Daughter Doesn’t Want Genetic Testing
BC survivor here (IDC ++-) My daughter (25 yo) just told me she’s not getting genetic cancer testing. She said she doesn’t want to live with a fear of what could happen. She said she’ll talk with her doctor & do routine screenings when it’s time. I told her I disagree with her decision but support her right to choose for herself.
(My test came back negative. Her grandmother on her dad’s side had breast cancer in the 90’s. We don’t know if she had genetic testing done or not.)
We have a great relationship and are very close but right now I’m genuinely really angry with her. This feels like a gut punch, both as a mother worried about my kids and as a survivor. I just feel it’s a foolish decision. I’m also a firm believer that knowledge is power so I don’t understand her point of view. I know she can change her mind at any point & get tested but right now the shock of our conversation has me in my feels.
I don’t really need any solutions, just needed to vent about this in a safe space with others who understand what living with a cancer diagnosis is really like.