Clinic just called and now want genetic testing

Hi tekwriter - I can absolutely understand how you feel. When I thing back to those days before the actual treatments started it was just a whirlwind of tests and poking and prodding - so much so that getting 'prepared for treatment' was kinda like being treated. I know I actually breathed a sigh of relief when they got on with it and started chemo (which I had before my surgery). It's actually a good thing that they are being thorough because you would rather have them get the treatments 'right' the first time. All of the tests are geared toward that - treating at the right 'level'. It might be that if you are at a higher risk for BC and you have options such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy, that you might chose a MX. Many people who have the gene, chose BMX so as to reduce the amount of breast tissue and thereby the chances of getting it in the other breast. It's going to be a long haul, but you can do this.

I had genetic testing -- after I had completed the majority of my treatment. My grandmother died of BC when I was very young, and my uncle died of colon cancer -- I found out this family history sometimes is related to BRAC1 or BRAC2. I do know that the genetic incidence of BC is very low, as far as we know at this point.

Then, a woman I knew found out after mets that she was positive for BRAC (and had young children). She was not in one of the groups at high risk of BRAC1 or 2. I decided to get the testing for the sake of my daughter, and my grandchildren. Found out I am negative, but I feel it is good to know for sure whether positive or negative. If positive, you will approach treatment much differently, possibly having ovaries removed in addition to MX, and possibly follow more aggressive treatment overall. And other close family members might do the same.