My Mum and her sister are both in remission and it turns out that there are several other females on my Mum’s side that have had breast cancer.
I have had my genetics questionnaire for weeks and have just completed it. It is now sitting on my work desk whilst I am trying to decide what to do. I am 31 and to be honest I am terrified. I don’t want to talk to my Mum about this as I don’t want her to worry and none of my friends have been this situation.
Just want to know that my feelings/fears are not unusual.
Hi,
I’m 30, my mum and cousin both have bc, along with 2 other relatives on my mum’s side. I’ve just been told I’m ‘high risk’ so I’m entiltled to mammograms from 35 but am considering preventative surgery. My cousin tested negative for BRCA1/2 but geneticist reckons there might be a fault in an undiscovered gene. I was terrified before my appointment and although the news was a shock I feel better for knowing what my options are. It’s scary stuff and feeling frightened is completely normal - maybe talking to your mum would help, I’m sure she wouldn’t want you to go through this alone. Deciding whether to be tested is a very personal decision but one that’s very tough to make by yourself. x
Your thoughts and feelings are quite normal, its understandable to feel apprehensive about genetic testing, I know you don’t want to worry your mum about this but perhaps she would want to be involved with this? I’m pleased to hear your mum is in remission, you don’t say if you’ve had breast cancer yourself, if not then you can only be tested for a mutation after a family member who has had bc has had the test and the mutation has been identified. I don’t think you will be able to avoid talking to your mum or other family members as one of them will have to agree to the test.
Thank you for your comments. I haven’t had breast cancer myself. My Mum knows that I am being put forward for the test and the family have all been supportive. It’s just that as I haven’t had children yet and because of my age I think it’s not as easy for my Mum to understand where I’m coming from. Her living abroad doesn’t help sometimes either!! I’m going to see my family this Xmas so I think I will sit down with her then - not the same over the phone.
I know I will send the form and go through with it. I just needed to know that there are people out there that understand what this all feels like. So thank you both for your supportive words.
I am so sorry to hear about your mum and other family.
You are not alone! There are alot more people in the same position as you.
I am 33 and my aunt died of ovarian cancer and my sister died age 35 of breast cancer in march and I went through genetic testing to find I tested positive for brac1.
I got the news about the gene fault in september and have decided to have a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery and implants. It is extremely stressful especially when you have watched someone you love die. I have had a truly hellish 7 months with all this, my sister’s death, getting married and just found out my job has been changed!!!
My operation is due 31st dec and it is very scarey but it is for the best. I am not suggesting this is best for you. If you want to meet others like us maybe try this forum too. I use it daily at the moment.