Hi
After being diagnosed with triple negative BC back in January (followed by lumpectomy and chemo), I immediately requested the genetics test. My reasoning was my strong family history, young age (43 at the time), type of BC and the fact that I had two daughters that I also needed to factor into any decisions I made. I also have three nieces.
I tested positive for BRCA2 which in very simple terms meant that I had a very high chance of the BC returning in my other breast plus an increased chance of ovarian cancer.
So the test results influenced my next decisions. I am young. I want to do everything possible to ensure the cancer doesn't come back. I want to be here for my children for a long time yet. So I made the choice to have a double mastectomy and immediate reconstruction - that happened a week ago and I am currently recovering from that. A little further down the track I will have my ovaries removed also.
I informed my nieces also. For them, all that means at the moment is that they should be a little more vigilant with their self testing than perhaps the average 20-somethings. It is of course their personal decision to be tested for the gene or not. For my daughters, who are currently only 3 and 5, I will tell them when they are a lot older. Advances are being made in science every day so by the time they are in their twenties, hopefully they will have more options than I did.
It is a very personal choice. My decisions aren't for everyone. But thought I would share my reasoning.
Good luck
x-Sherril