Genetic Counselor

LPack
LPack Member Posts: 645
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Update.................

Finally I met with a genetic counselor. My sister who is also BRACA 2 went with me. It was a very informative appointment.

Since we both have had hysterectomies (mine b/c of the cancer and Karen by choice) our percentage has dropped from 87% to 40% of getting breast cancer because of the mutation.

They do not recommend the breast surgery, they leave that up to you. But do recommended alternating the mammogram and MRI every six months which I am already going to do. MRI is next.

Also they recommend having my onc/gyn prescribing me not tamoxifen but something newer (can't remember the name) for maintenance which reduces the percentage to 20%. The counselor will be sending a letter to my doctor with her recommendations.

Both my sister and I were pleased with the 1 1/2 hour appointment.

Have a great weekend, ladies.

Love,
Libby

Comments

  • BonnieR
    BonnieR Member Posts: 1,526 Member
    #2
    Great Update
    Hi Libby, thanks for the update. As a brca2 I did not do the surgery either but am watched more closely. Hugs Bonnie
  • jane65
    jane65 Member Posts: 277
    #3
    genertc counselor
    Hi ladies,
    I am also BRCA2 positive and I know that raises my chance of breast cancer significantly.

    Does Evista or Femara sound familiar as to what the counselor suggested?

    I'm on Topotecan for recurrence of my OVCA after only a 3-4 month remission after carbo/taxol. My medical oncologist said that Topo is not a first line breast cancer drug of choice, but would help kill breast cancer cells.

    Although I've spoken with him a couple of times about getting mammograms and alternate breast MRI's, he's not in favor of that. He feels that we can't stop my chemo for surgery and recovery time. I did, at my GYN's insistence, have a mammogram this month, and thankfully it was clear.

    My question to you is, that if I correctly understand the breast MRI procedure, will I have to lay on my stomach for 30-45 minutes? I have a couple of hernias and my belly is tender, so I don't believe that I could do that.

    Good luck to you,
    Jane
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #4
    Femara
    Dear Libby, thanks for the update. I have not had the gene test but have been on Femara since Oct. 08.
    It is holding the cancer back....slow rise in CA125, clear CT, and physical. Bad side effect is that it depletes bone density so I have started Fosamax. It is expensive...about $350 a month. Other than more hot flashes I don't notice any other side effect. God bless, Saundra
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
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