First Breast Cancer and Now Ovarian Cancer - Survivors?

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 8 years ago and has one breast removed as well as completing chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The cancer had gone away but in the past two weeks a tumor was found on one of her ovaries. After having surgery to remove the tumor (which burst during surgery) they now believe she has ovarian cancer. Although the pathologist seems to feel that it may be breast cancer again. We won't know for 3 weeks. I'm looking for stories about women approximately her age (57) that have had breast cancer and survived, and then had ovarian cancer. We are looking for advice, stories, hope, anything! thank you! Also, I am a 28 year old woman and now wondering what steps i should consider taking in preventing this for myself.

Hi Lisa. My mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 46. She had a lumpectomy along with radiation & chemo for a yr. She was also part of a clinical trial where they removed her ovaries. Last Sept, she went in for her yearly mammogram & they saw something. In the same breast. Her oncologist said that it was not a recurrance but a "new" cancer. She had a left mastectomy. I have had yearly mammograms since age 30 (I'm now 40) & have had 2 lumps removed from my left breast. Both benign. I, too, wonder/worry all the time about getting breast cancer. It scares me to death. Please think positive about your mom. She's very young & there are so much treatments out there. I hope my email gave you some comfort, at least in the fact that you are not alone. My prayers are with you & your mom. Connie

Hi Lisa, I am 39 & fifteen years ago my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. (survived that one) Five years ago my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. (not doing well) She has fought long and hard to beat the ovarian cancer but unfortunately, she is in her last days. My mothers mom (my grandmother) also had breast cancer twice at age 40 and 70. My mother was tested for the BRCA 1 & 2 (cancer gene) and it came back positive for the BRCA 2.(breast/ovarian) I have always had very lumpy breast's (many surgeies for lumps,lucky me none were cancer) I really was always worried that I would come down with some form of cancer breast or ovarian. I am married and have three small boys and was so scared that I would not get to see them grow up. We have a wonderful facility in fla. (moffitt cancer center) and they have a genetic counceling area as well as well informed specialists. Last year I took the plunge and had a prophylatic bilatteral mastectomy. I have to say it was one of the toughest decisions I have ever made in my life and last year was a long hard road. I had three surgeries (tissue expansion) (implants) & (nipple reconstruction) and finally tattoos. I have to say that I feel great and my breasts look great! The most important thing for me is that I do not worry about my mamo's every 6 mos. I am now in the process of getting tested for the BRCA 1 & 2. If positive, I will take the plunge once more and have my ovaries out. (finished with children) If I test positive, my three sons have a very high chance of prostate cancer. (later in life) For me, I wanted to know if I carry the gene so I could keep on top of it, for other people they just dont want to know. I hope your mother does well and has a full recovery & lots of health. I hope this has helped you with your question? Let me know if I can help in any way. Christina in Florida

Lisa, An EXCELLENT message board for GYN cancers and to some extent breast cancer is in web site www.hystersisters.com. Go to the Cancer Concerns message board on the site. Many women (a number of "regulars") there with wonderful support and info. (Within that board, there are a couple of good threads on prophylactic hysterectomies and mastectomies.) Mary D.

Hi Christina, I am seriously considering having a prophylatic bilateral mastectomy because of strong family history. I lost my mother and my maternal aunt to breast cancer. My maternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer and my maternal first cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 years ago. (She is doing great after a bilateral mastecomy and ovary removal and chemo.) My dilema is both my cousin and I tested negative for BRCA 1 & 2. I have a variant for BRCA 1 which they are not sure what that means. It was explained that we probably carry a mutation that has not been discovered as of yet. I am 45 years old and have a very supportive husband. I ,too, am very concerned for my three children (1 boy and 2 girls). It sounds as if you are doing great and have no regrets. Thanks for sharing your story.