Hi everyone I am 8wks into 16wks of fortnightly chemo for triple negative bc. Next week i have an appointment with a geneticist. I don't seem to have a family history of bc so unsure of the outcome. Has anyone else had genetic testing? What should i expect? If i have no family history, does that mean i have a brca gene?

No family history might well mean you don't have the gene . They will map your family tree ...both mother and father...so you need to know about your Aumts etc on Dad's side also. Is their family history of ovarian cancer? They like to know all health history if you can have it. You can also be the 1st to have the mutation so they may look for it anyway. I found it to be very informative. Goodluck. Kath x

As far as i can tell, i have no close relatives with bc or ovarian cancer. I have some bc history further back but too far removed from me to count. I am concerned that with no related history that they won't do the gene test. I don't think i could do through this again if i got bc again

Tarnya,I actually only went last Tuesday to have the Gene Testing, I'm ER+ and I only have my Mum who had Breast Cancer and no other family history. My surgeon has ordered it for me as I had a recurrence within 4yrs and I have to have a mastectomy but he wants to know for sure whether I have BRCA Gene for a single or double. The process is no big deal, they took all my history prior to me going for the appointment. They sit and discuss the history with you, based on that, the liklihood of you having the Gene, in my case its like 2% so based on that I didnt meet the criteria and it cost me $800 no rebates nothing!!!! Furious really...youd think if youve had Breast Cancer and twice you should automatically be on the criteria to warrant Gene testing GRRRR!!! I am thinking in your case because you are Triple Negative? they want to make sure in regards to the BRCA Gene. Even with no history it still is possible, I have no idea why, but I read another lady on this forum with no history and tested positive. Its a simple blood test, thats all and I get results Oct 4th, they then counsel you as to their recommendations based on results.Just another thing to cross off the list, hugsMelinda

Thanks. So much happening. It is hard to get my head around it. I spoke to my birth father for the first time ever 2wks ago (I am 42yo) so i am only now getting all my family history together

Oh ok, well if you have family history you may meet the criteria. Good luck with it all. It is a whirlwind and hard to stay on top of it all, step at a time.

Genetic testing | BCNA Online Network

32 Replies

onemargie
Member
9 years ago
hi there tarnya so glad your results are negative I am triple neg like you and will have to wait another 7 weeks for my results and am hoping that they are negative too. As I said before I've already had L mastectomy but have decided to go ahead and get the other boob off as scheduled November 28th. its a really personal decision and only you know what's right for you. Margie:)
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Tarnya Congratulations on your negative result. Awesome!!! Like me it really does change your mind about how to proceed. Eventhough Ive had a recurrence in the same breast and same spot inspite of treatment, I think I'll just do a single mastectomy/recon at this point. I'd really like to do nothing more to be honest after going through 2 major lumpectomies it is smaller than the other now. I dont want to risk it happening again, but then who knows either?? I may never see this again anyway...this is what my Oncologist said before I had Chemo...its a gamble either way. Melinda
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
wonderful news Tanya! Now you can make your surgery decision without that doubt weighing on your mind. Jane xx
SoldierCrab
Member
9 years ago
woo hoo @Tarnya74
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Tarnya that's fantastic news. Congratulations, must be a great relief. Xx
primek
Member
9 years ago
Great news on the result. At least now you are making fully informed decisions about your surgery.
Tarnya74
Member
9 years ago
I got my genetic testing result today - negative which is great news. I was thinking of having a double mastectomy anyway but after doing some research and reading the accounts of other triple negative women, i think i have changed my mind.
Tarnya74
Member
9 years ago
Starting to get a bit stressed and emotional waiting for these results. I am a bit of a control freak and not knowing what is happening at the end of this month when chemo finishes, is not helping my frame of mind...
HannahB38
Member
9 years ago
@Tarnya74 It's funny, initially I was set on a lumpectomy, there was no way I was having the bi-lateral mastectomy both doctors had recommended. Then….after a breast MRI they spotted another lump in my other breast and wanted to do a biopsy….. I panicked and thats when I made the decision. I thought to myself, every time I feel a lump or just in general, I will be constantly worried that it's back. I knew I couldn't live my life like that. I went straight back to the dr and said I would go with what was recommended. She was shocked at my sudden turn around. Even after Iwoke up in recovery, I knew I had done the right thing. Now that I have the test results back, I think in a funny way my body made me make the right decision. Just remember that the most important thing above anything else is your health. Boobs are boobs, yes I loved mine and so did my partner. But I feel fine, I have the expanders in and my partner kisses them often and says how much he loves me and how proud he is that I choose my health :)
HannahB38
Member
9 years ago
@primek Yes Triple negative also occurs in people without a gene mutation. I have a friend that had it 7 years ago at the age of 31 and tested negative. I had an aunty that had ovarian cancer in her early 50's, that's why they tested me and also given my age, triple negative is unusual in my age bracket and they said that it is usually linked to a gene mutation. Hopefully my sister tested negative.