GainesvilleMoms.com

My Grandma, my mom's mom, was just diagnosed with breast cancer. Thankfully, the doctors caught it quickly and were able to completely remove the small lump. It's just hitting me that the box I had always checked "no" for genetic illnesses, I'll now have to check "yes."
It's a pretty scary thought to know that now, this killer of women, does run in my family. How do you feel about genetic testing for these tendencies? If you had the gene, and were likely to get cancer, would you take drastic, preventative measures?

Mary, your family may now have a history of it, but it may not mean you genetically have it in the family.

Every family is different and there are families who will genetically have a family history of it, while it may be totally new in the family.

My paternal grandmother was told she had breast cancer. No family history of it. But it wasnot until after they removed her breast that they learned it was not cancer. This was back in the days when there were no real treatment for it. Since then, there has not been any other family with it either.

Like Muscular Dystrophy and Ms- we have NO family history of it, but now suddenly Tim has MD, and my sister and uncle has been recently diagnosed with MS. The concern may not neccessary of the past, but a concern of the future generations, if there is not family history of it.

Its just something to consider, to think about and to ask doctors about.

Hope that made sense.

My mother was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer when she was 40. She went in for her very first mammogram and bam.

So that being said, I will make sure that I start getting mammograms at age 35. I make certain that my Dr's are aware of my history. I talk to them about my concerns, I don't simply trust that they will look over the paperwork.

I'm extra vigilant with the kids because both sides of the family has cancer running through it.

All that being said, I don't worry about things. There are too many conflicting reports about what we should eat, what chemicals are bad for us etc. etc. I figure the odds are pretty good that one day I will end up with something. I just hope I'm made as comfortable as possible and that I'm able to fight until I decide I'm ready to let go.

I think it's the uncertainty that is scary. My mom was diagnosed with skin cancer about two years ago. They were able to remove it, no chemo. But it made our whole family more aware of skin care safety (especially since one of the major factors of skin cancer is genetic). We never go out in the sun for long periods without some kind of protection!

Wow, talk about a coincidence! I was and still am planning to bring this topic up in the chat tonight, but I wanted to throw my 2 cents' in as well - big surprise, I know. My Dad died 12 years ago this month from inoperable pancreatic cancer. He was discovered in advanced stage 3 and given maybe 8 weeks tops but he lived over 4 years with chemo on a 24/7 basis. Now he might have been able to get surgery or a transplant but just that short time ago, there was nothing to be done. I was diagnosed with melanoma on 9/11/2001 - yes, I will always remember that day but for another reason than most. Fortunately it was in situ and removed with an excision but now I have to be checked every 6 months and have had more biopsies and small excisions than I can recall. Fortunately none yet require more than that, but it can happen. Please, please put sunscreen on your kids and yourselves, it takes a few minutes and it can literally save your lives if done right.

I just participated in the Susan G. Komen walk to find a cure for breast cancer, and it definitely opened my eyes. Breast cancer is so prevalent, and it can be a bit scary. It seems everyone either knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer or they have been affected directly.

A couple months ago I noticed a lump in my breast and had to go for some tests and to see a surgeon. It turned out to be nothing thank goodness. But I will definitely be sure to get regular mammograms when I am older.

I know this is quite early to mention it, but hey, aren't we all used to waiting 9 months for a big event?? LOL On May 15, 2009 the American Cancer Society will have the Relay for Life in Gainesville. There are teams being organized now and there is a team for SW Gainesville - which covers a lot of you. The location is still being decided upon but if you would like to participate, please go to their website and read how you can join the fun. It is an overmight event so it might take some cooperation to cover the kids and participating, but you can also simply make a donation if you wish. Any amount helps, even $5, and it is a tax deduction and if you donate online, the tax reciept will be available to print right then. I know funds are tight for everyone which is why I am givng lots of notice. My plan is to tuck away change at the end of each week and whatever that comes to, I will donate in May. Anyway, if you would like to join the SW Gainesville team, it is registered under Park Lane Apartments and you can sign up right from the ACS website. I will be coming up to participate and hopefully long before then as well to actually meet you guys! Thanks for your help, as a survivor and family and friends of cancer victims.

I too had a lump when I was 17 and the doctors ruled everything out and scheduled me for biopsy. Right before my appointment it just went away...completely. Now being a prayerful teen I chopped it up to a miracle, thanked God and went about my merry way. I'm still careful though and check often.