I could use a little help/advice

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Kehjj2009
Kehjj2009 Member Posts: 2
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Hi everyone.  Im a 24 year old mom to 3.  My daugther is 5, my son is 3 and my youngest son is 7 months old. 

I have a "cyst" in my right breast that is very small.  I have had several ultrasounds and they say its nothing but i refuse to just "forget about it" like they tell me to.  Its not that i "feel" that its anything.  Im just scared....constantly.

My father died of Bladder cancer almost 3 years ago.  His mother, my grandmother, died of Lukeymia, but had breast cancer.  5 out of 6 of her sisters had breast cancer, and her mother died of breast cancer.  (so thats a grandmother, 5 great aunts and a great grandmother who have all had breast cancer)  I want to get tested for the BRCA but am unsure how to go about it.  I live in NY and have BCBS.  Who do i talk to?  Based on my "family history" do you think ill qualify for the test?  Thank you so, so much.

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited November 2009

    Hi Keh,

    I can only imagine your anxiety with the history of cancer in your family.  I had the BRCA test and it was covered by my insurance, much to my surprise.  I am the first to have breast cancer in my family.  No other cancers except one cousin who died 15 years ago from pancreatic cancer.  Because of that, I qualified.  I can only imagine that you would qualify.  You should go for it!! Ask your doctors and if they can't help you, ask for a genetics counselor.  Best of luck to you.

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  • lyn1117
    lyn1117 Member Posts: 30
    edited November 2009

    Dear Keh,

    Anxiety is a very powerful thing, it just lives deep in you and won't let go sometimes.  You need to be proactive to neutralize it.  Call a doctor, get in for a consult.  Clinics that specialize in BC have genetic counselors available.  I lived through and am a survivor of bc, but after two lumpectomies (one benign, one high grade cancer) and another scary mammogram and MRI, I went for the bilateral.  I have no history in my family, but with fibroid breasts, lumps were everywhere.....Result, the tissue removed with the bilat showed no residual evidence of cancer....finally I drove out the anxiety.  Hope you will find peace by getting tested and getting answers that comfort you.  take care, lyn 

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  • LISAMG
    LISAMG Member Posts: 639
    edited November 2009

    Hi Keh,

    Sorry you have these worries and your family history seems significant in that a BRCA gene could be present on your Dad's side. This could mean a possible mutation as well. I highly recommend you seek genetic counseling. Where in NY are you located?  I had a fabulous certified genetic counselor at NYU by the name of Elsa Reisch. She is an amazing, intelligent and caring individual. Feel free to send me a PM if you would like the contact information. Best wishes.

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  • Kehjj2009
    Kehjj2009 Member Posts: 2
    edited November 2009

    I am in Albany.  about 2 1/2 hours away from NYC.  I would still love the contact info though.  I am one of those people who really needs a caring kind doctor.  I dont do well with rigid non-personal doctors.  How do i go about seeing a genetic counselor?  Where do i find them? Do i just call one, or does my dr have to refer me?  (my ins doesnt require referls but i thought maybe the genetics counselor may)  Thanks!

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  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 12,678
    edited November 2009

    I'm sure if you call the genetics counselor, like I did, they will tell you everything you need to know.  Before I met with them, they sent me out paperwork - information to gather on my family.  They asked me for info on all aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents......you get the picture.  Basic info, but it helps them with the testing. 

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  • LISAMG
    LISAMG Member Posts: 639
    edited November 2009
    National Society of Genetic Counselors, Inc. Search will help you find a certified genetic counselor in your area:

    http://www.nsgc.org/resourcelink.cfm

    Visit the FORCE web site & message boards, the only organization devoted to hereditary breast/ovarian cancers:

    http://www.facingourrisk.org/finding_health_care/finding_specialists.html

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  • kreativek
    kreativek Member Posts: 58
    edited December 2009

    I have BCBS insurance and my genetic testing was paid for.  You had to have at least 3 relatives with breast cancer so it seems you easily qualify.

     You are very wise to not let the cyst go without being further checked or biopsied.  With your family history, they need to check out every little thing.

    If you are not familiar with this site, please check it out.  It is for individuals such as yourself who have strong family histories:

    www.facingourrisk.org

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