Hello,
I found out I was BRCA2 positive a couple of years ago, but struggled to get screening in place at the age of 30 due to my GP.
i am now 31.5 years old and recently hand my first breast MRI. Unfortunately I was invited for further testing 5 days later - and had an ultrasound and was told to wait for them to discuss my case at an MDT meeting to find out what the plan would be...
so today I got a phone call telling me they want me to come in for a mammogram and have also booked me an appointment straight after for a possible X-ray guided biopsy.
i have no idea what to think - I wasn’t expecting a mammogram at the age of 31, and wasn’t really aware I may have needed all 3 tests to explore what was found on the mri. Is this a normal chain of events for us younger BRCA patients?!
i am also worried about the extra radiation that will come with this further testing - I know BRCA2 means I can’t repair damaged cells, and before knowing I carried the BRCA mutation I had a number of tests that used radiation around my torso (for other chronic health conditions).
both my parents have had breast cancer, and so has my dads sister and his grandmother. I also lost a close friend to lymphoma 5 years ago, so I guess I’m finding this experience equal parts terrifying and upsetting. The prospect that this type of continual surveillance (and the chances of being recalled for more tests) is filling me with dread, and I am seriously starting to wonder if I can cope with this year after year.
i feel stuck and frightened. I’ve just been through major neurosurgery due to a non cancer related illness and this couldn’t have happened at a worse time. I feel like I haven’t even had a chance to process that whole can of worms before my body chucks yet another thing into the mix. Had I not have just had surgery I know I would be seriously considering risk reducing surgery right now, but my body wouldn’t cope with that on top of the long recovery I already have ahead of me.
i guess I’m just reaching out to any of you who have been through the extra screening or who are in a similar position. How do you keep on top of your emotions? I have very little family support so I feel completely on my own with this (ironic as both my parents and aunt have all had to go through this type of testing and waiting for results). My depression is getting the better of me and I don’t really know who I’m meant to contact for support.
this may turn out to be nothing, and I know that needing extra tests won’t guarantee it’s cancer this time - but the thought of needing to put myself through this every year makes me feel like I’m just waiting for bad news - if not this time, then will I still be feeling like this through every screening to come? Does the fear ever dissipate?!
sorry for such a long post. My head is all over the place today. I have an appointment in 2 weeks for the mammogram/biopsy and then another wait for that result if they go forward with the biopsy. Any reply would be greatly appreciated!
bestwishes, charlotte
Hi Shmeepfairy and welcome to the forum. I am so very sorry to hear about all that has happened for you and also how scared and worried that you are.
Unfortunately I don't know enough about the type of tests that you have had and are awaiting results for but I am concerned that this is having an impact on your already compromised mood so I wonder if you could pick up the phone and ask to speak to one of The Macmillan Advisors who are very skilled people and also great listeners. 08088080000. Please do give them a call and have a chat with them.
The fear never leaves us I dont think and its not that surprising given what has happened for you and your family that you are feeling like that so don't be too hard on yourself you wouldn't be human if you weren't a little bit scared and that's ok.
Meanwhile Im sending some huge big hugs your way and to let you know that you are not alone not while we are here. xxxxx
gail
