Have any of you had the BRAC 1 or BRAC 2 test done, or, your daughters?

2

Comments

  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #22
    yes
    Diane,
    I had the test done because I have 3 generations of BC in the family. Kaiser will only test the person with BC first. I tested negative so they will not test my sister or daughters. Had I tested positive then it would have been a good idea for the other women in the family to get tested if they wanted too. Since they don't have anything to look for, it would be pointless to check.
    It is better to have the person with cancer tested since it won't change anything for them. For family members, it depends on if they will take pro-active action because of the results. My sister is just being very aggressive with screening. My daughter is looking at a mastectomy after she is done having kids. With 3 generations, even with out the gene I think the risk is like 67%. Some people don't really want to know their risk.

    Cindy
  • Parklady
    Parklady Member Posts: 5
    #23
    Ctine70 said:

    I had Brac 1 and Brac 2 done
    Hi Diane,
    I had both test done once I was diagnosis with BC and my insurance covered 80 percent. The test cost close to $4000
    I was negative so I was told my daughter didn't need to get tested.
    I was told that if I tested positive I would of needed to have a bil. Mastectomy and my overies taken out.
    Since I was negative I got to chose between a lumpectomy or the mastectomy.
    Chemo and radation were up to my oncologist, which I have to have both.
    Hope this helped
    Hugs Christine

    BRACA
    I also test negative. But have a second primary breast cancer. Still not sure if I should have another lumpectomy followed by chemo and radiation or a bi masectomy. What ever happen to the time when docs gave their opinions. Instead all I get well it's your choice.
    Any thoughts out there????/

    So confused
    kathy
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #24
    tufi000 said:

    Test your daughters!!!
    My niece got BC at 38 and her mom had gotten it at the same age. They tested her and it turned out positive BUT she had the gene from her DAD!!!!!!! Just sayin'

    Also there is less likelihood that a positive result will negatively affect your insurance as the latest research shows this knowledge provides for more specific treatments to the patient's advantage.

    Mine was negative and my
    Mine was negative and my insurance did pay for it. I hope if you have it Diane that yours will be negative too.


    Hugs, Angie
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #25
    DianeBC said:

    Thanks everyone for your
    Thanks everyone for your posts! I am thinking that I will have it done.


    Hugs to all of you,

    Diane

    Let us know if you do Diane
    Let us know if you do Diane and your results. Praying for negative!


    Hugs, Angie
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #26
    kjrpcb said:

    BRAC testing
    Because of my significant family history of breast CA I wanted the testing. I turned out to be negative so there was no need for my siblings and daughters to be tested. However, although I am technically BRAC negative , the MD feels that my family may be an anomaly
    and want to investigate further. My insurance covered the testing and they are covering all special imaging that they may need for my daughters.

    I was offered this for free,
    I was offered this for free, but, since I have no daughter's, I really didn't want to know. My cancer center includes it in our treatment and they said it was free. Heck, it is probably just hidden in the cost elsewhere. LOL
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #27
    mamolady said:

    yes
    Diane,
    I had the test done because I have 3 generations of BC in the family. Kaiser will only test the person with BC first. I tested negative so they will not test my sister or daughters. Had I tested positive then it would have been a good idea for the other women in the family to get tested if they wanted too. Since they don't have anything to look for, it would be pointless to check.
    It is better to have the person with cancer tested since it won't change anything for them. For family members, it depends on if they will take pro-active action because of the results. My sister is just being very aggressive with screening. My daughter is looking at a mastectomy after she is done having kids. With 3 generations, even with out the gene I think the risk is like 67%. Some people don't really want to know their risk.

    Cindy

    Cindy, so are you saying
    Cindy, so are you saying that if you don't carry the gene, then your sisters and daughter's don't for sure?
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    #28
    mamolady said:

    yes
    Diane,
    I had the test done because I have 3 generations of BC in the family. Kaiser will only test the person with BC first. I tested negative so they will not test my sister or daughters. Had I tested positive then it would have been a good idea for the other women in the family to get tested if they wanted too. Since they don't have anything to look for, it would be pointless to check.
    It is better to have the person with cancer tested since it won't change anything for them. For family members, it depends on if they will take pro-active action because of the results. My sister is just being very aggressive with screening. My daughter is looking at a mastectomy after she is done having kids. With 3 generations, even with out the gene I think the risk is like 67%. Some people don't really want to know their risk.

    Cindy

    .

    .
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #29
    DebbyM said:

    Cindy, so are you saying
    Cindy, so are you saying that if you don't carry the gene, then your sisters and daughter's don't for sure?

    The gene could pass through
    The gene could pass through the father's side, as well. BRCA doesn't only identify breast cancer, it's also a strong precursor to colon, and skin cancers as well. I was told after finding out my positive genetic test result that my brother should have genetic testing as well, not only for his health but also because he has a daughter who might be high risk for bc.
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #30
    DebbyM said:

    .

    .

    I didn't know that Heather.
    I didn't know that Heather. Thanks! You pinks are always full of such good info!
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #31
    Angie2U said:

    I didn't know that Heather.
    I didn't know that Heather. Thanks! You pinks are always full of such good info!

    youre welcome ;)

    youre welcome ;)
  • Noel
    Noel Member Posts: 3,095 Member
    #32
    peanutcat said:

    Bracha
    I've had the test it was neg. My ins co paid for it. If you have it of cource you will be treated. If you appling for health ins.? I'm not sure Life ins you can't get. Yes, that is true you do have to pay out of pocket. I hear it's 3,000.

    Good Luck
    DianeBC Let me know how you make out ok?

    Did you have it done Diane?
    Did you have it done Diane? Do you know your results if you did? I pray that everyone gets negative results!
  • DianeBC
    DianeBC Member Posts: 3,881 Member
    #33
    Noel said:

    Did you have it done Diane?
    Did you have it done Diane? Do you know your results if you did? I pray that everyone gets negative results!

    Yes, I had the test and am
    Yes, I had the test and am just waiting to find out the results. Thanks everyone for all of your great posts! I appreciate it!
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #34
    mupix said:

    I was told medical insurance
    I was told medical insurance cannot hold it against you if you were positive but life insurance can deny you coverage based on that.
    I am waiting for my results to come back , another wewek maybe.

    Life insurance can deny
    Life insurance can deny coverage if you test positive? That's not right. How did your results turn out Mupix?
  • Alexandra
    Alexandra Member Posts: 1,308
    #35
    BRCA1 / 2 testing
    Hello, I am here from Ovarian Cancer board, so pardon my intrusion ladies.

    I had genetic testing done right after I was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer 7 months ago. I met with genetic counsellor and she built a family tree. My test came back positive for BRCA1. Consequently I had my 67-year-old mother tested, she is a 14-year breast cancer survivor. Surprisingly her test came back negative. So I got the gene mutation from my late father. I also had my 18-year-old daughter tested. Her test was negative, thank god. I have no other children and no siblings.

    By the way, if you are of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, you don't need to get tested for the whole panel of mutations, but only for 3 genes, which is significantly faster and cheaper.

    I know that there is a law in the USA that prohibits discrimination by insurance companies based on genetic status. There is no such law in Canada.
    Testing itself in Canada is free, covered by provincial insurance.

    Risk-reducing options for women with confirmed BRCA gene mutations are all covered by insurance after age 25:
    - prophylactic bilateral mastectomy (with or without reconstruction)
    - prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy
    - monitoring with annual mammogram, MRI and breast exams
    - preventative Tamoxifen (only in USA, not in Canada)
  • Metalqueen444
    Metalqueen444 Member Posts: 1
    #36
    Parklady said:

    BRACA
    I also test negative. But have a second primary breast cancer. Still not sure if I should have another lumpectomy followed by chemo and radiation or a bi masectomy. What ever happen to the time when docs gave their opinions. Instead all I get well it's your choice.
    Any thoughts out there????/

    So confused
    kathy

    I, personally, had a
    I, personally, had a bilaterial mastectomy (two tumors in left breast; two lymph nodes positive; nothing in right breast) to be safe. Did NOT want to go through treatment, yet again. I hear of so many woman suffering from reoccurrence.
  • Megan M
    Megan M Member Posts: 3,000
    #37
    tufi000 said:

    Test your daughters!!!
    My niece got BC at 38 and her mom had gotten it at the same age. They tested her and it turned out positive BUT she had the gene from her DAD!!!!!!! Just sayin'

    Also there is less likelihood that a positive result will negatively affect your insurance as the latest research shows this knowledge provides for more specific treatments to the patient's advantage.

    I've not had this test, but
    I've not had this test, but after reading the posts, I am thinking I should?
  • Pink Rose
    Pink Rose Member Posts: 493
    #38
    Heatherbelle said:

    I was tested after i
    I was tested after i completed treatment and am unfortunately BRCA1+. The genetic counselor told me there are laws to protect myself and my daughters regarding this, as far as insurance, employers, etc. It was covered by my insurance that i had - there are certain guidelines which may affect whether or not certain insurance companies will cover it - and before they even do the testing the genetic Dr. will submit your information to the insurance company to see if they will cover it. Things they consider are - age of diagnosis, number of first degree relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer (mom, sister, daughter) and number of 2nd degree relatives (grandma, cousin, aunt). I cant choose to have my daughter's tested - once they turn 18 they can legally get tested if they choose.
    hugs,
    heather

    I haven't had this yet. It

    I haven't had this yet. It has been offered to me and I think I will go ahead and have it. I will check with my insurance first though to see if they will pay for it. Thanks for the info!

  • Gabe N Abby Mom
    Gabe N Abby Mom Member Posts: 2,413
    #39
    I did the test, results were

    I did the test, results were negative.  There was lots of counseling that came with it...would I freak out if it was positive?  what about negative?  Through all that counseling, I decided that the test doesn't really mean anything.

    There are many other possible gene mutations that we don't have tests for.  So it's possible that you carry a gene mutation and still get negative results.  And even if I test negative, there is no guarantee that my daughter will not get cancer.  On the other side, just because you test positive, doesn't necessarily mean that your daughter/mother/sister will get BC or one of the other cancers.  Yes, the likelyhood is higher, but it's not guaranteed.  It's a game of roulette.

    Hugs,

    Linda

  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    #40
    Gabe N Abby Mom said:

    I did the test, results were

    I did the test, results were negative.  There was lots of counseling that came with it...would I freak out if it was positive?  what about negative?  Through all that counseling, I decided that the test doesn't really mean anything.

    There are many other possible gene mutations that we don't have tests for.  So it's possible that you carry a gene mutation and still get negative results.  And even if I test negative, there is no guarantee that my daughter will not get cancer.  On the other side, just because you test positive, doesn't necessarily mean that your daughter/mother/sister will get BC or one of the other cancers.  Yes, the likelyhood is higher, but it's not guaranteed.  It's a game of roulette.

    Hugs,

    Linda

    I am glad your results were

    I am glad your results were negative Linda and thanks for all of the other info.

     

    Sue :)

  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #41
    Megan M said:

    I've not had this test, but
    I've not had this test, but after reading the posts, I am thinking I should?

    Megan, I think if you want

    Megan, I think if you want to, you should.  Check with your insurance first though, to see if they will pay for it. 

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