breast cancer patient advised to undergo genetic testing

My wife's oncologist has advised her to undergo genetic testing so he can be more decisive in partial versus full mastectomy.  He also consider it as needful in consideration of ovarian removal.  Is this standard procedure?  Could any patients who have undergone the testing please advise.  If you payed "out of pocket". Could you give us the cost of this test. Thanks for any info.

I was also advised to have genetic testing.  I decided against it because I had already had a partial mastectomy and I would not have gone back and had a bi-lateral mastectomy if it came back positive.  I was finally healing from the first surgery and I wasn't going under the knife again especially when they will be monitoring me so closely anyway. I am 58 years old and my female relatives are already at higher risk.  The doc said they would be able to get more testing 10 years prior to my diagnosis.  That would put them at 48 and they are able to get the testing done routinely at 40. I was advised I have my overies removed (which I am doing).  From what I was told, ovary removal does not require genetic testing if a woman has breast cancer because there is a link between the two types of cancer.  I was told that the cost is $3,000 and is often covered by insurance.  I would have paid $450 when the blood was taken and they would check with my insurance company.  If they didn't cover it I would be responisble for the full amount.  If they covered it, I would not be refunded the $450.  It takes 2 weeks to get the test results. I don't know if they all work that way.  Ask your doc for a packet of information on genetic testing.  It comes with a CD with women talking about why they opted for the test.  That may help with your decision.

I hope that helps.

Roseann

I was diagnosed with breast cancer January 2008; had biopsy and lumpectomy.  Subsequently we did the genetic testing, which I did mainly for my daughters.  I have strong cancer tendencies in my family.  Both of my sisters, who are younger than I have died from cancer.  I thought I was going to be the lucky one, but no such thing. I am glad I did the testing as it showed me I did not carry the gene and therefore, my daughters did not have it either.  I did not have it because of mastectomy. 

As far as insurance paying for it.  I have two insurances.  One of them paid and the other one did not.  Ask your genetic testing people to verify coverage before you do the testing and get the name of the individual who tells you what that coverage is prior to doing the testing.

 Good luck. 

I am a 17.5 year breast cancer survivor. I also went through genetic counseling testing for BRACA upon recommendations of my MD. I don't remember the cost. However, I will tell you that my gynechologist told me that because I am estrogen receptor positive, if I had the breast cancer gene, it would be recommended for me to have my ovaries removed. Interestingly, I did not have the gene, even though I had breast cancer so I did not undergo the surgery.

I certainly would recommend all breast cancer patients to have their ovaries removed.  If I had done that 12 years ago, I would not have ovarian/peritoneal cancer now.  Once you get ovarian, its surgery, chemo, and after that there are few options but chemo forever in order to keep it from spreading further.

A Teal Warrier as well as Pink Warrier

Gayle

I had breast cancer in both breasts in 2007, and had several tumors in each breast, so my only option was to have bilateral mastectomies. My oncologist strongly recommended that I had genetic testing, which I did. My insurance covered the bill, which was about 3,000, and the results came back in 2 weeks. I tested negative for the genes so my oncologist stated that I did not need to have my ovaries removed. I wish you and your wife the best, and I keep you in my prayers.

It's interesting that your doctor said that because you tested negative you did not need to have your ovaries out.  My doc recommends it to any postmenapausal woman with breast cancer because she said there is a link between the two.  My sister was advised to have her ovaries out based on our family history and she has not had genetic testing.  I'm planning to have mine removed after my radiation is finished in Aug.  I figure it is better to be safe than sorry so I decided to take her advise although no one in my family has had ovarian cancer.

Roseann

Roseann, thank you so much for replying. My only guess is that different doctors approach the removal of ovaries differently, depending on family history, type of breast cancer, and results of genetic testing. I was advised by my oncologist, the geneticist, and two additional consulting oncologists from one of the Mayo Clinics in Florida that my chances of getting ovarian cancer would be the same as any other woman without breast cancer. Of course, the ultimate decision of getting the surgery or not was mine. By all means, you should do what will give you peace of mind and better quality of life. It is very scary to live our days thingking about if and when the monster will return. I wish you the best, and keep you in my prayers.

Monica

 

Hi, It was suggested by my oncologist that I have this test done. My insurance would cover some of it, but my part would be $1,000.00. Since I had so many other medical bills, i decided not to have it done. I asked the nurse if it would help me in any way, and she said no, but it would help your daughters. Since cancer is an issue in my family, I think it's a no brainer that they are at a higher risk than some others. It's ridiculous that they charge so much for a test. they should accept what the insurance pays and be happy.