Hi
Today I would like to talk about being tested for gene mutations related to breast cancer. The are called the BRAC1 and BRAC2.
Since my mother has had breast cancer and both of her sisters have had breast cancer, I am kinda of worried that I may have the BRAC1 or the BRAC2 gene mutation.
As I understand it a mutation of those genes increases your lifetime risk of breast cancer from an average of 13% (this is what an average persons risks are) to 85%. The risk of ovarian cancer also soars from 2% (for average) to 50%.
Some women are having their (healthy) breasts removed and reconstructed after learning that they have the gene mutation. I am thinking very seriously about having this testing done but I need to be able to handle the answer and not go crazy with worry.
If I decided to have my breasts removed (provided that I had the gene mutation) and rebuilt, I doubt that my insurance company would pay for it. They would only pay if I got cancer. I can’t stand the thoughts of going thru all the poisons being put into my body. I have seen too much of that since my dad had colon cancer.
I would like to hear some other thoughts on this subject. I sometimes get bogged down with my own thoughts and can’t see the forest for the trees. If anyone reading this would post their comments and thoughts I would appreciate it.
Thanks for reading
Sandy
