Prophylactic Choice

I made the decision after the blood was drawn but before I got the results. The results didn't matter to me, I know for a bunch of reasons, it was the right choice for me. My ovaries/tubes were removed when they did the exchange surgery on the reconstruction. Thing is, I knew I was done having kids.

Yes, knowledge is overwhelming which is why the BRCA testing is so hard to deal with. You are young. I do know statistically, they worry more about younger women and ovarian with BRCA 1. With BRCA 2 mutation, the ovarian seems to happen later. According to the head of genetics at Sloan Kettering who counseled me, the BRCA 2 is more late 40's or even 50. Of course, there are always the exceptions which is why it requires such careful thought and consideration.

I'm wondering if you explored the option of harvesting eggs. I don't know enough about this to do anything other than throw it out there. You don't need your ovaries to carry a child. When you are done exploring, talk to someone about all all the options and then just think about everything. Only you can decide. I hate that you are living with this... and this is exactly what troubled me. Knowing if I was "absolute" positive, what does my daughter do.... she was 21 when I was dx'd.

We can TALK when you get to NY!!!! I made the decision after the blood was drawn but before I got the results. The results didn't matter to me, I know for a bunch of reasons, it was the right choice for me. My ovaries/tubes were removed when they did the exchange surgery on the reconstruction. Thing is, I knew I was done having kids.

Yes, knowledge is overwhelming which is why the BRCA testing is so hard to deal with. You are young. I do know statistically, they worry more about younger women and ovarian with BRCA 1. With BRCA 2 mutation, the ovarian seems to happen later. According to the head of genetics at Sloan Kettering who counseled me, the BRCA 2 is more late 40's or even 50. Of course, there are always the exceptions which is why it requires such careful thought and consideration.

I'm wondering if you explored the option of harvesting eggs. I don't know enough about this to do anything other than throw it out there. You don't need your ovaries to carry a child. When you are done exploring, talk to someone about all all the options and then just think about everything. Only you can decide. I hate that you are living with this... and this is exactly what troubled me. Knowing if I was "absolute" positive, what does my daughter do.... she was 21 when I was dx'd.

We can TALK when you get to NY!!!!

I am a Previvor. After my grandmother, maternal aunt, mother and sisters all had breast cancer, I convinced my siblings to undergo genetic testing with me. All but one of us tested positive for the BRCA2 gene. I was told I had an 85 percent lifetime chance of developing breast cancer. Initially, I just approached this news thinking I'd be very proactive about annual screening and doing my own breast exams, but that led to one false scare after another. I was paralyzed by fear, constantly getting past one false scare after another. I decided to have a prophylactic double mastectomy and prophylactic oopherectomy. It was neither easy nor immediately liberating, but eventually I recovered from all the surgeries and moved on to live a life free of the shadow of breast cancer. We can still get breast cancer, as they can never get all the breast cells, but I have greatly reduced the risk by having prophylactic surgeries. It's not for everyone, but it was definitely the right choice for me. I am a Previvor. After my grandmother, maternal aunt, mother and sisters all had breast cancer, I convinced my siblings to undergo genetic testing with me. All but one of us tested positive for the BRCA2 gene. I was told I had an 85 percent lifetime chance of developing breast cancer. Initially, I just approached this news thinking I'd be very proactive about annual screening and doing my own breast exams, but that led to one false scare after another. I was paralyzed by fear, constantly getting past one false scare after another. I decided to have a prophylactic double mastectomy and prophylactic oopherectomy. It was neither easy nor immediately liberating, but eventually I recovered from all the surgeries and moved on to live a life free of the shadow of breast cancer. We can still get breast cancer, as they can never get all the breast cells, but I have greatly reduced the risk by having prophylactic surgeries. It's not for everyone, but it was definitely the right choice for me.