When I was diagnosed with breast ca in June, 2008, my oncologist took my family history. Because my mom died of breast cancer (1995) and her sister had it, as well as 2 maternal first cousins, he wanted me to have the BRCA tests. He said that even though it was obvious we had a high familial risk, he wanted to see if the gene mutation was there, because of the increased risk for ovarian ca as well. So I had the test, which came back positive for a mutation of the BRCA2 gene,
I am 41, and I have a 43 yr old and a 54 yr old sister. They were able to be tested specifically for my mutation, (which was $385 rather than the entire test which cost me $3200, but my insurance paid since I had cancer), and BOTH tested positive for the mutation.
My mom was 54 when she was first diagnosed. My 54 yr old sister has Chron's disease, and her doctors advised her to have a preventative bilateral mastectomy, because she REALLY does not neet to go thru chemo/radation on top of everything else. Shes had 4 abdominal surgeries, the last was 12 months ago, a small intestine resection, so she is seeing a gynecological oncologist about her ovaries, but she had her breasts removed 3 weeks ago. My 43 yr old sister lives several hours away in a large city, and she saw genetic counselors, gynecologist, oncologist, surgeon, and gyn. oncologist, all within about 2 days of getting her results. They ALL said the same thing - preventative mastectomy and oophrectomy (Ovary removal.)
Ive gone through alot of emotions since hearing all this. BOTH my sisters were VERY upset when they got their results. I got rather testy, told one of them, what I wouldnt give to have known one year ago that I could have my breasts removed BEFOre I got cancer, and I wouldnt have had 30 lymphnodes removed, or have my hair fall out, or be violently ill for pretty much 6 months, or have to live with the fear that comes with being a STAGE 3c cancer survivor! I go from thinking "Thank God the two of them have a much better chance of not getting this" to feeling like it is somehow MY fault that they have both decided on this very traumatic course of action. I can barely restrain myself from calling my 43 yr old sister and begging her, please just take out the ovaries, dont take your breasts off. I have handled losing my breasts pretty well,better I think than they are, probably because I didnt feel like I had a choice if I wanted to live, and also because I havent had time to greive over them since Ive been dealing with chemo, etc.
On top of that, for the first time since I was diagnosed, I keep asking myself WHAT DID I DO? I had regular mammos, avoided hormones, breastfed my children, dont smoke, but Im a little overweight. One sister smokes, has never had kids, started her period befor age 12, is overweight, never exercises, has had 2 lumpectomies (Benign) and the other sister is much older, never breastfed, used the BCP, took some hormones, started her period before age 12. Believe me, I love my sisters and I never want them to be sick with any kind of illness, let alone cancer, but I cant help but wonder what it is about MY lifestyle that gave me - the youngest and healthiest, with 6 kids still to raise - the cancer. I can only have faith that God just knew that if I got the cancer, I was healthy enough and spiritually strong enough to fight it off, and that ALL THREE of us would be cancer free and live to a ripe old age, and maybe take cruises and trips abroad together....
Any comments or advice?