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Old 07-20-2012, 12:41 PM   #5
rhondalea
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Somerset, NJ
Posts: 487
Re: Drug for chemo brain

Hi Cathy,

Yes, I did have genetic testing done. 23andMe used to offer a tempting discount on DNA Day, and I was curious, so I sent away for my test tube. I also had my adult daughter tested, which made the results even more interesting. I believe the current cost is a flat rate is $299.

I do use it to help me choose the supplements I need to compensate for genetic shortfalls, although that wasn't part of my plan when I ordered the kit.

23andMe does offer a certain amount of information about diseases, conditions and traits, but I've found it to be limited. For example, it led me to believe that I have a lower risk of breast cancer than the average woman. You can imagine my surprise when my gynecologist found the lump.

To compensate for 23andMe's reporting deficiency, I use my raw data file with SNPedia's Promethease. I'm also registered on sites like opensnp.org (where I've uploaded my raw data file for public use and viewing), and I spend a lot of time rooting around in obscure gene databases. As it turns out, although I'm BRCA1 and 2 negative, I have other genes to indicate I'm at higher risk.

As to Val158Met, there's a ton of information, including the factoid about modafinil, on SNPedia:

http://snpedia.com/index.php/Rs4680
__________________

2/6/09 Core needle biopsy: negative; Mammos through 2010: no change
3/30/11 Pea-sized lump in left breast at site of prior biopsy; mammo negative, sonogram not so much
4/14/11 Core needle biopsy: negative for cancer
5/18/11 Excisional biopsy 1.2 cm tumor, LVI, positive margin; ER+60%,PR+20%,HER2/CEP17 5
6/15/11 BMX: Left DCIS & LH; Right ADH; SNB: 2/3 nodes: 1.4 cm and 1 mm; ALND L1&2: 0/10; Stage IIa, Grade 3
7/14/11 CT/Bone scans NED; MUGA 66%
7/19/11 Biweekly dd AC w/Neulasta; done 8/30/11
9/13/11 Transfusion (Hemoglobin 8.6); MUGA 64%
9/20/11 Start Taxol + Herceptin; Taxol done 12/6/2011; continue Herceptin until 9/4/2012
12/27/11 Radiation - 6 weeks; 2/27/2012 - DONE! Yayyyy!
2/29/12 Start Tamoxifen 20 mg/day; continue until 2/28/17
5/16/12 Start five-years Metformin trial
6/19/12 MUGA 61%
8/21/12 Brain MRI NED (head still hurts, brain still fogged)
9/4/12 Herceptin done!
9/6/12 Port out!
7/11/13 Aricept 5mg for cognitive impairment; increased to 10mg as of 8/23/13; back to 5mg 12/2013
5/2014 Add Namenda 7mg
9/2014 Stop Aricept and Namenda; Neuropsychological evaluation
10/24/14 Start cognitive rehabilitation therapy
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