BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene
For these I tested negative. The BRCA gene is the only gene, located on chromosome 16 (which, like every chromosome, is in every cell in your body) which has been found and linked to cancer. Genes are being closely studied and have come a long way thanks to advances in genetics. In the future we will see other genes 'discovered'. For now, my testing negative means that I'm not passing this particular gene onto my son (so it doesn't put him at risk for cancer caused by this gene). And for diagnostic and treatment purposes, other surgeries (eg hysterectomy) do not have to be considered at this time. The following links have useful info regarding this gene:
MRI -- Breast MRI
I have dense tissue. It's possible that the original tumor was not caught on previous mammograms. Mammograms are screens and have often missed cancer tumor. It's possible mine, Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, could have started non-invasive. It could have been growing over the past 8 years. Thankfully, there is new CA legislation that was passed last year effective 2013 (my year). This legislation is applicable to women who have dense breast tissues and it states that women must be informed by the doctor and further investigation beyond the 'screen'. This means the next level mammogram (increased magnification) and ultrasound. If these reveal suspicion then a biopsy is recommended followed then by the MRI if results turn out positive. It turns out that I fit this description in every way. And, my MRI located a second tumor the same size as the first. Both invasive. The mastectomy is my only option which I was prepared for.
Mammaprint
The mammaprint is a test surgeons can now have performed and this reveals risk level among other things. This helps them decide whether or not chemo will happen after surgery, before surgery, or neither possibly. The final decision is made in conjunction with such tests at the time of surgery. They can only truly know once they are in there. But fortunately mine came back low risk for needing pre-surgery chemo and post surgery long-term chemo. For my doctors, they will know how much (if any!) I get or if I can just do radiation and hormones instead. This made me excited about not needing chemo prior -- and it made me also upset with one of the surgeons who was adamant about doing chemo first and right away which they wanted for their study. So scary what's out there. The following is more info on the Mammaprint by its maker, Agendia:
Ultrasounds
So far, the ultrasounds measured the size of my invasive tumors at 2.3cm and 2.5 cm within a larger area of cancerous non-invasive tissue which is all along the central half of my breast. An area lit up on one lymph node and not others. This is good. It's possible it hasn't hit the lymph nodes. Like everything else, they'll know once they are in there.
So these tests are small victories but nevertheless victories which I'll take. As one friend put it, its good news within what is bad news. My next major decision is in regards reconstruction. More than I'm ready to dive into and understand at the moment but a decision I'll have to make by next week, February 4, when I meet with both cancer surgeon and reconstruction surgeon who will work in tandem together at surgery time. That's when we book that surgery date.
Thanks again for thinking of me and my family and for sending us positive thoughts, vibes and prayers.
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