[weezie1053]

Kriss, I am still a newby to this website although my one year anniversary of my surgery is next month. I posted a thread a couple of weeks ago about genetic counseling. I was fortunate in that there is a genetic counselor in the same office at the University hospital (UVA) where I am treated. I decided to meet with the genetic counselor. Although I thought I knew a lot about my family history, I was actually pretty ignorant. I had to complete a detailed history of my family which meant numerous phone calls to family members including cousins, an uncle, etc. Although I tested negative for the BRCA genes, the dx was that I am "high risk" for recurrence due to a brother's prostate cancer, Grandmother's BC, my BC, etc. It was a good learning exercise, and they provide you with a wealth of information. Additionally, I "assumed" my health insurance was going to deny the testing; however, they authorized it. They submit the DNA to Myriad Laboratories, and they submit to your ins carrier for pre-authorization. This way, you can make the decision if you want to proceed with the testing or not based if your insurance denies the expense. I also believe the dx of "high risk" will ensure that my health ins pays for more frequent and aggressive screening.

...just my 2 cents.

Louise