Just found out BRAAC 2

Pamela, I am negative on the brca tests but while I was going through everything and getting that test I met with a group of women from the FORCE group in my area. They all had all the surgeries and many were young. What I can tell you is they looked great. They were doing well. It gave me a lot of hope and assurance. I was weighing BMX and after meeting them I realized that it would all be ok. If there is a FORCE group near you, find them and go to them and they will help you. Great people.

Hi, I am BRCA 2 + also, found out after the BC dx.  Yup its scary, but we kind of get more screenings and attention do to our added risk, so thats comforting.  Best thing to do is to talk to a genetic counsellor about your screenings and get into a clinic that will help manage all your appts!  I am 28 so I get to hold off on the ovary removal for a few mroe years.    My aunt also had pancreatic cancer and another had unknown source cancer, but other than that we also had no trending in our family.  it definately takes some time to get adjusted to the BRCA+ thign, but its really not bad.  I responded really well to chemo, which both my MOs say is typical of BRCA patients!  Thats definately a perk!  Good luck.  Big hugs!

Hi again,

 I had my ovaries removed during the hysterectomy. I was given the choice to do an oophrectomy (ovary removal) or a complete hysterectomy. Honestly, I know that not all will agree, but I was happy to get rid of any body part that might harbor cancer. I had a history of abnormal cervical cells, so it made sense for me.  I'm not saying that I feel the same as before, but I do have a good quality of life. No estrogen does affect libido, skin, hair, etc.

I have two girls who need me. My bottom line was that I was willing to do whatever it took to increase the odds that this would not be back. I did not want to look back with regret. I respect everyone's decisions, but I would not go against my onco's advice. She said if she were me, she'd do a complete hysterectomy and BMX. She is one of the leading researchers in the country.   I, of course, do research and discuss decisions with my husband, but I pretty much go down the path she has laid out for me.

You have some decisions ahead. Best wishes on whatever you decide to do!

BRCA1 here. No personal history of BC but family history of BC, OC, PC. Your genetic counselor (do you have one?) can tell you about your risks + screening and preventative steps to take.

I have read that there may be studies to greater define the risk of BRCA 1/2 as it relates to familial cancer. For instance you have the gene but only have OC in your family, perhaps you would be OK with breast surveillance. Same with BC and other cancers.

I will second FORCE as a resource. Invaluable for me. I also see you are in Florida. The FORCE headquarters are in TAMPA so I would bet there is a group that meets there. Also, the FORCE annual conference is in Orlando in October and I have heard that many women have benefitted from the information shared there. I am hoping I can make it.

Good luck!!!

Pamelahope- I am also brca2+. It is a lot to take in. I found out a year ago at age 48 right after my lumpectomy. I had never even heard about it before. I had a nipple sparing BMX in June 2011 and ovaries removed in December 2011. I did not have to do radiation. I am taking letrozole now and feel I have done all I can to prevent a recurrence. Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Pam

I want you to know that I had the same feeling when I find that I had breast cancer..especially, when I took the first chemo treatment.  I actually, drove to a lawyers office to ask for help since there was a huge delay in getting me the information that I had the breast cancer. The knew in Sept or Oct and i was not told until 8/13/2002 of the next year.

8/13/2002 I faxed the report to MD Anderson Houston and was assigned a Oco. doctor to review my case.  Had many tests and each day that a FREE class was available at the clinic I was there to hear the teacher.  I learned as much as I could in approximately two week of waiting for my test date and studying.

I choose to have the chemicals prior to the lump being removed.  Lump removed from the right breast 4/17/2003 followed by rad. 33 treatments.

Months after all of that I found I have Brca2 R2520X gene mutation. Then, 8/26/2009 before I had a second cancer I opted to have double Mast in Birmingham, Alabama.  My next appointment for my first MRI after the surgery is schedule for one day the first week of October 2012.

I so would like to meet folks with the same Brca 2 R2520X.  I have joined FORCE out of Sav. GA; however, only get information via computer.  Hope to attend one of their meeting next year in Sav. Ga.

I was born in rural Webb, AL.  Retired in Tallahassee, FL and hope to sell my home in Tallahassee as soon as I find that buyer..... I own another home in AL which I hope to live once the Tallahassee home is sold.

I would need to pull my medical reports to give all the details and I will do this.

Would like to get a POST... GHD