Hi PA,
I thank you for your response. I have an appointment with the same genetics counselor on Sept 16, who turned out to be much nicer and more receptive on the telephone. I filled out a personal medical and family history questionnaire (what little I know) and faxed it back to her. I'm hoping they'll take blood for the Multisite test on that day because I do want to know where I stand as far as the BRACA mutation. Of course I hope I'm negative, but if I do test positive, I will definitely talk to a surgeon about removing my ovaries and tubes. I feel like I'm running out of time because I'm 58 years old.
It is believed that 2.5% of Ashkenazi Jews have a BRCA mutation. That is a LOT more than in the general population.
Can you consult with a different genetics counselor?
PA
Hi Jane, thank you for your response. I've learned that we know our bodies better than doctors and your experience with your Internist proves that even more. I pray you'll be well soon. Thank you again.
Wishing you the best,
Ruthie
Hi Ruthie,
Sorry for the delay in responding, I just saw that you had answered my reply to you.
I was 63 when i was diagnosed in 2007, I had all the classic symptoms but my then Internist told me for 6 months, that my symptoms were from a medication I was on for arthritis.
It wasn't until i saw my GYN that the mass on the ovary was detected, by then it had spread to my lymph nodes.
Stay well,
Jane
Hi Jane,
Thank you for sharing your story with me. I'm so sorry you're going through this...I do hope you're cancer free very quickly. I agree with you and would like to be tested, however, the genetics counselor was not very receptive to that because is don't have cancer. I dont understand how she can liken my risks to that of the general population because my risk is inherently higher due to my heritage. I left a message on her machine to arrange for a consulation. Hopefully, we can get somethng accomplished beyond the talking stage. Jane, may I ask your age when you were diagnosed? I wish the the best to you and your family. As they say, knowledge is power, and now you and your family can do something with that knowledge to help keep yourselves healthy in the future.
Best wishes to you,
Ruthie
Hi Ruthie,
I'm also of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and know nothing of family history beyond my grandparents.
What family was left after WW11 did not speak of diseases, especially cancer.
I have OVCA and my oncologist suggested that I have the BRCA 1 and 2 tests done, for my children and grandchildren. He said it's important for them to have all the medical information they can have.
Unfortunately, being positive increases the possibility of them developing cancer in their lifetimes. Now they can be more vigilant with their future health.
I did have the tests done, and I'm BRCA 2 positive which raises my chance of developing breast cancer.
I'm glad I had the test done, any additional medical knowledge is important to us and to our families.
Be well,
Jane
Me again. Survivor_susie, can you tell me your cousin's age when she had the hysterectomy? Thank you.
Thank you for your response, ss. I'm starting with a genetics counselor and will see if she can recommend a doctor for me.
My cousin had a preventive hysterectomy, which her insurance paid for, because of the same genetic/religious background. They didn't even test her for BRCA. I'd call a few doctors and just bluntly ask them if they're perform the surgery.
Best of luck!