Genetics Appointment
I have an appointment to see a genetic oncologist type person tomorrow. The generations in my family are all over the place (some of my first cousins were older than my parents) and I don't know much...
Forum Discussion
Hi sister.
I had the genetic tests as my mum also had breast cancer and other family members had related cancers. The family history information was not a problem as long as I could give them names etc. I basically had to fill in a family tree type document and they were then able to search the records for these relatives. They told me that all records of cancer must be kept and that this began in the 1940s ( I think). This meant that they were able to look up the details of both of my parents ( both have long been dead thanks to cancer). It’s was actually really helpful for me as I had so many questions that I wished I could ask my Mum about her cancer but she has been dead for 16 years. They were able to give me all of my Mum’s path results which helped answer some of my questions. They were even able to tell me the details of my Dad’s brain tumour from the 1980s. I was young when he died so I wasn’t sure how accurate my memories were. I’m in Victoria so I’m not sure if the record keeping applies nationwide or whether it’s a state by state thing so I’m not sure if it applies to SA but well worth asking the question.
The cost of getting the blood test done has come down a lot in recent years so if you don’t qualify to get it free, maybe you could ask for a quote to see if it’s achievable for you. I was lucky that I didn’t have to pay but I would have if needed as I have two beautiful daughters. They also keep the sample on file and retest it when other gene mutations are discovered so if something does come up down the track, you will not have to go through it all again.
Good luck with your decision. It’s always challenging when there is no clear path.
Polly
I had the genetic tests as my mum also had breast cancer and other family members had related cancers. The family history information was not a problem as long as I could give them names etc. I basically had to fill in a family tree type document and they were then able to search the records for these relatives. They told me that all records of cancer must be kept and that this began in the 1940s ( I think). This meant that they were able to look up the details of both of my parents ( both have long been dead thanks to cancer). It’s was actually really helpful for me as I had so many questions that I wished I could ask my Mum about her cancer but she has been dead for 16 years. They were able to give me all of my Mum’s path results which helped answer some of my questions. They were even able to tell me the details of my Dad’s brain tumour from the 1980s. I was young when he died so I wasn’t sure how accurate my memories were. I’m in Victoria so I’m not sure if the record keeping applies nationwide or whether it’s a state by state thing so I’m not sure if it applies to SA but well worth asking the question.
The cost of getting the blood test done has come down a lot in recent years so if you don’t qualify to get it free, maybe you could ask for a quote to see if it’s achievable for you. I was lucky that I didn’t have to pay but I would have if needed as I have two beautiful daughters. They also keep the sample on file and retest it when other gene mutations are discovered so if something does come up down the track, you will not have to go through it all again.
Good luck with your decision. It’s always challenging when there is no clear path.
Polly