Bad news at the worst time (personal)

[HippoBallerina]

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I have my first interview next weekend, one of the two I've gotten this year. Today I went to the genetic councillor and found out that I'm positive for a BRCA1 mutation. My lifetime breast cancer risk is something like 60-75%; ovarian cancer is also high. I'm scheduled to meet with a consulting oncologist as soon as possible. The genetic counsellor said this means yearly mammograms and breast MRIs at the very least; probably getting my ovaries and fallopian tubes taken out in ten years or so; maybe other prophylactic surgery.

All I know is that right now I'm scared and miserable. I want to get my head back in the game but I don't know how.

I know that anonymous on the internet might not be the best place to talk about this, but honestly, anyone else, I'm just going to start crying on them, and people here are probably best placed to understand my desire to not let this screw up something that just now seems to be almost working, what with me having interviews. Just... 🙁

Anyone got anything for me? Anything? Please?

 

[MedPR]

I have my first interview next weekend, one of the two I've gotten this year. Today I went to the genetic councillor and found out that I'm positive for a BRCA1 mutation. My lifetime breast cancer risk is something like 60-75%; ovarian cancer is also high. I'm scheduled to meet with a consulting oncologist as soon as possible. The genetic counsellor said this means yearly mammograms and breast MRIs at the very least; probably getting my ovaries and fallopian tubes taken out in ten years or so; maybe other prophylactic surgery.

All I know is that right now I'm scared and miserable. I want to get my head back in the game but I don't know how.

I know that anonymous on the internet might not be the best place to talk about this, but honestly, anyone else, I'm just going to start crying on them, and people here are probably best placed to understand my desire to not let this screw up something that just now seems to be almost working, what with me having interviews. Just... 🙁

Anyone got anything for me? Anything? Please?

You're at higher risk just like people who live near the equator are at higher risk for skin cancer. Chill out, higher risk isn't a guaranteed diagnosis.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[Arbor Vitae]

I have my first interview next weekend, one of the two I've gotten this year. Today I went to the genetic councillor and found out that I'm positive for a BRCA1 mutation. My lifetime breast cancer risk is something like 60-75%; ovarian cancer is also high. I'm scheduled to meet with a consulting oncologist as soon as possible. The genetic counsellor said this means yearly mammograms and breast MRIs at the very least; probably getting my ovaries and fallopian tubes taken out in ten years or so; maybe other prophylactic surgery.

All I know is that right now I'm scared and miserable. I want to get my head back in the game but I don't know how.

I know that anonymous on the internet might not be the best place to talk about this, but honestly, anyone else, I'm just going to start crying on them, and people here are probably best placed to understand my desire to not let this screw up something that just now seems to be almost working, what with me having interviews. Just... 🙁

Anyone got anything for me? Anything? Please?

Keep your head up girl. At least you found out early and you'll be able to take preventative measures to ensure you develop neither. Look what Christina Applegate went through for inspiration.

 

[487806]

I have my first interview next weekend, one of the two I've gotten this year. Today I went to the genetic councillor and found out that I'm positive for a BRCA1 mutation. My lifetime breast cancer risk is something like 60-75%; ovarian cancer is also high. I'm scheduled to meet with a consulting oncologist as soon as possible. The genetic counsellor said this means yearly mammograms and breast MRIs at the very least; probably getting my ovaries and fallopian tubes taken out in ten years or so; maybe other prophylactic surgery.

All I know is that right now I'm scared and miserable. I want to get my head back in the game but I don't know how.

I know that anonymous on the internet might not be the best place to talk about this, but honestly, anyone else, I'm just going to start crying on them, and people here are probably best placed to understand my desire to not let this screw up something that just now seems to be almost working, what with me having interviews. Just... 🙁

Anyone got anything for me? Anything? Please?

Very sad to read the bad news. However, just because you're at a higher risk of cancer doesn't mean you'll have it. Try to forget about it and focus on the interviews. Good luck and take care

 

[Doctor Strange]

You're at higher risk just like people who live near the equator are at higher risk for skin cancer. Chill out, higher risk isn't a guaranteed diagnosis.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

This. Cancer has become much more manageable in the past decade, and now that you know you are at a higher risk, you can be proactive and nip things in the bud if anything arises. Early detection = early treatment = minimal worries

 

[HippoBallerina]

Thanks everyone for the kind and sensible words. I guess on some level I know this isn't a doom sentence, but having seen my mom go through the cancer and surgery and chemotherapy and radiation process, it's all hitting a bit hard.

 

[VictorAlpha]

I am sorry to hear about this. I have never been through something like this myself. Remember: just because you are at increased risk doesn't mean you have a cancer dx.
and go through the preventative measures for people in your situation and you will mitigate your risk.

Try not to stop living while you're alive.

wishing you the best,
VictorAlpha

 

[gtoblobf]

You're at higher risk just like people who live near the equator are at higher risk for skin cancer. Chill out, higher risk isn't a guaranteed diagnosis.

Is this actually your idea of a helpful response? I just don't even...

OP, that is some pretty heavy stuff, and you are probably not going to fully process it for a while. All I can think to tell you is to fall back on your coping skills to get into as good a place as possible before your interview-- reach out to people who care about you, go for a walk, do what you can to cut back on stressful stuff for the time being.

If it's any comfort, the interviews where I was incredibly focused on the outcome went worst for me, while in the ones I cared less about, I kicked butt. Maybe it's not a bad thing, in the end, to be reminded that there are much bigger things in life than a medical school interview.

Sorry about your bad news. Good luck!

 

[487806]

Is this actually your idea of a helpful response? I just don't even...

Nothing wrong with what medpr said.

 

[MedPR]

Is this actually your idea of a helpful response? I just don't even...

OP, that is some pretty heavy stuff, and you are probably not going to fully process it for a while. All I can think to tell you is to fall back on your coping skills to get into as good a place as possible before your interview-- reach out to people who care about you, go for a walk, do what you can to cut back on stressful stuff for the time being.

If it's any comfort, the interviews where I was incredibly focused on the outcome went worst for me, while in the ones I cared less about, I kicked butt. Maybe it's not a bad thing, in the end, to be reminded that there are much bigger things in life than a medical school interview.

Sorry about your bad news. Good luck!

Yes, yours is much better though. Have a gold star. 👍

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

 

[HippoBallerina]

Is this actually your idea of a helpful response? I just don't even...

OP, that is some pretty heavy stuff, and you are probably not going to fully process it for a while. All I can think to tell you is to fall back on your coping skills to get into as good a place as possible before your interview-- reach out to people who care about you, go for a walk, do what you can to cut back on stressful stuff for the time being.

If it's any comfort, the interviews where I was incredibly focused on the outcome went worst for me, while in the ones I cared less about, I kicked butt. Maybe it's not a bad thing, in the end, to be reminded that there are much bigger things in life than a medical school interview.

Sorry about your bad news. Good luck!

Thank you for this. It actually was a comfort, too, the reflection on outcomes. I know this is going to take some time. Thank goodness there's still a week.

 

[gtoblobf]

Nothing wrong with what medpr said.

I thought it was kind of insensitive to dismiss a pretty serious concern as equivalent to a situation where you'd need to wear extra sunscreen, but I guess OP wasn't offended, so no harm no foul.

 

[Frazier]

While unfortunate that you have a mutation, try to find a silver lining -- be glad that you learned about it now (so that you have the opportunity to be extra vigilant when it comes to screening and what not).

Be happy that you are not one of the other countless women that have it but have no idea about its presence (let alone what a BRCA1 mutation entails).

You should [try to] consider this news in a positive light instead of as "bad news"... It might have just added quite a number of years onto your life.

 

[DrZed]

What everyone else has said. Just be proactive and keep an eye on things. Get examinations done often. As a fellow SDN'er, I'd be happy to offer my services for free.


/sarcasm

 

[IniestaDeMiVida]

I have my first interview next weekend, one of the two I've gotten this year. Today I went to the genetic councillor and found out that I'm positive for a BRCA1 mutation. My lifetime breast cancer risk is something like 60-75%; ovarian cancer is also high. I'm scheduled to meet with a consulting oncologist as soon as possible. The genetic counsellor said this means yearly mammograms and breast MRIs at the very least; probably getting my ovaries and fallopian tubes taken out in ten years or so; maybe other prophylactic surgery.

All I know is that right now I'm scared and miserable. I want to get my head back in the game but I don't know how.

I know that anonymous on the internet might not be the best place to talk about this, but honestly, anyone else, I'm just going to start crying on them, and people here are probably best placed to understand my desire to not let this screw up something that just now seems to be almost working, what with me having interviews. Just... 🙁

Anyone got anything for me? Anything? Please?

That's tough news to get, but there is no good time to find out that your at risk for cancer. Like others have said, knowing early will make a huge difference in your ability to detect any cancer that may arise, so this is a silver lining.

As far as staying focused, I might suggest bringing a "good luck token" or something to your interview to make you feel more comfortable and confident. Maybe wearing one of your mom's rings or keeping a note from a close family member in your pocket. Then, if you begin to feel upset, you can touch it for reassurance. I'm a sentimental person, so tokens like this work for me.

I hope this helps and best of luck in your interviews!

 

[HippoBallerina]

I thought it was kind of insensitive to dismiss a pretty serious concern as equivalent to a situation where you'd need to wear extra sunscreen, but I guess OP wasn't offended, so no harm no foul.

I tried to interpret in the best possible light, and know that tone is impossible to read. Thank you all for watching out for me here.

While unfortunate that you have a mutation, try to find a silver lining -- be glad that you learned about it now (so that you have the opportunity to be extra vigilant when it comes to screening and what not).

Be happy that you are not one of the other countless women that have it but have no idea about its presence (let alone what a BRCA1 mutation entails).

You should [try to] consider this news in a positive light instead of as "bad news"... It might have just added quite a number of years onto your life.

That is a really terrific way of looking at it. I know walking out of the hospital this morning I tried to remind myself that nothing has changed about my cells, only about my knowledge. The high risk was always there, but now I have an oncologist and screening program on my side. I just have to keep repeating that to myself, maybe the fear will subside a bit.

 

[Frazier]

That is a really terrific way of looking at it. I know walking out of the hospital this morning I tried to remind myself that nothing has changed about my cells, only about my knowledge. The high risk was always there, but now I have an oncologist and screening program on my side. I just have to keep repeating that to myself, maybe the fear will subside a bit.

Exactly this.

The only thing that changed is your knowledge. Sometimes ignorance is bliss, but in a matter such as this, I think you would agree that you'd rather know now about a mutation instead of never know at all, receive no extra screening/tests, and get completely blindsided down the road.

With the screening options available, while stressful nonetheless, between your own knowledge, your future training, and your current oncology team...you're in great hands.

 

[xGeorgettex]

That is a really terrific way of looking at it. I know walking out of the hospital this morning I tried to remind myself that nothing has changed about my cells, only about my knowledge. The high risk was always there, but now I have an oncologist and screening program on my side. I just have to keep repeating that to myself, maybe the fear will subside a bit.

I know from personal experience that it isn't easy to hear. I got into a near yelling match with my ARNP of two decades when I refused testing last fall. My mother passed of advanced breast cancer and my grandmother's of ovarian. Suffice to say, my odds are not that hot. I'm the youngest regular for mammograms at my local clinic. I'm already doing all the preventative screening. I elected not to have testing done to avoid adding more fear to my plate. Trust me when I say I know where you're coming from.

As everyone else has said, the best thing to do is stay positive. The oncogenes are just statistics, as you said. Your cells haven't changed; just your knowledge of them. You can be proactive now. It's not a death sentence. It doesn't necessarily make it easier to be faced with the numbers, but you do have a counterattack of sorts at the very least.

 

[SOMBound13]

One way to look at it is that you now have a "heads up" to more frequently monitor the possibility. While not ideal, it's better than having no red flags and not knowing one is at risk.

Best wishes for you.

 

[HippoBallerina]

I know from personal experience that it isn't easy to hear. I got into a near yelling match with my ARNP of two decades when I refused testing last fall. My mother passed of advanced breast cancer and my grandmother's of ovarian. Suffice to say, my odds are not that hot. I'm the youngest regular for mammograms at my local clinic. I'm already doing all the preventative screening. I elected not to have testing done to avoid adding more fear to my plate. Trust me when I say I know where you're coming from.

As everyone else has said, the best thing to do is stay positive. The oncogenes are just statistics, as you said. Your cells haven't changed; just your knowledge of them. You can be proactive now. It's not a death sentence. It doesn't necessarily make it easier to be faced with the numbers, but you do have a counterattack of sorts at the very least.

Thank you for sharing your story, I really appreciate it.

 

[def1]

Instead of focusing on the fact there is a 60 % chance of getting cancer, focus on the fact you have a 40% chance of not getting it.

I believe this is called the framing effect.

 

[Erakis]

OP. I hear you wanting to be positive in all this. The thought of having cancer is more terrifying than you think it would be.

People will say not to worry about it, and they are right not to obsess, but I know that is easier said than done.

I was having bone pain and lesions right as I was finishing up my last prereqs and getting ready to start my applications. They initially said it was osteosarcoma, then osteomyelitis. It was back and forth for six months, and I was convinced that it was going to be okay while I was getting ready to take my MCAT. I received a voicemail from my PCP that I had a referral to my regional university hospital while I was deep in study mode and assumed it was for infectious diseases, which I knew would be included in my work up.

I showed up at the hospital for my appointment and was directed to the cancer hospital. Bear in mind, this was five days before my MCAT. I wasn't sure exactly why I was there until I reached the clinic, and the doctor came in and introduced herself as the oncology fellow. I said, "Why are you the oncology fellow."

Her: "I'm here to see you about your lymphoma."

Me: "My what?!"

Her: "oooooh. I guess you didn't know yet."

Long story short, took my mcat, I went through chemo, and submitted my primary late due to financial troubles.

I had several hospitalizations during chemo, and two orthopedic surgeries. I only attended two interviews as a result of treatments, but still got accepted to a great school. I am in radiation now, and am expected to stay in remission.

Point is, I know that feel...I know it's hard. You will most probably get good news, but if you don't, it's not the end of the world, or the end of your dreams.

 

[ajs08029]

It's definitely not the end of the world for you. An increased risk doesn't mean that you'll end up contracting cancer, so don't assume you will. I was diagnosed with a chronic, life changing condition and spent days in the hospital less than a week before one of my interviews. You just have to pick yourself up and focus on your dreams. I know I won't let my condition prevent me from reaching my goals and attending medical school next year, and I hope you have the same outlook.

 

[lobo.solo]

Sorry you're going through this; find strength in people that love you. Despite this being bad news, you are aware of it, you can act on it and take preventive measures. Also breast cancer has the best prognosis if caught early. Don't let this take over your life though is easier said than done

 

[911 Turbo]

I know this sounds cliche but advances in science are being made every day. I do however think that this isn't a trivial matter and you are justified in being depressed about it.But don't live your life worrying about your chances of getting cancer...

 

[Geebeejay]

I have my first interview next weekend, one of the two I've gotten this year. Today I went to the genetic councillor and found out that I'm positive for a BRCA1 mutation. My lifetime breast cancer risk is something like 60-75%; ovarian cancer is also high. I'm scheduled to meet with a consulting oncologist as soon as possible. The genetic counsellor said this means yearly mammograms and breast MRIs at the very least; probably getting my ovaries and fallopian tubes taken out in ten years or so; maybe other prophylactic surgery.

All I know is that right now I'm scared and miserable. I want to get my head back in the game but I don't know how.

I know that anonymous on the internet might not be the best place to talk about this, but honestly, anyone else, I'm just going to start crying on them, and people here are probably best placed to understand my desire to not let this screw up something that just now seems to be almost working, what with me having interviews. Just... 🙁

Anyone got anything for me? Anything? Please?

Be glad you were screened for this! Cancer is bad, but that's because it often goes undiagnosed for too long in patients. You know that you are at risk, and you'll also know to call your doctor/oncologist at the FIRST SIGN something is wrong if, god forbid, you get sick. You won't be that unfortunate patient who finds out she has cancer after it is already advanced. You'll be FAR better equipped to handle this disorder than someone who never knew she had it. The prophylactic surgeries and mammograms are going to be frustrating and scary, but aside from these measures, you'll be able to function entirely normally in the mean time. Don't sweat it - be thankful you can prepare yourself and potentially dodge cancer thanks to your successful screening!

 

[Arbor Vitae]

So if anybody remembers, that actress Christina Applegate was tested BRCA1 positive and they also detected a tumor early from the MRI which saved her life. She decided to have a double mastectomy even though they only found a tumor in one breast, but you wouldn't know the difference with the things plastic surgeons can do now. This is also an example of how plastic surgery isn't just some lifestyle field that does nothing to help society.

 

[AktionPOTENTIAL]

Good luck OP! No one but you will fully understand your challenge due to the unique nature of these issues. Therefore, it's imperative that you ignore some of these callous remarks. I'll however agree w/ some posters here that you should try and find the inspiration within your challenge. Maybe you'll use it to inspire somebody.

 

[JohnChalmers]

This. Cancer has become much more manageable in the past decade, and now that you know you are at a higher risk, you can be proactive and nip things in the bud if anything arises. Early detection = early treatment = minimal worries

and don't forget that cancer is just a product of a weak immune system.

Lots of vegetables + exercise + healthful living + sleep - junk food - sugar = Low Risk of Cancer.

Cancer isn't some random disease that can strike anyone at any time. There are risk factors, and you should seek to minimize them with lifestyle and dietary choices........ and frequent screening...........

 

[def1]

and don't forget that cancer is just a product of a weak immune system.

Lots of vegetables + exercise + healthful living + sleep - junk food - sugar = Low Risk of Cancer.

Cancer isn't some random disease that can strike anyone at any time. There are risk factors, and you should seek to minimize them with lifestyle and dietary choices........ and frequent screening...........

Really? Veggies and exercise = cancer free life? I feel like Im reading a naturalnews blog.

 

[IslandStyle808]

and don't forget that cancer is just a product of a weak immune system.

Lots of vegetables + exercise + healthful living + sleep - junk food - sugar = Low Risk of Cancer.

Cancer isn't some random disease that can strike anyone at any time. There are risk factors, and you should seek to minimize them with lifestyle and dietary choices........ and frequent screening...........

It is more than that...

 

[Lys Ile Glu Leu]

Really? Veggies and exercise = cancer free life? I feel like Im reading a naturalnews blog.

Lol, yep. It's that simple.

Dude we're talking about: though I concede that we should strive to be healthy to the best of our abilities, you can't control everything. Time for a revision, I think.

 

[Lys Ile Glu Leu]

OP-stay on top of it and live your life like the healthy person you are ("healthy" = cancer free). If the time ever comes that you face this prospect, you will be more than prepared. I believe it's gonna be okay. Best of luck to you!

 

[HippoBallerina]

OP. I hear you wanting to be positive in all this. The thought of having cancer is more terrifying than you think it would be.

People will say not to worry about it, and they are right not to obsess, but I know that is easier said than done.

I was having bone pain and lesions right as I was finishing up my last prereqs and getting ready to start my applications. They initially said it was osteosarcoma, then osteomyelitis. It was back and forth for six months, and I was convinced that it was going to be okay while I was getting ready to take my MCAT. I received a voicemail from my PCP that I had a referral to my regional university hospital while I was deep in study mode and assumed it was for infectious diseases, which I knew would be included in my work up.

I showed up at the hospital for my appointment and was directed to the cancer hospital. Bear in mind, this was five days before my MCAT. I wasn't sure exactly why I was there until I reached the clinic, and the doctor came in and introduced herself as the oncology fellow. I said, "Why are you the oncology fellow."

Her: "I'm here to see you about your lymphoma."

Me: "My what?!"

Her: "oooooh. I guess you didn't know yet."

Long story short, took my mcat, I went through chemo, and submitted my primary late due to financial troubles.

I had several hospitalizations during chemo, and two orthopedic surgeries. I only attended two interviews as a result of treatments, but still got accepted to a great school. I am in radiation now, and am expected to stay in remission.

Point is, I know that feel...I know it's hard. You will most probably get good news, but if you don't, it's not the end of the world, or the end of your dreams.

Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story, and all the best of luck on your journey.

 

[Barcu]

Hang in there OP. It's tough to digest, but things will get better with time. Be proactive with your health, stay positive, and use your experience to help patients deal with their own bad news. Best of luck to you.

Nothing wrong with what medpr said.

Usually it's not good to tell someone to "chill out" after worrisome medical news.

 

[Lys Ile Glu Leu]

Double post. :sly:

 

[laureelee07]

You chose to find out to get swapped. You should've been emotionally prepared with this news, if not your PCP or Ob-Gyn should've counseled you.

This is like a real-life Queen Latifah in The Last Holiday...

 

[Erakis]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing your story, and all the best of luck on your journey.

You are welcome. I know what it is like to lay awake at night imagining the curtain of your life closing, and having a hard time finding the use of moving forward. Take care of yourself, take things one day at a time, and don't ever think that things are worth giving up on. And most of all...the hardest thing is to avoid jumping to conclusions. It's maddening. I know.

And make sure you kill those interviews.

 

[CrimsonKing]

Hang in there OP. It's tough to digest, but things will get better with time. Be proactive with your health, stay positive, and use your experience to help patients deal with their own bad news. Best of luck to you.



Usually it's not good to tell someone to "chill out" after worrisome medical news.

I think MedPR was trying to just be reasonable and assuage the OP's fears.

Getting the news about BRCA1 sucks because of the heightened chance, but it's a big difference from testing positive for Huntington's, where you are 100% affected and there is nothing you can do about it.

With the news about BRCA1, the OP can do as much as possible for prevention, and also be on the lookout to seek treatment at the first sign of cancer.

OP, I hope all goes well with you, and don't let this stand in the way of accomplishing your dreams!

 

[JohnChalmers]

Really? Veggies and exercise = cancer free life? I feel like Im reading a naturalnews blog.

No, I said it'd minimize the risk of cancer. Not eliminate it. Why is telling someone to eat vegetables and excercise not helpful? Combined, those two will bring down the risk very substanially. A strong immune system is the key to lowering risk.

I think if OP lives healthy, OP could beat cancer. Seriously. Cancer is not a given, but lots of sugar and lack of nutritious food makes it far more likely. OP may have a 65 percent chance if she lives the typical American lifestyle and eats what most Americans eat, but her risk can easily drop if she takes the right steps.... and with enough screenings, even if she does get cancer, she catch it early.

Point is: OP shouldn't despair. It's within her hands to win this.

 

[Barcu]

I think MedPR was trying to just be reasonable and assuage the OP's fears.

Getting the news about BRCA1 sucks because of the heightened chance, but it's a big difference from testing positive for Huntington's, where you are 100% affected and there is nothing you can do about it.

With the news about BRCA1, the OP can do as much as possible for prevention, and also be on the lookout to seek treatment at the first sign of cancer.

OP, I hope all goes well with you, and don't let this stand in the way of accomplishing your dreams!

I know what he was saying, and I agree with the sentiment.

However, "chill out" is a very dismissive way to respond to a very serious concern. It was about word choice, not message. It matters, whether you intended it that way or not.

 

[CrimsonKing]

No, I said it'd minimize the risk of cancer. Not eliminate it. Why is telling someone to eat vegetables and excercise not helpful? Combined, those two will bring down the risk very substanially. A strong immune system is the key to lowering risk.

I think if OP lives healthy, OP could beat cancer. Seriously. Cancer is not a given, but lots of sugar and lack of nutritious food makes it far more likely. OP may have a 65 percent chance if she lives the typical American lifestyle and eats what most Americans eat, but her risk can easily drop if she takes the right steps.... and with enough screenings, even if she does get cancer, she catch it early.

Point is: OP shouldn't despair. It's within her hands to win this.

Please wait till medical school before you give your advice; probably wait until even later.

Veggies and exercise are a good idea for general health, and may lower the risk for certain types of cancers. However, the strengthening of the immune system is a quite complex process, and most metastases involve mutations far beyond what the immune system could control.

Also, if you really want to ramp up your immune system, you may slightly lower your chance of cancer, but you raise your chance of all of the terrible autoimmune conditions, of which I will list a few: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Chron's Disease.

Before you think of acting like autoimmunity is no big deal compared to breast cancer, please remember the following: prophylactic mastectomy and hysterectomy removes the chance of getting those cancers, and can completely cure those cancers if they are caught early enough. Autoimmunity today is still quite poorly controlled and extremely painful.

To make this clear, my above paragraph is NOT meant to belittle the severity of breast cancer, but to place emphasis on how significant of a danger is posed by an overactive immune system.

 

[CrimsonKing]

I know what he was saying, and I agree with the sentiment.

However, "chill out" is a very dismissive way to respond to a very serious concern. It was about word choice, not message. It matters, whether you intended it that way or not.

👍

Gotcha, totally agree!

 

[cinamin]

OP, try not to let this impact your interviews! Just think how far you have come to get where you are now, and where you are headed!!! Life is full of many possibilities - good and bad, varied degrees of both, but try to focus on your dreams/goals and nail your interviews!

Good luck!

 

[physiologist]

I know this sounds cliche but advances in science are being made every day. I do however think that this isn't a trivial matter and you are justified in being depressed about it.But don't live your life worrying about your chances of getting cancer...

I can attest to this. My aunt, whom I'm really close with, got diagnosed with Stage 2 of the most aggressive breast cancer strain there is. She had surgery and now she is cancer-free (she still needs to do prophylactic chemo and radiation though, but she's definitely going to live).

It's crazy what advances modern medicine has made, especially in the treatment of breast cancer. Hang in there, it's all going to be okay.

 

[deleted393595]

I have my first interview next weekend, one of the two I've gotten this year. Today I went to the genetic councillor and found out that I'm positive for a BRCA1 mutation. My lifetime breast cancer risk is something like 60-75%; ovarian cancer is also high. I'm scheduled to meet with a consulting oncologist as soon as possible. The genetic counsellor said this means yearly mammograms and breast MRIs at the very least; probably getting my ovaries and fallopian tubes taken out in ten years or so; maybe other prophylactic surgery.

All I know is that right now I'm scared and miserable. I want to get my head back in the game but I don't know how.

I know that anonymous on the internet might not be the best place to talk about this, but honestly, anyone else, I'm just going to start crying on them, and people here are probably best placed to understand my desire to not let this screw up something that just now seems to be almost working, what with me having interviews. Just... 🙁

Anyone got anything for me? Anything? Please?

On the bright side, you probably don't have that cancer now! 🙂

 

[FIREitUP]

You're at higher risk just like people who live near the equator are at higher risk for skin cancer. Chill out, higher risk isn't a guaranteed diagnosis.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using SDN Mobile

it's more like if you have xeroderma pigmentosum, but you probably never heard of that so you post some bull**** about having a BRCA-1 mutation being equivalent to living on a different latitude.

 

[911 Turbo]

it's more like if you have xeroderma pigmentosum, but you probably never heard of that so you post some bull**** about having a BRCA-1 mutation being equivalent to living on a different latitude.

 

[OneTwoThreeFour]

Thank you for sharing your story, I really appreciate it.

I feel like I read something in Emperor of All Maladies (the Biography of Cancer book) about how they found the mechanism/protein defect that accompanies BRCA1 mutation and there's a pretty effective medicine on the market. I may be off the mark, but that rang a bell and I thought I'd add my .02

 

[Fenouil]

I have my first interview next weekend, one of the two I've gotten this year. Today I went to the genetic councillor and found out that I'm positive for a BRCA1 mutation. My lifetime breast cancer risk is something like 60-75%; ovarian cancer is also high.

So sorry to hear that, OP! At least now you know the odds you're facing and you can stay vigilant. The timing isn't ideal, but is there ever a good time to get news like that? My dad was actually diagnosed with cancer the day before my first interview. I wish I could share some awesome coping mechanism with you, but I pretty much tanked at that school. Barely slept the night before, had no appetite, was just numb the whole day.

Like others have said, keep the positives in mind: you can now take steps to prevent yourself from developing cancer in the first place. You can start getting screened regularly to catch it early if it DOES develop. I know it must be terrifying, but definitely don't think of yourself as being condemned to develop cancer; instead, remember that now that you know you're predisposed to cancer, you can stay one step ahead of it.

Hang in there! Best wishes!