Wednesday, January 14, 2009

More genes that don't fit

I'm kinda wishing that I paid more attention in Science Class. Or took science classes in college! It would really have come in handy after Dr. Bob's phone call today. Last week I had my blood drawn for the genetic testing, which tests for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene abnormalities. My blood was sent to a lab in Utah and I got the call with the results today.

I am negative for the BRCA1 gene.

I am POSITIVE for the BRCA2 gene. Crazy.

Here's a good link for info about BRCA.

What does this mean? It means that I have an genetically increased risk of developing breast, ovarian and/or colon cancer.

Hearing that I'm BRCA2 positive is additional confirmation that I made the right decision to have a double mastectomy. Even Dr. Bob said so. Basically with the gene mutation I have up to an 85% risk of developing breast cancer and 60% risk of ovarian cancer. So now we have more information to screen and prevent these cancers from coming back or occurring.

My first step will be to see a Genetic Counselor with the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics Program. From there I'll meet with my OB/GYN to talk about the ovaries. Because at some point they will most likely be removed. Ahhhh, one more thing to deal with.

Publish Post

3 comments:

Caits said...

Never a dull moment, eh KC?

You are a smart girl, you have faced this with courage and are armed with knowledge. You rock!!!

MamaBlue said...

So this part is especially interesting to me b/c I would love to know how the history of your family plays a part in all of this. Did anyone have cancer of any kind that you know of? I believe a lot of our past generations may have died from cancer but we just didn't know what it was. Talk to you soon. Hope you are feeling better.

Caits said...

Was just looking back at your blog....


HOW FAR YOU'VE COME!!!!!!!!!!!!


YAHOOOOOOOOOO!

You truly are a warrior in pink!

Most often I don't even remember that you have/had? cancer!!!!!!!!!!!!

<3