I need advice...

Options
bsbroth
bsbroth Member Posts: 15
edited June 2014 in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Hi, I am 42 years old and a father of 3 children. Girls ages 16 and 12, boy age 14. My wife and their mother was diagnosed with TNBC in 2004 at age 33. She fought for 5 years and 6 months but this monster was unforgiving.  What should I do with the kids, meaning...do I get them tested for BRCA genes or not? Will this hurt them in any way as far as insurance coverage goes in the future if they are found to have the genes. Also, if they do have the gene would it be best to try to prevent this by having the breast tissue removed before it starts to form. My wife had a small bb like nodule, so small, but the doctor said it had probably been gorwing 7-10 years which would have meant it could have starting forming at age 23. I do not want to see the children go through this ordeal. Please I need help. Thank you for those who take the time to tell me anything. God Bless!

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • Luah
    Luah Member Posts: 1,541
    edited August 2013

    bsbroth: My heart goes out to you.. what a difficult thing to deal with. Was your wife ever tested for BRCA? Is there other BC in family? I'm not sure I have any answers for you, but I do think you're being caring and responsible in asking the questions... they are very important! My suggestion would be to line up an appointment with a genetic counsellor who can walk you through all the risks, benefits and implications (including insurance) of testing. The counsellor may also be able to provide you with guidance on decision-making when minors are involved.  

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LRM216
    LRM216 Member Posts: 2,115
    edited August 2013

    bsbroth:  My deepest condolences to you.  I am so sorry about your wife.  besides Luah's good advice above, please also remember that just because someone may have the BRCA gene, this DOES NOT automatically sentence them to cancer at some point in their lives.  I can certainly understand you fear concerning same and want to strongly suggest you go to the triple negative foundation site ( I am also on that board as well), and post a directing it to "Steve - I need your help" or something to that effect.  Steve is our patient advocate and knows more about BRCA testing, and all that BRCA represents - any question you might have, I assure you he will answer.  He will also help you free of charge, in directing you to those you need to reach, appts., etc. 

    Please do avail yourself of his services - go to tnbcfoundation.org - he is so very helpful and knowledgeable, and will certainly advise you better than anyone else can.  God bless and good luck,

    Linda 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • bsbroth
    bsbroth Member Posts: 15
    edited August 2013

    Thank you so much Luah and Linda. I certainly will act on your advice. My wife did have a genetic makeup done and she had the BRCA gene. Then her younger sister was able to have it done for only around $250.00 to see if she also had the gene and she did not.  I have been afraid for the past 4 years thinking about the kids getting tested for this gene but I don't want to wait too long or do something that will be detrimental to them in the future. Thank you so much and I will seek some answers from Steve and a genetic counselor :)

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2013

    Hi Bsbroth,

    We, too, are so sorry for your loss and are sensitive to your predicament. In addition to the helpful advice from the other members here, you may be interested in reading the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Genetic Testing, including information on Deciding Who in the Family Should Get Tested.

    Also, from the Genetic Testing Section:

    "To find a genetic counselor who specializes in family-related cancer risk, talk to your doctor or check with the hospitals and cancer centers in your area. You also can contact the National Cancer Institute Cancer Genetics Services Directory (1-800-4-CANCER) or the National Society of Genetic Counselors (610-872-7608)."

    We hope this helps!

    --The Mods

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories