Color Genomics | Genetic Test | 30 genes | $249

12467

Comments

  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited February 2016

    I just ordered the Color Genomics test. I had the BRCA test done a few years back - negative. However, I had to FIGHT to get it done at the time and I really don't know why - my insurance covered the cost. When I inquired about having other genetics testing I was told flat out NO - but maybe because it was not available?? I am really tired of fighting with doctors and having to research and confirm their decisions.

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    My mom's recurrence was pleomorphic ILC which is actually how I stumbled up on this thread in this forum! Her gyn had her do the full panel genetic testing back when I was diagnosed with my recurrence. That's how we found the variant. Low and behold, a few months later, she's diagnosed with a new primary. Her local docs were dragging their feet getting her into an MO, so I researched her subtype and found a researcher close to her at Rutgers who researches her subtype and they also did Foundation One testing on it. My MO and the geneticist locally said that since the results would not alter my course of treatment (since I had BMX already), insurance would not cover the broader test. Hence I ordered the Color test and am awaiting results. It's so nice to have an afforable option. I am sure I could get my MO to order the broader test, but insurance would deny it and though I could come up with the couple thousand dollars, I certainly appreciate only having to pay $250 for information that's maybe not quite as comprehensive, but sure more than I have now! My MO is with the biggest cancer center around, though not a major medical center. I did get second opinions at Mayo though, and they unfortunately, told me the same thing as far as the further testing.

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited February 2016

    KBeee - I hope you get the results you seek. Genetic testing was awesome for my DDIL whose mom and gma were brca1+ but she was not. End of the line for that nasty mutation! Especially great news as DDIL has three little girls.

    You are an inspiration on these boards KBeee

    Edited to add: Just saw your post CP - best of luck getting the answers you seek as well. Thanks again for all your awesome research links on the boards. I for one really look forward to them and I am very grateful!

  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited February 2016

    farmerlucy - thanks so much for your kind words. I always hope some article may provide information to someone to be informed and ask questions of their physicians. I recall what a vertical learning curve it was for me and at times I was treated like a PITA for asking questions.

    I went back and pulled my BRCA testing and it was done in Nov 2011 - back then when I asked about PTEN and CHEK2 testing I was told NO. (This was a consult at Rutgers affiliated with RobertWood Medical Center - maybe it has changed now?) So it will be interesting to see what /if anything comes up. My nutritionist was the one who would discuss genetic testing with me. She had ordered MTHFR test and came back with a mutation. I have extremely high levels of folic acid so it appears my body does not process it. Anyway she was the only one interested in genetics as my surgeon and oncologist would shut me down on the topic.

  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    CP418, I remember seeing a study on the relationship between high folic acid and BC. Have you seen it?

  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited February 2016

    No - I don't recall but I've come across so many articles. Do you have a link? I'm guessing due to the MTHFR gene issue. Also - I do not take oral vitamin supplements except for vit D.


    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/01/14012...

    http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/271601.ph...

    Google found this.



  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    Yes cp418, those are the ones. What do you think? Folic acid is added to everything like cereal, etc. Mine is 18.9 High

  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited February 2016

    I have to go back and look through my lab reports. These tests were ordered by my nutritionist who will order tests not covered by my MO or GP. I remember very HIGH values which I think made her pursue the MTHFR screen. Plus recently my BP has been going up where previous values were excellent - AND trying to get the elevated cholesterol under control. Femara causes problems in both these areas AND I was dx with hypothyroid 2 years ago. I DO NOT want to take MORE meds such as statin and for high BP on top of the Armour Thyroid meds and Femara. Enough already!! (Banging head on wall)

    I have an appt in March to see my Nutritionist as it's been a while - - derailed last year with Lyme dx. I'll discuss all this *crap* with her and see what she orders and has to say. I also am not keen to take 50 pills of daily supplements which some folks get carried away with. Somewhere there needs to be some common sense approach to not over medicating and over supplements. (okay - I'm venting again.)

  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    Well it is better not to take supplements. They aren't regulated. The worst of them can cause liver failure. I didn't take statins, because of muscle pain. And I read all the side effects. My cholesterol was fine last summer after 3-4 months on Letrozole. I will be getting another test this summer. I hope it's ok. I don't know what a MTHFR screen is? BP can be lowered with a simple diuretic I think. Like furosemide - costs $1 after insurance. I keep my meds down too. I took prenatal vitamins with first child, second time they didn't agree with me. Hope the Armour thyroid med has made you feel better. I wouldn't call it a rant. I need a nutritionist. Putting it on my list. Thx.

  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    Ordered my Color Gen kit last night, it's in the mail today. I hope it doesn't take too long to get results. It says at the website that most turn up negative. We'll see. Knowing is better than not knowing for me.

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    From what I can tell from reading past posts, it seems most negative results are done quickly. It seems the positive results take a bit longer, which does make perfect sense since they'd have to research the defect found to see if it's a known variant, etc, and compare it with your family history. It's been 4 weeks for me, so I am hoping to get my results any day. I will post when I do. I do have a VUS in teh CHEK2 gene I know about; I just don't know anything else beyond my negative test for BRCA. I am a total genetics nerd, so I am interested for health reasons and for my kids, and also just because I find it fascinating. That being said I hope nothing new shows up! Wishing you negative results!


    I got my kit in the mail about 4 days after ordering it, and I sent it back the same day. It was really simple!


  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    Ok, my test kit came yesterday and I missed the outgoing mail today. So it won't go out until Tuesday now. Arrived in 4 days just like yours Kbeee,,

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    They do seem efficient with things. I still do not have results. Monday will be 5 weeks. The initial information said 4-10 weeks, but later information stated that their average is 3-4 weeks. Of course that being the average means that some take less time and some more. I think when no variants are found, teh information will be returned quickly. When variants are found, it will take longer to research, write up, etc. I already know of one VUS that I have, so I am not surprised it's taking longer. Of course, each day that passes makes me wonder what else they might be finding! It's not a worry as in test anxiety...more of a curiosity ... and hoping they don't find too much. I hope your results come quickly adn that they find no variants!

  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    Kbeee did they give you a way to track your return package? I just want to make sure they get it back. Maybe they send a confirmation? I'm interested to know how both of ours turn out.

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    They did send me a confirmation as soon as they got it.

  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    It's on it's way. Well it's at the Postal Annex, guess no mail action today

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    They'll probably get it by this weekend! I hope to have my results by then. We'll see!!!

  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    Kbeee nothing yet? I'm looking at March 10 (3 weeksfrom today).

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    I do not have results yet. Monday will be 6 weeks from when they received it. Given my family's cancer history, I am not surprised, but each passing day makes me wonder what all they've found!!!

  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    It does seem they've found something. In which case it would have been better to know before your long history of treatments. I'm waiting with baited breath!

    If you want you can email them - there's a place for that at the site.


  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    New gene news


    Gene previously observed only in brain is important driver of metastatic breast cancer

    Adapted Media Release @medicalnewstoday.com

    Published: Monday 15 February 2016

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    thanks. I already know of a BUS in cheek 2, but I did not have full panel testing; they only tested me for that one variant as part of family testing. Wondering what else they've found???!!!!!!! Either way, it's better to know

  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    Kbeee you are almost into DOUBLE TIME!!!

    Singing

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    No news yet. In this case, I'm afraid no news is NOT good news!

    If I do not hear by next Monday, which will be 7 weeks, I will send a note asking if there's a problem with my ssmpleryc.I suspect maybe there is just more than one variant of unknown significance. The 3-4 week average is an average, so if most are negative, they likely hear in 2 weeks or so, and the few that have variants probably take much longer...... Just my guess. You may hear before me!!!

  • marijen
    marijen Member Posts: 3,731
    edited February 2016

    I agree, no news in this case is not good news but MAYBE it just fell through the cracks? You can email online and say "hey where's my stuff"? Then they'll have the weekend to find it!

    SillyHeart

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited February 2016
    I submitted mine in April and got results in August with no mutations so it might still be possible KBeee.
  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    Wow! That's a long time! Did they have a reason for the delay? I know they were very new then

  • farmerlucy
    farmerlucy Member Posts: 3,985
    edited February 2016

    No reason. I spoke to another lady who recd her results when I did (also submitted in April)seemed like maybe our batch was delayed.

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited February 2016

    wow! Monday will be 7 weeks. I will e-mail them to check status if I do nothear anything.

Categories