Genetics

Well, it means that either you or your sister needs to undergo genetic counseling, which will likely lead to genetic testing.  This is important not for you or your sister, but for any other sisters and your sons.  While the risk associations are not as clear, positive BRCA status  may lead to increased prostate cancer risk and an increased risk of male breast cancer. 

The good news is that genetically based ovarian cancer may respond better to chemo than sporadic ovarian cancer.   

 Best of luck to your sister in her treatment. 

Dr V

With all due respect to Dr. V, genetic testing could be quite important to you and your sister, since if you test positive for a mutation in one of the BRCA genes, your risk to develop breast cancer could be extremely high and your medical management would change accordingly.

Genetic counseling is highly recommended since you would obtain medical management recommendations including appropriate screening and risk reductions suggestions for you and your family. Genetic testing should never be undertaken without first having genetic counseling with either a genetic counselor, nurse, or physician with special training in cancer genetics. These folks are usually found at university teaching hospitals. Good luck!!

On 12/9/2007 Redboots wrote:

My younger sister (49) was dx yesterday with ovarian cancer, one year afterf I was. I canttell you how awful this makes me feel, I certainly dont want my little sister having to go through this crap. We both have 2 boys, no girls, does anyone know what that may mean for them?

Hi Colleen -

I Just saw your message - So so so sorry to hear about your sister. Genetic testing is the way to go. I am BRCA 1 positive and have a sister, daughter and granddaughter. Also a brother who has 3 boys. They told me that the BRCA 1 gene can affect my brother and his boys also, not just the females in the family. I was told that the BRCA 1 gene affects the breast, ovaries and colon. It also puts males at a higher risk for prostate CA. My sister is going thru some gyn issues right now. The docs treat this stuff so lightly (even knowing my history)!!!!!!!!!!! It just gets me so pissed off!!!

How are you feeling with your treatments? Are you still doing the IP? My doctors will not do it for me. Everything is in the lymph nodes now. In my neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. Thank God no involvement in any major organs. In March I am going to do the Carboplatin desensitization so I can get back on the Carbo. Of course I am waiting until I get home from my trip to Puerto Rico. I will not miss my vacation!! I am going to continue with the Hycamtin until then.

I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season.

Diane T.