New Here

My name is Carol, I am 45, 6th generation native Californian. I am a caregiver for my husband who suffered a massive stroke at the age of 41. He requires me to be home with him at all times, so I am unable to work.

 

I joined this site to be prepared for what is probably going to be a long upcoming process. I am at very very high risk for developing bc. Although I am cancer free at the moment, it is a concern of mine. For I can not afford to become ill with my needs here at home.

 

I said I was high risk, and yes that is very true. My sister was dx at 27 bc, and at 28 oc, she passed away at 34. That was 20 years ago. My maternal aunt (moms only sibling) died in 2000 of bc.

 

My doc wants me to get the BRCA test. I have yet to find a way to get the test. My insurance (welfare) doesn't cover it, I missed the MYRIAD scholarship, with strictly inforced income limits, by $50 a month, and I certainly can't afford to pay for it living on Social Security Disability.

 

I am currently waiting on the results of a very scarey diagnostic mammogram. I say scarey, as when the technician came back and asked for a second set of films, the machine ran longer on one side than the other. I didn't think to ask her why then. Now I wonder. So I am hoping for the best.

 

 

Dear ces, Please accept my thoughts and prayers of deep concern for you. Remember there is always hope. Even with the history and a scarey mammogram, it does not mean any certain diagnosis. I had a scary mammogram eight years ago but the cancer was very early stage and I had a mastectomy and no other treatment. I have not been found to show any signs of cancer again. My daughter was diagnosed six years ago and is doing just as well, altho she did have a series of chemo because of her age. What I am trying to tell you is not to worry until you know what there is to worry about, if anything. God knows you have your hands full with your husband, but I am sure if you need to have some surgery there will be a way found for his care. We are here to support and help in any way we can. Hugs and prayers, Mary K.

I have been to FORCE. It is very well done.

As for not worrying, well that is very hard for me not to do. I don't worry about me though, but about who would care for my husband if I were to need surgery, or became very ill. He requires me for almost anything he does, from bathing to fixing food, getting in and out of bed, getting dressed, etc.

I do believe I would probably push myself to get home so I can be here for him. And probably would fight the docs tooth and nail to get me sent home if I were to end up in the hospital for anything.

I believe I can handle any diagnosis no matter what after the last three years with my husbands problems.

I have educated myself on the BRCA1 gene. And do believe I understand it fairly well. Getting my husband to understand all of it is a different matter. And do believe that if I were tested it probably would be a positive results. I know when my sister was dx she was told by her doctor it was hereditary and to be sure I understood the risk.

I have taken that statement with me since. Education to me is the key. So I tend to dig and find answers even to questions I have and don't have yet.

Ces

I believe you are right Lori, Worry does not help any. But like I said I am not worried about me but about my husband.

I too agree my sister was probably BRCA positive. I only know so much of her information. I know her bc was feeding on estrogen, that is why they did the hysterctomy, it was after that they discovered the oc.

And yes my chances of being BRCA positive are probably 50-50.

But it is because of the 50% chance of being positive I must be proactive in my health. Thus insuring my ability to care for my husband.

Ces

Ces, Sorry about all of your concerns. Stay strong. As Lori said even if it is cancer your life can remain very normal. Please keep us posed. I will have you in my prayers. Hugs, Candy

Hi Carol! I want to add my welcome and 2 cents, too. If your husband is disabled and on public assistance, doesn't he have a case worker assigned? There is care giving assistance available, but the social worker must make the arrangements. There may be assistance for you also, should it be necessary. You need to let social services get involved and let the system work for you. With your family bc history, you are certainly considered high risk, whether or not you take the BRCA test. Even if this episode turns out OK (and I hope it does!) you will need to be followed very carefully in the future. There are special high risk protocols that you should discuss with you doctor. Good luck! Frayda