Need Genetic Testing Info

Bunnysmama

This coming Tuesday I'm going to go through genetic counseling and have genetic testing done. For those of you who have gone through this already, do you have any advice about what to expect? What information should I have with me (i.e., family history, personal history, etc.)? What sorts of questions will I be asked? What is the lay of the land, so to speak, during the sessions? How long do the results take?

Any info is appreciated.

Thanks so much for your help.

newter

Hi,

I went to genetic counseling in October of 06 and told them everything I possibly could about my history. Dates, dx, ages, etc.

They will go over your chances of carrying the BRCA genes and they will also go over other cancers besides BC that could happen if you do carry the gene.

I was still doing chemo when I went for the counseling so I was too "freaked out" to deal with the actual test. I finally did have the test in February of 07 and got my results in May. They say it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the results however, I have seen people on some of the boards receive their results in 2 weeks.

I tested positive for BRCA 1. When I received my results, they went over all the options to reduce my risk of developing any other BRCA related cancers.

Bring another set of ears if possible, it really helps.

Good luck,

Newter

LisaAlissa

Hi Bunnysmama.

It took me a lot more time than I thought it would to collect the family information that I was asked to bring with me to my genetic counseling session. And quite a few phone calls to various relatives too! I was asked for name/gender/any cancer diagnoses, date of diagnosis, current age or age of death & if dead, cause of death for the relatives I was asked to provide info for.

I believe Myriad (who has the market cornered on genetic testing for BRCA1 &2) has a family history form on their website. But I think a much better tool (and form) is the one from the US Surgeon General's "Family History Initiative." (Click on the link for "My Family Health Portait.")

Best wishes!

LisaAlissa

barbara913

i did genetic testing in the summer of '05 before my surgery. like everyone else said, you basically need to know your families history and than they take blood and call you back in a few weeks... you have to go in to get the results. i didn't think it was all that big of a deal, but i know lots of women feel differently than me. i was negative, maybe if i was positive and had daughters, i would feel different.
good luck.
barbara

Bunnysmama

Thank you all for the responses. I've received lots of good information, and I feel like I'm far better prepared for what to expect tomorrow when I go for the counseling/testing.

I have two brothers who could be affected by the results of my test, as well as a 3-1/2 year old daughter. Hopefully the results will be negative, but it's far better to know the truth and deal with it head on, no matter what it is.