Brca2

hi Yaya!!! I've been thinking should I have the test done or just to leave it off, don't know what to do.... I have 4 sisters and it's me that needs to kick start the testing.... Don't know how I'd feel if I was told I had it... Coped fairly good through the last few months but think if I found out that I had a gene waiting to erupt I'd be forever worrying.... The funny thing is that I have a good gut feeling that I have it anyway, my mum and her sister both had breast cancer....

Hi Taurustwin, Ye it does open a can of worms alright. I only have one sister and both of us got breast cancer so I had a fair idea I had the Gene.I don't have any other Sisters so I dont have that worry. I just felt I wanted to know so I could figure out the risks and percentages and decide what to do. It is a blow finding out and Its hard figuring out what to do with preventative surgery as original surgery had to be done to remove the cancer.
I'm just finding out what I can and then I'll see what Surgeons say.
Thanks so much for replying

[quote="yaya":1w8fxujs]Hi Taurustwin, Ye it does open a can of worms alright. I only have one sister and both of us got breast cancer so I had a fair idea I had the Gene.I don't have any other Sisters so I dont have that worry. I just felt I wanted to know so I could figure out the risks and percentages and decide what to do. It is a blow finding out and Its hard figuring out what to do with preventative surgery as original surgery had to be done to remove the cancer.
I'm just finding out what I can and then I'll see what Surgeons say.
Thanks so much for replying[/quote:1w8fxujs]
Hi Yaya xxx I've been thinking a lot more about being tested... who actually arranges it, the breast surgeon or oncologist??? I was with the breast surgeon yesterday and totally forgot to ask seeing as all things were reconstruction, keep massaging etc... i know that it's up to me to set the ball rolling for my sisters... they're like me, saying we'll leave it off but I think if I get the ball rolling, we'll probably consider it more seriously so hard to know what to do....

[quote="yaya":3a7mzqza]Hi I got my genetic test results in Crumlin on Monday and I tested positive fo the Brca 2 mutation. I kinda expected that result as both me and my sister diagnosed with breat cancer in our thirties.Trying to get my head around it and gather as much info a I can. The Genetics Doctor was lovely and is referring me to Cork to meet with Surgeons to discuss the possibility of removing ovaries and maybe the other breast. She said I could be two months or so before app so plenty of thinking time. I just wondered had anyone had any preventative surgery or dealt with the surgeons in Cork.
Thank you all
Bernie[/quote:3a7mzqza]
Reading back on your post there and didn't realise that it was the genetics doctor that decided on further surgery... My own breast surgeon decided against having the other breast removed, saying that I might never get it in that breast... I've read too that either Tamoxifen or Zoladex increase the risk of uterine cancer too so maybe having this test will sort out the uncertainities in my head....

Hi Taurustwin,
I talked to my oncologist about the genetic testing first. She referred me back to Breast Surgeon as she said letter had to be sent from him. He talked me through the basics and then sent letter to Crumlin. Not sure if it's the same in every hospital.
It was about six months later I was called to clinic up in Crumlin. The Genetics Counsellor mapped out all my family history and then went through all the percentages for brca1 and brca2. I had blood test taken that day an it was four months later that I was called for results.
She went through all the percentages again that day and asked did I want to be referred to a Surgeon to discuss preventative Surgery or did I want to go away and thnk.
I told her to go ahead and refer me so it will probably be about two months before I get appointment so plenty of time to think about it and look things up.
Hope all that helps. Good luck whatever you decide to do Taurustwin

YAYA
I did not have a clue or any idea on breast cancer until very recent am doing chemo every 2 weeks as it is agressive cancer and they are treating it aggressively
Now my daughter lives in Cork me Kildare, she sussed out DuBLIN and CORK and we opted for Private Breast Clinic CUH (Cork University Hospital) Wilton Cork, so far I must say I am very pleased with the results 1/2 way through the chemo tumour was over 4cms is now just over 1cms and I cannot emphasise the team work, care, empathy and kindness of all the medical staff here in Oncology in CUH
I am covered by Plan B VHI it is a joke, as one has to pay all the scans upfront and at end of year apply for a refund from VHI so I opted for public and the staff, treatment, etc remains the same, now I think if I was on my back in hospital VHI would cover everything but not as an outpatient to tell the truth VHI is dead money in this kind of situation I hope this information is of help to you
Best of luck Fiona (Capricorn)

Hi Fiona,
Thanks a mill for that great to hear they are so nice down in Cork. That's great your Tumor has reduced so much.
I know what you mean about the vhi. We have family plan plus cover but you are almost afraid to use it in case you land extra bills. I only used mine when I was an inpatient for the Surgery rest of time I was public.
Good luck with everything