A year and a half in..

Yllier419

A year and a half ago I approached my OBGYN and asked if I should start getting mammograms, I am 31 and have a strong family history as well as a biopsy from when I was 24. She then sent me to an ongologist who specializes in breast cancer. Following the docs orders I receive alternating MRIs and mammograms. In the past year and a half I am already up to 3 MRIs with contrast, 1 attempted MRI guided biopsy, 1 mammogram, and 1 (soon to be 2 as of tomorrow) ultrasounds. Although I have just begun getting checked I my already at my wits end with an abnormal reading everytime i am scanned. My husband and I are in the process of trying to convince and every few months I am told to put our plans on old due to a new lump that has appeared. I was instructed to schedule the BRAC test but was then told to have my mother, a breast cancer survivor, receive the test first so insurance would cover my test. My mother is reluctant and has yet to complete her paper work. I feel like a ticking bomb. Any suggestions on how to cope? I am a positive person but lately it is not helping

CGG

I can see that would be nerve-wracking. Have you tried to change your view of all the testing? I've always regarded my yearly mammograms as a treat and a positive thing because I greatly appreciate knowing what is going on inside my breasts. So regardless of the good or bad news coming from the tests, I like knowing. So it's a really positive experience for me, regardless of results and stress. As for the testing, it seems that perhaps your mother is scared that that is why she has not filled out the paperwork or done the testing. I encourage you to tell her how important it is to you that she get tested because you are worried about her and because of how the test results impact your life, your breast surveillance, and your desire to get tested yourself. Put in those clear terms, it is almost like a geometry proof that clearly shows that she needs to get tested because of how it impacts you. Perhaps that would help. Good luck!

dixiechick442

Hang in there! Your story is similar to mine!

A Dr. that my mom met convinced her to do the testing finally and I was able to take the test finally. I've been asking since I was in my early 20's and I'm 33 now.

I tried to focus on the things I could personally change that are suppose to lower risk. I changed my diet, I don't drink spirits, excerise, and take ever day one step at a time.

At least you are proactive in the monitoring your current health the MRI and screenings.

farmerlucy

I have a strong family history and did the high risk screening for almost twenty years. It is a total pain, unnerving, and expensive! I get it! I initially did Brca testing and Bart testing through Myriad. After my dx my oncologist suggested that I get the newer multi-gene testing. We tried a couple of places but my blue ribbon insurance refused to cover those. About that time Color Genomics came out with an affordable home test. Currently the test covers 30 genes, I think. It costs $249, and is self pay. One of it's supporters is Mary Claire King, the researcher who discovered the Brca mutation. Genetic counseling is provided with the test after you get your results.

My DD has been advised to start screening at 35, although the age of earliest onset in our family is 27. Because I understand how onerous the high risk screening is, I am at peace with her starting screening then.

BTW - my DH just did the Color Genomics test because of his increased risk of colon cancer.

illimae

My insurance covered my testing because I was under 45 at diagnosis and mom and aunt both had BC. You might see what else can be done with insurance or pay for it on your own since you could pass the cancer risk along to future children. Maybe your mom feels guilty that she may pass the risk on herself?

sm627

I first of all want to give you a BIG HUG! I know how scary this can all be when you are told that you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. I want to let you know that it is alright to feel all different kinds of feelings and they don't all have to be positive all the time. Sometimes you just want to say that this all sucks. I am 33 years old and a little over 3 weeks ago I had a mastectomy to remove my right breast that had rare kind of breast cancer tumor. I am learning to take one day at a time some days are better then others. I try to find things that will make me laugh and listening to music helps me feel better too. However I am allowing myself to feel any kind of feeling I want to. When I went to see my breast surgeon last week and she told me that the tumor I had was both benign and malignant but she was able to get it all out. She then told me that I was at higher risk to develop the normal kind of breast cancer wow what a lucky girl I am LOL! Anyway I asked her if I could get genetic testing done and she said she would put an order in and I could get it done next week when I see her. Maybe there is some way your health plan could pay for part of it. I hope your mom can help you out and fill out the paper work. Try talking to her and tell her how much better you would feel if she got tested then you could and know what you needed to do to help prevent other issues from happening later on down the line.

I wish you all the best remember keep on laughing it can be the best medicine and boost your spirits. Always remember it is alright to be scared and cry too. Sometimes I need a good long cry and I feel better just letting it all out.

Hugs, Laughs and Love,

Sara