Hi I had a double mastectomy 2 years ago, I couldn’t have implants straight away as I got sepsis due to treatment. All my chemo had to stop and couldn’t have the radiotherapy as was in hospital too poorly. The problem is I have the braces gene for an aggressive cancer and I was supposed to of had my ovaries out but 2 years later this hasn’t happened and I feel like I’m a ticking time bomb. Where do I go from here.
Hi Jueroo
My name is Gemma, and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
Sorry to read about your concerns after your previous treatment for breast cancer, it must have been a really difficult time for you.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes usually protect us from developing breast and ovarian cancer. However, inheriting an alteration in one of these genes increases the risk of developing cancer.
If you are worried about the pattern of cancer in your family, talk to your GP or consultant. If needed, they will refer you to a genetics specialist.
Are you still under surveillance by the breast cancer team? They may be able to refer you to the appropriate team for further investigation and advice.
Women, and people assigned female at birth, with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant may decide to have treatments to reduce their risk of breast and ovarian cancer. This may involve:
If you are thinking about risk-reducing treatment, your genetics specialist can give you more information. You may have questions about the best age for you to have surgery or how it may affect you. Sometimes it helps to talk to other people in the same situation.
Not everyone with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant develops cancer. But it can be difficult to cope with the uncertainty of a higher cancer risk.
You may have questions about your family history, genetic testing, and screening. Or you may be thinking about risk-reducing surgery or drugs. There may not always be clear answers. It is important to talk to your genetics specialist, GP, or nurse. They will be happy to answer any questions you have.
There is no right or wrong way to cope. But help is there if you need it. If you are struggling to cope with a higher risk of cancer, talking about your feelings and worries may help. You may want to talk to a partner, family member or friend.
Macmillan is also here to support you. If you would like to talk, you can do the following:
Please let us know if we can do anything further to help you, it's stressful not knowing where to go for further advice.
In the first instance try your breast team or GP they will refer you on to genetics or gynaecology and you can see what they suggest.
Best Wishes
Gemma
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref GeS/GmR
