BRCA what does this test indicate?

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sweetaerobabe
sweetaerobabe Member Posts: 319
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer
BRCA what does this test indicate?
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  • sweetaerobabe
    sweetaerobabe Member Posts: 319
    edited September 2010

    What is this test? Had blood drawn today, I was assuming it was to determin the risk of getting it in my other breast, the paper I was given, and the website seem to imply that the test is to determin if it is genetic. meaning: It may be passed on to my daughter.

    But.... The Dr said when he called yesterday, that if positive, they will move ahead with a mastomecty. Im really confused about the reason for this test.

    Im tired, and may take a nap, but will check in soon  to see if I have any answers.

    Kristy

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  • tougherthanithought
    tougherthanithought Member Posts: 454
    edited September 2010

    Hi Kristy!

    I don't know if you did any research on the BRCA test, but I've included a link that has some info for you.  Not only for the sake of your daughter, but BRCA testing can determine if you, yourself, have an increased risk for ovarian cancer. 

     http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

    Sherrill

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  • tougherthanithought
    tougherthanithought Member Posts: 454
    edited September 2010

    Hi Kristy!

    I don't know if you did any research on the BRCA test, but I've included a link that has some info for you.  Not only for the sake of your daughter, but BRCA testing can determine if you, yourself, have an increased risk for ovarian cancer. 

     http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA

    Sherrill

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  • TiffanyF4
    TiffanyF4 Member Posts: 171
    edited September 2010

    Hello Kristy

    I was also tested for the BRCA gene mutation and I am BRCA 1 positive. What this means is that this gene  that caused your breast cancer, was passed down from one of your parents.  In my case my Fathers family is a carrier of this gene.  Many women in my family history have tested positive.  My Sister recently tested positive and does not have breast cancer. However, she is having a mastectomy with immediate reconstruction in order to keep from getting breast cancer.  There are lots of websites that explain this gene mutation and what it means for you and your daughter.  I have a daughter myself and the news that I was positive was very hard for me.  However, knowledge is power and now we know what steps we need to take to prevent her from traveling down the same road I have traveled.  Good luck. If you have any questions please feel free to send me a private message.

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited September 2010

    I had the BRCA test but tested negative. If I did test positive I would have removed the other breast no question. I wasn't going to one I tested negative but then the MRI showed the other breast had some precancer so I ended up removing it anyway.

    I would have also had my ovaries removed it I tested postive for BRCA. BRCA+ doesn't mean you will get breat or ovarian cancer but your chances are much much greater for getting either/both.

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  • sweetaerobabe
    sweetaerobabe Member Posts: 319
    edited September 2010

    I have no direct connection to breast cancer in my immediate family, but GYN cancer in my grandmother. (Thats what killed her) but it was so many years ago, and since I basicly have no family left, it is impossible to know which gyn cancer it was. Im going through the process of getting the NJCEED program to get me a free GYN appointment, and im assuming if I test positive for BRCA, they may want to remove everything. I just want this over with.

     Kristy

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited September 2010

    Hang in there Kristy. I hope you don't test positive but at least you are prepared. My gut says you won't be. For some reason I thought I read somewhere that usually those who do test postive for BRCA are usually triple negative, not always but typically. I could be wrong though because I only read that once.

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  • sweetaerobabe
    sweetaerobabe Member Posts: 319
    edited September 2010

    Well, so far, the odds have all been against me, and my onc SRTONGLY suggested this test. Nothing to do but wait now. I have a second area they are concirned about in the same breast, I will have a biopsy on that area Wed.

    Kristy

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  • lago
    lago Member Posts: 17,186
    edited September 2010

    I know there is a slight increased risk to  test if you are an Ashkenazi Jew. (About 80% of the world Jews are Ashkenazi. Most US Jews are Ashkenazi). That's still doesn't mean you will. I didn't.

    http://www.genetichealth.com/BROV_GEN_of_BROV_In_ASHJ.shtml 

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  • sweetaerobabe
    sweetaerobabe Member Posts: 319
    edited September 2010

    Heres hoping and praying!!!! :)

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  • TiffanyF4
    TiffanyF4 Member Posts: 171
    edited September 2010

    SWEETAEROBABE : I'll be checking back on you. It is going to be ok.

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  • sweetaerobabe
    sweetaerobabe Member Posts: 319
    edited October 2010

    Hi Tiffany,

    Sorry, forgot I posted here... lol. My results were neg, and my MRI biopsy of the second area of suspition was a nightmare, but also neg. While tubes/needle/whatever was still inside my breast, they slid me into the MRI machine and out came whatever was in me!  I was quickly pulled back out after hearing the "gasp" and heard the nurse ask, "do you want a new tube?" and the Dr said,"No, I'll use the same one" so Im a little leary of these neg biopsy results.

    Needless to say, Oct 12th I go in for partial mastomecty and SNB. I will just hope any pray the surgery, chemo, rads and meds get it all.

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