BRCA 1 positive

Such a tricky and difficult decision. I found out about my BRCA2 in the early 2000s when I was 23. My mother had developed breast cancer and had been tested for the gene (positive) which prompted me to test. I was so worried especially since my mom was at that moment going through cancer! The surgeons I spoke to were also counseling that I move aggressively with surgeries. I was never someone who was certain I wanted kids so I was tempted to go ahead with all surgeries. However, I decided (because of the ages my relatives were when they developed their cancers) that I could wait until I was in my 30s to decide. I'm grateful that I did because I did end up having two kids. When I turned 40 I decided I no longer wanted to carry the risk and went ahead with hysterectomy and bilateral, nipple-sparing mastectomy. You are in such a difficult spot. You know yourself best and I'm sure that with some quiet deliberation (and by reaching out and talking to other, like you already have!) you'll decide what's right for you. All my best!

This is amazing advice! Thank you so much ️ 

Hello shortandmoody 

I’ve just received my positive result today. In 38 so not as young as you but still feeling unsure what to do. 
This result has been a long time in the making, my maternal cousin tested positive 18 months ago after getting breast cancer at age 34, and I thought I was prepared and would know what I’d want to do but I’m drawing a complete blank. 

I’m sorry to hear that. I found out in November and it’s been a bit of a whirlwind with appointments and lots of decisions to be made. Everyone in my family told me I wouldn’t have it as my sister was tested positive but I was!
What made me feel better and more informed was having my meeting with the teams at Guys- not sure which hospital you come under but would recommend you have a chat with the specialists. I saw the consultants and counsellors,  they went through everything with me. 
Don’t get me wrong it’s so much information to take on board but there is so much on the internet and some of it can be quite scary. X

Hi,

I found out I was BRCA1 positive when I was 18. I am now 27 and always had it in my mind that I was going to have risk preventing surgery once I have had my children. I was hoping to have it all done in my early 30’s but I have read that they don’t normally do anything until you are in your 40’s? 

I came to the decision of having it done by thinking I wanted to be around to see my children grow up and by having the surgeries it will greatly reduce my risk of getting cancer. I may not look the same after but at least I will still be here to enjoy my life and my children’s lives. 

I hope that has helped in some way. X