Genetic Testing-Any Experience With This?

Hi! I just found this site-so if I am posting something that has already been addressed, please forgive me. I have not read through all of the various messages as of yet. Just point me in the right direction-and I'll look there. :-)

Here's a "little" background on myself. I am a 32 (soon to be 33) year old mother of 2 little boys (ages 2 and 4). I have just celebrated my 1 year anniversary of surviving Granulosa Cell Carcinoma as of Jan 21st, 2007. I was diagnosed after my 6 inch tumor ruptured and I lost 2 liters of blood. We believe that a fall down some stairs that I had experienced in the early morning hours of my diagnosis is what actually saved my life. We think that the jarring motion from the fall actually ruptured the tumor. Who knew that falling down 10 stairs was a good thing? LOL I had no symptoms prior to that day that anything was wrong.

In fact, prior to that-I had no gynelogical problems except for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and an unrelated ruptured ectopic pregnancy 5 years earlier. The ectopic did not harm either ovary or tube-so I was lucky and able to keep both sets. I did not undergo chemo upon my diagnosis even though it was offered to me. My oncologist said that there has been no data to support (or dismiss) it's affect on preventing Granulosa from returning. Being a single mother and sole bread winner-I didn't feel like chemo was the right decision for me. I have had repeat CT scans and bloodwork that have all returned unremarkable.

My mother will celebrate her 3rd anniversary of surviving Breast Cancer this March. I understand that there is a very serious genetic link between both cancers. One of my surgeons is strongly encouraging me to have a double mastectomy as a way to prevent Breast Cancer from occurring with me. So, far I have refused-simply because that is not the right answer for me at this time is my life. I am to be married in July and we are trying to conceive another child. So, I'm just not ready for such a dramatic step.

On a side note-my mother is also a Uterine and Cervical cancer survivor (for over 20 years). My grandmother and great grandmother also survived Uterine Cancer. So-yes I undergo yearly pap smears and mammograms in addition to my 6 month check-ups with my oncologist because of my family history.

This same surgeon has also suggested genetic testing to try to assess my risk of developing Breast CA. Has anyone undergone such testing? Are there any experiences or information that you'd be willing to share with me? While I appreciate and applaud the advances that the researchers are making-I'm hesitant to undergo the testing. So, any advice or information is greatly appreciated. Thanks for letting me ramble and eventually get to my question. LOL

God bless and God keep you all.

Thanks,

Lara

Hi Lara,

I have undergone the genetic testing  (BRAC Analysis) to determine if  the ovarian cancer I have was heredity or not considering I too had several in my family with various cancers, breast, prostate, cervical, ovarian, my sisters, brothers, mother and grandmother.  

Here is what took place to do this. 

IPersonal & family history- I  met with my Oncologist to provide  personal information about my family which was provided to the Insurance company to determine if Insurance would cover the DNA testing.  With all the cancers in my immediate family, the insurance did pay for this. 

This personal  and family history plus a blood test was sent for this testing.  I received the results about 6-weeks later.  To my surprise, it was not hereditary. There were no mutations or alterations detected in either the BRAC1 or BRAC2 gene. 

This knowledge  reduces some of the risk but doesn't rule it out. 

I hope this helps. 

God bless you.

cathy3  

That does indeed help. Thank you for sharing. :-)

Blessings,

 Lara

conti'd from cathy3..

here is a website you can read and gain more info., plus of course consult with you Dr.

www.myriadtests.com

Best of luck

Hi Lara,

I know your message is an old one, but I just stumbled upon it. I was wondering if you had the testing and what the outcome was. I am scheduled for testing in a few weeks. My mother had 5 cancers ( including breast and uterine) and a cousin just died from ovarian cancer. I am 52 and was just borderline for melanoma. I also have PCOS and took fertility drugs and hormones (have one son). My other risk factor is my Jewish heritage and a total of 8 family members with various forms of cancer. I am really nervous about this. I don't want to get my breasts removed, but would consider a hysterectomy or medication. Would like to hear more from you.