All clear after first-line treatment :)

[JackyYorke]

Hello again,

This is an update to my first post. I am now 4 months post first-line chemo, and have just been given the all-clear

I also found out I have the BRCA2 gene mutation. Because of new UK guidelines, I would have been eligible for Olaparib PARP inhibitor, but I am past the deadline (has to be within 2 months of finishing chemo).

I want to feel happy but my sister has recently been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, which is breaking my heart, and my children are currently being tested for the BRCA mutation. I know time will help me cope, but I'm a bundle of mixed emotions just now, and I can see that life will never be the same for our family.

Anyway! This post was meant to be about adding to all the positive outcomes that are reported on here. As far as ovarian cancer is concerned, my surgery and chemo have kicked it to the kerb for now

[Lindaura]

Oh, Jacky,

What a shame about your sister!

Pancreatic cancer is another gift from the BRCA mutation.

My family is going through cancer hell as well just now.

One sister and myself and my daughter have the BRCA1 mutation.

My sister is still struggling with the after effects of breast cancer treatment and my daughter already had the BSO and is now in the queue for a double mastectomy.

I am struggling with this insidious Ovarian cancer, which I thought would stay at the kerb, but keeps sneaking back.

At least we BRCA positive s respond well to treatment and some of us stay all clear forever!

You might be one of those lucky ones!

I wish you and your family all the luck in the world,

Hugs,

Laura

[JackyYorke in reply to Lindaura]

Thank you for your kind reply, Laura. How brave you are to keep fighting - and taking the time to support others too. It helps to know that there are people out there who keep going. Sisters are special, pls give my love to yours - and lots to yourself too xx

[Flamingobeef18]

Hi

Well done on doing so well with your treatment. That is fantastic news.

So sorry to hear about your other family news and sending you all lots of love.

Juliax

[JackyYorke in reply to Flamingobeef18]

Thank you, Julia, you brave woman. I see you've been battling OC for years now. I appreciate the love, and sending it right back to you xx

[delia2]

I’m so glad you are ned but very sorry for your sister. Having BRCA is bad for getting cancer but good for responding to treatment. Long may you be in remission!!!

[JackyYorke in reply to delia2]

Thank you, Delia. I will try to remember the positive

[Solange]

Oh Jacky, I'm so, so sorry to read your sad Post. Just when you have good news something really sad comes along to bring you down. It's also so sad to hear about your sister - especially as she is terminal. I can only imagine how it must feel to be found Braca positive. I dreaded hearing that I might be but thankfully not and although it's not so good for me, I was just so relieved that my large family are safe when I read that I was negative.

Anyway, thankfully you are clear of this hated disease and long may it stay that way. Try and keep smiling. Love and a big hug, Solange. 😊

[JackyYorke in reply to Solange]

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, it's the implications for the whole extended family - and those yet to be born - that is so hard to cope with. It's good to hear that your family escaped this curse! x

[LittleSan]

My heart goes out to you Jacky. Sisters are very precious. Enjoy your NED status though. Every day is a gift. Big virtual hug to you. Xx

[JackyYorke in reply to LittleSan]

Thank you. I need to remember that. I need it in big letters on the mirror x

[March2017]

Hi Jacky , I too have the BRCA2 gene and unfortunately my daughter who has learning and sensory difficulties also tested positive. My son is waiting until he’s nearer 40 to be tested as it has huge implications on mortgages etc. I was totally devastated for my daughter and it took months to get my head around it. But as my friend said knowledge is power! My daughter is well looked after, yearly MRI and regular health checks. She will have her tubes and ovaries removed at 40. I just thank god we know now and can be vigilant. I now have a new normal and you know what, it’s not too bad, best wishes to you x

[JackyYorke]

Thank you. I have to say, my daughter is coping so well with the wait for her test results, which helps me with my feelings about it. She's very much 'knowledge is power'. I'm so sorry that you had to go through the ordeal of finding out your daughter was positive. I know how difficult her life must have been already. Sending love to you all x

[sticky3006]

Hello Jacky, I'm in the same boat and have two young daughters. My eldest daughter who is nearly 16 was very sensible when she found out I was BRCA2 +ve and said that if she is positive she will have the ability to reduce her risks of cancer which can only be a good thing. My brother has also tested positive, so yes, it opens a whole can of worms which comes as a big shock initially. I think having this knowledge is such a positive with all the new drugs and testing now available to us. The best of luck to you, sticky3006 x