[weezie1053]

Dorinda,

I have a daughter and three older sisters; therefore, I very much wanted to have the genetic testing--for their sakes as much as for my own mental health and well being. I was very skeptical as to whether the insurance company would pay for my testing; however, it did. My oncologist first made the referral to the genetic counselor. In my instance, the counselor first abstracted my blood, and I had to complete a very detailed family history. The counselor then sent the bloodwork to Myriad who contacted my insurance company for the pre-authorization. I was almost dumbfounded when the insurance carrier approved it. Myriad already had the bloodwork for the DNA testing, and I had the results in a matter of weeks.

My maternal grandmother had BC; however, she died of complications from melanoma which waved two red flags. I also have a brother who survived Prostrate Cancer in his mid-50's which was the third red flag. My mother died of Leukimia at age 57; however, no red flag. My father died at 85 of colon cancer; however, again no red flag for a genetic mutation for the BRACA genes.

I learned a lot from the genetic counselor. I tested negative for both of the BRACA genes, however, I was dx'd as high risk for recurrence due to family history and my own history of BC which will help pave the way with my ins carrier for aggressive and more frequent screenings (MRI's, etc.).

I would highly recommend a session with a genetics counselor. If you don't mind abstracting blood, they can submit for pre-authorization with your carrier. If they deny it, then the decision will be yours as to whether or not you want to pay it out of pocket. Once I had the green light, I was in the "go" position. Good luck with your decision!

Louise