BRCA test

I think most people don't want to know b/c they are afraid, but in time, I hope you will see that knowledge is power.

If you want more info about genetic testing, and why you should consider doing it check out wwwfacingourrisk.org

I was dx at 26, and had no family history. The only reason I was high risk for being BRCA positive was b/c I am of ashkenazic jewish descent. I tested, and was negative.

Knowledge is power, especially when you can act on it, and make important decisions that can give you a long cancer free life.

I did get the test because I wanted to know for my daughters.  If I was positive there would be a good chance that they would have the gene and therefore may benefit from close observation/screenings.  I was negative.

basic crash course in why we would do genetic testing....

if you carry the BRCA 1 or 2 mutation, it ups your risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer. Obviously, there is the secondary part of it, that your siblings could be carriers, and your children...

so it sounds totally scary, right? BUT, in knowing, there is the power to change what may be, even though those changes, some would say are drastic.

If you've already been dx with breast cancer, getting a positive BRCA result, may help you decide if you wanted to do a bilateral mastectomy, vs one breast.

Also, if you are BRCA positive, you risk for Ovarian cancer increases. It's different percents depending on which mutation you have.

OC is sometimes called the silent killer. There aren't very good tests to check for OC. So, some young women who are BRCA positive, choose to have an oopherectomy to prevent their risk of OC,

You can read tons about this on www.facingourrisk.org

When it comes to your children, it's a different ballgame entirely... and I'd be happy to open up that dialogue if anyone is interested....

but if the insurance will cover the testing, you should consider it....

just my opinion.

Meeting with a certified genetic counselor will help you decide whether or not to go ahead with the test.  they educate you about BRCA and what it means if you are negative and what it would mean if you are positive.  Meeting with the Genetic counselor is not the same as having the test!!  I highly recommend it.  here's my story:

 2000 diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.  Lumpectomy, chemo, rads, Tamoxifen.  39 at diagnosis.  No family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Fast forward to 2007, I joined a study to find out if I had BRCA gene.  I was pretty sure I'd be negative, but since I was so young when I had cancer and come from a Jewish heritage, I just wanted to know.  Well, SURPRISE!!   I was positive for BRCA2!!  It was hidden in my dad's side of the family.

 Had I know about the gene, I would have skipped radiation and had mastectomies in 2000.  In 2007, 2008, 2009 I have had prophylactic surgeries (ovaries and breast) and reconstruction.  I have lowered my risk of a recurrence by 98%!! Gotta love that!

 Knowledge is power!!  I do believe that. Why not just meet with a genetic counselor and learn more about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer?!  Can't hurt, and just might help!

Glad I know now what I didn't know then,

Bethany 

I think knowing the BRCA results actually should change your course of treatment.  I was pretty sure I had the genetic mutation (several women in my family have it, and I was diagnosed last year at age 27) but I had the test anyway.  We opted to treat more aggressively because the chances of recurrence are just so high.  You know what else?  I was never too keen on having children and now my husband and I have decided that if we do have children, we'll adopt.  No need to perpetuate this genetic nightmare.

So far, my sister won't get the test (she's 25). I really wish she would.

Not sure if you were responding to my post Beth - I think we're just about in total agreement.  Look closely - I think it should affect the course of treatments.  I just wanted to express that I think that's a really good reason to get the test - it's not just about "knowing" it's also about how it helps you make treatement decisions (and there are lots of them along the way!)

Also, regarding my sister - I agree.  But, no matter what I say, it's her decision.  I just did my best to let her know about every nitty gritty detail of treatment so she could fully understand the pain she might have a chance of sparing herself. On this side of the fence, I don't understand why anyone wouldn't want to know.

I feel kinda old being on this side of the board lol. But I am 38 and that is still considered young (about the only nice thing I have been being told lately).  My grandmother had bc around 65 so not a strong history there.  Mom, stage 0 ovarian age 58, and aunt stage 4 ovarian about 60.  Dr.s dont consider that to be to be strong enough history to do the test but because of my age I was tested.  I am waiting results.

The reason I was tested is because I have 3 older sisters and 2 young daughters.  I would like to know for them, and also myself as if I am positive I "think" I will want a bilateral.  And I can be more closely watched for ovarian. 

I am still awaiting the results of my BRCA test (they were mailed out to my GYN yesterday).

My GYN suggested I get the test because:

1.  I got breast cancer at the age of 38 (pre-50)

2. I got breast cancer while pre-menopausal

3. I have a family history of ovarian cancer (great-aunt)

She said if I have the BRCA gene mutation, she will want to take my ovaries, because then the only risk factor I would be missing is Ashkenazi Jewish Heritage (I'm African-American).  I am inclined to agree with her.

But I do have a question...I've already started chemo (taxotere, carboplatin, and herceptin), which will end on July 24th of this year (herceptin will go into next year).  My tumors are estrogen-positive.

Is it too late for me to consider harvesting my eggs (post-chemo, post-mastectomy, pre-radiation)?

Alaina

Hi Kryptonite,

I will go on Tamoxifen once all my treatments are over since my tumors are ER+.  I guess the question is how wise is it to get pumped full of estrogen after chemo/surgery for ER+ cancer in an attempt to harvest my eggs?

Well, I got my results today.  I do NOT have the BRCA gene mutation!

My GYN says she still wants to monitor me every six months, since I have 3 of the 5 factors that increase my risk for ovarian cancer, but at this point, there is no reason to have my ovaries removed unless my breast cancer oncologist feels the need to.  Which I doubt.