Ovarian & Breast Cancer - Genetic Testing

[MicMar]

Hi Everyone-

I am new to this site and am happy to see the support and wonderful people who contribute here. I have a question about genetic testing for breast cancer. I was diagnosed with small cell ovarian cancer in 1995 and things have went extremely well since then. Recently my cousin (on my mother's side) was diagnosed with breast cancer (age 38). My doctors are now suggesting that I get genetically tested for breast cancer. Over the past 13 years since my OC diagnosis I have had regular mamograms and breast MRI's and my breast health has been fine (with the exception of a couple of benign cysts which were aspirated). I am struggling with the idea of being tested. On one hand I feel that I would not cope very well with a positive result as I would not know what I would choose to do next (close monitoring or breast removal). But perhaps it is better to know. Does anyone else have experience with no personal recurrence of ovarian cancer for a good number of years and only one relative with breast cancer? Any stories or information would bre greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.

[PF_PVD]

Here is the link:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/361385

[abrite]

Hi MicMar,

I believe it took close to 2 1/2 weeks to get my results back. Supposedly, the results are private and insurance cannot be impacted. I believe the laws vary from state to state but am not 100% certain. Your genetic counselor should be able to answer these questions. I have posted a link to the website of the lab that does the testing. It does have a lot of information and may help you in your decision. Best wishes!

http://www.myriadtests.com/provider/home.htm

[MicMar]

Hi abrite and PF_PVD - Thanks very much for your responses.

PF_PVD - I have tried to find your previous post with no luck. Can you can send me the link? I would really appreciate it.

How long did it take to get your results back from the genetic testing? I have read it can take months. Also, I have read on the internet that it can impact life insurance and some people pay out of pocket to try and keep the results private. My husband and I are also thinking about adoption and from what I understand a positive result may also impact this. Anyway, lots to think about. Thanks for your thoughts.

[PF_PVD]

If you search the archives, I asked basically this same question several months ago when I was deciding too and received quite a few responses.  I have a twin sister and a mother with breast cancer and I have ovarian cancer and I had to consider my daughter.  To most people the decision was a no-brainer, but I also saw the downside to it.  Good luck!

[abrite]

Hi there! I have a similar story as yours except that I am currently receiving chemo for an ovarian cancer recurrence. My cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46. My breast history is similar to yours in that I have had regular mammograms, MRIs and benign cysts. My breast doctor is the one who suggested the genetic testing and wouldn't you know I came back BRCA 2 positive.

My care really will not change because I am currently on chemo. I will be followed closely with mammograms, MRIs etc. What is important to know is that my sister now has a 50% chance of being positive so she has the option of being test and/or being more closely followed. She has chosen to be tested because if she is positive, then her daughter has a 50% chance of being positive etc.

I am one who likes to "know" so I do better with more rather than less information. We are all so very different and of course the decision to have surgery or close surveillance is really a personal one. I guess, for me, the positive aspect of the testing is that there is less of a chance of being blind sided by a second cancer.

I talked with a genetic counselor before having the test and found it very helpful. In fact, she went ahead and sent my blood to the lab and they did not run the test until I made a decision. I hope this is helpful and I wish you the best in making your decision.