CHEK2 gene

GrandmaNancy
GrandmaNancy Member Posts: 4
edited August 2021 in Genetic Testing

I am 70 years old. I was first diagnosed with breast cancer 18 years ago. I had a lumpectomy followed be radiation. After18 years, I thought I was worry free.

Three years ago I had genetic testing & discovered that I have the CHEK2 gene. Recently I tested positive for cancer in my other breast. It’s DCIS stage 0.I’m going for a lumpectomy next week. Has anyone else had cancer in their other breast after so many years? If so, did you opt for bilateral mastectomy?

Comments

  • Moderators
    Moderators Member Posts: 25,912
    edited August 2021

    BUMP for GrandmaNancy -- can anyone weigh in?

  • jennyjo20
    jennyjo20 Member Posts: 41
    edited August 2021

    Hi Grandma Nancy,

    I’m too early in the process to answer your exact question, but I also have the CHEK2 mutation. The genetic counselors did warn me that I’m at increased risk for a second primary. I’m sorry you find yourself in this situation but glad it was detected while still stage 0 DCIS.

  • Esther01
    Esther01 Member Posts: 294
    edited August 2021

    Hi Grandma Nancy,

    I"m so sorry this happened again after 18 years. I pray that your upcoming lumpectomy (or mastectomy if you choose) and any additional treatment are successful as your original treatment was. I have the same CHEK2 gene. I am going through radiation now for what I hope will be the only occurrence, but I do understand that gene mutations can make recurrence more likely. I didn't want a mastectomy because I had read a few studies that it could still come back and that lumpectomy was preferred for low grade/stage, but others here will certainly be more of an expert on that than me.

    I am learning lately that there is much more to genetics than the existence of a genetic mutation, and that certain lifestyle and external factors can affect our genes (epigenetics) in a way such that the genetic expression is effectively turned on or off. I'm only beginning to learn about the metabolic characteristics of cancer, but it is my understanding from specialists in the field like geneticist/biochemist Dr. Seyfried and others who have done many studies that cancer cells survive by fermenting glucose and glutamine and that some things such as a keto diet (keeping your body in ketosis) and increased exercise/oxygen to the tissues are just a few ways to help make our bodies less hospitable to a new cancer growth.

    Also, are you blood type A? If so, you may definitely want to increase digestive enzymes. Please feel free to message me if you'd like any information on enzymes.

    I am so sorry for the new occurrence and I hope that you are through treatment as comfortably as possible and on your way to recovery very soon.

    Blessings to you,

    Esther

  • GrandmaNancy
    GrandmaNancy Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2021

    hi Esther01.

    Thank you for your response. I had a stereotactic biopsy yesterday. We are hoping the results come in before my scheduled lumpectomy on Tuesday. I initially had a US guided biopsy on a spot that showed up on my ultrasound, but my mammogram showed a different spot. The radiologist insisted on the second biopsy.

    I have mostly consumed a very healthy diet - little to no processed food & sweets, grass fed beef occasionally, organic, nonGMO most of the time. I am currently reading a book on autophagy which touts scientific research on the topic. In a nutshell, it’s the “process by which cells remove toxins, recycle parts, and repair their own damage”. The author suggests that this lifestyle can “suppress systems & processes that can be related to the development of cancer”. I’m eager to finish reading and perhaps embark on a new, healthier lifestyle.

    I will share my biopsy & surgery results when I have them.

    GrandmaNamc

  • Aram
    Aram Member Posts: 417
    edited August 2021

    Esther01, the research has not shown positive effects of exercise or diet on people with genetic predisposition to breast cancer or even in case of Her2+ BC. Breast cancer is not one single disease and something that might be true for one time doesn't necessarily mean it's true for other types.

    GrandmaNancy, my aunt had two different primaries about 20 years apart and is not with us anymore. She wasn't a confirmed BRCA1 case but considering the info we have now she is presumed to have been BRCA1 positive. The genetic counselor told me I also have a very high chance of getting a second primary therefore BMX for me is in the plan.

  • Esther01
    Esther01 Member Posts: 294
    edited August 2021

    Thanks Aram,

    Fortunately, there are oncologists and researchers in the field of cancer treatment who are far more informed than we are who are indeed successfully working with cancer survivors with the same genetic mutation that I have. Whether their patient success stories are anecdotal or published in peer-reviewed journals, there is not a person alive on the planet who will not benefit from diet and exercise.

    Blessings,

    Esther

  • Esther01
    Esther01 Member Posts: 294
    edited August 2021

    GrandmaNancy,

    Let us know how it goes! That book sounds wonderful. I would love to read it. This has been such a steep learning curve in the past seven months.

    Blessings on your weekend,

    Esther

  • GrandmaNancy
    GrandmaNancy Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2021

    Esther01

    Thank you Esther01. Blessings to you too!

    Nancy

  • K-Gobby
    K-Gobby Member Posts: 140
    edited August 2021

    I was genetically tested 2 days ago and have BRCA2. My dosage changed and today i had my first infusion with 11 more done on every Friday. I am wondering now which one will get me. I am taking the nausea pills as described. Cutting my hair on Monday at 9am and meeting with the breast surgeon and the Gyno surgeon. With my gene, and my families cancer history, the Brest and women's parts are loved by this cancer gene. If i had a prostate, it would have went there. A little humor will keep us on the road to better health.

    Grandma Nancy- I hope it is a diagnosis that can be worked with. Cancer Doctors in 2021 are good. They have not stopped my testing since the 20th of July when i met the team.

  • GrandmaNancy
    GrandmaNancy Member Posts: 4
    edited August 2021

    K Gobby

    Praying for positive results from your treatments.

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