What are my options?

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beckkers
beckkers Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I am a 26 year old mother of two, my mother had BC at age 43. About 2 months ago I found a lump and thickening in my right breast. I was referred to the same surgeon my mother saw and was told she didn't know what it was, she didnt' think it was cancer but she's been wrong before. I knew she had told my mom that she didn't have cancer when she did (stage 3B) so I went for a second opinion. My new surgeon sent me for a mammo and ultrasound which came back inconclusive. He sent me for genetic testing and I found out yesterday that I'm BRCA 2+ like my mom. He has now scheduled an MRI for next week and we'll see what that says. I need to know when I should worry about any kind of preventative surgeries if the MRI is clear. I won't have any insurance after the end of this month so how long is it safe to wait? I don't know if I'm done having children, my youngest is only 12 weeks old. Any advice would be appreciated!

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited May 2011

    bekkers, it's a tough question. You obviously know that no matter what is seen on your MRI you'll need to have careful screening.

    As far as your ovaries - to have surgery now is drastic. Estrogen does a lot of good things for our bodies. I remember reading a study that showed that women who had their ovaries out at about age 35 ended up dying of heart disease and other related issues on average 10 years younger than women who did the same surgery in their 40's. You're only 26, so it would put you into surgical menopause about 25 years earlier than natural menopause.

    Research as much as you can. Cancer is not the only issue.

    Best of luck.

    Leah

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  • mdoak
    mdoak Member Posts: 219
    edited May 2011

    Beckkers, the most important thing here is to get health insurance. A lot of states have low-income health insurance programs that you might qualify for. Being BRCA + means that at the very least you're going to need close monitoring every six months, probably alternating mammo/ultrasound with an MRI.

    If you can't get health insurance, I know the high-risk program I consulted with had a financial aid program. And I know in my city, there is a fund to help high-risk women pay for MRIs. Definitely start figuring out these financials, because you really can't ignore this.

    Best of luck -- I hope your MRI is clear.

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  • beckkers
    beckkers Member Posts: 3
    edited May 2011

    Ok thanks. Another question. My mom's BC was estrogen-fed. Is that something that I need to worry about (am I at a higher risk for that kind if she had it?) And what are your thoughts on genetic testing for children? I'm leaning toward waiting for them to be old enough to choose.

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  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 8,458
    edited May 2011

    Bekkers, I don't know if there's any more worries since your mother's bc was estrogen-fed.

    As far as testing for children, I see no advantage. Before I was tested the genetic counselor felt there was a 70% chance I would be + and she said my kids should be tested after age 25. You want them to have that information when they're mature enough do deal with it. Also, what can be done for those who are BRCA+ and/or have BC is not what it will be by the time your children are grown.

    BTW it turned out I was BRCA- so my genetic material is being used in research to look for other genetic markers for BC.

    Leah

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  • mawhinney
    mawhinney Member Posts: 1,377
    edited July 2011

    Since you have a 12 week old infant, could your lump be caused by the all the changes your body is going through?  Also, you want a surgeon that has a special interest in breast health and frequently operates on the breast rather than a general surgeon.

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  • daisy4ever
    daisy4ever Member Posts: 75
    edited July 2011

    I was at high-risk for breast cancer, so I opted to have a nipple sparing bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP recon. I came out of surgery with my skin, my nipples, and the fat from my belly was moved to my breast area to replace the tissue that was removed. I do not feel like I have lost anything. In fact, I feel beautiful and whole, I have a flat tummy, and warm, soft boobs. Many surgeons do not offer this surgery. I had to drive an hour away to find a qualified plastic surgeon and breast surgeon. I Love that my chances of getting cancer have been greatly reduced, and I still feel whole.

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