what does it mean to be high risk?

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mnormal
mnormal Member Posts: 14
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Silly newbie basic question.  Sorry.

I've been concerned about a red patch of skin on my right breast.  It's been there since early November.  Was diagnosed with cellulitis 2 days after Thanksgiving and put on a strong antibiotic (bactrim?) for 10 days.  Breast looked the same.

I did convince my PCP to order a brest MRI (while he rolled his eyes at me for my concern), which basically only showed some skin thickening in the red area.  But, they rated it BIRADs3, probably b9, repeat MRI in 3 months.

I went to the brest health center at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance today to be seen by people who really know breast health.  The ARNP I saw today says she thinks it's still an infection (vs inflammatory breast cancer) since it has remained the same for several weeks (I was taking pictures with my phone every day).  She did order a diagnostic Mamo and u/s for tomorrow (as my armpit hurts now too).  I see the breast surgeon on the 28th to get it checked by him and to possibly have a punch biopsy.  She also gave me another script for a different antibiotic to take for 2 weeks.

Anyway, during the appt she said that she did the calculations, just based on my family history, and it puts me at high risk.  She wants me to see a genetic counselor and to be followed by their high risk clinic.

My own history probably bumps me up higher on the 'high risk' category, as I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure at the age of 25 (early menopause - blood work came back 'post menopausal' levels).  So, I've been off and on HRT for 16-17 years now.

My mother had breast cancer (estrogen receptor type) at the age of 47 (I'm 42).  The following year, her mother was diagnosed with a different type of breast cancer - and passed from it 3 years later.

I've always kind of figured that I was high risk, and have had mamos since 1996 (age of 27).  I have very fiberous breast adn they always complain that they can't really see anything.  I've gotten repeated cysts in my right breast (same spot every time) - amost every year since 2002 (I think).

Sorry to write a book.  Just giving my history. 

So, what does it mean to be officially considered high risk?

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  • LisaAlissa
    LisaAlissa Member Posts: 1,092
    edited December 2011

    First of all, it doesn't mean that you have (or will get) breast cancer.  The best thing to do is to see the genetic counselor and find out what it means for you.  Depending on the factors that tip you into the "high risk" category, it may mean something different for you than for another woman with different factors that put her into the "high risk" category.

    Based on your particular risk, you (and they) will develop a strategy for managing your particular risk.  It may involve more frequent screening, different screening modalities, preventative drug or hormonal therapies, even prophylactic surgeries.  

    But until you've worked with a genetic counselor and the high risk clinic, you won't really know what it means for you to be "high risk."

    I do, however, think that you're very fortunate to have a high risk clinic locally.

    And if you are ever diagnosed w/ BC, you can come back here and we'll be here for you. 

    Best wishes to you!

    LisaAlissa 

    etc: spelling 

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  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited December 2011

    Hi Mnormal;

    It may be helpful for you to check out the main Breastcancer.org site and the Lower Your Risk section. There's good information on Understanding Risk and Breast Cancer Risk Factors.

    Hope this helps!

    --The Mods

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  • mnormal
    mnormal Member Posts: 14
    edited December 2011

    Thanks.  I appreciate that.  Still trying to find my way around and find info.

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  • LISAMG
    LISAMG Member Posts: 639
    edited December 2011

    Consider genetic counseling/testing to accurately determine if you have a possible BRCA mutation, especially considering your significant family history!!!

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

    Being high risk just means you need to be a little more vigilant than the average person.You are fortunate to have a high risk specialist looking out for you. I have a 20% risk of a reoccurrence and am followed by a high risk practice.

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