A difficult conversation to have.

Dear , 

sorry I can’t be of much help , it’s such a worry and your probably worried more about your son than with yourself . 

I would recommend getting in touch with the MacMillan helpline in the morning , hopefully they can assist you or point you in the correct direction for support . 

my own son has completed a course in genetic counselling so there are professionals out there who can help you and your son .  It’s finding how to source the help . 

Maggies centres should be able to support you both too. 

I wish you well on your journey and keep posting here . 

love 

Ruby Rose  

 Dear RPG

i also have the brca 2 gene    my mom is 76 and has never had any issues with breast cancer so we never knew about the possibility of me having it   although two of my aunties did so maybe we should have been more aware

i also have a 25 year old son who fortunately  does not suffer from depression, 

i really feel for you  our childrens pain is our own and whilst it was easier for me to explain to him that i had had a genetic test and it was important he also had the test ,  the knowledge he was positive  was devastating to me and my husband,  however  we have turned it around to think that now we know about it  he can take action straight away if he notices any changes and can get into screening  when he is older for the associated prostrate risk

 i was really worried about whether he ( or his partner)  would feel differently towards me , goodness knows why as we are very close, i do understand  those guilt feelings  however i also know how sometimes i am cross at my mom for not getting herself tested when she knew her sisters had brca  . her attitude was she had reached 60 without breast cancer so all was okay , real head in the sand and i must admit until i was diagnosed with a huge tumour and node spread   I had gone along with her way of thinking

however even though i am angry at her choice not to take the test  i am not angry with her and love her dearly.    Do talk to the experts at Macmillan  they will be able to assist in how you raise it with your son , in encouraging him to take the test you are acting from a position of love , hopefully he will see that,   i wish from the bottom of my heart  the 50/50 side of the coin about whether he has it or not  lands on the  NOT  side

sending you  strength and kindness to give yourself

Ursula

Thank you so much for replying. I will contact Macmillan tomorrow. I’ve been in that much of a pickle, it hadn’t even crossed my mind!

xx

Dear Ursula,

Thanks so much for your reply. It is so helpful and so well written! Can I ask you if that’s the only increased risk of Brca2 in a male, the increased risk of prostate cancer?

RPD

Morning 

If you haven't seen or been given a copy of this BRCA 1/2 booklet you may find this of interest ?

The whole booklet..

https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cfs-file/__key/communityserver-discussions-components-files/38/Beginners_5F00_Guide_5F00_to_5F00_BRCA1_5F00_BRCA2.pdf

Section from page.

G n' J

Dear RPG

Thank you for your kind words about my comment ,  i see dreamthief has helpfully posted the info about the relative risk increases  

For added info , i have spoken to my son about being chest aware  and not to feel embarrassed about any lumps or bumps   get straight to doctors and get it checked , i have educated his girlfriend as well    

Hope you have had some good advice from macmillan and have felt able to , or have a plan on how to  introduce the subject with your son