BRCA2 gene and confused
Posted on: Wed, 20/08/2008 - 16:07
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BRCA2 gene and confused
Hi Everyone.
Was just wondering if anyone out there has had a similar experience to what I am going through at the minute and can give me some advice. I am 36 and have been diagnosed back in Jan 08 that I have the BRCA2 gene. Have buried my head in the sand until now and have finally decided to do something about it.
Now I don't know what to do; so many people have advised me of different things - hysterectomy, oomphectomy, HRT (not advisable with strong family history of cancer) or ignore the whole lot and it might go away!! I have no children and am seeing a specialist in Leeds on 26 Aug regarding having my eggs frozen if I choose to have a full hysterectomy. I am just so confused, angry, upset, am terrified (through ignorance) of the menopause and have a massive fear of cancer. My mum died 18 months ago after suffering with it for 15 years in many forms (breast/ovarian/bowel). I suffered with depression at the time due to having to look after her and consequently am seeing a psychologist to try and rid me of the fear of cancer and everything associated with it. I am still on anti-depressants. It has taken me months to look on this website. I know that I must do something positive now and am trying to get focussed on the future but I am just so scared and feel so stupid as my mum was such a fighter and I feel so weak.
Anna x
Hi Anna
I dont know anything about this gene so cant comment but I just wanted to say hello and say how glad I am that you decided to join What Now.
Its a fantastic place and I have no doubt that someone who knows more than me will be along posting very soon!
Its Ok to feel scared - we all do when any sort of cancer effects us but you are certainly not stupid. Never feel that you are ;0)
So welcome to our little community and hopefully we will be able to help, support and maybe even make you smile.
Take good care
Lesley xx
hi Anna
i understand how worried you must be as i have a really strong family history of breast cancer and i am currently wating my reaults for the BRACA test.
My mum also died of breast cancer 33 years ago ages just 27!!!
i was only 6 at the time and have always had the worry of if i would get the disease.
unfortunatly i was diagnosed on 16 august 2007 ,after many years of mammograms and ultrasound check ups.
As my mum developed ovarian and then secondary breast cancer i have decided to have my ovaries removed as soon as the results are in as i am very lucky to have 3 children allready.
upon the advise of my breast care nurse i will be having a check up soon on my ovaries as a possible year wait is too long in the scheme of things for me.
i spoke to the genetics clinic in leeds and i found them really great .
as for feeling week you have had soooo much to deal with and i honestly feel for you as i have had the same emotions myself.(i think you will be surprised at just how strong you are as a part of your mum lives on in you)
please feel free ro PM me anytime
take care
move mandie x
Hi Anna i can empathise with your fear and have tried to push the braca2 out of my mind but it is not going away.
Contacting my genetics councillor has helped me to tease out my fears and concerns and she is brilliant of reassuring and giving practical ways of helping.
Clare Mary x
Thanks Clare Mary - I have thought about going to see the counsellor and now I am encouraged to make an appointment!
Take care x
Hi
I'm coming from a slightly different place as I was diagnosed with breast cancer 13 years ago and have lived with secondaries for the past 4 years.
I found out on Tuesday this week that I have the BRCA2 gene and whilst it's a bit after the horse has bolted for me it has implications for my extended family plus my son. The one who has the hardest decision is my cousin who is now 46 on whether or not to have preventative surgery.
One thing I have found out is that the percentage of getting ovarian with BRCA2 is a lot lower than for BRCA1 - it moves at a slower rate and therefore the window is a lot longer before you have to make that decision re oopherectomy etc depending on your age.
I have a friend who is also BRCA2, has no family yet and isn't really sure whether she wants a family but the consultant has told her that she has up until she's 45/46 to make that decision (she's just turned 40).
For me, this opens a door to have what is called a PARP inhibitor at such time when the chemo that I'm currently on stops working.
Hope this helps.
Sheena
Hi,
I have also been diagnosed with a fault in the BRACA2 gene, I am about to have a mastectomy with reconstruction in Feb next year. My decision was made easier for me though as I have already had my family. There is quite alot of information out there about the options.
Take care
x