scared and need info

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Cgoudeau
Cgoudeau Member Posts: 2
edited July 2015 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

I just found out this week that I have the BRCA 2 gene. I am an optimistic person by nature, so I had convinced myself that I didn't have it - needless to say, I was in shock when the test proved me wrong. I have an extremely supportive family, but I feel quite alone in this decision making process. I thought I knew what I would do, but all of that has changed now that I'm faced with the reality of removing healthy tissue as a preventative measure. I'm also feeling rushed somewhat by my schedule. I'm a teacher, and I'm feeling like I need to do something about this during the summer. I don't think I can live with the worry the whole school year, so I feel like I need to act now. I am 42, healthy, already had my three children, and I have an extremely supportive husband. So, I'm thinking this should be easier to make this decision, since i don't need the parts anymore. I've never had one surgery in my life! I'd appreciate any advice that comes my way. I'm also hoping to hear from someone who's been in my situation and can relate so that I don't feel so alone.

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  • PistolMama
    PistolMama Member Posts: 56
    edited May 2015

    Sorry to hear this Cgoudeau! The thing is, removing part of your body, healthy or not, is a big deal. Don't be too hard on yourself for struggling with this decision. Continue to reach out for support here. Not sure if you already have, but they have a board for BRCA 1 & 2 positives that can support you further. Keep us posted! Hugs!

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  • jkbrca2
    jkbrca2 Member Posts: 67
    edited July 2015

    The original post is over a month old, but if I threw in my BRCA2 advice in, it would be to take some time to make your decisions to do anything. Research all your options. Surveillance, surgery , tamoxifen , whatever you decide. And ultimately make the choices that you personally are most comfortable with.

    Having a gene mutation is a double edged sword. On the one hand, it can make you very anxious, especially with all the surveillance testing. On the other hand, we have a certain level of control not having been diagnosed yet if it is preventitive. We can make choices, as opposed to having the choice is made for us.

    Since I tested 4 years ago, at age 35, it has taking me all this time to finally decide to have a preventative mastectomy. I was partially waiting for my son to be old enough, and my parents still young enough, too. But, I'm still not quite ready to have the preventitive oorphectomy. I'll do that when I'm ready.

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  • 614
    614 Member Posts: 851
    edited July 2015


    I can understand wanting to do the surgery over the summer because you are a teacher and you do not want to miss time with your students.  I work in a high school and I was lucky enough to be able to have my lumpectomies over the summer and my oophorectomy over winter break.  I did not have to take any time off for those major surgeries. 

    That being said, don't opt for a major life changing medical procedure just because you are off from work.  Once you have the surgery, you cannot go back and change your mind.  Please weigh all of your options and talk to your doctor about the pro's and con's.  Think about your decision and make sure that it is right for you before you commit to any action.  It is a very personal decision and you have to do what is best for you.

    If you decide to have the surgery during the school year, you will qualify for the family medical leave act.  Your job will definitely be protected so that is not something that you should worry about.

    Good luck with your decision.

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  • sherrbear
    sherrbear Member Posts: 13
    edited July 2015

    I first would like to say I also am sorry your dealing with this, I also tested Braca+ I had what I thought was going to be my only surgery double bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. That was last sept I was off work for 12 weeks and it ended up being 4 surgeries later. I developed infections and my body rejected the implants, I don't regret having the surgery but often they don't go as surgeons planned

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