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• September 15, 2012 6:31 a.m.

  I went for my annual mamogram November 1 of 2011. The followup ultrasound revealed a likely cancerous breast lump in my left breast. Followed up with lumpectomy and thought all was fine until I was checked for the BRCA gene as my Dad died in 1974 witl breast cancer. Unfortunately, I tested positive for the BRCA2 gene and was then advised if I did not do a double masectomy, I had an 84% chance of recurrence by age 70. I was 61 at the time of diagnosis and have just turned 62 in June. Underwent 4 chemotherapy treatments and then double masectomy with flap reconstruction in April of 2012. Finally, I am beginning to feel better from the past year long journey. I feel so blessed to have found this lump early as my doctors have told me had I not found this in my annual mammogram, it would have been aggressive. My advise to every woman is DO NOT PUT OFF YOUR ANNUAL MAMMOGRAMS. My lymph nodes all tested negative so I am hopeful that I will be able to be here for more blessed years with my grandchildren. My daughter was immediately tested for the gene, and thank the good Lord above, she tested negative. We rejoiced together.

  - Shirley

• September 7, 2012 6:50 p.m.

  Are there undiscovered genes that cause breast cancer? I know about BRACA but there must be more genes that cause BC. Thanks for any response, Amy Lynn

  - Amy

• August 29, 2012 2:05 p.m.

  A few people have asked about current BRCA1 and BRCA2 research studies. Go to the NCI website factsheet on BRCA to find additional information about research and the BRCA mutations - www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

  - Sheryl Ness

• August 27, 2012 7:26 a.m.

  I have had the BRCA genetic testing. Mine came back fine, but I have so much Breast & Pancreatic cancer in my family, (great grandmother breast, Grandmother, Mom & cousin pancreatic, sister breast - all have passed away. I have a couple of other cousins that have had breast cancer that are doing fine. They do check me twice a year for the breast. I do have an ultrasound of my pancreas once every couple of years.

  - Cindy

• August 23, 2012 10:26 a.m.

  My 41 year old daughter had regular mammogram and two small areas of calcification in right breast warranted core needle biopsy to find Stage 0 DCIS in situ. Since breast cancer ran on her father's side, she opted for bilateral mastectomy w/reconstruction in June. Lymph nodes were clear and pathology reports indicated that she was cured of the cancer. She recently had BRCA testing which indicates BRCA2 suspect deleterious. No ovarian cancer on either side of the family. Decision to have ovaries and tubes removed is very difficult.

  - Pat

• August 23, 2012 8:41 a.m.

  I tested Positive for BRCA2. My family history was at that time a brother and a sister with breast cancer. I am cancer free at this time and get regular checkups. this year my third sibling was tested positive for breast cancer. I am 71 years old so I do not worry too much about the possibilities of cancer. One of my daughters had the test done and was negative. The other daughter will not test. Sons know of my history but ignore it as guys usually do.

  - Theresa

• August 22, 2012 1:38 p.m.

  My mother had ovarian cancer; so when I was diagnosed with it too, I decided to get tested. I have the BRCA 2 mutation. My adult daughter and son both went for testing after my result. My daughter also has the mutation, but my son did not. My daughter had her ovaries removed as a precaution and is followed closely with mammograms and MRIs every 6 months. With my son's good results we don't have to be worried about his daughters. I wish I had gone for testing as soon an my mother was diagnosed. If I had I might have been diagnosed much earlier than the Stage 3C that I was in when finally diagnosed. It took 2 years of many doctors' visits and varied diagnoses before the OCa was diagnosed. I am fortunate to still be here 9 years later. My mother was not so lucky and only lived 4 years before recurrence and death.

  - Sondra

• August 22, 2012 12:04 p.m.

  Although I was blessed with a negative BRACA my 24 year old neice was not. She went for a mamogram because of this testing and was found to have stage II in one breast and early ayticical cells in the other. she courageously chose double mastectomy and has now saved eggs in the event that she chooses hysterectomy in the near future. Her younger sisters tested negative. Had this testing not been avavilable, it would have been unlikely that we would have looked for cancer in this very healthy appearing 23 year old. although her grandmother and aunt passed at age 30 and 59 we never dreamed that it was even a possibility that the same thing could happen at such a young age. We are so blessed that despite a bad test, she has been saved and is now engaged and planning her wedding with a man who has loved her through it all.

  - Mimi

• August 22, 2012 12:03 p.m.

  My 2 daughters and I are BRCA2 mutation positive. My one daughter had a prophylactic matectimy w immediate reconstruction @age 25. My other daughter is being monitored closely. I went in for a prophylactic mastectomy, and DCIS was found...am glad I did it! My one daughter and I are being featured in the sept-oct issue of Rochester Women Magazine. The staff at Mayo was great. Genetic couseling was invaluable.

  - sue

• August 22, 2012 11:35 a.m.

  I have a positive BRCA2 test result and have screening every 6 months. Currently we are discussing preventive measures such as medications or surgery.

  - Joan

• August 21, 2012 9:58 a.m.

  Although BRCA negative, many of my cousins and aunts and closer relatives had(have) breast cancer and it makes one wonder how many variants of hereditary genes there are for cancer beyond BRCA.

  - Muriel