Does anyone have the BRACA 1 or 2 gene?

[eileen]

Even though I tested NEGATIVE twice for these genes I was told by my genetic counselor at Memorial Sloan that I did in fact have the braca gene because of my very strong family history of breast cancer, my own ovarian cancer in 1998 & my diagnosis of breast cancer in 2004. The counselor told me that the test was not sophisticated enough to pick up the gene but he was sure that I had it.

I feel as though I am a walking time-bomb because of my genetic makeup, being HER2+, stage 3 and having 7 positive lymph nodes. I've been told that having a mastectomy would not prevent my cancer from spreading or coming back. Since the counselor told me that I had the braca gene my anxiety level has accelerated.

I was wondering if anyone out there was in a similar situation and how you were coping. I finished all my treatments in 2005 & so far there is no sign of cancer but I'm terrified that the other shoe will drop sooner or later.