Any Moms BRCA2 Positive?

Updated on September 16, 2008
K.S. asks from Redford, MI
7 answers

This past Thursday I received my results that showed I have the same mutated gene (BRCA2)that my Mom and Grandmother have (my Mom passed away eight years ago at age 55 from her third round with cancer...she had breast cancer in her forties, ovarian at age 50 and ultimately died of bone marrow cancer from the all of the chemo & my Grandmother had early breast & ovarian cancer as well). We received a call out of the blue last month from the Henry Ford Genetics Depart. requesting myself and all of my siblings have the BRCA2 test, due to their findings/results of a ten year study that concluded in August. My Mom and Grandmother both had the gene test ten years ago, which showed they both had the same mutation, but they did not know at that time what that mutation meant. For those of you that don't know, BRCA2 mutations are one of the most notorious breast cancer and ovarian genes known today and increases your chances of breast and ovarian cancer up to 84%. My sister and I received counseling/our blood drawn together and then received our results the same day. Her's was negative, thank goodness. My brothers still have not been tested. Anyways, I know I should feel thankful that I know I have this gene instead of finding out after I already have cancer like many women do and there are many different options to lower my chances of these cancers....but I look at my boys and I feel frightened, overwhelmed and out of control at this moment in time. I know I can have both of my breasts removed, as well as my ovaries/tubes and that greatly reduces my chances...it's still not that easy for me. I have many decisions and a long journey ahead of me. It took me almost ten years to have my children due to infertility, I was hoping that I would not have another hard battle again for a while after that, I feel like it's bringing up all my pain from that as well as well as the pain of seeing my Mom suffer and all of the bad memories of her battle...at times, I feel like I can't breathe. I am wondering if there are any Moms out there that have this gene that I could talk to...I desperately need support and have been very impressed with the great advise & support people receive on this site. I hope I can get through this and still be at my best for my boys. Another one of my worries, I just started a new part time job and it can be very difficult to find a babysitter for some of the days I work, so trying to find help for me to go to all of my dr.'s appt.'s (there will be a ton of screening appt.'s & consults all within the next month or two), as well as when/if I have my surgeries and afterwards. Everyone works full-time during the week and my mother-in-law doesn't drive, works part-time and makes us feel like she really doesn't want to babysit most of the time (my husband dreads asking her). I really need to keep this job because it's the first time in my life I've ever loved my job and been so passionate about what I do and it will be one the of the things that will keep my mind off my fears, so I feel very stressed about getting help/finding babysitters and I've only just begun this journey. I also wanted to bring some awareness to other women that have lost their mothers at an early age from breast and ovarian cancer, so they can look into gene testing if they have not already done so. Thank you so much for letting me vent, I feel a little better just writing out my feelings and fears. So sorry this was so long.

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N.G.

answers from Detroit on

My friend and I were just talking about this Gene the other day. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 50 years old (she is doing well now s/p lumpectomy and radiation)however, we had discussed me getting tested for this mutation. I'm not sure I'm ready yet. Plus, what about life insurance policies and such...did you raise yours prior to getting your results? Does this become a preexisting condition now for insurance purposes? What kind of counseling do you go to? What opinion did your significant other have in you getting tested for this gene? Did Henry Ford contact you because your mother and grandmother had both tested positive for this gene. I'm sorry for all the questions but I admire your courage in getting this test done.
N.

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F.W.

answers from Detroit on

Dear K.,

My heart goes out to you. You are a very brave woman, with a level head a lot on your plate right now. You might want to try to contact a Gilda's club near you, look them up online to see if there is one near you. I think you will be able to gt the support you need. As far as babysitting goes, look into day care if you can't find a babysitter for the few hours you are working. It may make yur salary a wash, but you need that outlet right now, and it sounds like work is helping you feel good. Also, try calling your local churches or synagogues for their youth group leaders, you get the idea.
Take care and good luck.

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D.D.

answers from Detroit on

Hi K.,

I'm so sorry for what you are going through. I can't even imagine the pain and the worry you're experiencing. I may have a solution, but I'm not sure what it does for breast and ovarian cancer. We have a juice called Monavie. In Florida they did a study on it and it killed 84% of leukemia cells. And many people who are drinking it feel great after their bouts with chemo therapy. It's an all natural juice with 19 fruits in it. The main ingredient is the acaia berry, which is high in antioxidants. It has 1,027 antioxidants compared to the blueberry with only 84. check out my website for more information. www.the-team.biz/mv978655 Also, I don't know where you live, and I would have to talk to my husband, but maybe I could babysit for you at times. I am a stay at home mom, with a 4, 3, and 13 month old boys. I'm sure they would love new friends. I live in Canton. Just something to think about! I'll lift up in our prayers.

Stacy

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L.M.

answers from Detroit on

K.,

Wow, that's a lot to take in all at once. I agree with the other person here that suggested Gilda's Club,I would think there is support there. I would also ask the hospital where
you are having the blood tests, counseling done at if they have a support group they can recommend. You are a brave women. Day care for your children sounds right on. You need to take care of your self so you can be there for them.
L.

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C.P.

answers from Detroit on

Hi K.,

I just wanted to say my prayers are with you and your family. I truly understand what a difficult time this could be. I lost my mom to cancer 3 years ago, it was colon (not breast or ovarian). I pray peace for you and your family.

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C.H.

answers from Detroit on

K.,
What area do you live in? I would love to help you if I can. I have lost family members to cancer, but am not sure I would be brave enough to do the test.
C. H. Commerce, MI

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M.B.

answers from Detroit on

Wow K.! - that is quite a load to take on with such young children. I don't have any expirence with the gene mutation you are referring to. However, I do want you to know and hope you don't mind that i will put you on my prayer list and ask that you be given the strenght to endure what your future holds.

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