I am new to this group and so grateful to have found you! My mother developed gastric and endometrial cancer which was discovered while doing a hysterectomy. She was 59 and it was 1993 so nothing genetic was ever mentioned to me. I have been followed by a gynecologist who knew her history and never suggested Lynch. Nor has my gastroenterologist who treated me for IBS and knew my mother's history.
It is now many years later, and I have small fibroids and my astute doctor,(another gynocologist oncologist) after hearing about my mother recommended genetic testing for Lynch because she had 2 cancers at once.
I will hear in 3 weeks and I am petrified. Not as much for myself as for the prospect of my 2 daughters in their 20s having to deal with this potential diagnosis if I have it.
I am trying to keep busy and not think about it....but it creeps into my mind often.
It is now many years later, and I have small fibroids and my astute doctor,(another gynocologist oncologist) after hearing about my mother recommended genetic testing for Lynch because she had 2 cancers at once.
I will hear in 3 weeks and I am petrified. Not as much for myself as for the prospect of my 2 daughters in their 20s having to deal with this potential diagnosis if I have it.
I am trying to keep busy and not think about it....but it creeps into my mind often.
deleted_user
Good luck on your testing! I can honestly understand you being petrified, but this isn't nearly as awful as you think, even if you do test positive. For one thing, there's a 50% chance your daughters won't have the genetic mutation even if you do. Also, I know it's hard for you to understand, but I've had cancer and it doesn't terrify me. My grandfather had colon cancer in his 50's and died of old age at 93. Only one other family member, an aunt, has had cancer (breast and colon), and she's one of the happiest people I know, still teaching elementary school in her 60's. My brother and cousins tested negative for the gene. Believe me, cancer still creeps into my mind, but most of the time I'm too busy living a pretty charmed life to let it stay there for more than a few seconds :-) I focus on what I can control: eating healthy and staying very fit.
Join the Conversation