Genetic Testing
Well girls, I made the decision to have the genetic testing done! I went for an appointment with the counsellors on Friday and had the blood test this morning.
They told me that there would be one of two results - either it will show Positive to the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations or it will come back as an inconclusive result (great!). They say it is inconclusive if they can't find any gene mutations or if there is a different gene mutation other than the ones that they have already identified (ie BRCA1/BRCA2). Due to technological advances, I can get re-tested in a few years time if I get an inconclusive result, as they may have found new genes to test for by then.
Now begins the waiting game - it can take up to 6 months to get the results! They described it to me like this.....we all have about 30,000 genes and each one is like a 1,000 page book and they are looking for one letter in one word on the page of that book that is either missing or incorrect! No wonder it takes a while!!
I am due to have some more surgery in October (just some revisionary reconstructive surgery) and was thinking that if I carry the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation then I would have my ovaries removed at the same time (one op and one general anaesthetic instead of two) but I may have to decide what to do before I get the results of the genetic testing if I want to do that....makes it tough!
If I test positive then my mum and dad and sister can be tested but if the result is inconclusive, the testing ends with me.
I guess we will wait and see.....
Louise
