Passing The Info On BRCA2

Mary Jo is feeling pretty good today. She was buzzing around the house today, cleaning everything in sight. Full of energy, more than I have seen in a while. Its so good to see her feeling this way.

Mary Jo's oldest sister Teresa has yet to get her BRCA2 genetic test results back from her doctor. MJ's sister Anne, who was reluctant before, is now taking the necessary steps to have the test performed to know if she carries the BRCA2 gene that Mary Jo, her youngest sister Michelle and her father Jerry all are confirmed to be carriers of.

Mary Jo and I feel it is also critically important to pass on the BRCA2 information to her cousins on her fathers side of the family since recently getting the report regarding Mary Jo's mothers BRCA2 test results. That report confirmed that the inherited BRCA2 cancer gene came from her fathers side of the family. Mary Jo's father Jerry Noldin, had a older brother Dick Noldin. Dick had three sons and two daughters. With Diane's assistance, I was able to speak with Bob Noldin, the eldest of Dick's five children and explain to him how he and his brothers and sisters could have a 50/50 chance of being carriers of the gene mutation if his father also was a carrier. Bob was very receptive to the information and tells me he will be informing his brothers and sisters and he would be getting the genetic test (a simple blood test) performed for himself. He is more concerned for his children if he proves to be a carrier of the gene because if Bob tests positive, his children would each have a 50/50 chance as well of being a carrier.

Knowledge is power. With all the recent advancements in cancer research, knowledge of your specific statistical odds and the ability to alter your lifestyle and or cancer screening techniques could potential save many years of a persons life.

BRCA2 Update on MJ's Family

Today Mary Jo feels pretty good and is looking forward to meeting for lunch with her good friend Lu Ann.

Mary Jo had her weekly Herceptin treatment on Monday morning at Dr. Gall's, Minnesota Oncology office. This week she tolerated the Herceptin well with little of the adverse side effects. Next Monday, Mary Jo will be given chemo treatment number five of "TC" (Taxotere and Carboplatian, the main chemo agents along with Aloxi, Dexameth, Amend, and Newlasta as boosters). This will be the fifth cycle of the eight cycle regiment.

Mary Jo's mom, Diane was there as usual on Monday, to sit with MJ and I to keep us company during the Herceptin treatment. Diane has been so supportive to us through this whole process. It was also good to see Mary Jo's good friend Jamie at the "spa". That is what the girls choose to call the chemo chair. Jamie always brightens Mary Jo's day.

Diane received on Monday the good news from her BRCA2 genetic test result that no mutation was detected. This confirms that Mary Jo's mom was not the carrier of the BRCA2 gene mutation which Mary Jo and her sister Michelle inherited and now confirmed from her father. Mary Jo's father could not be tested because he died from liver cancer in 1997. His only brother Dick, died from stomach cancer several years ago and his only sister, we believe is still a breast cancer survivor living in Florida somewhere but has not been in contact with the family in years. The good news is Diane does not have to be concerned anymore than the general population regarding her odds of getting breast or ovarian cancer. Another benefit of knowing the origin of the mutation is the knowledge that can be shared with family members (cousins) on Mary Jo's dad's side. Statically those cousins could likely be carriers of the same gene mutation and early testing/detection could save someone life. Breast cancer advancements in recent years are simple remarkable.

Sister Visit and Unexpected News

Mary Jo's sister Anne drove up from Omaha on Thursday to visit and just spend some "sister time" with Mary Jo. The girls shared lots of laughs especially when Michelle (MJ's youngest sis) and Mary Jo's mom would joined us for dinner on Thursday and Friday night. They all laughed to tears trying on MJ's new wig collection. That gag never seams to get old. Nick, MJ's nephew also joined us on Saturday night for dinner. It was good to see Mary Jo with her family together and laughing. Michelle received some shocking news on Saturday. Her genetic test results of the BRCA2 gene mutation came back positive, same as Mary Jo. All of Mary Jo's five siblings have a 50/50 chance of being a carrier of the BRCA2 gene, called the "cancer gene". Michelle and her husband Brian met with Sherri Balldigger, the genetic counselor at Abbott. Sherri explained to Michelle that because she carries this gene mutation, just like Mary Jo, she faces the extremely high odds of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Michelle will likely, as a precaution go through the same surgical procedures as Mary Jo, a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy. Michelle will have more doctor visits this coming week. At this point, Michelle carries the gene but it is important to note has not tested positive for any cancer and we are all praying she is clear. Mary Jo's mom and older sister Teresa have also had the genetic test performed but their results are still unknown. We continue to urge Ann and both of the brothers, Jerry and Rich to also have this simple blood test. The knowledge could save your life.

Feeling Better

Mary Jo took longer than usual to bounce back from the chemo this last cycle but today she is as much "back to herself" as can be expected. The nausea was relentless but seems to have subsided now. MJ's sister Ann is driving up from Omaha to spend a little time together with MJ and I this weekend. Looking forward to Ann's arrival at about 6pm.

Slowly Improving After Round #3

Mary Jo was feeling a little less tired today but the nausea was relentless. She rested most of the day and later in the afternoon we went for a walk around the neighborhood and MJ tried to enjoy a glass of wine on the porch before turning in at about 7pm. She has an 8:30am appointment tomorrow morning at the oncologists office for her weekly Herceptin treatment. Herceptin (trastuzumab) is a monoclonal antibody that interferes with the HER2/neu receptor. It is a type of targeted cancer therapy that MJ's oncologist, Dr. Gall refers to as a smart bomb.

Half way through Chemo

Mary Jo had cycle number three of the six cycles of chemo she will be treated with on Monday. This time she experienced less of the "bad" side effects during the week. She says that she just "feels very tired". Tuesday through Friday were mostly spent in bed. Today is Saturday morning and she is up and moving around a bit more, mostly back to herself again. It’s a nice sunny fall day, MJ feeling good so life is all good. We wish everyone a great weekend.