OT- could use good thoughts.
So sorry to hear your news. I am sending healing thoughts your way. I am also sorry that you are dealing with this on your own. If you don't mind my asking, do you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer? Did they suggest testing for the brca1 or brca2 gene mutations when you discovered the ovarian cancer? I ask that because I had a strong family history of both cancers and was encouraged to be tested about 8 years ago after the passing of my mother from both of these diseases. She was the type that knew something was wrong but believed she had no control over it so just let it run its course. I was determined to be brca1 positive which gave me some options for dealing with these awful diseases. Prior to that knowledge, I was also being diligent like you with the mammograms. They weren't easy decisions to make but I did feel that it gave me some control. Please take care of yourself and keep us posted of your progress.
JoAnn
So sorry to hear your news. I am sending healing thoughts your way. I am also sorry that you are dealing with this on your own. If you don't mind my asking, do you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer? Did they suggest testing for the brca1 or brca2 gene mutations when you discovered the ovarian cancer? I ask that because I had a strong family history of both cancers and was encouraged to be tested about 8 years ago after the passing of my mother from both of these diseases. She was the type that knew something was wrong but believed she had no control over it so just let it run its course. I was determined to be brca1 positive which gave me some options for dealing with these awful diseases. Prior to that knowledge, I was also being diligent like you with the mammograms. They weren't easy decisions to make but I did feel that it gave me some control. Please take care of yourself and keep us posted of your progress.
JoAnn
Yes, testing was done and like you I am positive for BRCA1. With that and my history is why I have screenings every 6 months.
HW~278
CW~131
GW~160
I am sorry to hear that you are also brca1. I was lucky enough to find out I was brca1 prior to either of these diseases showing up in my body. The brca1 diagnosis was what finally smacked me upside my head about getting my health in order. I was 50 when I got the diagnosis so I was still at risk. I immediately had the oopherectomy and hysterectomy but delayed the mastectomy and continued with more diligent screening as you did. But that is what caused me to consider rny as obesity is also not a good thing for breast cancer. I did eventually have the mastectomy as well but it took some time for me to wrap my head and heart into that decision. People with this diagnosis have some very difficult decisions to make, made even more difficult for you since your spouse is deployed. I have been one of the lucky ones, doing things so far in time to prevent the disease. If there is anything that you want to talk about, please feel free to pm me. While I understand some of your struggle, I can only imagine what you are going through. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Since you are positive, I encourage you to have any children or siblings tested as well.
JoAnn
I am sorry to hear that you are also brca1. I was lucky enough to find out I was brca1 prior to either of these diseases showing up in my body. The brca1 diagnosis was what finally smacked me upside my head about getting my health in order. I was 50 when I got the diagnosis so I was still at risk. I immediately had the oopherectomy and hysterectomy but delayed the mastectomy and continued with more diligent screening as you did. But that is what caused me to consider rny as obesity is also not a good thing for breast cancer. I did eventually have the mastectomy as well but it took some time for me to wrap my head and heart into that decision. People with this diagnosis have some very difficult decisions to make, made even more difficult for you since your spouse is deployed. I have been one of the lucky ones, doing things so far in time to prevent the disease. If there is anything that you want to talk about, please feel free to pm me. While I understand some of your struggle, I can only imagine what you are going through. Again, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Since you are positive, I encourage you to have any children or siblings tested as well.
JoAnn
Thank you so much!!
That was one of the reasons I had the gastric as well as being pre diabetic. The mastectomy was something I asked abou and was discussed. With diligent checkups I thought all would be ok. I think this may have me second guessing myself.
HW~278
CW~131
GW~160
Same here regarding pre diabetic. I did not really have a plan on if or when I got the mastectomy. After losing the weight, I had a good amount of extra skin on my abdomen. I never wanted to go the implant route. So I decided that at that point of my life I was in the best shape I had been in for many years. So I decided to go for the bilateral prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction from my abdomen. That got me the tummy tuck that I needed and it was covered under our insurance. What I didn't realize though was how relieved I would be the day after the operation knowing that my chances of breast cancer were as close to zero as they could be. They never really guarantee that they get everything, but the breast surgeon that I used specializes in this particular type of surgery. While I now looked good, the biggest benefit was actually the sense of relief that I experienced. While brca1 patients have a substantial increase in breast cancer chances, it doesn't mean that it is a definite thing. Just like those women that get it while not having the gene mutation. You make the best decision that you can based on what you know. Hopefully this will all just be a false alarm and you will have to face the decision again. I wish you good luck with these results.
JoAnn
