When Work, Family And Friendship Collide
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PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
When Work, Family And Friendship Collide Mandi MacShane & Helen Mountain
Received: 28 September 2011 / Accepted: 16 November 2011 / Published online: 9 December 2011 # National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc. 2011
Abstract Mandi’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer and was referred to our Familial Cancer Program. The young age of diagnosis, characteristics of the cancer and family history suggested genetic testing and Helen was the genetic counselor involved throughout the testing process. In relaying this personal and professional story we have tried to describe the issues we faced and how we negotiated some of the difficulties when the boundaries between our many roles of family member, friends, colleagues and professionals became blurred. Keywords Genetic counseling . Breast cancer . Confidentiality . Countertransference We are experienced genetic counselors currently working in the Familial Cancer Program at Genetic Services of Western Australia (GSWA). This is the only clinical genetics service in the state and services a population of 2.3 million people. Aside from working together for over 14 years, we are good friends, have supported each other through many significant counseling and personal moments, and have much in common. We are the same age, as are our children, and we both have sisters and a very strong connection to family. This paper, written from our M. MacShane : H. Mountain (*) Familial Cancer Program, Genetic Services of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, Western Australia 6008, Australia e-mail: [email protected] M. MacShane e-mail: [email protected]
two perspectives, is an attempt to describe the complexities that arise when work suddenly collides with friendship and family life. Our defining moment relates to our professional and personal experiences with the diagnosis of breast cancer and a BRCA1 gene change in Mandi’s younger sister Michelle. Mandi is not at risk of having inherited this BRCA1 gene change.
Perspective 1:Mandi—The Sister and Genetic Counselor I began my career as a Genetic Counselor in 1995 and Helen joined the team 2 years later. I’m now 45, married with two daughters and have grown substantially as a person and a counselor. I have encountered many counseling challenges in my varying roles within GSWA and thought my experience had prepared me for anything. I was not prepared for this. Last year my younger sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. I facilitated her referral to GSWA, my place of work! I asked Helen to be my sister’s genetic counsellor, given my very high regard for her as a friend and colleague. I knew she would be able to cope with this difficult task. Within 8 weeks of diagnosis my sister was offered genetic testing and a staggeringly short 8 weeks later, she was informed that she carried a BRCA1 gene change. The speed at which this occurred felt fast, and the emotional roller coaster that accompanied it has been an enriching but terrifying experience. My sist
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