My name is Runi and I was diagnosed November 16, 2005 just a few weeks shy of my 29th birthday. I was repeatedly told that I was too young and too healthy to have breast cancer. Cancer is not prejudice to anyone regardless of age, race or socioeconomic. This is my story and I hope people learn a great deal from it. Feel free to contact me if you have questions or want to simply talk.
This month as a difficult month. A friend of mine passed away from breast cancer...my first breast cancer friend to pass away. I've known her for two short years but it was my honor to have met her. Throughout her cancer journey she only exhibit strength and a positive attitude. I only heard her say she was scared once. She fought a hard battle and she's now at peace.
She visited me in my dreams three days leading up to her memorial. Her memorial was standing room only. Covey's second habit that I keep mentioning in my blog is "Begin with the end in mind." What do we want people to say about us at our funeral? Her bright smile and courage was the theme that day. Even though she was taken from us too soon, I find comfort that she made the best of her short time on Earth and touch so many people's lives. She will be missed greatly.
We have a new shining star, a new angel with a heart of gold.
4th Annual Joining FORCES Against Hereditary Caner
Conference on Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer 2009
What’s New for BRCA +/Hereditary BC Survivors
BRCA1 typically triple -, poorly differentiated, high grade, ck 5/6, ck14+, EGFR+, cyclin E+, little DCIS, basal like
BRCA1 did just as well with nonBRCA with chemo
BRCA1 85% protected w/oopherectomy; BRCA2 50%
Those with oopherectomy should still get CA125 once a year
Risk Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy
Fallopian tube and ovary should be removed to combat disease by 80-90% & 50-60% reduction in breast cancer
Open surgery with traditional laparotomyis 2-4 day hospital stay, 4-6 weeks recovery; Minimally invasive surgery with conventional laparoscopic or robotic assist is outpatient with 2 week recovery
Thorough inspection of peritoneal surfaces with saline “wash” to get samples; staging can be done at this time
Robotic da Vinic less pain, faster recovery, improved surgical vision, dexterity and ergonomics (better for longer more complex surgeries; basic laprascopic best for oophorectomy only)
Most gynecological oncologist should be qualified but it takes a team effort, 20-20 operations is considered experienced
Inconclusive BRCA Test Results
Tested w/normal results but w/cancer- 1.)BRCA is 95% accurate & Myriad will run BART testing if you have over 30% family risk; most insurance will NOT cover BART.2.)Another Gene HNPCC (ovarian) or PTEN (breast) or an unknown gene.3.)Could not be genetic but combination of genes and environment
Cancer free person w/normal results- 1.)Test missed mutation 5% chance.2.)Another gene involved.3.)Could not be genetic.4.)Could be BRCA in family but 50% chance
Variants-1.Suspectous deleterious, 2.Suspected polymorphism (fairly harmless,) 3.Variant of uncertain significance
Look at family history, genetic tendency but can be environmental too, SNIP test to decode and insurance should pay for it
Breast Cancer Prevention:Nonsurgical Approach to Risk Reduction
Intraductal access nipple lavage
AI, nanoparticle Herceptin, gene therapy and parp inhibitor though need to determine dose and long term study
Delay menarche with physical activity and as a life long activity
Reduce inflammation
Tamoxifen
Management of Ovarian Cancer Risk
CA125 is elevated in only 50% of stage 1 cancer; better for recurrence following, false positives common; have more done to define correct number for self; 35 is normal
Transvanginal US can lead to more unnecessary surgery but also accounted for most early stage dx
HE4 released in Europe and good for those with large mass and to use in conjunction with CA125; waiting for FDA approval though likely to be approved this year in US
First 10 days of period to have transvaginal US has less false positive
Chemoprevention:oral contraceptives (pill seems to be better vs patch), Fanretinide, Vitamin D3, Aspirin, motrin, etc
Begin ovarian screening between 30 and 35; screening every 6 months; oophorectomy between 35 and 40
Blood test P53 if less than 35 with breast cancer and test negative for BRCA may ask for this test
