OT-BRCA Testing

[BonusMom]

Having been treated by the same OB/Gyn for some 28 years, I saw a new one on Friday.

We discussed my migraines, which I think are related to my menses and she believes are exacerbated by AI disease,.  Basically, she believes that my current treatment program initiated by my neuro is the best we can do at this point because HRTs aren't an option for me.

Then she asked me if I'd ever considered being tested for the BRCA cancer gene.  At first I was reluctant.  By the end of the visit, I gave her the go ahead to submit the request to my insurance companies for pre-authorization.

Of eight girls on my Mom's side, four have had breast cancer, the first was just 36 when initially diagnosed and it returned just under 5 years later very aggressively..All of the sisters had hysterectomies and most had their ovaries removed (all my Aunties are mid 60's-70's now).

So, if this was your family history and your 45 year old daughter/favorite niece asking.....what would you advise? BRCA testing? Why or why not?  Do you know anyone who tested positive and had a mastectomy or ovary removal as a preventive measure?  Please share.

BTW I did have two excisional breast biopsies done in 2006.  Only one was found via mammogram. The other was found when I went in for an ultrasound the day after the mammogram.  Lump B was very deep against the chest wall and had cancerous cells.  It makes me wonder if, by the time it had been detected by mammogrram, it would have been full blown breast cancer?

A mammogram did not detect my mother's breast cancer.  She found it two weeks after her annual mammogram and it was confirmed by ultrasound.

I will be going in for my mammogram shortly, but am considering asking that I get permission for annual US instead as I have more faith in them.

Sorry that I got a bit sidetracked and hope that you'll respond to my original question about BCRA testing. 

[BonusMom]

Anybody?

[Joe S.]

Sorry bonusmom but I do not think this applies to me. I looked because I did not know what the type of test was that you were talking about.

[Carebear]

Hi BonusMom,

I have no personal experience, however a friend of mine had breast cancer, and tested positive for the BRCA cancer gene.  She chose to have a full hysterectomy as a preventative measure.

Good luck with your decision.

[eyeamdry]

First of all....if you tested positive for the gene and the dr recommended double mastectomy plus hysterectomy, would you likely have the procedure?  If the answer is likely not, then I wouldn't get tested. 

If you feel that you would likely follow through, then you might consider getting the test.  I am a 4 year breast cancer survivor.  My GP actually found the lump during my annual exam. They did ultra sound on it and then just decided to "watch" it.  I had no breast cancer in my family although my sister had endemotrial cancer.  Well, the lump didn't change and it wasn't like cancerous lump.  Usually they are hard and attached to the chest wall.  My lump was soft and moveable.  This went on for a couple of years.

Finally after a trip to Fla, I had an appointment with a surgeon to have the lump out.  My mannogram results came back with a high chance of malignancy.  It was and I had a lumpectomy and radiation.  I was caught early on, even though I had the lump for several years.  I would never let that happen again, the waiting and I'm surprised I did that time.  The fact that you KNOW cancer runs in your family is an important thing in that you will be checked very thoroughly. Also, you don't skip a year.  That is one thing I never did, I had one every year and still do at mid-60's.

You just can't tell about cancer.  The sister I spoke of above passed away last year from colon cancer.  She had been cancer free for 18 years and then it started up in her colon.  It was quite advanced by the time they found it.  She had a colonoscopy 8 years earlier which is within the guidelines.  I'm sorry I ran over here, but just dealing with cancer and losing my sister, there is no easy answer.  I think if you were 25-35 this might be more applicable, but this is something you need to look into.  I'd see if I could have extra testing like you suggest. Good luck.  Lucy

[BonusMom]

The authorization only took four days and I had the blood test done yesterday (12/20).  I fully expect it'll take 3-4 weeks to get the results due to the holidays.

I've done some research and must say that I'm impressed with the options available if the results are positive, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. 
I appreciate the feedback and personal experience you shared with me.  It never occurred to me to request the testing, nor was it offered.  Like all other screening tests, it's a tool in the detection of cancer.