oh how im mad, please answer this one

lolad

I have been reading through responses and questions and want to know what the heck this brca test is and why wasnt it offered to me? Im 36, should i still have this done and if im possitive, does it mean my daughter should be tested when shes older or what? Man im so upset that my drs never even mentioned this test to me.

laura

confused123

The test is to see if the
The test is to see if the cancer is genectic through the brca gene. Not everyone gets it, it was optional for my mom and me. My mom was negative but it still runs in my family. I am 33, the youngest in my family to get it and was asked if I want the test even though my mom had it already. I havent't had it yet.

Kim

aurora2009

First Off let me Welcome you to the site
I just got through reading another other one of your post and realized we were pretty much at the same stage in treatment. I had a lumpectomy last Wednesday and will be having a re-incission by the end of next week (hopefully) but I haven't seen the Oncologist yet and don't know my treatment will be yet either.
As for as the BRCA test goes hopefully Pammy or Mimi will chime in and give you more information than I can. What I do know is that usually this teat is only given if you have a history of BC in your family e.g. sister, mother, aunt, or daughter. My surgeon said that she would not be requesting the test for me because the closest person to me who had BC was my father's mother and that was to far away to be concidered heretitary (?). As far as my daughters are concerned she said that they should start mammno's with MRI's early, like around 35 and if anything showed up then they could requerst the test.
It made sense to me at the time, but as I think about it now, I really worry about my girls.

I hope this helps a little, there are others who can explain what they know much better than I can. I'm sure they'll speak up.

Aurora

CR1954

Laura....
As in aurora's case, I did not have the test either because I am the only one in my family to ever have breast cancer.

They are watching my daughter closely and started her mammograms earlier than usual. If she wants to be tested, she will meet the criteria by having a first defree relative with bc...me.

CR

confused123

CR1954 said:

Laura....
As in aurora's case, I did not have the test either because I am the only one in my family to ever have breast cancer.

They are watching my daughter closely and started her mammograms earlier than usual. If she wants to be tested, she will meet the criteria by having a first defree relative with bc...me.

CR

I just want to say that I am
I just want to say that I am one of those daughters who was going to get early mammos. My mom, grammie and great aunt had BC. The mammos were to start at age 35. I got cancer at 33 so please urge your daughters to do self exams it is how I found my lump. I was however going to a breast care center that was having me come every 6 months for a breast exam so if there is one near you that may also be a good idea.

Kim

aurora2009

confused123 said:

I just want to say that I am
I just want to say that I am one of those daughters who was going to get early mammos. My mom, grammie and great aunt had BC. The mammos were to start at age 35. I got cancer at 33 so please urge your daughters to do self exams it is how I found my lump. I was however going to a breast care center that was having me come every 6 months for a breast exam so if there is one near you that may also be a good idea.

Kim

Thanks Kim
That's exactly what I worry about, my oldest daughter is 25 and has already had 3 kids. I had a long talk with her about self exams, as well as anyone who asks how I found the lump. It's funny but it seems that is usually the first question out of every womans mouth "how did you find out"? And I always tell them through my own self exam!!!!!!!!!!

Aurora

Kristin N

aurora2009 said:

Thanks Kim
That's exactly what I worry about, my oldest daughter is 25 and has already had 3 kids. I had a long talk with her about self exams, as well as anyone who asks how I found the lump. It's funny but it seems that is usually the first question out of every womans mouth "how did you find out"? And I always tell them through my own self exam!!!!!!!!!!

Aurora

My oncologist offered me the
My oncologist offered me the test and I took it even though there is no history of bc in my family. I assumed everyone took it, but, maybe not. The test evaluates if you carry the mutant gene that can be passed down to your daughters etc., so that, they can be a lot more cautious and be tested earlier etc. It also shows if you are positive that you stand a very strong chance, I think about 43% of getting bc again or ovarian cancer. So, most women if they test positive, get a double mastectomy. And, also have their ovaries removed.

Akiss4me

Hi Laura...
I'll try to clear some mystery up for you best I can with the BRCA Gene test. Here is the standard criteria when deciding on doing the test. Bare in mind, all Doctors are different and have their own belief and standards they go by.

There are several factors to consider for the test.

First, age at diagnosis. I am 47 years old. Anyone diagnosed under 50 years old raises a red flag. About 25% of women under 50 are diagnosed and this usually indicates either a genetic gene passed down or a familial history of cancer.

Second, is generational history. In my case, my Maternal Grandmother had breast cancer, my Mother had cervical cancer (it basically skipped her) and I have breast cancer. My daughter (age 25) already had a breast biopsy (benign).

Thirdly is if you were diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer.

Fourth is if you have a relative that you know was tested and has the mutation. Just a word here about this.....if you are the first to be tested, the cost is $4,300.00 however, each relative tested thereafter, it is only $300.00-$400.00. The reason being that it is much more costly to find the mutated gene the first time (which would be me!). If your doctor feels it is medically neccessary, almost all insurances will pay for it.

Fifth is if you are of Ashkenazi/Eastern European Jewish Decent. There is more genetic instances in this nationality.

Sixth is if you have ever had ovarian cancer.

The gene is passed on to 50% of the offspring. So if you test positive, it does not mean that your sister's will neccessarily have it and vica versa. Also, the test cannot tell if it was passed from your mother or father (they would have to be tested). You will know, however, that the gene came from you if passed to your offspring if you have it.

Testing positive puts you at a 43% greater risk of developing cancer in the other breast and also of developing ovarian cancer.

I am in the process of waiting on my results. I have decided the ovaries are history regardless of my results since I am ER/PR+, but I will probably have a double mastectomy if I come back positive since my risk is too great.

Hope this helps to answer some of your questions. If you feel you may be at risk, talk to your Doctor and tell him you would like to have this done. Good luck. Pammy

taleena

Laura..
Just as others have
Laura..

Just as others have said, family history is the strongest indicator as to whether or not they will run the test... My mother had breast cancer twice by the time she was 42, the first time it was Patchets which I understand is rare, they believe that she actually had it several years before she was dx at 38. My aunt had ovarian cancer, and breast cancer, that matastasized to her stomach... my brother had cancer (though not associated with breast cancer)..my grandmother had cancer, the history as you can tell goes back a ways... that is why my onco has ordered the test...

If you are concerned... mention the test to your doctor and see what he says... he may very well run the test... there are many patients who choose not to have the test ran..

~T

TrishyG

Hi, I just wanted to chime
Hi, I just wanted to chime in. It is also very important to know your paternal family history of breast cancer. 3 of my father's sisters had breast cancer and my father had prostate cancer. I tested positive for the Brca2 gene. I am glad that I know because I am at an increased risk for having ovarian cancer. I have to decide whether or not to have my ovaries removed soon to decrease this risk. It's a hard descision because I am 39 and that would mean instant menopause. It was much easier to make the decison of having the bilateral masectomy (which I did in April).

Trish

lolad

Akiss4me said:

Hi Laura...
I'll try to clear some mystery up for you best I can with the BRCA Gene test. Here is the standard criteria when deciding on doing the test. Bare in mind, all Doctors are different and have their own belief and standards they go by.

There are several factors to consider for the test.

First, age at diagnosis. I am 47 years old. Anyone diagnosed under 50 years old raises a red flag. About 25% of women under 50 are diagnosed and this usually indicates either a genetic gene passed down or a familial history of cancer.

Second, is generational history. In my case, my Maternal Grandmother had breast cancer, my Mother had cervical cancer (it basically skipped her) and I have breast cancer. My daughter (age 25) already had a breast biopsy (benign).

Thirdly is if you were diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer.

Fourth is if you have a relative that you know was tested and has the mutation. Just a word here about this.....if you are the first to be tested, the cost is $4,300.00 however, each relative tested thereafter, it is only $300.00-$400.00. The reason being that it is much more costly to find the mutated gene the first time (which would be me!). If your doctor feels it is medically neccessary, almost all insurances will pay for it.

Fifth is if you are of Ashkenazi/Eastern European Jewish Decent. There is more genetic instances in this nationality.

Sixth is if you have ever had ovarian cancer.

The gene is passed on to 50% of the offspring. So if you test positive, it does not mean that your sister's will neccessarily have it and vica versa. Also, the test cannot tell if it was passed from your mother or father (they would have to be tested). You will know, however, that the gene came from you if passed to your offspring if you have it.

Testing positive puts you at a 43% greater risk of developing cancer in the other breast and also of developing ovarian cancer.

I am in the process of waiting on my results. I have decided the ovaries are history regardless of my results since I am ER/PR+, but I will probably have a double mastectomy if I come back positive since my risk is too great.

Hope this helps to answer some of your questions. If you feel you may be at risk, talk to your Doctor and tell him you would like to have this done. Good luck. Pammy

thank you everyone
Wow thanks for all the info on this, my family has a history of cancer and my grandmother bc, so i think with all the great feedback i totally understand what its for now. I feel i should of been told about this test and would have never of known about it without the board. Im going to my onc the 28th to get the results from my onco dx (hope thats the right name, but i know you all know what i mean hehe) and am going to definatly ask about it. Once again pammy, wow your info was amazing. Thanks again to all and hugs to all of you.

laura

Stubbrn

Akiss4me said:

Hi Laura...
I'll try to clear some mystery up for you best I can with the BRCA Gene test. Here is the standard criteria when deciding on doing the test. Bare in mind, all Doctors are different and have their own belief and standards they go by.

There are several factors to consider for the test.

First, age at diagnosis. I am 47 years old. Anyone diagnosed under 50 years old raises a red flag. About 25% of women under 50 are diagnosed and this usually indicates either a genetic gene passed down or a familial history of cancer.

Second, is generational history. In my case, my Maternal Grandmother had breast cancer, my Mother had cervical cancer (it basically skipped her) and I have breast cancer. My daughter (age 25) already had a breast biopsy (benign).

Thirdly is if you were diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer.

Fourth is if you have a relative that you know was tested and has the mutation. Just a word here about this.....if you are the first to be tested, the cost is $4,300.00 however, each relative tested thereafter, it is only $300.00-$400.00. The reason being that it is much more costly to find the mutated gene the first time (which would be me!). If your doctor feels it is medically neccessary, almost all insurances will pay for it.

Fifth is if you are of Ashkenazi/Eastern European Jewish Decent. There is more genetic instances in this nationality.

Sixth is if you have ever had ovarian cancer.

The gene is passed on to 50% of the offspring. So if you test positive, it does not mean that your sister's will neccessarily have it and vica versa. Also, the test cannot tell if it was passed from your mother or father (they would have to be tested). You will know, however, that the gene came from you if passed to your offspring if you have it.

Testing positive puts you at a 43% greater risk of developing cancer in the other breast and also of developing ovarian cancer.

I am in the process of waiting on my results. I have decided the ovaries are history regardless of my results since I am ER/PR+, but I will probably have a double mastectomy if I come back positive since my risk is too great.

Hope this helps to answer some of your questions. If you feel you may be at risk, talk to your Doctor and tell him you would like to have this done. Good luck. Pammy

New to this
I was diagnosed with DCIS invasive, her2/neu+++, ER+. I have had lumpectomy x2 with no clear margins I'm up to 7cm. Go for double radical modified mastectomy with lymph node check on both sides on the 23rd then Herceptin treatment and maybe chemo.
BOY AM I OVERWHELMED, HER2/neu+++ from what I've seen isn't good

Kat11

TrishyG said:

Hi, I just wanted to chime
Hi, I just wanted to chime in. It is also very important to know your paternal family history of breast cancer. 3 of my father's sisters had breast cancer and my father had prostate cancer. I tested positive for the Brca2 gene. I am glad that I know because I am at an increased risk for having ovarian cancer. I have to decide whether or not to have my ovaries removed soon to decrease this risk. It's a hard descision because I am 39 and that would mean instant menopause. It was much easier to make the decison of having the bilateral masectomy (which I did in April).

Trish

My mother had breast cancer
My mother had breast cancer after the age of 50, I got breast cancer after the age of 50, so I did not have the test. Keep in mind for your daughter, that once this is determind, she may have lots of problems with health insurance in her future as well as life insurance.

Kristin N

Kat11 said:

My mother had breast cancer
My mother had breast cancer after the age of 50, I got breast cancer after the age of 50, so I did not have the test. Keep in mind for your daughter, that once this is determind, she may have lots of problems with health insurance in her future as well as life insurance.

With a high percentage rate
With a high percentage rate of 43% of getting ovarian cancer and of having a bc recurrence, it is a good test to at least consider. And, if you have daughter's, it could make them aware to start early in being tested for bc.

But, as Kat, said you might want to check first to see how "private" your results are. I was guaranteed that noone would ever be able to check my test results. And, the cancer center signed a paper stating such.

Good luck, Kristin

Cindy54

BRCA Testing
I agree with all the others..it is a genetic test, depending on how your family history is. My doctor was lived that I had not had one. Well, my insurance would not pay for this, even with all my family history. I did not have the money to pay for it. Well now I don't need it because I have gone through the breast/ovarian cancer things.

One thing to think about is if you do have a family history, and you do have children. It would be good to at least know if they should be concerned about anything that is passed on through their genes. Cindy

Noel

Cindy54 said:

BRCA Testing
I agree with all the others..it is a genetic test, depending on how your family history is. My doctor was lived that I had not had one. Well, my insurance would not pay for this, even with all my family history. I did not have the money to pay for it. Well now I don't need it because I have gone through the breast/ovarian cancer things.

One thing to think about is if you do have a family history, and you do have children. It would be good to at least know if they should be concerned about anything that is passed on through their genes. Cindy

I was the first one to have
I was the first one to have bc, but, I wanted tested and my oncologist suggested it for the future of my daughter. If you have the gene, she can start much earlier to have herself checked and to be very vigilant in checking herself. Also, if you have the gene, usually your ovaries are removed and you have a double mastectomy, as your chance of a recurrence is very high, I think about 43%.

I think I am just merely repeating what everyone else said.

tommaseena

Noel said:

I was the first one to have
I was the first one to have bc, but, I wanted tested and my oncologist suggested it for the future of my daughter. If you have the gene, she can start much earlier to have herself checked and to be very vigilant in checking herself. Also, if you have the gene, usually your ovaries are removed and you have a double mastectomy, as your chance of a recurrence is very high, I think about 43%.

I think I am just merely repeating what everyone else said.

BRCA testing
I just wanted to say that the BRCA testing is not only for your daughters but your sons and their offspring. BC runs on my mother's side and I had the testing after I had met with a genetics counselor and my tests came out negative. I have a son.

there were other cancers on both sides as well.

I was told that if you are diagnosed at age 40 then all female relatives should start their screening mammograms at 30.

Margo

CR1954

Stubbrn said:

New to this
I was diagnosed with DCIS invasive, her2/neu+++, ER+. I have had lumpectomy x2 with no clear margins I'm up to 7cm. Go for double radical modified mastectomy with lymph node check on both sides on the 23rd then Herceptin treatment and maybe chemo.
BOY AM I OVERWHELMED, HER2/neu+++ from what I've seen isn't good

Stubbrn......
First of all, hello and welcome. Sorry about your dx, but happy that you found us.

I am ER/PR negative. But I am HER-2 positive.

I have had mastectomy, chemo and rads. I am in the middle of a year's worth of Herceptin infusions.

Yes, it all is overwhelming, but they have made great strides in fighting bc. Try and keep a positive attitude about all of it, as I am trying to do. It does make dealing with it a bit easier....

Hugs,

CR