Genetic testing

Hi Tanya, I was offered genetic testing by my oncologist. I have an aunt diagnosed 15 years ago & cousin with breast cancer diagnosed 30 years ago. It was free, don't know the results yet.

Hello Tarnya,  I was surprised to read that your team wouldn't consider mastectomy without family history or a faulty gene?  Like you, I had TNBC (stage 2 grade 3) and had a double mastectomy by choice and with my surgeon's agreement.  Perhaps you are a lower stage/grade although we don't usually find out until after surgery pathology. Can you get a second opinion? TNBC is aggressive - but on the plus side, I am 4 1/2 years past treatment and clear of disease.  Stay in touch.  Michelle x

Yes its a piece to the puzzle so they say, with the gene testing. Hopefully things will be sorted once you have results in hand, as to what you do from here. I have to have a Mastectomy early next year, purely because it was a recurrence. I soooo dont want to go through anymore, so figure do the surgery and diep flap recon and move on. That will be the end of it. Step at a time I find, otherwise sends you a bit silly!!! Uuugh!!! Hang in there! 

Yes i agree! I think it is ridiculous that they won't consider mastectomy without family history or faulty gene but then tell me that triple negative has a habit of coming back! I do not want to have to go through this again 

Tarnya that's great news you qualify for the genetic test, I did think because of the Triple Negative. I get mine 4th of October, sending hugs for good results. You know it really is so incredibly stupid, the fact I was 43 and a recurrence at 47 and my Mum had Breast Cancer and prostate cancer on both sides. Just the fact Ive had it twice surely that should be a criteria in itself. Really makes me furious!!! 

I saw geneticist yesterday and i am lucky to qualify for the genetic test because of my bc being triple negative and i am under 50yo (i am 42). Now it is a waiting game until end of October for the results. 

hi Tarnya, I had a virtual face to face with geneticist via skype as we are rural.... based on no family history she suggested no .... but told me if I have more uncles with Prostate cancer than I already knew to revisit it... also if my cousins whom are overseas have an BC or prostate cancer diagnosis this might make me eligible for testing otherwise it was going to be $2000 back in 2012 when I was diagnosed. I opted to wait. 

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. 

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

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, hugs
Melinda