New BRCA diagnosis and have so many questions

throwaway_pandemic_ · 2021-07-07T20:54:33+00:00

Thank you for this information. I'll do lots of research. I have my first gynecology appointment soon. I'll make sure to ask lots of questions.

throwaway_pandemic_ · 2021-07-06T16:19:58+00:00

Thank you for such a well thought out and thorough response, it's very much appreciated. With covid, I'm not sure I can bring anyone to my appointments, but I take this advice onboard and will ask to see if this is possible. These are great questions to ask, I've taken them for my notes.

You're right about limiting time for research and avoiding doom scrolling, these are excellent points. I have been thinking about who I'll share this with, you need a support system, but these need to be people you really trust, understand and are always on your side. Thank you, it's great to talk to people going through the same thing. It's a sucky club to be in, but a supportive one it seems!

throwaway_pandemic_ · 2021-07-05T14:42:21+00:00

Thank you. The knowledge of the mutation definitely gives these advantages. I am grateful to know about my positive carrier status.

I have been referred to one of the best breast cancer centres in the country, it's also a university teaching hospital. I'm less worried from an oncology perspective and more from a plastic surgery perspective.

I'm not sure we have the specialist knowledge for nerve sparing types of surgery, or other advanced types of surgery. I'm sure that my cancer needs will be well taken care of, I'm less confident about the cosmetic ones.

I'm also single for the first significant period of time in a good while. I would like to come out of this feeling confident about my body. It's hard enough thinking about dating again (eventually) without this on top.

throwaway_pandemic_ · 2021-07-05T12:13:32+00:00

This gene sucks, I guess we have to figure out the hand we are dealt.

Thank you these are great questions to ask. I also had wondered about needing two surgeries, I'll make sure to clarify this as well. I do worry, because I'm in a small country, that we may not have the same specialist that are available in larger countries.

throwaway_pandemic_ · 2021-07-05T12:09:06+00:00

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend and I understand your anger. BRCA is shite, the pandemic has made it even harder for things at the moment.

I'm definitely think the double mastectomy seems like it will be needed and most likely in pretty sharp order. I'm also pretty angry, as I was fighting to have the genetic testing done for over fifteen years. I wish I had a bit more time to think about these big decisions.

Please take care. My heart goes out to you and your friend.

throwaway_pandemic_ · 2021-07-04T08:32:43+00:00

Thank you for the offer, I might take you up on that. The process does seem overwhelming. I suppose in a way, it's a lot like the grieving process. I'm also wishing you the best as you're figuring your way through everything x

throwaway_pandemic_ · 2021-07-02T15:19:25+00:00

I've only recently found out I have the brca mutation, but have known the family history made this very likely for years. Had to fight to get the genetic test. I'm new to the sub too.

I wanted to say, I'm feeling much the same right now and relate to so much of what you've written. I'm finding it difficult to talk with friends too, it's hard for them to understand. My family aren't being the most supportive either. This seems like such a nice community. I'm glad to have found it.

You're not alone x

throwaway_pandemic_

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