Genetic testing...would you do it...

[DisneyDreamer8]

We now have a history of ovarian cancer in my family. My grandmother died from it in 96 and my aunt (her daughter) was diagnosed last month. There are two more girls from my grandmother, the youngest had her ovaries removed but my mom still has her's. With all this happening my mom when to a new OB-GYN last week and she said there is a new genetic test that can locate the gene for breast and ovarian cancer. If you have the gene you will most likely develop one or both of these cancers. She is recommending the test for my mother but here is a catch...the test costs $3000!! The Dr. said she has been succesfull in the past with getting insurance to pay if she can show enough cause and family history.

So would you get the test done or not? Would you want to know?

My sister and I will have to deal with this as well at some point so I would like some Diser's opinions.

Thanks in advace

 

[mrsltg]

I would definitely do it. Knowledge is power! Especially in this case with the family history, I'd want to know.

Erin

 

[txSleepingBeauty]

I would want to know, but I would want to make sure that the results didn't come back to hurt me- i.e. insurance companies finding out and calling it a preexisting condition and denying coverage....

 

[Maleficent13]

Originally posted by txSleepingBeauty
I would want to know, but I would want to make sure that the results didn't come back to hurt me- i.e. insurance companies finding out and calling it a preexisting condition and denying coverage....

That is an excellent point, and one I hadn't even thought of when I went to respond. I agree with you.

 

[mickeyboat]

I agree with txSleepingBeauty - At first I'd say I'd want to know. But what someone could do with that information, is a bit scary and uncertain at this point.

If she found she had the gene, would your mom consider a hysterectomy as a preventative measure? If not, the family history is enough to cause her doctor to monitor her closely, what else could they do?

Denae

 

[DisneyDreamer8]

Originally posted by mickeyboat
I agree with txSleepingBeauty - At first I'd say I'd want to know. But what someone could do with that information, is a bit scary and uncertain at this point.

If she found she had the gene, would your mom consider a hysterectomy as a preventative measure? If not, the family history is enough to cause her doctor to monitor her closely, what else could they do?

Denae

She has a partial back in 86 (that was when they would not take the ovaries) so if it came back positive she would have them removed ASAP. Then they would start doing a specific blood test every year and keep up on her mamograms. But if it were genetic then they can try gene therapy as a treatment when she developes the cancer.

As for the genetic information...that is was is scary to me...I don't know that I want my genetic information out there.

Thanks for your input mrsltg, Maleficent13, txSleepingBeauty and mickeyboat

 

[TheOtherVillainess]

Definately! And if you can get insurance to foot the bill, so much the better. I might actually do some research and see what I can come up with and then call my OB/GYN to see what she says about it. ESP if she can convince insurance to pay for it, what with my family history of breast cancer and all. My mother had it, her sister and mother have all had it. Aunt J (mom's Dsis)had a radical double mastectomy because of it. I know that due to those three women having it all right in a row, I'm probably pretty likely to get it eventually.

TOV

 

[Cruise04]

I have been going back and forth on this very item for the last 18 months when I first talked to my GYN about it. I have a very high risk for cancer in my family:

Both sides colon cancer
Breast cancer in my mom and my mom's cousin and cysts on both sides (my moms developed into tumors)
Lung cancer on both sides
Possible ovarian cancer AND breast cancer in my maternal grandmother (autopsy was not done so they couldn't say for sure)

I think I haven't gone through with it because I'm scared. I'm not sure if I'm more scared of finding out I have the gene or more scared of night finding out and it being too late to help. I do know that if the gene is found, they can begin medications that can help to stop, or at least help with the disease developing in your body (I'm not totally sure how it works). I've also heard that some insurance companies are reluctant in covering for the test - because if the findings are positive, they consider that a high risk and then don't want to cover you (or a pre-existing condition if you should happen to change insurance companies) but then some consider it as a preventative measure and cover that and the drugs, if needed.

It's a rock and hard place issue. The other part of me wants to know for my daughter....

 

[Chris2597]

I have also been told that I should have genetic testing because of my dads colon cancer....My gyn said the only problem with genetic testing right now is that there are no laws that govern it and if the information was somehow made available to insurance co....or employers it could pose a risk for employment and/or coverage..She said that there will be future laws that will protect patients from the results of genetic testing to preclude discrimination.....so far I am opting for careful screening for colon cancer....I had a colonoscopy when I was 43.....everything was clear and have been advised to have another in 5 years....but I am opting to be seen again in 3....

 

[txSleepingBeauty]

but keep in mind with insurance--as long as you keep it up (that is never let your policy go lax) they have to cover you. So if worse comes to worst and you do have the gene, your insurance can't just drop you, but you have to make sure that you KEEP that policy. This means that if insurance is through job and you lose job you have to COBRa your insurance....I would try to always make sure I'm under a spouses insurance too that way if something does happen you're covered....

at least I think this is how the system works...I just had this converasation with my mom (who's HIV +) to see what would happen if she got fired...( which would never happen, it's the company's fault but that's a whole nother story)

 

[Cruise04]

This means that if insurance is through job and you lose job you have to COBRa your insurance

And that's not always easy when you lose your job and your pay. As well as a lot of COBRA insurances run out after 18 months, or the ones that I've had experience with and they weren't just mine - it was my mom's as well.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Absolutely. If you knew there was a family history, the earlier you detect it, the better you are.

 

[swilphil]

I'm in the minority. I wouldn't get the test done at this time. Definitely take all of the other preventative measures, but you can always take the test later on. Maybe there will be more regulations about what people can do with that info. I just don't trust the insurance companies.

 

[Microcell]

I don't see any reason to do it. You would have to be closely monitored either way.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have to agree with Microcell. I would just assume that I may get it. So plan accordingly.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

I probably should do this, but I'm afraid! My dad has heart disease, get this my 33 yr. old brother just had a mild heart attack two weeks ago! I've been really depressed about it.

My aunt and grandmother had breast cancer, and my mom has diabetes.

People wonder why I'm such a health nut! I want to stave off illness for as long as I can.

 

[Kaybee]

I would do it. My best friend just lost her sister to ovarian cancer at the young age of 32. She left behind 3 little children. It is so sad to watch your loved one die of ovarian cancer. There is nothing you can do when it is out of control. If there was a chance you could find the gene ahead of time and keep yourself from getting CA I would in a heartbeat!! The watch and observe method sometimes lets cancer slip by undectected until it is too late!!