Advice for Daughter of OVCA

amyd1
amyd1 Member Posts: 6
in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hi Ladies. My mother was diagnosed with OVCA in January of this year. Next week I'm going to my first annual gynecologic exam since her diagnosis. I'm 38 and I'm just wondering if I should ask for additional tests - CA125, vaginal ultrasound? Also, was wondering about being tested for the BRC1 (?) gene? I wonder if this would be something insurance would cover? Thank you for your advice!

Amy

Comments

  • Tethys41
    Tethys41 Member Posts: 1,382 Member
    #2
    Tests
    I had heard, before my diagnosis, that women should have a CA-125 run annually. I was following this practice, even though I had to fight for it sometimes. Unfortunately the timing of my disease fell just short of a year after my last annual exam, so the CA-125 monitoring did not catch it. But, I do think it is good advice to insist on this test annually. You would have to ask your insurer about whether insurance would cover a BRCA test. It probably will, based on your mom's diagnosis. The question to ask yourself is, if you have the BRCA test done, and it comes back positive, will you take any pre-emptive measures to avoid the potential cancers, or will it just be a source of stress for you. Often, they recommend genetic counseling if you opt for the test.
    I had the test after my diagnosis and found that I am BRCA1 positive. One thing I did, based on the fact the my mother had breast cancer, is purchase an AFLAC cancer insurance policy back in 1997. It has always had a very reasonable premium, and I would get some reimbursed every year I had some sort of monitoring done, like a pap or mammogram. It really paid off after my diagnosis and was well worth the small investment.
  • AnneBehymer
    AnneBehymer Member Posts: 738 Member
    #3
    I have been told the
    I have been told the insurance will not pay for the ca125 unless there is a fear that you might have cancer. With you mom having ovarian cancer you might be able to get it. Call your insurance as and them. As for the BRC1 and BRC2 yes you should get it because if you do have the mutation of those genes that will have to treat your cancer diffently I know you don't have cancer but it is worth finding out and at any age. I am 45 with stage four ovarian cancer I was told by many doctor thar I was young for having this kind of cancer that average age is 65 so we are never to young to get tested. I hope your mom is doing well.

    Anne
  • lulu1010
    lulu1010 Member Posts: 367
    #4
    AnneBehymer said:

    I have been told the
    I have been told the insurance will not pay for the ca125 unless there is a fear that you might have cancer. With you mom having ovarian cancer you might be able to get it. Call your insurance as and them. As for the BRC1 and BRC2 yes you should get it because if you do have the mutation of those genes that will have to treat your cancer diffently I know you don't have cancer but it is worth finding out and at any age. I am 45 with stage four ovarian cancer I was told by many doctor thar I was young for having this kind of cancer that average age is 65 so we are never to young to get tested. I hope your mom is doing well.

    Anne

    genetic testing
    If you are interested in life insurance or disability insurance be sure it is in place before you get tested. If you are positive, you may not be able to purchase these types of insurance. But, yes, it is very important to know if you have this mutation.

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