BRAC 1 and BRAC 2

**bellababe** · 11-08-2007 05:47 PM

Has anyone had genetic testing?? I am scheduled for it next week after contemplating it for a year. Just wondering if anyone had an experience that they would like to share. Thanks in advance.

**bellababe** · 11-16-2007 09:49 AM

I see that no one has posted a reply although there have been many that have read this post. I went today for the test it was just a blood draw. I will have the results in two weeks. Since I do think this is a valid topic here, I will just continue to post just to keep you up to date on it. LOL!! As I was driving home from the Dr's office I wondered if it was the right thing to do. Oh, well it's too late to second guess that, I will let you all know what happens.

**nancymontefrye** · 11-16-2007 09:15 PM

I have had the test and was found positive. I think it's really important to know since you will need to make sure you are checked every six months.

I have lost 3 of my family members because they didn't know and have one more diagonosed with breast cancer.

I have also agreed to be a in a study. I hope your tests are negative but if they're not you will be one step ahead of cancer by being able to keep a check on it.

**bellababe** · 11-19-2007 05:55 PM

thanks for the kind words. I am anxiously waiting for the two weeks to arrive. I too have family history of breast cancer, my mother is a two time survivor, her sister, their aunt died of breast cancer in the 70's and my father's mother. on my mother's side all were diagnosed before the age of 40, I am now 37. I have been getting mammo's for the past 10 years so I am confident that I have been proactive. I also had an MRI this year for the first time. as it stands right now I see my breast specialist every 3 months so if the test is negative that won't change.

**Pam Rabon** · 02-12-2008 12:42 AM

We found that with my daughter's test and mine they were held up by the lab waiting until the insurance co. verified they would pay. We didn't find out for three weeks (when we expected the results) that we would have to wait another 3 weeks. On the form you can agree to pay if the insurance company doesn't and that will not hold up your test. it took 5 1/2 weeks to get my daughter's, I'm still waiting.

**ssoares** · 08-19-2008 02:38 PM

I have a genetic test done for BRAC 1/2 and my results came back "of uncertain significance." That means that they can not tell meif they are normal or multating. Anyone out there ever have this happen or can direct me further?

Thank you.
Susan

**petite64** · 09-08-2008 05:33 PM

I have so many questions. I've had a bi-later mastectomy and I have been thinking about having this done but here are some of my questions.
1st. Does anyone know how much this would cost?
2nd. How do I know this will not be released to someone when I sign one of those waivers that says I give my consent to release my medical history?
3rd. If it does come back positive how will this effect me getting insurance in the future - life and health?

**Barbara Haas** · 11-06-2008 10:07 AM

As of some date in November, maybe the 1st, I'm not sure of the exact date, but genetic testing results cannot be given to anyone but you, including your doctor and insurance company, AND, the insurance company is not allowed to hold it against you. Yeah, right! I had a bilateral mastectomy, a complete historectomy, and I still am considered a risk because of having had BC. I should be a GOOD risk as I got rid of all those problematic parts.

My daughter just did genetic testing for BRAC 1 and 2 and for some other genetic testing related to kidney cancer which she just had. They told her the as of November thing, but she didn't really care because she's already flagged as a "cancer person" because I am a 16 year BC survivor, and she just recently had kidney cancer.

**adamsb2000** · 11-10-2008 06:39 PM

My mom died of ovarian cancer and my gma died of fallopian tube cancer when they were pretty young. So, my sister was a part of a study, found out she was a carrier for BRAC1 and so I did, and I have it, too. Luckily, I have two kids already so I have little qualms about having my fallopian tubes and ovaries removed next month (which, from what i understand, reduces breast cancer by 50% if done before menopause.

I feel SO LUCKY that I know. I had a breast MRI/Mammogram/Pelvic U/S and am totally fine - and I KNOW IT. And now I can do something to almost guarantee I will not be caught with Stage 3 cancer at age 38 like my mom had....I can't even express how relieved I am - this has been a tremendous weight on my shoulders since I was 16.....

Originally Posted by bellababe

Has anyone had genetic testing?? I am scheduled for it next week after contemplating it for a year. Just wondering if anyone had an experience that they would like to share. Thanks in advance.

**alz** · 11-11-2008 02:41 PM

Im also considering testing now. My Mom died of ovarian cancer and her sister died (really young) of breast cancer. Before my Mom died she tested and she did have the BRCA1 mutation. Im 33 now and have a 3 year old and a newborn baby and feel like I ought to find out, but Im not sure what I'll do if I find I have it. I want another child, so Im concerned that it might put a shadow over that.
Im a bit scared about the implications in terms of insurance. I know its illegal for them to discriminate against you, but I know that the insurance companies are the lowest of the low - they must find some kind of way to raise your premiums. That whole aspect is still unclear to me.