- Why do I have breast cancer? - What could I have done differently? There are some questions that cannot be answered; even so, they are not unreasonable questions to...
Asked by Caroline Foster Caubet
Survivor since 1996
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my daughters were between 16 and 6. What could they hear? Obviously the message could not be the same for each one of them. I spoke to each one individually, without pronouncing the word "cancer". Their questions did come with time and I answered...
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my daughters were between 16 and 6. What could they hear? Obviously the message could not be the same for each one of them. I spoke to each one individually, without pronouncing the word "cancer". Their questions did come with time and I answered with simple words. What I wanted them to understand was that I was very sick, that I was fighting hard and that there was a pretty good chance that I would win the battle. I tried to give a message of hope. 15 years later, we talk about it and they say they appreciated understanding progressively.
When i was diagnosed my 2 girls were 8 and 9. My first thought was not to tell them, but i couldnt hide losing my hair and all the doctor appointments. I made the decision to be open and honest with them and they handled it extremly well.
Comment 2
Asked by anonymous
Learning About Breast CancerSo sorry about your daughter! I would recommend you visit our online support community at www.MyNBCF.org, it is an amazing support community of breast cancer survivors, friends and family.
Comment 1Also, we have a list of support resources at http://breastcan.cr/fZQzP6.
Comment 1
Asked by Valerie Rotella
Learning About Breast CancerBefore you decide that cancer runs in your family, first gather some information. For each case of cancer, look at:
Who is affected? How are we related?
What type of cancer is it? Is it rare?
How old was this relative when they were diagnosed?
Did this person get more than one...
Before you decide that cancer runs in your family, first gather some information. For each case of cancer, look at:
Who is affected? How are we related?
What type of cancer is it? Is it rare?
How old was this relative when they were diagnosed?
Did this person get more than one type of cancer?
Did they smoke?
Cancer in a close relative, like a parent or sibling (brother or sister), is more cause for concern than cancer in a more distant relative. Even if the cancer was from a gene mutation, the chance of it passing on to you gets lower with more distant relatives.
Breast cancer is a cancer that can be hereditary. A family history of breast cancer does put you at increased risk for breast cancer. A woman who has a first-degree relative (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer is about twice as likely to develop breast cancer as a woman without a family history of this cancer. Still, most cases of breast cancer, even those in close relatives, are not part of a family cancer syndrome caused by an inherited gene mutation.
The chance that someone has an inherited form of breast cancer is higher the younger they are when they get the cancer and the more relatives they have with the disease. Inherited breast cancer can be caused by several different genes, but the most common are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Inherited mutations in these genes cause hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC). Along with breast and ovarian cancer, this syndrome can also lead to male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, as well as some others. This syndrome is more common in women of Ashkenazi descent than it is in the general U.S. population.
This is why it is so important for you to have an early detection plan. You can creaste a plan at www.earlydetectionplan.org. This plan takes into account your risk profile and age. Of course, if you notice any changes in your breasts, you should consult your physician.
Asked by Nikol Vega
Learning About Breast Cancer
Yes, let her be a part of your journey. It will build your relationship and she will grow up understanding why early detection is so important.
Comment 1
Yes you should... my 10
Comment 1
Asked by Jessica Mcconnaughy
Learning About Breast Cancer
You should consider genetic counselling to get an accurate assessment of your risks of developing breast cancer especially if your family members were diagnosed with breast cancer at younger ages (less than 50 years).
Comment 1
Ok thank you
Comment 0
Asked by renee lorenz
Learning About Breast Cancer
Probably not it doesn't hurt to get checked. My mon is suffering from a rare form of breast cancer called HR2
6 comments 4
Has your mother been tested BRAC1 and BRAC2 mutation? The BRAC 1
Comment 4
Asked by Hannah B
Learning About Breast Cancer
You both should be tested for the Brca gene. Your chances are much higher if it's genetic. If not it's the same as anyone else.
Comment 2
I also suggest looking into genetic testing. There are other factors to consider, as well. Such as your Mother's age when she was first diagnosed & what type of cancer she had. If she was younger than 40 and/or had triple negative breast cancer, I HIGHLY recommend getting the BRCA test. And...
I also suggest looking into genetic testing. There are other factors to consider, as well. Such as your Mother's age when she was first diagnosed & what type of cancer she had. If she was younger than 40 and/or had triple negative breast cancer, I HIGHLY recommend getting the BRCA test. And because of your mother's diagnoses, your insurance should approve the testing. Especially if anyone else on your mother's side of the family have had breast or ovarian cancer. Good luck!
Asked by Nikol Vega
Learning About Breast Cancer
I have a 10 year old and year old. I just told both kids one month ago. I told them when I knew I would not be hysterical about it. It is all in your delivery. My kids have been fine.
Comment 1
Don't worry too much. When I was about eight years old, I was informed that my grandmother has breast cancer. I didn't freak out, so much as I was really curious. Now that I am getting older, though, I seem to be becoming more and more worried. But I think that if you tell her calmly, and you...
Don't worry too much. When I was about eight years old, I was informed that my grandmother has breast cancer. I didn't freak out, so much as I was really curious. Now that I am getting older, though, I seem to be becoming more and more worried. But I think that if you tell her calmly, and you don't show that you're scared, she won't do anything rash. You should sit her down, explain to her what breast cancer is, tell her everything you know about it, and then you should let her know that you have it. But don't worry, she is your daughter, she will love you no matter what happens. Or if you are still worried, maybe have someone else tell her. But, again, don't worry too much. Be strong, be informing, and don't get emotional. Your daughter loves you, and there is nothing to worry about. Good luck! You will be in my prayers. And don't forget to raise awareness as much as possible! :) <3
Asked by Ally Chapis
Learning About Breast Cancer
My mom is still going through her treatments and I did her wash, made food and she stayed with me after her surgery.
Comment 1
I agree with the above...just being there is most important. I have been with both a parent & a sibling during a treatment & right now I am helping my best friend through it. When I am with her (usually the week following treatment, when things are at their worst), I clean the litter box, do the...
I agree with the above...just being there is most important. I have been with both a parent & a sibling during a treatment & right now I am helping my best friend through it. When I am with her (usually the week following treatment, when things are at their worst), I clean the litter box, do the dishes, keep her paperwork organized, keep myself educated on her medications so I know what to expect, keep a log of when she has taken medication and when she has eaten (this helps to know when she can take another dose & whatnot), I act as sort of an eager slave to get her water or food or whatever she might want, & I try to make her laugh. I also let her cry & complain without always trying to cheer her up. She needs to get that sadness/pain/frustration out & I don't want her to feel she can't. I validate her feelings & then offer whatever love & support I can. All of this is also a huge help to her fiancé (if your father is also in the house). When he comes home from work, I encourage him to take some time to himself before taking over caring for my friend. And I know helping out around the house really helps relieve stress for him. He also reads to her every night. Which is something anyone can do.
All of the answers given cover it...just being there makes a huge difference. But I thought I'd offer some ideas of what I've done. :-) My best to you & your family.
Asked by Giselle dominguez
Family Member or Loved One
Its going to be okay. I am a survivor that was diagnosed with stage 3c. I have completed surgery, chemo and radiation. My cancer also went into my lymph nodes. I'm praying for you and your mom.
Comment 5
Thank you so much you going thru that I know u are a very strong women .... Ive been trying to spend so much time with my mom and just trying to make smile because she is really depressed because I'm 10 weeks pregnant and she feels like she isn't enjoying my pregnancy but I don't care I just want...
Thank you so much you going thru that I know u are a very strong women .... Ive been trying to spend so much time with my mom and just trying to make smile because she is really depressed because I'm 10 weeks pregnant and she feels like she isn't enjoying my pregnancy but I don't care I just want everything to be okay with her ...
“ An Early Detection Plan (EDP) significantly increases the chances of surviving breast cancer. ”
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Beyond The Shock is a comprehensive online guide to understanding breast cancer.
It is a resource for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, a place for loved ones to gain a better understanding of the disease, and a tool for doctors to share information.
Beyond The Shock is a collaborative breast cancer guide created by the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF) with the support of the finest medical experts, doctors, and researchers in the world. NBCF utilized ground-breaking technology and the resources of the global medical community to create an accessible platform for understanding a diagnosis of breast cancer.
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