Just an update from my previous post. Today I met with a genetic counselor. I am a candidate for this test based on the type of cancer I had and family history. I will be waiting to make sure my insurance covers most of it. Once they do the blood test, it takes 2-3 weeks to get the results. If you end up having the gene, it will have a special maker. EXAMPLE: I have BRCA1 gene with a lowercase T. Once you know this information, your family can have a test looking for just this mutated gene and the cost is 1/6 of the original cost.

I would always recommend at least talking with a genetic counselor to see if this test is something worthwhile for you.

I would It can help you decide to be more aggressive ot not. If you have the mutation, it will probably come back without a bilateral mastectomy whereas if you do not have the mutation there are more options.

I also was a candidate and had the testing done. There is certain criteria you have to meet in order for the insurance companies to pay. It is a blood test and takes no time at all.

I was this first in my family and mine was a triple negative cancer, but I had the gene test. Now I find out that the test is patented and sometimes a negative is not conclusive. If your insurance will pay for it, get it

I went for the counseling and was not considered a candidate for the testing.I was 1st person in family with breast cancer, no family history of any organ cancer other than melanoma. My precious adult daughters told me to forget about it since the advice would be exactly the same if I had BRCA as it would for them after my two bouts with three different tumors over 4 years. Had I been diagnosed younger, then it might have been more advisable for me to pursue the genetic testing.