Genetic Test
Genetic Test Hi
I have recently come to the end of my treatment for breast cancer. My dad found out from a side of the family that I haven’t even met that they have the Breast Cancer gene BRCA1 and advised him to get tested. He did and was positive. Having two brothers typically in a cruel twist of fate it was only me who came out positive as well. Once you know you have this gene it increases the chances of getting breast cancer greatly. In hindsight I wish I had acted earlier but did not think that within 2 years of getting the result I would have high grade cancer.
A lump formed in the summer last year but was missed by the hospital because they said nothing could be seen in the xray but after insisting on further testing a few months after it was found out to be cancer so I had to make the very quick decision to have a double mascetomy and start treatment sooner rather than later.
I am only 30!
My advice to anyone who is worried about family history is to get a genetic test and act on it. Also once you know you are at a high risk and find any sort of lump or anything make sure you are taken seriously and do not leave the hospital without a full check up.
It is not all doom and gloom, I have come out the other end and am now feeling full of energy and a lust for life. I recently got engaged and am planning a romantic intimate wedding in Italy next Spring! See I’m even planning for the future!
Thanks
Nix
Wow Nix !
I found out I was Brac2 last August and had Bilateral mastectomy with tissue expanders (eventually implants) in march. I am now 33.
In the same week I had surgery Mum found out she had another bc occurance, how ironic (1st was 9 years ago) She had bilateral mastectomy with expanders same as me 2 weeks ago, she is 60 and doing really well. It was fate that found her cancer, she was at an appt with me and was told she was overdue a mammogram, she had one (after causing a fuss at the local hospital who said they had no funding!) they found a small area of dcis and decided to take it out due to the fact that she was brac2 (she had always ruled surgery out before) the dcis was hiding a small (2cm) cancer - luckily no spread !
The op was nowhere near as bad as I thought it would be and I have recovered really well and am now looking forward to getting the expanders out and implants in (these babies are rock hard!)
I feel very positive about the future and when I was in clinic a couple of days ago, surrounded by poorly people it really makes you think how lucky you are to have a choice and reduce your risk if you choose.
Kind regards
L xx