Signs of a hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome in a family include, but are not limited to, any family member with:
• Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and breast cancer before age 60
• Breast cancer at age 50 or younger
• Breast cancer in both breasts at any age
• Both breast and ovarian cancer
• Male breast cancer
• “Triple-negative” breast cancer
• Ovarian or fallopian tube cancer at any age
More than one relative on the same side of the family with any of these cancers:
• Breast cancer
• Ovarian or fallopian tube cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Melanoma
contact your doctor with any questions
On 1/2/2009 I saw my OB/GYN Dr for a yearly check-up. During our visit I asked the doctor about the BRACA GENETIC TESTING . I told the doctor I wanted to have the testing done. The doctors reply back to me was the test is very expensive, your insurance will probably not cover it, and you’re not at risk for breast cancer based on your family history. She talked a little bit more about the testing and said it was something I really didn’t need to have performed.
On December 1, 2009, during my first mammogram, a mass was found deep within the breast tissue along with what appeared to be salt sprinkled throughout the tissue. I was diagnosed with stage III C inflammatory breast cancer. This was no ordinary cancer. At the beginning of December the mass measured 4 cm on December 28, 2009 the mass measurement 11 cm. It was very fast growing!
At the beginning of January 2010 my oncologist ordered the BRCA analysis testing and it was positive for BRCA2.
In January 2010 the first four rounds of chemotherapy Were given in the mass shrank from 11 cm back down to 4 cm. April 13, 2010 just before surgery the mass again measured 5 cm ! It grew after chemotherapy!
I had both breasts removed and biopsies were taken for a study that I participated in for research since it was said to be so rare.
It was very hard not to blame the doctor refused to have me BRCA tested.
I am married with two small children. I can’t help but feel like my life could be so different right now.
We struggle to pay my COBRA insurance monthly. If you know of anyone willing to donate and help I would love to get information! It is desperately needed. The cancer has spread to my liver, bones, and lungs!
Can anyone please help me. Please help us get in touch with assistance. We have never had to ask before. This is very hard.
Thanks so much.
I wrote the comment above. I forgot to say that my sister and I both tested positive for the BRCA2 gene. Our daddy is positive as well. He was diagnosied in January 2010, with stage 4 non-Hodgkens lymphoma in his spine and blood.
Kelly, I was looking to make a connection with you and unfortunately found you here. I’m very sorry for the struggle you and your family are going through. My mom just did a really rough battle with stage 4 colon CA. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Please let me know if I can help in any way. Just wanted to reach out to you and let you know I’m thinking of you , and you’re in my prayers. Your friend, mo