A few months ago Helen's mother passed away from ovarian cancer; several years ago the mother had undergone surgery for breast cancer. Most breast cancer is not hereditary, but the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations dramatically increase the risk of breast cancer, hence Angelina Jolee's decision to undergo bilateral mastectomy. That Helen's mother tested negative for BRCA1/2 provided little reassurance: "There's breast cancer in my father's family as well."
So she wants to "take it all out," meaning removal of uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes. Our offer to frequently screen with ultrasounds and not-that-accurate blood tests. For now she's satisfied with waiting for the BRCA1/2 testing that her family practice doctor agreed to order (pending approval by a genetic counselor or will talk with her in a few weeks).
Even if this test is negative, I expect Helen to return with her request. I don't think I could justify a hysterectomy, or even the safer laparoscopic removal of ovaries. But first there needs to be more time between her mother's death and a final decision about surgery.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I can't remember your new blog's name. Email me, please.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading an article that debated the valid public awareness that Jolie's decision provided vs. the dangers of women too hastily following in her footsteps.
ReplyDelete