HOLDING PATTERN

Ok, so we're in a little bit of a "holding pattern" since Mom's last Dr. appointment. On 9/1/11, we went into Lahey Clinic to "get schooled" in genetic testing & learn all about the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes & what those tiny little genes are capable of, if they are mutated.

Two hours of talking about genetics is really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the reasons of how & why someone gets breast cancer. The good news with the genetic testing is that only 10% of women who have breast cancer have a positive test result! The odds are in our favor and we're all staying positive that a negative result will come back. All in all it was a very informative appointment & Mom went ahead with the testing. Now that the testing has been performed, we’ve been moved into that “holding pattern”. Before any decisions are made in terms of surgery &/or treatment, the team needs to know if she has a positive test result, which will be the deciding factor on what the next step will be. We'll have the results in about 2-3 weeks. Yup, I know, that's a long time; however, the there is only one company in the US that holds the patent to this type of testing, so we have to play by their rules. Never fear, Mom is putting this "down time" to good use! Next week, we have an appointment for a second opinion with her original surgeon from 19 years ago. Mom LOVES her team at Lahey & was very sad to hear that her original surgeon left for Mass General a few years back. But like I said to my mom..."Hey! It's kind of like getting the old band back together!" And, it can't hurt to get a second opinion, especially from someone who was an integral part of her success last time around, right?! And yes I say success because she was cancer free for nearly 19 years!!! Remember, it's classified as a new type of cancer this time around, even though it is in the same breast. Stay tuned, I will be back soon with a full report of next week's appointment! HUGS! ~Amy

Another thumbs up from Mom & Dad after her blood test!