It’s all in the genes…or is it?

Yesterday I had a call from a Genetics Councillor at the Hereditary Cancer Program at the BC Cancer Agency. Some of you might remember that I had been in touch with them in late 2009 to see about getting tested for the BRCA1 & BRCA2 gene mutations. With my mom, her mom, and her cousin having had breast cancer, it seemed like a good thing to look into to see if I was eligible to help with screening and prevention measures.

January 2010, my Granny helped out my pursuit and went and gave her blood sample to be tested to see if they could find any mutation in her sample. Those results came back this year, (ironically, I received them in the waiting room for my first doctor’s visit to see about this 'lump') and it was found that my Granny had no mutations in her genes. This likely means that I don’t either.

Or do I? Well, that’s the decision I now have to make: should I get tested to see if I have this gene mutation? There is a small chance that my mom had it passed down from her dad, or that my dad has it and passed it along…however, the chance of me having it is still very small.

Going for this test is a weird decision. They said they would rush me so my results could be in by mid-August, as it might affect the way I choose to do surgery treatment. If I do have the mutation, it means my risk of a 2^nd cancer episode are higher also that my chances of getting ovarian cancer are higher.

Also means that insurance companies could turn me down for a variety of insurance policies…although, the Genetics Councillor told me that “a cancer diagnosis trumps gene testing”, so it’s unlikely I will get the coverage anyways.

What would I do with this information if I knew? Would I get a double-mastectomy “just in case”? Remove the ol’ ovaries to make sure they don’t get ‘sick’? Or nothing – and simply continue on and screen for cancers like I normally would? How would this affect my brothers (if I do have it, do they have it?)?, My dad? And honestly, why, when I should be making this decision, do I start thinking about something normal like “wonder if we will get in to Sturg to watch the game tonight”? ;)

Something to ponder over the next few days. Next up - a consultation with the Radiation Oncologist.

Remember to cheer loudly for the Canucks tonight!