Hi its been a while since my last visit but wanted to know if anyone has been for genetic testing and had a positive result from their Dad having had bc.
I had my test in December 08 and expect to get results in 6 months, my Dads aunt also had bc and they seem to think its likely i will be BRAC 1 or 2, I have three sons and am worried for them.
Any advice from anyone in a similar situation.
thanks
shopaholic x
Hi,
I am braca1. There is a group called FORCE in america with a large number of women with the genetic mutation.Your are sure to find people there with similar history
take care
I have the BRCA1 gene and it’s almost certainly from my Dad’s side of the family as there’s no history on my Mum’s and I don’t have much of my Dad’s history.
I think the risk is greater in female members of the family though, ie men can carry the gene and not get BC whereas my risk was really quite high but it’s best if you talk this through with the genetics team when you get your result as it’s a bit complicated.
Hi all
You might find it useful to have a look at the BCC booklet ’ Breast Cancer in Families’. It can be found by following the link below:-
breastcancercare.org.uk//docs/bc_in_families__final_12_june_08_layout_1_0.pdf
I hope you find this helpful.
Kind regards
Sam (BCC Facilitator)
Hi, my dad died of bc in 2005. At the time they couldn’t find the gene but they carried on testing his blood after his death and found he had the brca2 gene. My brother and I have both been tested, he was neg and I was pos, my other sister is yet to be tested. Also my dad’s brothers have been tested, out of the 3 of them, only one other has the gene.
Not everyone wants to know the answer - for me, it was really simple, I wanted to know the risks, how to help myself, and how to get the maximum help from the NHS etc. It’s not always easy living with the answer, but I’d still rather know…
Good luck
Hello
I have got BRCA2 from my Dad - this has been proven by genetic testing.
I too wanted to know, rather than not, so that I could have prophylactic surgery.
It is very individual as to testing etc, because you do have to be prepared to be confirmed as having the gene - not just hope to be confirmed as not having it.
best wishes
Jane
Hi shopaholic.
There is never a ‘likely’ chance you are BRCA1 or BRCA2, it is always a 50/50 (unless both parents have the gene). There is no ‘likely’ in 50/50. Breast cancer has hit almost ever single woman in my family and the 50/50 odds seem wrong but scientifically, it is not possible to be more as you inherit a copy of DNA from each of your parents.
Waiting for your results is actually harder than they tell you. I had to wait 2 years for my mum’s and then a year for mine. Things are improving now but genetic counselling and support are crucial. You can even change your mind if you don’t want to know the results - it is just up to you.
I run BRCA Umbrella which is a social and support network for BRCA+ people. I also have a member whose Dad had BC too - she has the gene and has had some preventative surgery already. She is lovely. We also connect with FORCE and the more connected we become, the more people we can support.
Lots of blogs, stories, surgery options, experience…come and find us.
You are very welcome : )
Hi I’ve been absent from the site for a while but I’d like to say
many thanks to everyone who replied to my questions, its been a great help to me. As I have said before its good to be able to share information and know that we are helping each other.
take care x
Hi back again! Just had results of genetic test and have found out I am braca 2. I’m not sure how I feel but have an appointment towards the end of the month to discuss further. I don’t know if I feel relief that the waiting is over although its only been 6 months so I guess that’s not long. I also feel a bit scared and concerned for my three sons, Is this overeacting to the news or normal!
Hi shopaholic,
And welcome back! No I don’t think you’re over reacting at all. Do give the helpline a ring and have a chat with one of the nurses here, they’re here to support you. Calls to the helpline are free, 0808 800 6000 Mon to Fri 9am -5pm Sat 9am - 2pm
Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator
Hi,
I don’t think you’re over reacting and its normal to feel quite scared. Make a list of questions that you want answers to and take them with you at your next appt. You can also ask what your specific mutation is as this will then enable you to research it and find out your risks which will then help you to make decisions.
Good luck x
Hi Ladies, I am going for my first meeting with Genetics next week. My dad had breast cancer and died from secondary 15 years ago. He has a sister who is still alive at 86 and has never had any form of cancer. I really don’t know what to expect from meeting and if I am tested does it always take a long time for results? I am really concerned as I have a son 24 and daughter of 27. I had endometrial cancer three years ago, luckily my BC diagnosis was not linked to this. My onc is concerned as I am 54 and he said I am young to have had 2 cancers, I liked the ‘young’ part!!
take care
Brenda x