Three sisters with cancer refuse genetic test

[magicfarawaytree]

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4305435.ece

I really do feel for these sisters but think that they should take the test for the sake of their children.

[magicfarawaytree]

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4305435.ece

[itati]

I have read the article and they said it isn't something a 20 year old should have to deal with. IMO neither is chemo for a possibly preventable disease. It is so sad for them all.

[magicfarawaytree]

I have annual mammograms because of a suspected higher risk of breast cancer and I am grateful for the warning.

[TheFallenMadonna]

They still have the warning. If they know for sure they carry the gene, the solution they would be offered is a double mastectomy.

[TheMadHouse]

I have the gene and am going to start my surgery a week on monday with the removal of my ovaries and tubes and then a double mastectomy adn reconstruction later in the year.

I have seen first hand the effects of both breat and ovarian cancer and the shattered lives of the families.

Once we knew my mum was a carrier, then I jumped at the chance for the test. Unfortunatly I too came back positive, but as I have two small boys, I have choose with lots of councelling and information to take the surgery.

My families history shows that my mum is the only female over 54 to either be alive with no cancer or in remission, so no choice for me.

Once my boys are 18 then they have the choice to have the test too. I live in hope that they can one day fix the gene, so that they do not have to have any treatment.

My choice was either annual mamogramms and MRI's (as manogramms are less accurate under 40 as the breast tissue is too dence) and also screening for ovarian cancer (which 2 of my aunts have had), which can be really hit and miss.

Surley they should have the test and then leave the decision to their children as to weather or not they want to be tested themselves.

It is not a death sentance, rather an opporunity to live.

My risk will be reduced from 85% lifetime risk of breast and over 60% ovarian to less than 6%, worth the operations in my eyes.

Sorry for the essay

[TheFallenMadonna]

Blimey theMadHouse. I hope it all goes well for you. What a terrible thing for your family.

My mum and aunt both had early breast cancer diagnosed, so I am in a high risk group. However, like the family in the article, and unlike your family sadly, there is not a long history of the cancer in past generations of women.

[Zazette]

Good luck with all that TheMadHouse. There was a really interesting woman talking about exactly this on the radio the other day - Masha Gessen, her name was. She was in your situation, and chose a mastectomy but to keep her ovaries. She has written a book about it. She was very impressive.

[magicfarawaytree]

good luck themadhouse that just the type of essay those sisters need to see. .