Genetic Counseling

I met with a genetic counselor on Thursday to learn more about testing for the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene mutations and about heredity and breast cancer (and ovarian cancer) in general. The BRCA-1 and 2 genes are tumor-suppressing genes.

Although before being diagnosed I didn't feel like I wanted to run out and get this blood test, now it seems like a very good idea for me.

In a nutshell, if a woman tests positive for one or both of these gene mutations, there's a higher chance of her developing a first cancer and a second cancer (which is different from a recurrence of the first cancer) than women in the general population or with a family history (but no BRCA-1 or 2 mutations).

Well, I've already got the first cancer, so it makes sense for me to find out about the BRCA-1 and 2 genes. Plus I have two daughters, so if I test positive it will be recommended that their cancer screening start earlier than if I test negative.

If I test positive, each girl has a 50/50 chance of testing positive herself. You can't take the test until you're at least 18, so the decision whether to take the test will be up to M. and C. when they're adults.

If I test negative, M. and C. will not need to take the test, which I think will be helpful information for them.

Along with a higher chance of developing breast cancer, the BRCA-1 and 2 mutations indicate a higher chance of developing ovarian cancer. This is not a good one to get because it's hard to detect in its early stages (unlike breast cancer). So some women choose to have their ovaries removed in order to avoid the whole issue. That's something I don't have to think about right now. :-) Good lord, one body part at a time, please!

It takes up to three weeks to get results from the blood test (which I had on Friday). One lab in the country does the testing, and it takes them literally at least two weeks to run the tests.

At the end of the appointment the counselor asked if anyone had mentioned to me how much this test costs. "Oh, here we go,"  I thought.

$4000.

Yikes! My insurance covers 80% of that. Oh well, I'm sure I'll work my way up to my annual out-of-pocket co-insurance maximum this year, so this test will just get me there that much faster.