No Genetic Testing New Triple Negative Women >60 Years Old?

VLH

Apologies if I missed this during my forum search, but I've seen that women over 60 years of age aren't appropriate candidates for genetic testing when given a triple negative diagnosis. Is the assumption that genetics must not be in play or the patient would have developed the cancer at a younger age? It's a moot point for me, but I'm concerned for my sisters and niece. Thanks! 

Lovebird65

At 65, I was diagnosed with TNBC in May 2016 and had genetic testing which turned out to be ATM positive, which only 10% get. I have not tolerated either combination of chemo therapy; I was allergic to Taxol with severe rash and nearly anaphylaxis. Then we tried Adriamycin/Cytoxan that I tolerated even less and nearly did me in after one treatment. I am currently undergoing another MRI to see how the tumor and lymph nodes look. Now I have to decide what to do. I am extremely dose sensitive.

Now i have to decide whether to have a double mastectomy. I am in the QUALITY of life camp rather than QUANTITY of life. I want to live the rest of my life on my terms, not so sick I cannot get out of bed and walk my dogs or travel to see my child.

This is very difficult.

VLH

Thank you for responding, Lovebird65. Our outlooks are similar although I just turned 62. I'm extremely apprehensive about the side effects and complications of chemo and radiation. I've heard of the BRCA genes, but not ATM. Is that one that could impact family members?

Caligirl55

I am sixty and just diagnoses with TNBC I am beginning chemotherapy today. I hope I can tolerate it. I will have a lumpectomy & radiation after. My doctor wants me to have the BRCA genetic testing.

Funny I am VLH too so I thought when I saw your post ... Did I write this??

I can tell you I am as nervous as can be about today's chemo. The whole TNBC scares me.

VLH

Caligirl55 / VLH, I understand. Chemo scares the heck out of me as well. What drugs will you be getting? Do you have children? As far as I know, the only person in my family history with BC was a great aunt. Mom thought she might have had it in her 40s so that seems like a more typical triple negative presentation.

Lovebird65, it must have been so difficult to commit to chemo only to be unable to tolerate it. Most complaints I've read regarding the mastectomy had to do with tissue expanders rather than the initial surgery. Were you considering reconstruction? I was planning to have a BMX to avoid radiation, but I live alone and freaked out about how I could handle everything with both sides of my body impacted by surgery. I'm sorry that you're going through this.

The Other VLH

Flautadulce

Hello,

I am 63, TNBC with no close relatives (one 1st cousin) with breast cancer, but my med. oncologist thought it was a good idea. I just got the results yesterday. All 9 genes that were tested are normal (no mutations). I think the TNBC is the thing that triggers insurance to pay. However, my hospital said that if they didn't pay, my out of pocket expense would not be more than $100.00. (They charge $1,500) but I have no idea how much they are actually paid by the insurance company after contract adjustments. I'll watch for my EOB).

Vicky

VLH

Interesting, Flautadulce.

I'll definitely have to ask the MO about gene testing, mostly out of concern for my family members, but also to know as much as possible about my own cancer.

LRM216

I too was 62 at diagnose back in February, 2009. Back then my insurance company would not pay for the genetic testing for me since I was Stage 1, and had absolutely no family history on either side of my family of any breast cancer. It was also very expensive back then (upwards of $4500 if paid out of pocket). We fought the insurance company (BCBS) on the premise that I was TN, but they didn't give a hoot. Now, years later, they are much more lenient in paying. I wish you all the best.

VLH

Based on my subsequent reading and with a limited family history of breast cancer, a genetic issue seems unlikely. I'm sure my sisters & niece will be more aware of possible breast concerns because of my cancer.