BRCA 2

cutiekate
cutiekate Member Posts: 22
edited September 2020 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Just got my genetic result today:

BRCA 2 POSITIVE: Likely Pathogenic Variant Detected

I am so devastated. I think I will go ahead with bilateral mastectomy, but I am not ready for ovary removal. I don't know if I can fully recover from such a radical surgery. I am still in shocked from my recent cancer diagnosis and now BRCA positive result...:(


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  • MikaMika
    MikaMika Member Posts: 342
    edited January 2020

    You can't change this fact, so just accept it.

    I believe no one tells you to remove your ovaries immediately. Just one step at a time. Don't think about your ovaries now. Your breast treatment is number one priority. Please, be strong and take care of yourself! You can do it!


    P.S. I also have BRCA2 mutation.

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  • Yogatyme
    Yogatyme Member Posts: 2,349
    edited January 2020

    I am BRCA1+ and was doing close monitoring of breast health. At dx of bc they recommended bilateral mastectomy bc the recurrence risk is 85% for both breasts. I’m not sure about the BRCA2 mutation but BRCA1 also increases risk of ovarian ca. As MikaMika said, take care of the breast issues now. However, once you get to a better place, seriously consider prophylactic oopherectomy as it is still a sneaky little beast that is most often very advanced by the time you have sx. I had prophylactic oopherectomy 6 mo before my bc dx and I’m glad I made that decision. Like every other bc pt, recurrence is always in the back of my mind, but I NEVER worry about ovarian ca. Oopherectomy is a pretty easy surgery.....a little tenderness for a few days. I only took OTC ibuprofen for about 2 days. Good luck and let us know how you’re doing.

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  • isee
    isee Member Posts: 105
    edited September 2020

    I have the BRCA2 mutation. I had breast cancer 9 years or so ago. I refused the double mastectomy and opted for a lumpectomy and 16 radiation treatments. When I found out I had the mutation they told me I needed to have my ovaries/tubes etc. removed...I ended up having a complete hysterectomy as well. I have to say, if I could do it over, I would not have this surgery. Mainly because I think it has had a big effect on my weight (50lb weight gain), mood, sexuality etc. I have read that if you have your ovaries removed, you may gain weight because the body is able to produce estrogen from fat. Who knew...
    It's a big decision and I'm not suggesting others should not do it, just do your research so you understand what you are getting into. No one told me anything about the side effects of this surgery and I was so shell shocked at the time that I guess I didn't want to know about it. :(

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