BRCA1/2 Genetic testing points to prophylactic surgery, HBOC family like Angelina Jolie, I had no idea this was a thing except for her...

[LuvOrlando]

Spoke to the BRCA2 Pancreas Oncologist.
Dr. seems there is some stuff to watch but nothing to be scared over, will do some more tests and another endoscopy a year from the last one but message was mostly that there is nothing to be fearful about right now. Asked if there are any new familial developments with new cancers, nothing I know about.

A giant weight was just lifted, no more criss crossing Dr's or facilities for me, all the BRCA2 everything will be in one place because I am not equipped to understand on my own nor am I equipped for the stress of trying to tie things together. O M G, I'm suddenly feeling sleepy from the adrenaline.

Breast again in a few months but I trust that more, it seems like more established monitoring.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Info update.

Spoke with Breast Oncologist today, thankfully the MRI is clear. I asked what is new in research for BRCA2 and it seems not much new in the Breast space, mostly because the MRI once a year with Mammo once a year spaced with a test every 6 months seems to be saving lives. Dr Assured me that data shows this arrangement does a good job with early detection which is good since I am in the 50/50 category of statistics. I should have them removed but autoimmune issues make me really sick from surgery so I am abstaining for now.

Some good new info is that that Pancreatic Cancer screening has been opened up. MRI and along with a separate Sonogram guided Biopsy (highly specialized done only by select trained Dr's) had only been recommended for BRCA2 with Breast cancer and Pancreatic Cancer in the family, such as myself. Actually there was a lot of skepticism it would help but I participated because what else is there? Happily, new data has shown it is actually saving lives by finding Pancreatic Cancer at Stage 1 or 2 so now anyone with BRCA2 is recommended to have the tests I have done. This is very good news, finding it earlier and this is fantastic since it is tough to move the needle. A good reason to consider testing.

I asked about research into bloodwork as early predictors (I have heard about microtumor research) and apparently the most promise is showing in blood-work testing for Ovarian Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer space so that's a good thing. Told him I'm willing to participate if they never need anything from me but I suppose doing the testing is a contribution.

The Breast MRI test is rough for my back and arthritis, it isn't long at 15 min for both with and without contrast but staying still is a battle and getting back up is awful, it is life saving so I am grateful but still ouch. Pain medicine helps, I have it rarely but I do it for this.