hi, i have just found out that a sister that i have not seen for over 14 years had bc five years ago, could this be related to mine, and should i ask for tests as i have a 15 year old daughter, i cannot have contact with this sister, as we really do dislike each other, any advice please
Alisonxx
Alison
Have a read on the genetics forum but you usually need two close relatives with it to “qualify” for testing. See also NICE guidelines CG41 and download free from NICE site.
Hi Dahlia, i have another two sisters, but i don’t even know where they live! i can’t get that info downloaded, i read that just before, will have to hi jack the kids comp when they are out! just another kick in the teeth eh??? Thank you for posting back x
Alisonxxxxxx
Alison
My mother is the only other family member that has had breast cancer, I have been given the test as my family is small and so there aren’t enough women to show if there could be a link with breast cancer, we have had cancer in 4 generations on my mother’s side, my grandfather, mother, my daughter and myself, not sure if this was taken into consideration, but it’s certainly worth asking your doctor for the test, you’ve got nothing to lose.
Debbie
x
Hi Alison
I have no family history of bc that I know of but as far as I am concerned it has to start ‘somewhere’ in some families. I have discussed this with my gp and she will be happy to refer me to genetics as I have a 14 year old daughter and obviously this could impact on her.
Good luck to you
Fiona
xxx
Hi Alison
You may find Breast Cancer Care’s factsheet on Familial breast cancer helpful to read, you can read it via the following link or go to the ‘Information’ tab on our homepage then ‘Publications’.
breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/familial_breast_cancer_updated_may_06_0.pdf
Hope this helps answer some of your concerns.
Best wishes
Lucy
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
Hi Alison,when I was originally diagnosed 4 years ago I asked to be referred to genetic department at Guys and Tommy’s and had chat with staff there as there has been lots of other types of cancer in my family. I think for the brac genes they are looking for 2 or more breast/ovarian cancers in the same blood line.
I think though that if you want to know you have every right to ask to be referred to a genetic counsellor. I think abou 5-10% are meant to be genetic.
Take Care
Sarah x x x
I’m not sure we have it right in this country. My mum was dx with ovarian cancer at 51 and died at 54. I was dx with bc at 48. My sister who now lives in Oz has been screened every 18 months over there for ovarian and as soon as she told her GP about my dx she was immediately referred to a genetic study at Canberra University. She has a 13 year old daughter so that is another consideration.
Only my BCN has mentioned possible screening to me once my treatment is over
Sharon x
thank you for all your replies, its been really helpful, my mother had renal cancer but that is not related according to my onc, but who knows? anyway, will ring my bc nurse tomorrow and voice my concerns, thanks again
Alisonxxxxx
well, tried ringing my bc nurse today, no answer! so looks like a long weekend!
Alisonxxxx
Typical that this happens on a Friday Alison
Try and enjoy your weekend as much as you can
Fiona
xxx
Yippee, the lines are faulty at the hospital, but i eventually tracked her down! she is letting the onc know, so feel better that she is taking it seriously
Alisonxxxxxxxx
Thank you for your kind words Fiona, its like things just like to wait and kick you in the teeth when your already down!!!
Alisonxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
O Alison
I am very used to being kicked in the teeth when I am down. My daughter was seriously ill last year and we nearly lost her (thnk god she is now fully recovered). This year I thought was going to be great until dx in July. Since my first chemo, mum has been in hospital where she remains, is now diagnosed with late stage dementia and we have had to make the decision that she will need to go into a nursing home as there is no way dad will be able to cope - and of course I cannot be as much help as I should be right now!!. I keep thinking when I am going to get a break in life and do have days where I feel very sorry for myself as I am really not a bad person. Life is just a complete and utter b****** and I dont much like it at the moment!!!
Hope you manage to get further on come Monday
Go kick ass
Fiona
xxx
Oh life is certainly not pleasant at times, just found out that my dad, who i thought had died of a stroke, well, he was riddled with cancer!!! and its so hard to function right when you have this, but cos people look well, other people don’t always realise the emotional impact, don’t feel guilty about your mum, she would not want that no matter what, and get yourself something planned to look forward to, i do that, anyway, spoke to the bc nurse, she is going to tell the onc, i see him on the 18th of october, so i am putting it on the back burner till then, going away for two weeks this thursday, and i am going to enjoy it!!!
lots of love
Alisonxxxxxxxxx
Thanks Alison
Enjoy your time away - where are you going?
My OH would never think about booking anywhere to take me away for a couple of nights so I have roped in one of my best mates to oh so not subtly suggest he books a ‘surprise’ for me to cheer me up 
I would wait forever and ever otherwise - watch this space we will see what happens
Take care Alison
Fiona
xx