BRACA 2 positive!!

Hi DaisyDoo123 and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

I'm sorry to read that you've found you have the BRCA2 gene and, although as far as I'm aware I don't have this, I can understand what a shock it must have been for you.

I'm sure the members of this group will be happy to share their experiences with you and to answer any questions you might have.

Hello DaisyDoo123, I can relate to the shock you’re experiencing, I was glad I was sitting down when the counsellor told me over the phone. 
I would suggest seeing your GP if you haven’t heard anything else yet. My GP referred me to a unit where I eventually met a breast surgeon, ovarian specialist and I got sorted with annual MRI’s and mammograms. You may already have been getting breast screening with mammograms so if they’ve been clear you that could offer a level of comfort.

There are no right or wrong ways to try and process this shock. Personally I’m seven years down the road after finding out in my mid thirties and have just had my fallopian tubes removed. Everyone’s experience is unique. I have needed to take my time, others need to have surgery asap. I have found speaking to a therapist very helpful as my family and friends each have their own opinion or tell me whatever I decide they will support which can be annoying when I’m unsure. 

If I can help answer any questions I will try.

For me knowledge has been power and given me the choice about what I want to do.

Take care of yourself,

I am BRACA 2 and found this out when I was 65 years old.  My sister who had breast cancer pushed for the test. My paternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer as did my other sister.

The genetics clinic at Guy's hospital were great and helped me through the process.  Having my ovaries removed was a no brainer for me.  I then had annual surveillance.  Unfortunately I got breast cancer when I was aged 70..Thankfully it was caught early.

It has had huge impact on my 3 sons and at times I get upset at the ramifications of it all.

Take each day one step at a time!

All the best.

Hello Ricki, thanks for sharing. I’m glad to hear the surveillance worked well enough that you were able to get treated early when the breast cancer came. I’ve seen some people mention in this community knowing about being high risk is a blessing and a curse and I certainly agree. 
My father doesn’t understand why I’d want to have surgery even though it’s his wife who died when he was in his thirties from breast cancer. Thankfully my husband fully supports me and I’ve some friends who have been down the cancer road who understand well.

Taking one step at a time is good advice,

Thanks and I hope you keep well.

Hello Nature Lover,

Thank you for taking the time to reply with your experience. I’m sorry to hear you have it too. I have had a little time to process it now although still wish I didn’t have to. I’ve been referred for an appointment to get my ovaries and tubes removed. Although it can take 4 months just to get the first appointment and they didn’t know how long to then be referred for the op. 
I’ll have surveillance on my breasts in the meantime until the first op is done. I think I’ll need some time apart from both op’s. So much to deal with! I’ve changed my diet and will up my exercise once I have the energy. I feel so drained most the time. I worry that I already have cancer but it’s not been found yet although I’m only tired and I had a mammogram, ultrasounds and CA125 blood test this year and they were all clear. 
Good luck on your journey. Thank you again for replying xx 

Hello Ricki, 

Thank you for replying. I’m so sorry to hear you did get breast cancer, it’s such a cruel disease and like you say there are so many ramifications. At my last appointment she went through all the risks of all the family and who I need to tell, I haven’t got my own head around it myself yet and the affect on my own children, who are still very young. 
How are you feeling now? I have been referred to Bart’s in London. 

Thank you again for letting me know of your experience. 

I am feeling positive most days. Everyone has a view about what to do;.  I had my ovaries removed at Bart's which worked OK.  The only downside was that my operation kept getting shunted because an emergency came in. In the end I had a real melt down and said my mental health was suffering.  My treatment for breast cancer is at Guy's as that is where I had my genetic testing.  They have been amazing.  In the end you have to make the system work for you.

All the best.