weigh the risk benefit of estrogen depletion vs. ovarian cancer.   The most important thing to consider is what is your real risk for ovarian cancer at the age you are now vs in the future.    Most believe keeping your ovaries until 40 is safe, then each year after your risk increases...how much?  that is the question to research.  And is that risk worth losing your estrogen -- which keeps you healthy in many other ways -- bone, heart, brain --- It is a tough decision.   

  You can  live well being estrogen depleted -- I am.

((((HUGS))))) to another J Jewel.   

Hi jillyG

I am 34 and was just diagnosed with BC, which prompted genetics testing.  I was very lucky, as I had my test results in 10 days.  Waiting is horrible, so I can only imagine what you're going through.  I am BRCA1+  I am getting a bilateral mastectomy on Sept 3 and I can not even fathom getting my ovaries out right now. I am single and I don't know if I want to have more kids, and also I feel like i'm too young for it !  My genetics counselor did advise me that I should start seriously thinking about it between the ages of 40 and 42.  So for me, it's just one thing at a time.  My breasts are my priority right now.

I`m 37, have 2 kids, was diagnosed 01/14/2010. Got my result of BRCA1+ in March. I will do Bilateral Mastectimy in May 2011 (now I`m on Avastin trial) and will remove my ovaries in the same time. My mom was 9 year survivor of BC and died 18 months ago from ovarian cancer. This is no question for me. But my doc told me that I can keep them till 40.

I turned 33 on august and i had a lumpectumy.  my results are positive and on moday 13 im having a bilateral mastectumy and reconstruction done.  then my ovaries are going i already have my grandma who has ovarian cancer and she is terminal. 

Hi I am 37, was diagnosed BRCA1 this year. Have already had preventative bi-lateral mastectomies without reconstruction. Will get around to that later. Having complete hysterectomy this year as well and will do recon next year. I am black and white matter of fact kind person and this was only option for me as 14 woman have died in may family to this disease. I am mum to 5 kids and am now more worried about which ones of those have the gene. My eldest daughter is 19 ans she is neg. The next one to know is my son who is 18 in Dec. But them I have to wait another 8 years until the rest start being tested.  Good luck with whatever choices yiou make. Yours in Love asnd Light Kelly. x

I am in a very similar situation.  I was diagnosed with triple Neg BC 5 years ago at age 33.  I did a Bilat Mast. and chemo and I am BRCA1+.  I now have my Prophylactic oophrectomy scheduled for November.  I have spoken to a bunch of different doctors about the possibility of using Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and the mostly the answer I get is- Theoretically I should be fine. I have no more breast tissue and the cancer I did have was hormone neg.  But studies have not been done to prove this yet. My oncologist wants me to wait and see if I am symptomatic but for me it is about more than just hot flashes.  I am worried about Heart disease, osteoporosis, cognitive impairment and overall morality. I am only 39.  It is such a hard decision. Any one else considered doing HRTs???

Joanna

I was 39 when I was originally dx with BC and I'm BRCA1+.  I had an ovarian cyst that grew to about 4.3 cm.  They were planning on removing it in May of 2010, but I found out I had BC again in April.  I'm in chemo right now and will do rads.  After that, I will have a hyst/ooph.  Have you spoken to a gyn onco?  That's who will do my surgery (laproscopically) along with my obgyn (not sure the need for 2 doctors).  I've never had children (had 2 miscarraiges in my early 30's).  I wasn't planning on having children, but I guess after chemo and this surgery, it won't be a choice.  Oh well, I just don't want to deal with cancer again.  My gyn onco said that being BRCA1+, I have a 60% chance of developing ovarian cancer and it's usually far along when they find it.  Ughhh....

Hi There, I am 31, BRCA1+ and going to have a BMX & ovary removal at the same time.  I have no children and the thought of having a 50% chance of passing this gene on to another soul breaks my heart.  There are plenty of kids who need homes if and when I am ready to have them.

I am scared out of my gourd as I've never even spent a single night in the hospital nor had any surgery.  Boy does this seem to start me off with a bang.

Best of luck to you all.

jillyG - i was 39 at DX and am BRCA1+. I will have an ooph after i finish chemo, surgery, and rads. my drs  and genetic counsellors said they recommend definitely having an ooph after the age of 40, and to seriously consider doing it after the age of 35. hope this helps.