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Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
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| 9/20/2010 | I was diagnosed with "triple negative" breast cancer 3 years ago. Lymph nodes negative. I had multifocal carcinoma. Three areas within 2 cm of each other. The largest being 6 mm. I was diagnosed as Stage II. I had always been concerned about breast cancer, but despite my family history the obgyn stated my risk of getting breast cancer was the same as the general population. (Family hx:1st cousins: dx at 19 and died with new primary breast cancer 26, cousin dx @ 26 (10 years ago), dx at 50-living, 3 paternal aunts dx post menopausal-living and since my diagnosis cousin dx at mid 40's)..... I had genetic testing resulting in BRCA 1 + (oopherectomy and fallopian tubes removed October 2008 and bilateral mastectomy at diagnosis with reconstruction completed and then I entered a study and had 6 rounds Adriamycin/Cytoxan and 6 of Taxol plus entered study using Clodronate (biphosphonate) daily for 3 years..... (i have informed all of my relatives on my father side of my genetic testing results and have given them information and places to get more information.)......I know that triple negatives have a poor prognostic indicator...In your opinion: My daughter is 12. I was diagnosed at 37. Do you think that we should start increase surveillance when she is 27. Or since I had a cousin diangosed at 19 and another at 26 , should we be monitoring her much sooner? I know she can not get genetic testing until she is of age..... I also am not happy with my reconstruction results. Do you know if insurance will ever pay for a DIEP procedure after reconstruction with implants? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 9/20/2010 | many insurance companies do cover diep after implants. so call and ask yours about this. there needs to be a medical reason for making the switch-- implants causing pain, tightness in chest, etc usually is sufficient rationale. glad you pursued genetic testing. sounds like gyn not very up to speed on genetics! your daughter should begin around age 25. hopefully by then we will know a lot more regarding how to prevent this disease and maybe cure it for those diagnosed. | ||
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