Hi everyone Since we're all new here, why don't we take a minute to introduce ourselves?
I have a history of breast cancer in my family so I've been toying with the idea of being tested for the BRCA mutation, which, if I have it, increases my risk of developing ovarian cancer. For me, that's scarier than breast cancer because all of the breast cancer cases in my family have been early stage & easy to treat, but ovarian seems much more pernicious. I also work behind the scenes for this cancer support organization
How about you? What brings you here?
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missa13
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Until very recently, I thought I had no history of cancer in my family, as I hadn't known of any relatives with cancer. But then through a casual conversation with my dad, I learned that an aunt of his had died from breast cancer in her 40s, and soon after I learned that a cousin on my mom's side had breast cancer as well. She died about two years ago. It's really important to talk with your family because knowing your family's history of disease can inform your choices going forward, especially in relation to BRCA testing.
I am here as a supporter, as I have known several women with ovarian cancer.
Concerned Friend, I have very mixed emotions about the gene mutiations and how it affects the mental wellbeing of the women when they find out that there is one. It is good to know family history.. but I know several women that now they know of the mutation has them petrified and all the decisions become more about the mutation effect(long run) more than what is going on currently with them... this can be dangerous too. There is so much fear with Ovarian / Breast Cancer by themselves this seems like an extra burden while trying to heal and have a good outlook. I am still keeping an open mind on this as I continue to observe how these test affect the women and their female family members.
Rppizio, good point. I can understand your having mixed emotions about the tests. When concern about the tests causes unnecessary worry and gets in the way of women focusing on what is currently going on with them, then the test is not helpful. When the testing is helpful, I think, is when it arms people with information that they plan to act on, such as when a woman with a strong family history decides that she will get a prophylactic mastectomy and/or oopherectomy if she has a BRCA mutation. In some cases, also, knowing that you are BRCA positive can help you get better treatment, as explained in this post on the SHARE website: sharecancersupport.org/2015...
I was googling to find out if anyone survives this crazy diagnosis....I was given hope today by reading Judirhs journey and speaking to Anne over the telephone. the conversation made my day!!!!!!
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Since we're all new here, why don't we take a minute to introduce ourselves? 
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