Genetic testing for Cancer - Page 2

JuicyLucy · October 19th, 2009, 02:11 PM

I heard somewhere that you have to request it. If it's just a simple blood test why don't they check for it automatically when you go for a physical?

fgg · October 19th, 2009, 02:20 PM

even though it is a blood test, i'm sure it is very expensive. plus, insurance companies don't want to pay for tests unless they are absolutely necessary and even then they bitch about it.

good luck to all of you in this thread.

JuicyLucy · October 19th, 2009, 02:22 PM

I'm Canadian so it's free. Yay!

But it's still super difficult to get any kind of special or what they think is unnecessary testing.
I went in because I thought/think I have a stomach ulcer and they just did a couple of blood tests and that's it. I said I was scared about stomach cancer and my doctor told me i'm too young to be worried about anything like that. Hello, people in their early twenties get stomach cancer?

LynnieD · October 19th, 2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuicyLucy

I heard somewhere that you have to request it. If it's just a simple blood test why don't they check for it automatically when you go for a physical?

It's an elective test---not something everyone wants to know, so no, its never done routinely. You have to go to your doctor and they will either do the blood draw at the office, or you go to the lab w/the necessary paperwork. You cannot just walk in and say hey, I want genetic testing!

And yes, its very expensive. My doctor said that its about $4000.00 which is a hell of a blood test. But I think my insurance covers it (the lab is actually going to do all of that and if I owe over $375.00 they will call me BEFORE they run the test to see if I still want to do it). Some insurance plans do not cover any kind of genetic testing. Just depends.

McJag · October 19th, 2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fgg

even though it is a blood test, i'm sure it is very expensive. plus, insurance companies don't want to pay for tests unless they are absolutely necessary and even then they bitch about it.

good luck to all of you in this thread.

If you have a stong family history there is not a problem.

Lynnie! Good for you! Also-all of you: NBC news said a recent study proved if women take two asprin a WEEK-repeat-2 a week-it reduces your chances of breast cancer 20% by interferring with hormones. They also said avoid soy,which produces more hormones & dairy products.

LynnieD · October 19th, 2009, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McJag

They also said avoid soy,which produces more hormones & dairy products.

You know, soy was like the second coming of Christ 10-15 yrs ago, now we hear that its not good due to the interference w/hormones. It's so confusing! I love tofu, and have it maybe once a week, but I keep it in check because its allegedly not good for you now. UGH!

JuicyLucy · October 19th, 2009, 02:32 PM

Can cancer just be cured already? Like seriously. What an ugly disease. My sister in law has a friend who's two year old daughter was sent home to basically just 'pass away' from brain cancer. Nothing's worked. Noone, but especially not babies or children should have to suffer from this.

McJag · October 19th, 2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynnieD

You know, soy was like the second coming of Christ 10-15 yrs ago, now we hear that its not good due to the interference w/hormones. It's so confusing! I love tofu, and have it maybe once a week, but I keep it in check because its allegedly not good for you now. UGH!

Look at it this way: after menopause, you can go hog wild!

Nightdragon · October 20th, 2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynnieD

Well, I'm bumping this one, sorry!

Just went to the GYN today and am myself being tested genetically for the Breast Cancer gene. My mother was diagnosed in her early 40's, died at 50. I will be 40 in December.....

I will be getting a digital Mammo this coming week, and depending on the Genetic testing results and the digital mammo results---might go on for an MRI (which I have wanted for a few years now--I have the most dense, thick boobs you have ever seen and regular mammos just don't even penetrate them seriously).

I hadn't really gone in today thinking about this, but they mentioned it, and it is a quick blood test thing, so did it. I guess it is better to be armed w/the info and take it from there.

I am assuming I have it, so won't be completely destroyed if/when I am told that, but I'm sure I'll be pretty weirded out. Dunno. Will see I guess.

Keep your fingers crossed!

Good Luck !!!!

LynnieD · October 22nd, 2009, 06:45 PM

Just got a call from the Lab. Thought they were calling to tell me my insurance had denied the claim and ask me if I still wanted to do the testing.....it's like 3-4 grand....that's a lot of cake!

BUT---they just needed some basic info from me and said that my insurance covered it 100% (they already spoke to them) and I'd have the results soon.

Thanks Nightdragon!

msdeb · October 22nd, 2009, 07:25 PM

K Lynnie bump this with news

LynnieD · October 30th, 2009, 02:16 PM

Well....nothing yet on the genetic testing (I go back on Nov 13th for those test results) but had my Mammo today. Probably wrong thread to put in, so sorry if it is..

Anyway, had my first 'Digital' Mammo....apparently Syracuse is fucking way behind on technology, as I have been wanting one since I had heard of them. As I have said numerous times previously, I have such dense boobs that regular 'film' mammo's just don't get through...thought today, with the digital, that would take care of that situation. NOPE. After several shots, different angles and 're-do's', they just took what they had and ran with it. Only.....now I have to go for an MRI. WHICH IS NOT A BAD THING! Just hoping my insurance pays for it....

So, waiting for the phone call to tell me when that appt is, and go from there.

msdeb · October 30th, 2009, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynnieD

Well....nothing yet on the genetic testing (I go back on Nov 13th for those test results) but had my Mammo today. Probably wrong thread to put in, so sorry if it is..

Anyway, had my first 'Digital' Mammo....apparently Syracuse is fucking way behind on technology, as I have been wanting one since I had heard of them. As I have said numerous times previously, I have such dense boobs that regular 'film' mammo's just don't get through...thought today, with the digital, that would take care of that situation. NOPE. After several shots, different angles and 're-do's', they just took what they had and ran with it. Only.....now I have to go for an MRI. WHICH IS NOT A BAD THING! Just hoping my insurance pays for it....

So, waiting for the phone call to tell me when that appt is, and go from there.

i have dense boobs too. I had my first digital mammo 2 months ago, and OMG what a difference. Read it right there in front of me within 15 minutes. k, Lynnie keep us updated.

LynnieD · November 13th, 2009, 10:51 AM

Well, just got my Genetic test results back for both Breast and Ovarian Cancer (didn't know it also included Ovarian, but hey-win!) and I do NOT have the gene mutation for either.

I won't even lie, I was shocked---just assumed I had it you know? So, good news!

Obviously, still have to keep up w/regular testings and I am still being referred for an MRI, but at least this is one thing I do not have to wonder/worry about.

Thanks everyone for positive thoughts!

Karistiona · November 13th, 2009, 06:42 PM

Wooo Lynnie fantastic news! That must be quite a weight off your mind.