Genetics today.

Hi ladies, hope you are all doing as well as is possible. I had my genetic testing appointment today, gave my blood, now it's wait and see. My sister was tested in the late 90's and while the BRCA 1 & 2 were not detected, it was mentioned to her that another living relative with breast cancer would be helpful. I was diagnosed late last year and now mine is being tested. The test is a little more accurate nowadays, not 100% accurate but more advanced. I am the 7th female since my maternal grandmother to get breast cancer so it is rife in the family. One thing the councillor did say is that if the genes are not found, it may still not be a random occurance. Who knows but there might be a BRCA 4,5, or 6? The research is ongoing which is a good thing for all women. Sadly, over the years I always felt destined to get BC, so while I was sad I was not shocked with my diagnosis. When I was in my 40's I always said that I didn't want to know if I had the gene or not. With my anxiety and depression, I thought it would be like handing me a loaded gun. Mentally I was just not ready. When asked today if I could handle the information psychologically I said I am fine with it. My main reason for doing the genetics was for my nieces and future generations of the family. I was told that 20% of those tested did not have the gene, if I am one the 20%, I will sit down, gather all the facts and make some decisions. There won't be a need to rush into anything. When I think of my Aunts in the 40's and 50's and then my Mum in the 1960's there was nothing much available to them, that included treatment which was much more primitive back then. I'm still amazed how I've come along since having BC, not such a princess:) My depression is still there but it's taking a back seat.That's my silver lining, as silver as my hair:) Take care ladies, 

Hazel xx