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Jean · 05-21-2008, 10:48 PM

Just had my GYN check up yesterday.
Donna - what gene are you referring to? The BRCA 1
and the BRCA 2.

These genes are mutations and those women that carry the gene do have a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. It is a 50/50 chance, do note that if you do carry the BRCA 1/or/2 gene it does not mean you will get
breast cancer/or/ovarian cancer, it means your risks are greater. But those women who are BRCA postive and do get breast cancer may at that point consider to have the ovaries removed.

Maybe your onc. meant that HER 2 is NOT hereditary
and you became confused with the BRCA gene?

In any event - you must be tested to determine if you carry the gene. Also I just had this conversation (yesterday )with my GYN and we discussed ovarian cancer. Yes, those women who have been dx with Breast Cancer do have a
SLIGHT increase risk for ovarian cancer, but certainly not a risk to warrent a hysterectomy. I had this very conversation with my dr. as I was concerned and wanted to be certain about this issue. Ovarian cancer is a very silent disease so it is vital to have regular checkups. I had (for the first time) a pelvic
ultra sound performed and I plan I having one each year along with my regular exam from now on. My dr. assured me that even though there is a SLIGHT increase in risk since I was dx. with bc, it does NOT mean surgery must be performed. Like everything else - we must keep a watchful eye
and continue to have our check ups.

Is there a history of ovarian cancer in your family that would certainly alter the situation. Otherwise you should relax....

Regards,
Jean

05-21-2008, 10:48 PM	#4
Jean Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 3,154	Just had my GYN check up yesterday. Donna - what gene are you referring to? The BRCA 1 and the BRCA 2. These genes are mutations and those women that carry the gene do have a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. It is a 50/50 chance, do note that if you do carry the BRCA 1/or/2 gene it does not mean you will get breast cancer/or/ovarian cancer, it means your risks are greater. But those women who are BRCA postive and do get breast cancer may at that point consider to have the ovaries removed. Maybe your onc. meant that HER 2 is NOT hereditary and you became confused with the BRCA gene? In any event - you must be tested to determine if you carry the gene. Also I just had this conversation (yesterday )with my GYN and we discussed ovarian cancer. Yes, those women who have been dx with Breast Cancer do have a SLIGHT increase risk for ovarian cancer, but certainly not a risk to warrent a hysterectomy. I had this very conversation with my dr. as I was concerned and wanted to be certain about this issue. Ovarian cancer is a very silent disease so it is vital to have regular checkups. I had (for the first time) a pelvic ultra sound performed and I plan I having one each year along with my regular exam from now on. My dr. assured me that even though there is a SLIGHT increase in risk since I was dx. with bc, it does NOT mean surgery must be performed. Like everything else - we must keep a watchful eye and continue to have our check ups. Is there a history of ovarian cancer in your family that would certainly alter the situation. Otherwise you should relax.... Regards, Jean __________________ Stage 1, Grade 1, 3/30/05 Lumpectomy 4/15/05 - 6MM IDC Node Neg. (Sentinel node) ER+ 90% / PR-, Her2+++ by FISH Ki-67 40% Arimidex 5/05 Radiation 32 trt, 5/30/05 Oncotype DX test 4/17/06, 31% high risk TOPO 11 neg. 4/06 Stopped Arimidex 5/06 TCH 5/06, 6 treatments Herceptin 5/06 - for 1 yr. 9/06 Completed chemo Started Femara Sept. 2006 Last edited by Jean; 05-21-2008 at 10:55 PM..