OT: Fate of my breasts and ovaries....

lie in a test tube somewhere in New York. My sister, aged 49, as you know was diagnosed with breast cancer early this year. She decided on a bilateral mastectomy (double mastectomy) with reconstruction followed by 8 doses of chemo. The tumor was on the one side and 3 cm but had spread to 1 lymph node. It was her decision to get both sides removed rather than face issues later. Abnormal cells were found in the other breast but they weren't cancerous... yet. Comforting to know that she had been having mammograms every 6 months for the past year and a half as they kept an eye on something. They would have continued to watch it if she hadn't asked the doctor "I feel a rough edge. Why can't we just biopsy it and be done with it." Sure enough the big C. Our family history is a bit blurry but we do know at one time my maternal grandmother had breast cancer but she had other cancer before that first. Other cancers do not usually spread to breast tissue so who knows. My mother never had a mammogram in her life so who knows but she died of strokes two years ago. Today my sister went for genetic counseling. They discuss the family history of various cancers and then send blood out to the one lab in the U.S. that does testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. They are genes that indicate a dispostion for breast cancer, ovarian cancer (prostate too but not an issue for her). If she tests positive for the gene(s) mutations, her oncologist will recommend that she get a prophilatic oophrectomy (removal of the ovaries) since a fair percentage of folks with the gene will develop ovarian cancer. If my sister tests positive, then I get to decide whether I get tested having a first level relative that tested positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2. And I think I know the answer to that decision already - you betcha I'll get tested. So, in a small way the future fate of my breasts and ovaries lie in a test tube in New York. If my sister tested positive and I went on to also test positive then I'd have to think about having prophilactic removal of breasts and ovaries. I checked online and my insurance will not only pay for the genetic testing but also those surgeries. Of course, while talking to my sister... she said "At least you'd get breasts out of it". Ah, a positive in a positive gene mutation. Nothing like looking at the bright spot in the whole thing. LOL. We shared a bit laugh. I then told her that I wouldn't be able to get a darned tummy tuck out of it because I don't have enough fat in my belly to use for reconstruction - I'd probably have to go for implants. Sis went for the reconstruction using belly fat (15 hours of surgery for breast removal and reconstruction). I'm not a pessimist so I'm not worried about this at all - just doing a bit of pondering given today's discussion. I'm not an optimist either so I'm not singing the praises that all will be just fine. I'm simply a realist. I'll wait patiently for her results to come in 3-4 weeks and then see if I need to get tested or not. No worries for now. Kathy

Kathy, I'm sorry for all of the stress you are under. I can relate a little to your situation, and am unsure what I will do when (not if) the cancer occurs. I don't think I could be as brave as your sister and so proactive. I don't know if I am ready to deal with genetic testing...seems I already know that our family is pre-disposed to it and what would I do with the information? My family has a history of breast cancer (gma, mom and aunt) and I found a lump about 4 months ago that they don't seem to be too worried about. Had the obligitory mamogram and an ultrasound which said to wait 6 months and do it again. In the mean time I have developed high blood calcium, which I thought was no big deal, all the supplements we take, why wouldn't it be high? After doing some research it seems that high blood calcium isn't normal and only has a few causes. Most likely it is Hyperparathyroidism, but one of the rarer causes is breast cancer...I am trying not to let it bother me, but it is in the back of my mind. In 2 more months I will have the mamogram again, but at least going from a D to an A makes it easier to view and hopefully find anything suspicious Right now I am just waiting on my 3rd blood test for my Calcium level to see what we do next. I'll keep you & your sis in my thoughts! Cheri