Got tested for brca and tested positive for brca2 doctor recommends hysterectomy but I have doubts

Why ?

Why, because brca2 is the breast cancer gene. It would be a waiting game. You are genetically programmed for this. But we cant make that decision for you; you will get a second opinion, yes ?

I got a second opinion and the Dr suggested surgery but having this gene doesn't warranty that I will ever this cancer right?

Please use the Answer button under your first post to ask this question so they will all be together.
(I think you mean 'Having this gene doesn't mean that I absolutely will get breast cancer, right?' Right. It DOES increase the probability, the chances, the odds. Those 3 words all mean the same thing.)

Hysterectomy or mastectomy?

Hysterectomy

How old are you?

That is interesting because the BRCA2 is a test for the BREAST cancer gene. Sure it can cause cancer in the reproductive organs, but more often in the breasts.

Two of my nieces have tested positive and it was suggested they have a prophylactive mastectomy after they have had their children if they chose to breast feed. My ddaughter,21, is currently waiting for her appointment for the test as I am a breast cancer survivor.

Well the Dr suggested breast surgery but she says that based on my family history of cancer my mother died of ovarian cancer at age 53, the Dr says there is no screening for ovarian cancer that's why she thinks I should do a hysterectomy first

And how old are you?

I'm 43 but I can't have babies I was diagnosed with endometriosis at age 30 and had a laparascopic surgery for that and 2 years ago I had a small bowel obstruction due to the endometriosis had surgery also to fixed the obstruction. I had two opinions already from different doctors and they strongly suggest a hysterectomy not so much the breast surgery , all my tests had come negative I also did the ca 125 last month that was normal but I have dought I don't know why about doing this surgery

What country are you in?

Here in Dade county fla

This is a global website.

The choice is now yours. You have had 2 educated opinions. We don't have anyone with a medical degree that answers here. I am a RN, but in no way educated enough to challenge the advice of 2 physicians.

What I do when I have doubts about surgery (and doubts are good about most medical decisions, as long as you do decide), is research. You can google all sorts of statistics about how many women get cancer with the gene, at what ages, how many have the surgery, what their family histories are, and so on. If it's too difficult, we might be able to help you get started. Ideally you would ask a ton of questions of both doctors instead, or in addition.

Well that's what I want to know because testing positive for brca 2 doesn't mean that I will get cancer is just saying I'm at high risk, cancer is not preventable for anybody , everything in life is a risk and this is drastic move I want to make sure that I'm doing the right thing, the two gynecology oncologists I saw didn't gave me no options but surgery, I'm just not convinced at all honestly

Is frustating

I have doubts I don't know is frustating

This is from the National Cancer Society: BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing Fact Sheet - National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/brca)

"Prophylactic surgery does not completely guarantee that cancer will not develop because not all at-risk tissue can be removed by these procedures. Some women have developed breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or primary peritoneal (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=CDR0000044993&version=Patient&language=English) carcinomatosis (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=CDR0000257223&version=Patient&language=English) (a type of cancer similar to ovarian cancer) even after prophylactic surgery. Nevertheless, the mortality (http://www.cancer.gov/Common/PopUps/popDefinition.aspx?id=CDR0000496502&version=Patient&language=English) reduction associated with this surgery is substantial: one study showed that women who underwent bilateral prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy had a nearly 80 percent reduction in risk of dying from ovarian cancer and a more than 50 percent reduction in risk of dying from breast cancer (22 (http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/brca#r22))."

You are 43! Have the hysterectomy (with ovary removal). Read the whole page, over and over, and ask more questions if you need to. Is the last sentence, about many fewer deaths after surgery, clear to you?

Yes, it is frustrating. You need to be your own advocate and do your homework to make the decision that is best for you.

You are past childbearing years. While a hysterectomy may not cure endometriosis, it could potentially save your life.

As I said previously, I am a cancer survivor. If I were in your shoes I would go through with the surgery. While I didn't go through radiation, I can promise you that chemo is rough. Possibly one of the hardest things I've gone through in my life.

Have to spread the love Joy. You did some great research there.

I'm scared

Yes, it is frustrating. You need to be your own advocate and do your homework to make the decision that is best for you.

You are past childbearing years. While a hysterectomy may not cure endometriosis, it could potentially save your life.

As I said previously, I am a cancer survivor. If I were in your shoes I would go through with the surgery. While I didn't go through radiation, I can promise you that chemo is rough. Possibly one of the hardest things I've gone through in my life.

Have to spread the love Joy. You did some great research there.
You are a fighter. Thank u

Thanks J_9. A bit of research was nothing. Thank YOU for being here to help so many others.

I'm scared

Tell us what you are scared of. Maybe we can help you.

I am an ovarian cancer survivor and my aunt was dx with breast cancer, so it's possible we carry the BRCA genes, but neither of us have been tested yet. I give you credit for embarking on this journey.

My simple advice is to take your time making this decision. Yes, BRCA indicates a higher risk of developing breast (and related) ovarian cancers. No, it does not mean you WILL develop either. In the same way, a hysterectomy will not 100% guarantee you will not develop ovarian cancer, but it will put the odds in your favor.

In essence, take your time deciding what you are comfortable with. You haven't received a cancer diagnosis yet, so you have time to think about this. It is not an easy decision to make! Did either physician discuss full or partial hysterectomies? Full (ovary removal--which is what I assume they'd recommend), MIGHT involve hormone replacement, etc. It all very much depends on your overall health, health history, family history, etc. All things we can't help with much. However, we are able to discuss fears/concerns and help you sort it out.

If you're on Facebook, I happen to have an ovarian cancer awareness and support group there where you might find more information to help you make your decision.
Let me know if you'd like me to pm you the information on how to find us.

Good luck to you!