So my regular Gyn doctor called yesterday to check in on me. I pride myself in having great relationships with my doctors, but some phrases you never want to hear are, So how are you feeling about all this? and Im really sorry. Obviously I understand that she was being compassionate and for that I am totally thankful, but when youre trying to maintain your composure, questions like that are almost an invitation to lose it! We talked for a little bit about the fact that Im scheduled for my biopsy next Monday--she seemed really pleased that its happening so quickly (umm, yeah, me too) and then she asked me if I was adverse to being testing for the BRCA gene mutation. Ive been trying for 10 years to get the test. My Mom and Grandma both had breast cancer, but until recently, insurance companies wouldnt cover the cost of the test UNLESS you had cancer or had certain identifying risk factors. I personally think thats stupid, I mean, shouldnt it be automatic? The dentist offers us sealants to prevent cavities, the pediatrician offers routine vaccinations against childhood disease, the OBGyn offers the #Gardasil vaccine to prevent certain forms of cervical cancer, shouldnt the #BRCA1 and #BRCA2 test be available to all women? As it turns out the answer to that is NO. Only 5% of the general population carries a mutation on the BRCA gene. Thats right. EVERYONE has a BRCA gene (both men and women can carry it). A problem only occurs when there is a mutation on that gene (either BRCA1 or BRCA2). Having a BRCA mutation increases the risk of cancer by 50 to 85 percent, but it doesnt mean you WILL get cancer. I looked into paying out of pocket once...$2,000 cash pay to get the test. I opted instead for yearly mammograms and a meeting with a genetic counselor to outline my risks of getting breast cancer. Understanding your risk and prevention arent always the same thing. So today Im going to the Gyns office to spit in a cup. (I didnt even know you could do it that way). So no gum, no water, no food by mouth for at least an hour before. Good thing Im going to the gym this morning to get in some HIIT training. Ive got enough nervous energy to run to China! Not sure how long it will take before THOSE result come back...but I read online it can take up to 4 weeks? (I wont be blogging about THAT for 4 weeks, thats for sure)! Anyway, Ill cross that bridge when I get to it. Keeping my brain busy today by having lunch with my daughter after giving a saliva sample and maybe trying to squeeze in a pedicure. xo Trish
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 13:00:00 +0000