Does anyone have the BRAC-1 or BRAC-2 Gene? How about stress, do any of you lead very stressful liv

debp26
debp26 Member Posts: 11
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
My grandma on my dads side passed away when she was 44. She had breast cancer. I've got two older sisters, 4 Aunts (from my dads side), about 5 cousins (2 are a few years younger than I) and none of them have this diagnosis. I am somewhat angry because I've got two babies to raise and my quality of life is so diminished. I found out that I've got the BRAC-1 gene through this process and was quite upset that my gyno did not test me sooner considering my grandma. My gyno didn't tell me back on March 10th that I had two cysts on my left ovary and he should have done so much more for me. I had gone to the doctor 12 times since January complaining I wasn't feeling right. In trying to wrap my brain around all of this I'm trying to find out the signifigance of the BRAC-1 gene and likewise stress. I'm not in the best relationship and quite frankly I am under a lot of stress living with him. We aren't married but have been together for almost 7 years. The longest 7 years of my life actually. So, I just want to understand the BRAC gene and the roll stress plays in our lives. Thanks for reading my post. I hope everyone has a great day today!!

Comments

  • zinaida
    zinaida Member Posts: 221
    #2
    I am BRCA 1 positive.
    I am BRCA 1 positive. February 14 I was dz with breast cancer stage 1 and ovarian cancer stage 2C at age 53. 6 months before I was dz, my mom died from ovarian cancer stage 4 at age 75. Her sister, who lives in Russia,was dz with breast cancer 20 years ago and now it has come back. Mom's dad and nephew both died from lung cancer.I wish me and my doctors knowing my family history of cancer back then can pay more attention to my health to prevent my cancer, but it didn't happen. My family doctor, who was my husband's good friend also ( he's not any more friend or doctor to as) delivered news about my breast cancer(biopsy was first)in person to my work place (JCPenney jewelry) and ask me right away to find diamond earrings with best deal for his girlfriend. About 30 min I was helping him, with shocking news in my mind (???)!I think we need to learn how to surround ours self with good people and positive things, and stay away from bad and negative. And if it is imposible to stay away from negative piople, just tell them I'am not interest in yours negative emotions and suggestions, I will enjoy my life as long as it will be. I am not sure about stress we all have, it is because of gene or life around as? I think it is good topic for discussion. Love you all, my teal sisters, Zina.
  • Tina Brown
    Tina Brown Member Posts: 1,036 Member
    #3
    BRCA 2+
    I am BRCA 2+ and found this out because I was quite young to have Peritoneal cancer and my mum had breast cancer when she was my age. My sister also has it. Here in the UK they can offer more regular screening so they can spot any cancers early.

    I am worried about my children too but there is nothing I can do about that, just hope they get tested and if they are BRCA 2+ hope they get the screening. At least we are in the system for screening.
    Tina
  • nancy591
    nancy591 Member Posts: 1,027 Member
    #4
    BRCA
    I was told BRCA positive women have better outcomes!!! Good luck!
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Hissy_Fitz
    Hissy_Fitz Member Posts: 1,834
    #6
    nancy591 said:

    BRCA
    I was told BRCA positive women have better outcomes!!! Good luck!

    Nancy is right. Women who
    Nancy is right. Women who have ovarian cancer and are BRCA positive respond better and live longer, on average, than the rest of us.


    Be that as it may, when the BrCA gene functions normally, it inhibits the growth of abnormal cells in the body, acting as a tumor suppressor. Mutations in the genetic material of the gene can cause abnormal cells to develop, because the gene is not able to regulate cell division. However, not everyone with a faulty BrCA gene develops cancer; many women with mutated versions of the gene lead healthy, normal lives.


    Carlene
  • cancer survivor x 4
    cancer survivor x 4 Member Posts: 177
    #7
    BRCA 1
    Good Morning,
    I have the Brca-1 gene. I have had Stage 1 breast cancer 3 times and Stage 2 ovarian cancer 1 time. My mother died of ovarian cancer at the age of 53 and my 89 year old grandmother has had Stage 1 breast cancer about 5 times. I don't think stress has anything to do with it, when you have the Brca gene. Listen, we were all pissed off and angry when we found out we had ovarian cancer. My first thought was " I'm a dead woman". I have been NED for 17 monthes and I have not had a chemo treatment for over a year. Let go of the anger. It is not doing you any good. If you do not have a supportive partner, then surround yourself with us. Think of only goodness in life and positive things. The picture you see of me, is 13 monthes post chemo, at my sons wedding. I am happy and healthy and no person there even could tell that I had been sick, unless they knew me before. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. If you want to talk more send me a private message. Be positive and have some faith that things will be okay. Paula

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