BRAF mutation

FormerMember over 4 years ago

5 replies
110 subscribers
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I’m wondering if anyone can help me? My husband was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the end of last year. We have just been told that he is stage 3 and it is BRAF mutation. The BRAF mutation wasn’t really explained. I am trying to find more information on it but everything I am reading on the internet is either too complex or petrifying. I thought the stage 3 diagnosis was hopeful but everything I have read about the BRAF mutation is negative. Is there anywhere else I can find out more about this? I am in despair today and trying my best to stay positive. He has had an operation to remove the tumour and starts chemo in 3-4 weeks. Any advice/input would be greatly appreciated!

court over 4 years ago

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court over 4 years ago in reply to court

I have had a look around and you are so correct . Most explanations are complex . The list above is the Nice guidelines list of Biomarkers ( biological state or condition ) . Your husband has been identified as having Braf mutation . My very limited understanding is it’s a protein found in around one in ten colon cancer patients . The braf mutation sends signals to the cancer cells that can cause problems . Some treatments don’t have the same benefits as others due to it but given he is a stage 3 patient he is using the standard chemotherapy so less of an issue .
I am so sorry you are having an overwhelming day . But stick to the evidence. He is doing well and on a curative pathway . Hold on to that .

I will try one other place for better info .

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

court over 4 years ago in reply to court

https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/advanced-bowel-cancer/treating-advanced-bowel-cancer/targeted-therapy/

This is straightforward explanation of all the biomarkers .
The other encouraging aspect they have just used evidence from a clinical trial to release a new treatment combination for Braf mutant patients who are stage 4 . So that’s a major development which will hopefully change outcomes .

Hope tomorrow is better for you . Remember Dr Google would have been struck off for out of date practices !

Take care ,

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to court

court
Thank you for this information. I will have a look through it now. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you took time out of your day to answer. Today has felt like a lonely day. Google put me in a downward spiral. I have been with my husband and 2 young children but have been trying my best to put a brave face on for them while feeling like I am falling apart inside. Thank you very much for your kind words!

court over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

I totally understand . Some days are just too hard . I had seen your post earlier but had arranged a WhatsApp call or I would have replied earlier .

It is hard wearing the masks all the time and I am really pleased you came here to get a bit of information and support. It frequently gave me the strength to make it through another day .

I think we have all fallen into the Google trap and felt utterly dismayed. All I would say is stick to sites that give good information and avoid the rest .

Take care and I hope you get a well earned rest . You are doing an incredible job supporting everyone .

Court

Helpline Number 0808 808 0000