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Colleen007 · 08-31-2006, 08:59 AM

I had genetic testing done due to my age at diagnosis (38) and was negative for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. I was almost hoping they'd be positive so that at least I'd have an explanation as to how I got cancer. Like you, I was already planning in my mind that if either came back positive, I'd have my ovaries removed and have a double mastectomy. Now, I am glad that they came back negative as I have an infant at home (as well as a 6 year old), and would not have wanted to have to worry about taking care of them and recovering from surgery at the same time.

Since I am a new member (and this is my very first post!), I'm not sure what the rules are for posting internet URL's, but if you go to the Nat'l Institute of Health website (which I'm sure you can find using any search engine), and search the site for "breast cancer genetic testing", they have quite a bit of info that you can read to find out more.

08-31-2006, 08:59 AM	#3
Colleen007 Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Franklin, MA Posts: 131	I had genetic testing done due to my age at diagnosis (38) and was negative for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. I was almost hoping they'd be positive so that at least I'd have an explanation as to how I got cancer. Like you, I was already planning in my mind that if either came back positive, I'd have my ovaries removed and have a double mastectomy. Now, I am glad that they came back negative as I have an infant at home (as well as a 6 year old), and would not have wanted to have to worry about taking care of them and recovering from surgery at the same time. Since I am a new member (and this is my very first post!), I'm not sure what the rules are for posting internet URL's, but if you go to the Nat'l Institute of Health website (which I'm sure you can find using any search engine), and search the site for "breast cancer genetic testing", they have quite a bit of info that you can read to find out more. __________________ Diagnosed 10-03-2005 (34 wks pregnant, 38 yrs old) Lumpectomy Nov-2005. 10/18 Lymph Nodes impacted Mets to liver, spine & femurs (thus being stage IV right from the get-go) ER-, PR-, HER2+ Taxol/Herceptin/Zometa started Dec-2005. 11 cycles of Taxol. Sept-2006: PET/CT scan of mets to liver, spine and femurs - Stable. Activity in R breast & mediastinum (not seen in prior scans). Navelbine (3 wks on/1 wk off) as of Oct--2006 & continued Herceptin (every 3 wks) & Zometa (every 6 wks) Jan-2007: PET/CT Scan - Stable. Continued Nav. through March-2007, then Herc./Zom. only after that. June-2007: PET/CT Scan - activity in mediastinum. Back on Navelbine as of July-2007. Scanned Quarterly since Oct-2007 - a few small scares, but otherwise stable due to continuing weekly Navelbine, Herceptin and Quarterly Zometa.