I have IDC and my brother has prostate cancer

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Tova71952
Tova71952 Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in Genetic Testing

My doctor didn't want to test me for BRCA because I didn't have any first degree relatives. Now my brother has prostate cancer and I learned that 3 of my mothers 4 brothers also had it, and my first cousin has breast cancer. I'm overwhelmed that my brother and I were diagnosed within 2 Weeks of other. We are Ashkenazi.

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited February 2013

    Tova,

    So sorry about your diagnosis. Did you have a question or specific concerns? Also if you use the search function we have a Jewish Warrior Sisters and Misheberach thread.

    Caryn

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited February 2013

    Tova71952 - I have a similiar family history. My brother was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 50yo and I was 48 when diagnosed with BC 6 months later. Our father and his 2 brothers had prostate ca. Our paternal GM and 3 of her 4 sisters had BC, all at age > 60yo. I was denied the full BRCA testing because I didn't have a first degree relative with BC. I don't have any first degree female relatives on my father's side! I did have the Ashkenazi BRCA testing and it was negative.  I still opted for a BMX and electively had my tubes/ovaries removed so that I could go on an AI and not have to worry about ovarian ca. The 2 gyn oncologists that I saw thought it was reasonable with my FH. I expect that future research will reveal many more cancer genes and that our family carries one of them. In the meantime, we have to make the best decisions with the information that we do have to come up with our treatment plans.

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited February 2013

    Sorry to hear that.  I don't know how old you are, but I'd imagine that plays a role in your Dr.'s decision not to test as both breast cancer and prostate cancer are quite common as people age.

    I'm going to be tested for it because my mother was diagnosed in September (she was 75, so not a big risk factor), but I have no other first degree female relatives, we are Ashkenazi, and my maternal uncle and grandfather had prostate cancer.  My maternal grandmother had colon cancer, which is sometimes related as well, but the biggest deciding factor for my doctors was that I was 45 at diagnosis.

    I could have had the testing prior to surgery, but at this point I wasn't interested in rushing into a prophylactic MX or BMX, so decided to wait - I'm having blood drawn in 2 weeks.   I'm not sure what I personally will do if it comes back positive but I have two young daughters and definitely want to know for their sakes.

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  • Tova71952
    Tova71952 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2013

    I guess I don't know what I want or need. I feel frantic Do I have brca? Should I forgo radiation and have a mastectomy instead. My mind was made up but my brothers cancer and this new information has thrown a monkey wrench into my thinking. This is all so new and overwhelming to me.

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  • Tova71952
    Tova71952 Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2013

    Oh I am 60 and my brother is 57.

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited March 2013

    You could probably ask to speak to a genetic counselor to see your risk of carrying the BRCA gene, but I would doubt it's that high if you have no other family history.   I'd be very surprised if I carry it, but as I said, I want to know just in case for my daughters.  

    For me personally, a mastectomy was something to be avoided if at all possible - I only have two more rads treatments left and it has been totatally doable ... some fatigue and my skin is just now turning a little red, but by no means the horror stories you sometimes hear about.   I think most people do ok with it.    While it's true that in some cases, radiation can make reconstruction more difficult down the road should you end up with a mastectomy it certainly doesn't rule it out entirely.    Those are just my thoughts though - maybe I'm more attached to my breasts than some!

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  • toomuch
    toomuch Member Posts: 901
    edited March 2013

    Tova - I had a lumpectomy initially but knew that I would eventually have a BMX. When I consulted a surgical oncologist, he suggested that I complete my treatment with radiation and then wait 5-6 months to have BMX and reconstruction. This is the path I chose. But I had positive nodes and knew I would be having radiation even with a MX. You don't have your stats in your signature line so I don't know if you would need radiation anyway. I would recommend getting a 2nd or 3rd opinion if you're having trouble finding peace with your treatment plan.

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  • kdh
    kdh Member Posts: 34
    edited April 2013

    Tova....I am 61 and my brother is 58 and we were both diagnosed with BC within one week of each other. Me with DCIS, him with IDC. Today I found out he is BRAC 2 positive. Just add another twist to the ongoing changes in our lives. I will talk to my MO tomorrow, but I have already had a BMX and happy I chose that way to go. Waiting to see what the next step is. Glad when it's over.



    Kathi

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