Genealogy Chat

I have just recieved my great great grandmothers death certificate. It says she died from`Carcinoma breast Hoemorrhage Exhaustion`. Does this mean she died from Breast cancer? If so then it runs in the family because i have had it. She died in 1892. Vanessa

Carcinoma, Cancer that begins in skin or tissues that line the inside or cover the outside of internal organs If you google it, it comes up with lots of info Roy

Carcinoma breast does indeed mean breast cancer. In 1892 it might not have meant a malignant tumour as we mean today but just related to tumour. Haemorrhage is bleeding. As it doesn't say where from, it could have been as a result of secondary tumours or possibly from her breast if the tumour had broken down her skin. Exhaustion means what it says really, with little treatment available and the likelihood of having to continue working or looking after the family ill health would take it's toll in a very general way. Our ancestors went through such alot didn't they? Jenny

They most certainly did. She was only 45 years old and had been married 3 times and widowed twice. Now to find out what my great great great grandmother died from. I have recieved hers at the same time so i had better put up another thread. She was only 21 when she died. Vanessa

She died of exhaustion because she'd had the haemorrhage (sp) because she'd had breast cancer.

Thank you Sheila. I was wondering, is this condition likely to run through the generations? I have had to have a breast removed through breast cancer. Sorry. can not spell the other word! Vanessa

Vanessa, yes there is a familial tendency in some breast cancers and I would suggest you mention it to your consultant - perhaps not for your personal benefit per se although i am sure he/she will be very interested, but for future generations or if you have any siblings. I hope you are well. I know you help lots of us newbies at this game and i wish you all the best by return jen

Thank you for your reply jenifer. I am now well and am being monitered etc. I have 2 daughters and 4 granddaughters that will need to pass on this info. I am so happy(maybe wrong thing to say) about tracing family trees. It lets you know what could be inherited along the way. I will need to inform my sister. She has a daughter. Also my little brother(he hates being called that) because he has a daughter and granddaughter. Thankyou all again. Vanessa

Vanessa, do you think you should speak to your docs first before you speak to the rest of the family they may just say it was coincidental and not familial. and you may save them the worry? I agree its strangely pleasing to look for possible inherited stuff. There's diabetes in our family and some of the premature deaths were because insulin hadnt yet been invented. we do have alot to be thankful for i think. and when i look at the deaths in childbirth i shudder!! Bye Jen

Hi Vanessa, They look for 2 close female relatives under the age of 50 or 3 under the age of 60 with breast cancer before considering a statistical significance of genetic link. Close relatives are mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter. The biggest risk factor is age - the older you are, the more likely you are to have it. There are various other factors such as obesity post menopause & HRT which have a probable link and some things such as working nights which have a possible link. The overall risk for any woman during her lifetime is 1 in 9. As you can probably tell this is a subject close to my heart! So your daughters and nieces need to be breast aware, like we all should be. And though it is probably worth while passing on the information, science tells us it shouldn't be a concern for them. Though that is easier said than done I know. Good health to you all *raises glass* (if I had one!) Jenny :-)

Thank you ladies for your sound advice. I have been intouch with my sister and she has informed me of a few things i did not know about because she did not want to worry me. She has been suffering from` lumpy bubbies` for quite some time. She is due to have a biopsy.(don`t know if i spelt that right). The nurses have advised her to take `STAR FLOWER OIL`. I am wondering if you can get it in liquid form rather than capsule form? I am now feeling fine and hope to continue too. Vanessa

Sorry Vanessa - I dont know but it may be one of those things that is absolutely vile unless in a capsule. Often your local pharmacist is a good place to ask as they have a 'black book' with everything in it from aspirin to zantac and i know that a lot of nhs health professionals recommend starflower or evening primrose oil (they may even be the same thing i dont know?) for breast tenderness, and so you may even be able to get it on prescription. Why dont you suggest your sister give them a try. The other Jen who's posting on here seems to have lots of insider knowledge - hope shes still on maybe she can advise you better. Keep Well. Jen

Hi Jenny. Sorry. I have just read your message through with interuptions from grand children(HEEHEE). I am aged 52 years and had my breast removed last year. My sister is 49 years old. Bridget, my great great gandmother was 45 years old. I have decided that life is for living and not regreting. This is why i started my family research. I have a (i am having a go at spelling it!) prostisises. I have named it lefty. after the loss of my left boobie. My older grandchildren have met lefty and have some understanding of what has gone on. But no doubt i will have to explain more at a later date. If we all lived life with regret what would be the point? My life would be full of tears and maybe`s. I intended to live at it`s fullness. And god willing i will do more than i intended. When the doctors told me i had breast cancer i sat there and said `ok. What are you going to do about it?` They asked me later why i had not ` kicked off` and i told them the same thing i told you. Thank you for all your replies and DO keep them coming in. Vanessa

Good for you I am sure you are an inspiration to all your family and will be a great source of help to your sister particularly. Like you I had a brush with really unpleasant times over the past 2 years but unlike you it has taken me at least those 2 years to come to the conclusion that life is truly what we put into it. I wish I'd been like you and grasped that idea earlier on instead of wasting that precious time - but no regrets just a lesson learnt eh! Doing the Ftree has been fun - i never thought it would cheer me up - my sister whos been thru the journey too thinks i'm mad - perhaps shes right but i've 'met' alot of good people. Have to go now but 'll check this thread tomorrow if I can help in any way. Gnight Jen

Goodnight Jenifer. I do hope i am spelling your first name correctly? I decided that i would not let any of lifes disadvantages get me down after my late husband died in 1995. I had to sit and watch him decline. Life is for living and as the saying goes` Life is what you make it`. I am not going to sit back and let it hit me full on. I have my boxing gloves on and if it wants a fight i am ready!!! My family tree has been amazing and long may i continue to do it. I am at the year 1847 and intend to go on to the 1600`s. (Sorry. I seem to have got on a soap box then!!). Vanessa