Brca2 gene

ps04551, all of your posts seem to be about discouraging her from having a mastectomy and wanting her to do something else. Does she want the second opinion, or do you?

Have a look at the FORCE website. It stands for Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered and has many young ‘pre-vivors’ thinking about these issues.

I’m not trying to be mean at all. It was a valid question. You seem to want her to wait and I am just trying to understand why. The FORCE website was recommended on one of your earlier posts and it is a great source of information

Dana fFarber has a genetic cancer prevention program that could be of help to you. If you google it you will find their website with their contact info. I found my consult with Dr Houma Rana there very informational and helpful

I was referred there by my oncologist. He referred me to Dr. Judy Garber, but was ultimately directed to Dr. Huma Rana due to other cancers in my family. When I called for the appointment they sent me a questionnaire to complete which asked for my complete history as well as my immediate and extended family. They also requested all medical records from the cancer diagnosis and treatment-- scans, biopsies, surgical notes, etc.

When I went for the appointment I met first with a genetic counselor (i think that was her title). She gave me a lot of good info, although I don't remember too much of what she said now ( that was 2017). I then met with Dr. Rana who talked with my husband and I about the risks I face, and the things I can do to mitigate them. She then gave me her recommendations of what I needed to do surgically/medically to hopefully make sure I do not get other cancers associated with this mutation. She had referrals to surgeons/ doctors that could help me, but I chose to go with my own. I looked up the number for appointments - it is 877-442-3324. You might want to check out thier website too. If you google Dana Farber Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program you will find them.

I am doing well- thank you for asking. I wish your daughter well. It is scary to find out you carry this mutation, and Dana Farber is an excellent resource to help you navigate this diagnosis.

I have BRCA 1. I found out I had it when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 BC at 39 yr and 11 months old, just under 40. Gosh, if I had known I would have gotten those suckers taken off in my early/mid 30’s. I’d have surgery over cancer ANY day. Reconstructed breast can look pretty darn realistic these days and many folks live happily with them. I think ovary removal is kind of a bigger deal than breasts (my personal opinion, and I did have mine removed). All that being said, there are BRCA support groups on Facebook and you’ll find many people that prefer to do surveillance over surgery. I personally wouldn’t want to live with that worry. BMX will take her odds down from 80-something percent to 2-4%. But, it’s her choice. What ever when decides be sure to support her cause either way it sucks.

Best of luck!

I can definitely understand that , and the worry that comes with it. I’m a parent myself. I worry if I’m going to be alive to see my kid grow up. It’s a harsh reality that many of us face. I think many of us that have responded have been a little passionate about it because we could have only wished we knew about our gene status before it was too late ya know ? Had myself and my drs have known , perhaps I would have been taken more seriously and it wouldn’t have gotten as far as it did.

I would have happily spared my breasts to save my life . Hoping your daughter has the very best outcome and a long and healthy life cancer free.