I got the all-clear from my digital mammo, although I will ask for a copy of the report as all I received was the standard "no signs of cancer" form letter. Still, good to hear.
Went it to meet w/the Genetic Counselor and was pleasantly surprised to find out that my risk of carrying a mutated BRCA gene is about 2%--woohoo! And, my lifetime risk to get cancer is 12% or so--same as the general population. Granted I know that no matter what no one knows for sure if/when they will get cancer, but it was nice to hear that my family most likely does not have the BRCA gene. Funny, but I can handle having cancer--I can't, on the other hand, be comfortable w/the fact that I could've passed this on to my kids. :o/ Of course the counselor told me that if any other aunts or uncles pop up w/cancer I need to let her know right away.
My question/concern is that all the women on my mom's side (where all the cancer is too) have fibrocystic breasts and menstrual issues. At least 2 of my aunts, plus my mom (and myself as well), have had hysterectomies due to heavy bleeding, cysts, fibroids, and endo. My aunt's breast cancer tumor was estrogen fueled so it does make me wonder if we are at a higher risk given all the seemingly estrogen based problems such as fibrocystic breasts and Aunt Flo craziness? Any thoughts?
~Laura~