Discussions

Breast cancer is very prevalent in both my immediate and extended families.  I'm interested in getting genetically tested, but can't find a lot of information about it.  Has anyone gone through this process?  Who do I go to for testing?  How does that work?  Thanks so much for your input!

 I think you could probably get referred through your ob/gyn. Call and ask. Also, you might want to check to see if your insurance will cover it. Most insurances will if you meet the requirements, which sounds like you willbecause of your family history. It is very expensive - $3,500 for the test.

Also, think about if you will be able to handle the results if they are positive. Yes, it is good information to have and will make you more aware of your preventative measures. But for some people it can feel like a ticking timebomb and can be very stressful to live with.

Hugs and Blessings - Sharon

 cvalo:

I had the genetic testing done after I was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I chose to do this for 2 reasons ~ I have an identical twin sister and a daughter. 

Although I did not test positive, the results are vital for any treatment that my sister or daughter may  have in the future. 

There is a lab in Utah that performs the testing.  They supply the kit for proper collection and the blood draw can be done at any facility or physician office.  I would ask you OB/GYN to look into this for you.

Good luck

sheri

I went yesterday and had my Genetic test done. It does cost $3,100 AND I dont have ins. My mom died at 44 and gram at 70 . I had a b9 lumpotimy on March 19 ever siNce then i have bloody nipple dischargefrom that breast only. If you meet two criterias they will finacilally help you. There are a list of criterias and you have to have 2. Mine were my mother died at 44 of Breast Cancer and 2nd my grandma . Ready for this there is Only 1  lab that does this test its called Myriads, they have a patten on the Breast Cancer Gene so no other lab can do the test. They have a finacial application and criteria guidlines on their website. www.miriadstest.com Lets put it this way if you quilify on there financial application all you have to do is go to a regular doctor and get the blood drawn and send the kit away. that easy so dont bother going to other places to get finacial help beacause regardless what Dr. you go to you still have to fill out a finacial applicaiton with MYRIADS they are the only lab remember that can do the test. I hope this helps I will know my results on May 22. I will pray for you

Kelly, I think the part of meeting two criteria is only if you do not have insurance to cover it. I only met 1 criteria - Breast cancer before age 50. There is no other breast cancer in my family, so I had no other qualifiers. Also, they told me it would be 2 weeks to get the results, but they called me in 1 week with the results. Fortunately, I tested negative for the gene!!!

I will keep you in my prayers that all turns out well!

Hugs and Blessings - Sharon

I have been following this conversation, and I am doing my genetic testing tues.  I agree that we have to be ready to hear a positive result.  what are we willing to do.  If I am positive, I want both boobs gone and my ovaries gone.  I have mad that decision. Of course I am 47 this yr and have been married for almost 19 years. 

Very helpful website

http://www.facingourrisk.org/

 My oncologist had the gene's test ordered the week after my mastectomy in May. He said that it would help determine if I would need to remove my other breast or a hysterectomy.  The blood sample was Federal Expressed to the only lab in the country to do the test in Utah. My doctor just sent me the results.  I was negative. But I am still afraid of the cancer coming back. The report has a lot of scientific jargon that your doctor will have to explain. The oncologist also ordered the Oncotype DX test.  That is not a blood test.  It tests your cancer sample. That test will give a recurrence scale from 0-100.  Of course if you have a higher number there is a stronger chance the breast cancer will return. It helps women with early-stage, estrogen receptor-positive and lymph node-negative breast cancer determine the best treatment.  It takes 10-14 days to get results. The lab is in California. It is a pricey test.  Financial assistance is also available.  We are waiting for these results to determine if I will need chemotherapy in addition to the hormonal treatment.

I am newly diagnosed with DCIS and have just had genetic testing. Mostly to make a more informed decision concerning bilateral mastectomy and because I have 2 daughters ages 14 and 9. My maternal grandmother died at age 54 and my maternal aunt (now a survivor) is 60. My mom is unaffected. I started mamos at age 35 but was given a kind of ho hum attitude due to the fact that it was not my mother with breast CA. I encourage you to follow your intuition and educate yourself and your family. I will warn you that there might be more in your gene pool that could cause you alarm.    Try this site: www.ncgc.org     It is the national society of genetic counselors,inc.    Also, try this site, info@facingourrisk.org

     I don't have my results yet and they won't really change my path but I know it could help my girls. Take care.

is this test for certain European Jew? I have to also take this test, recommended by my sisters DR. I think several locations do it, there is one in our area and it is very coslty.

THis test see if there is a mutation in the brac 1 and 2 gene.  If you are positive for brac 1 you are more then likely going to develop breast and/or ovarian cancer.  brac 2 also includes stomach and pancreas.  I am sure your OB can explain in better detail or at least point you in the right direction to see a genetic consuelor.

This test is only done in a lab in Utah and cost about three to for thousand dollars.  There is a criteria that you have to fulfill in order for insurance companies to pay for it.  My OB wanted to test me for years because of family history but was denied by two insurance companies.  My mother had breast cancer and my cousin passed away from ovarian cancer.  Yet I still didn't qualify.  I think they put points on to your family history and if you reach past 10 points then you get the test.  I was at 8 points that is why I was denied.

When I was finally diagnosised with breast cancerof the left breast  the insurance covered it.  I thankfully came back negative for both brac 1 and 2.  I as still decided to do the bilateral mastectomy.  I am 31 and don't want to worry about it coming back in the future.  I also think that I will have my ovaries removed once I am done with all my treatments because I don't want to chance it coming back there either.

Hope this helps.  If you need anything just let me know.  I will be praying for you.

It could work for you. But try asking some people who has experience on this. It could be a good reference for you.

austin radiation oncologist

Vanesa,

I am pos for braca 2 and my onco and surgeon and said nothing about stomach and pancreas only breast and ovaries and I can't find anything on the internet.

How did you obtain this information?

I am positive for the BRCA2 gene.  I am also told that because I am African-American that this is rare and the institute wanted me to participate in studies but I declined because my sister was dying of breast cancer.  I was a 12 year survivor up until this month that my cancer has recurred.