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Ruby2's avatar
Ruby2
Member
12 years ago

Genetic testing! To test or not to test?

Hello Ladies,

Thank you all so much for your replys re: hair colouring and sorry I still haven't had a chance to introduce myself properly and here I go again with a sudden more pressing issue. 

The genentic counsellor called tonight to say that I now did qualify for testing (previously didnt). Anyway to cut a long story short, I am due to have a repeat re-construction (end feb, as the first one didnt go to plan). The genetic counsellor asked if I decided to go ahead with test would it affect my plans to have surgery end month, I said possibly as depending on the result of the test, I would possibly consider having surgery on my good boob again depending on the outcome of the test.

I'm in a bit of a panic as they have said I can go and talk to them tomorrow and if I decide have the blood test tomorrow.  I know it sounds crazy but a part of me thinks yes just get it out the way and at least I will know if I have the Gene, and then another part of me thinks oh should I just wait and not rush this decision to be tested, and have my planned surgery at the end of the month. (although having said this it would possibly be a different ball game because if I decided pending the result to have preventitive surgery on my good boob, It may be better to wait to match the reconstruction. 

Boy I sound confused and all over the place! don't I.  Just need to air this and get some advice from my pink sisters. 

Thank you so much

x Ruby2

10 Replies

  • Christine_Marie's avatar
    Christine_Marie
    Member
    12 years ago
    On My first appointment with my Oncologist, I was so upset because My cousin had just died from from ovarian cancer after her struggle with breast cancer..she told me she wanted me to go for genetic testing because she felt there was to many different types of cancers in my family, she sent a referral off to genetic services & they sent me all this paper work to fill in & send back, I haven't sent it in yet as I have been struggling with my BC & Radiation hasn't been too kind to me,very burnt & blistered...& I'm still gathering info on family members, my onco said they will do a blood test & go from there....so I will let you know what happens:) take care Viv:) Christine:) x
  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Christine, wondering what tests your oncologist has suggested?  I have a lot of different cancers in my family, mum and sister with bowel, mums brother bowel, his two daughters, one breast and the other lung, but we wondered was this secondary?? My onco has said not enough bc to test the Braca gene.  I think my family has a cancer gene, but probably where do they start?

    Interested what they test you for.

    Viv

  • Lorraine's avatar
    Lorraine
    Member
    12 years ago

    I would agree with the previous  comments  have the test.  Having all the information often makes a desision easier.  I wish you all the best in what ever you decide to do.

    Take care

    Lorraine xx

  • Lorraine's avatar
    Lorraine
    Member
    12 years ago

    I would agree with the previous  comments  have the test.  Having all the information often makes a desision easier.  I wish you all the best in what ever you decide to do.

    Take care

    Lorraine xx

  • VivW's avatar
    VivW
    Member
    12 years ago

    Hi Ruby2, 

    Get the test, if your qualify then that means a family history, so get the test.

    My family has an obvious cancer gene, so many cancers, 3 bowel cancers, my mum, sister, uncle, cousins with breast and ??lung?? secondary??, and many others, and with each generation we get younger.  Have been told probably not the braca gene so no testing to be done, but gosh if there was a gene test I would be first in line.

    Just my thoughts on this, better than to be kept in the dark and wondering.

    Viv

  • Federica's avatar
    Federica
    Member
    12 years ago
    I am going to do the genetic test. My mum had breast cancer at 49 yrs, and several members of her family died or have been affected by cancer. I have been diagnosed with early breast cancer on my left breast just a couple of weeks ago and after the results of genetic test, I will consider the option of double mastectomy if positive . Than I can start thinking about treatment and reconstruction for both breasts. Good luck with your results if you decide to go ahead and all the best for the future. Federica xoxo
  • Federica's avatar
    Federica
    Member
    12 years ago
    I am going to do the genetic test. My mum had breast cancer at 49 yrs, and several members of her family died or have been affected by cancer. I have been diagnosed with early breast cancer on my left breast just a couple of weeks ago and after the results of genetic test, I will consider the option of double mastectomy if positive . Than I can start thinking about treatment and reconstruction for both breasts. Good luck with your results if you decide to go ahead and all the best for the future. Federica xoxo
  • Christine_Marie's avatar
    Christine_Marie
    Member
    12 years ago
    My oncologist wants me to go for genetic testing as because my family have a history lot of different cancers..so lm going to take her advice & just do the test...have already lost 2 brothers & a sister 2 of them to cancer & my list goes on my cousin died in November lost her figt to BC...I say go for the test to put your mind at ease.. here's wishing you lots of good luck with your journey & your decisions...... Big ((hug)) take care... christine:) xox
  • Christine_Marie's avatar
    Christine_Marie
    Member
    12 years ago
    My oncologist wants me to go for genetic testing as because my family have a history lot of different cancers..so lm going to take her advice & just do the test...have already lost 2 brothers & a sister 2 of them to cancer & my list goes on my cousin died in November lost her figt to BC...I say go for the test to put your mind at ease.. here's wishing you lots of good luck with your journey & your decisions...... Big ((hug)) take care... christine:) xox
  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    12 years ago

    Have the test, its a simple blood test and also combines some councelling.

    I did it and thankfully came back negative, I was told though that we are in the high risk category and so they contacted my daughter and advised she have yearly MRI's as she is too young for a mammogram.

    cheers

    Donna