Sister diagnosis

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Zelda33
Zelda33 Member Posts: 14

Hi -

I just finished radiation for BC 2 weeks ago and my sister is having a biopsy on a mass in her right breast and lymph nodes that is consistent with BC. The timing of this is crazy. Has anyone had BC whose sister has it too? Did they do any further testing on you or change your treatment protocol at all? Did you sister have the same type of BC or different?

I know my chances for recurrence just skyrocketed, so any information you have would be incredibly helpful.

Thanks!

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2016

    My brother actually was diagnosed in March 2015, and I was diagnosed Oct 2015. Because of his diagnosis they wanted to do an ultrasound on my cystic breast, which lead to an aspiration, to a core biopsy, to a diagnosis. My estimated risk of breast cancer was about 30%. I had done a BRCA panel before which came back negative on 5-6 genes. After his diagnosis the genetic counselor was still suspicious so she did a full panel genetic testing and it came back with a variance of unknown significance in the BARD1 gene. They are predicting it to be benign but there's no definite answer yet. His diagnosis had no effect on my treatment options, but I chose to do a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy. I wish you both the best and hopefully benign results for your sister. I would look into genetic counseling especially if there are others in your family with certain types of cancer.

  • Zelda33
    Zelda33 Member Posts: 14
    edited February 2016

    That's the weird thing. There is no history of cancer in our family.

    Thank you so much for responding and the advice. It's very much appreciated.

  • ThatGirlK
    ThatGirlK Member Posts: 2
    edited April 2016

    Thank you for posting this! I was diagnosed and I have encouraged my sister to pay close attention to her breast health, and her health overall. And thankfully while she did have to go back for additional studies, she was clearance and will be monitored closely. I hope you and your sister are doing well and know you are both in my prayers!

  • Zelda33
    Zelda33 Member Posts: 14
    edited April 2016

    Thank you so much!

  • dawnmarieg
    dawnmarieg Member Posts: 15
    edited April 2016

    I have an older sister and younger sister diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 9 months and now I have had two abnormal mammos and an ultrasound that showed enlarged lymph nodes and spots on both breast. Biopsy is next Friday the 29th. Let me know how you are doing.....


    Dawn

  • octogirl
    octogirl Member Posts: 2,804
    edited April 2016

    Two of my three sisters have had bc; one diagnosed several years before me, one very recently after me. Our MOs all recommended genetic testing. I have been procrastinating (just because I have had so much else going on in terms of treatment) but one sister has completed extensive genetic testing, which found no genetic link, at least for her. Her MO told her that either there was a as-yet undiscovered genetic link, an environmental link, or alternatively, it could be just plain old bad luck.

    The testing does seem like a good idea for anyone with a similar history, and yes, our sister who has not had bc is being monitored closely, including using u/s and MRI instead of only mammogram, since all three of us have been told we have dense breasts.

    Octogirl

  • Zelda33
    Zelda33 Member Posts: 14
    edited May 2016

    Thank you for your responses everyone!

    My sister is about to have her third chemo treatment and I'm about to have a follow up with my MO and RO.

    Wish us luck!

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