Genetic testing

Hello all,

I think most of you know this, but I lost my mother to cancer when I was a teenager. She was first diagnosed at the age of 45 and died two years later after the cancer returned and traveled through different parts of her body. I have decided to begin looking into genetic testing.

I only know a little bit about it, but basically they look for alterations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene which might indicate a greater risk of a woman developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer. The overall lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer increases dramatically in women with altered genes, and since my doctors have always told me that if I developed cancer it would be likely to happen around the same time my mother had it, I feel the need to do this. My first appointment is on the 19th.

Yes, I am nervous about what the tests will show, but my need to know how high is my risk is much greater than my fear of the results. If it shows I have altered genes, I could begin discussing options to help prevent cancer, such as surgeries to remove certain organs. And since I think the hubby and I have decided we will try to have another baby, I think it's better to know now then wait until later.

Your prayers over the next few weeks will be most appreciated.

Thanks.

Cheryl

Thanks ladies. You're the best.

You are in my prayers, Cheryl.

I'll Be Praying for you Cherly that all goes well

Count my prayers among the others, Cheryl.

Thanks everyone. Your prayers mean a lot.

I'll be praying that the test has good results for you, Cheryl.

Thanks Alice!

I've just said one for you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Cheryl. How exciting you are planning another baby.

Thanks LM and Susie. Planning is the key word there, Susie. Only God knows if it will happen. But they say that practice makes perfect.

By tomorrow morning I might have bitten all my nails off. I'm nervous over going to see the doctor and getting the whole process started, though I know I'll feel better than if I don't have it done.

I Will Pray for you Cherly

You are in my thoughts and prayers today, Cheryl, and as you go through this process. (((HUGS)))

I'm sorry I'm just now seeing this. You'll be in my prayers as well Cheryl. This reminds me of what we're going through with my mom...my grandma had Alzheimers and we're trying to get her to go in to be tested---my mom is starting to be more and more forgetful, but is scared of 'knowing' anything. I know it's not quite the same thing, but similar. And actually, I didn't realize this about your mom...I am so sorry you lost her at such a young age. That had to be so incredibly difficult.

Here is some breast cancer information a lot of people don't know about....doctor's don't talk about it because it's a 'natural' thing. The use of an Iodine supplement in the system has many health benefits, mainly healthy breast tissue. My friend has done a great amount of research on the subject and has taken it herself. She suffered severely from monthly cramps and it has relieved that tremendously. Here is a link on the use of Iodine as a breast cancer preventative:

http://www.breastcancerchoices.org/

Thanks for the prayers everyone and thanks for that link Amy. I'll have to take a look at it.

The doctor is recommending me for the test because they don't know if my mother had the altered gene and I don't know a lot of my family history. I had called my dad, who I haven't spoken to in 10 years, but he never called me back.

If the test comes back negative, then the doctor suggests I keep going for annual mammograms and then going for an MRI every two years. The good thing is that if I don't have the gene, then my girls won't have it either, and they will never need to worry about it.

If the test comes back positive, then I have a lot of decisions to make. One good thing is that only 7% of the population has this altered gene, so those odds are in my favor.

I am now waiting for my insurance to approve the blood test, then after the blood is drawn I'll need to wait two weeks for the results. I'll feel better once the results are in and I know which way I am heading.

bethandmanly wrote:

Thanks LM and Susie. Planning is the key word there, Susie. Only God knows if it will happen. But they say that practice makes perfect.

For sure

I thought about you today, Cheryl. I'm praying that all the test will be fine.

I'll be praying for you too.

Waiting on insurance to respond is like watching a snail. When Lauren was trying to get cleared for her surgery it took over two months. Her Mom called them everyday for a while, and I think they jumped on it finally so as not to talk to that "lady on the phone" again.
Stay on them....

bethandmanly wrote:

Thanks LM and Susie. Planning is the key word there, Susie. Only God knows if it will happen. But they say that practice makes perfect.

You're very welcome!

I am so ticked off right now. My insurance company denied to pay for my genetic testing on the grounds that my plan will only pay for it if I get breast cancer by the age of 45 or younger.

Now, if I get breast cancer, why in the flying fig would I need a test to tell me that I am at an increased risk for getting breast cancer? The whole point of the darn test is to give me the option to have surgery or other treatments that will help reduce my risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer.

I almost threw something across the room when I read the letter. I am going to appeal and I am not going to be nice about it. I hate Health New England!!!!!!!