I was diagnosed with DCIS, Grade 2 the end of September. I had a lumpectomy the end of October. I will most likely be starting radiation the second week of December.
I currently have an appointment set up for next week to get tested for the BRCA 1 and 2 genes. The genetic counselor recommended I get the test because of my age (34). I have friends that agree with my decision to get the test. For me, I just want to know. But there are others in my life who wonder why I am getting tested.
Any advice?
Should I be concerned about the results in my permanent file? Has this impacted anybody's job prospects? Insurance coverage etc.?
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Ozzi Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 78 |
Nov 18, 2009 09:39 pm
Ozzi wrote:
I was tested in 2000 - test was ambiquous with a variant of the BRCA1 mutation - I have never had any problem with insurance, job etc. The results prompted me to have my ovaries removed in addition to the surgery and chemo I had already had (I was 42 and done having children). Do you have a strong family history? Age alone wouldn'tnecessarily prompt testing. Your key words are - "I just want to know". What makes you comfortable is what is important. No what others think. Get the test, gather as much information as possible - that is what will work for you. Diagnosis: 3/17/2000, IDC, 2cm, Stage Ib, Grade 3, 0/12 nodes, ER+, HER2- |
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sunnyhou Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 83 |
Nov 18, 2009 09:49 pm
sunnyhou wrote:
I am 38 and my mom, paternal grandma and aunt all had BC but in their sixties. I had genetic counseling and it was estimated my risk was 5-7% of having the gene. I checked my insurance and they do not cover it so I will not do it since the cost is very high. However, if my insurance covered it, I would def do it. I think that if I had a positive gene test then I would want my ovaries removed. .. I am still thinking of removing them since I am done having kids but worry about the side effects.. Dx 7/20/09 DCIS,Stage 0,age 38, 3cm, negative nodes, aerola sparing, skin sparing dbl mastectomy
Diagnosis: 7/20/2009, DCIS, 3cm, Stage 0, Grade 3, 0/2 nodes |
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BZW Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 2 |
Nov 19, 2009 05:34 am
BZW wrote:
The only history in my family is my maternal grandmother. She was diagnosed with breast cancer at 60. And I didn't think age alone would make the genetic counselor suggest I get the test. Which is why I was so surprised when she suggested it and perhaps that is why I wonder if I should really be doing it. I am lucky though, my insurance does cover it... |
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Jules824 Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 83 |
Nov 19, 2009 10:32 pm
Jules824 wrote:
Id get it done if you can. They want my daughter to have it since I have bc, but her insurance wont pay. Shes only 28, but Im concerned for later on. Otherwise no one ever suggested I get the test even though there are 3 immediate family members who has breast cancer too. Best of Luck....Jules.. |
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sweatyspice… Joined: Sep 2009 Posts: 389 |
Nov 20, 2009 08:01 am, edited Nov 20, 2009 08:02 AM
by sweatyspice
sweatyspice wrote:
I had it b/c I wanted to know. My maternal grandmother was also the only one in my family, I'm not really sure when she was diagnosed, I was very young. I'm guessing she was postmenopausal, but who knows. My insurance company didn't want to pay at first, they had the Dr. send in a statement of medical necessity, which she did, and the ins co paid. The consent form has a box (which I think you check off) stipulating that if you'll have a copayment larger than $375, they won't do the test. So that's an option, they just won't run the test it if they can't get it past the ins co. What I didn't realize at the time was that the test was more imprtant as an indicator of ovarian cancer than it was for breast cancer in the other breast. I was trying to figure out whether to have a bilateral mastectomy, not whether to have my ovaries out. I was freaked out when I heard about the ovarian stuff, I just wasn't expecting that. Luckily, I was negative, so my ovaries get to remain surgically undisturbed for now. But my gyn is talking about doing it anyway.....for other reasons. *sigh* Diagnosis: 8/2009, DCIS, Stage 0, Grade 3, ER+/PR+ |
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shelleydodt… Joined: Nov 2009 Posts: 9 |
Nov 23, 2009 02:23 pm
shelleydodt wrote:
Get the test, especially if your insurance will pay for it. It costs $3,200 but you will feel better for knowing. If you are neg, fine but if you are positive, then you can develop a plan of action. Why worry-just take positive action for treatment and prevention of further disease if you need it. Only 1 in 500 women tests positive so chances are likely that you are not. I wasn't. Shelley D
Diagnosis: 7/20/2009, DCIS, 2cm, Stage 0, Grade 2, ER-/PR-, HER2+ |
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