Is there anyone else out there who has had a similar experience to me. I was first diagnosed in1995 aged 37, grade 3, 2cm tumour, 2 lymph nodes affected. Treated WLE, chemo and rads. 20 years clear then diagnosed again from mamogram. This time other breast, grade 3, two small tumours =1.9cms ER/PR- but HER 2+. Treatment WLE plus re excision, chemo, rads plus one year of herceptin. Had BRCA test but negative. Problem for me is I have the history and still have my breasts. Now I feel very vulnerable and doubt my decision to keep my breasts. Some days I feel that I should have asked for a bilateral mastectomy and recon as I just can’t face the stress of the yearly mammograms and results. I feel that there must be a genetic fault for me to have had two primaries so far apart.
Hello Sofadays
Sorry you haven’t had any replies yet, maybe you could call our free helpline on 0808 800 6000 and talk to one of our staff who are there to offer support and practical information. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9-5 and Saturday10-2.
With best wishes
June, moderator
Hi Sofadays
I have not had a second dx but I wanted to say I know some of what you are feeling. I too was -ve for the BRCA1 &2 . At my meeting with the genetics nurse she quite clearly stated that BRCA 1 & 2 are not the only genes related to breast cancer. They already know that there are several more, they just haven’t identified them yet. So I feel that I probably have a gene for the cancer and maybe in 10-20 years that that will prove to be the case. But until then I cannot act on what ifs and maybes.
I do worry about a recurrence and every time I get a health issue I automatically think it’s the cancer again. I never used to be anxious in this way before the dx, in fact I really had convieniently forgotten that there is a history of breast cancer in my family, though that was probably a blessing.
Take care
Mary