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2/10/2012Age: 34, BRCA2 positive, 2 lymph nodes involved, high grade cancer, Stage IIB Breast Cancer - diagnosed 3.5 months post-pregnancy (2nd pregnancy). Treated with chemo/radiation. I am struggling to understand if I have PABC (pregnancy associated breast cancer) or if the BRCA2 deficiency is the key to my cancer. I am now 37, healthy body weight, exercise, vegan, many supplements (tumeric, DIM, etc.), clean CT scan June 11, positive blood marker results in Dec. 11, pursued dendritic cell therapy for 1.5 yrs for prevention of recurrence. Just talked to a doctor that said the cancer was likely BRCA2 related, not PABC and that I had cancer even prior to my first child. Is this possible? Wouldn't I have been later stage after 2 pregnancies with ER+ cancer? Also, can you help me understand my risk of recurrence, in relation to another (3rd) pregnancy? given the BRCA2 mutation? possible PABC link? Do the stats related to recurrence and another pregnancy apply to ME? e.g. 40% chance of increased survival? Trying to sift through so much information....appreciate your thoughts and time. Thank you.
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
2/12/2012To decipher all of these answers for you really would require a consultation with us. There are no simple answers here. you are welcome to be evaluated by us too. just call 410-955-8964. that said, this is more than likely BRCA driven. And yes, it has been cooking a long more than likely for several years. A high risk specialists who is also a breast medical oncologist is the right person for you to see. Among our team that is Dr Deborah Armstrong. She can provide you guidance regarding 3rd pregnancy considerations. Keep in mind that you are also at increased risk of ovarian cancer that should also be discussed with you.

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