The values of the BRCA gene mutation test?

Hi again Ladies :-)

I am so glad I came to Hystersisters for advice and support! I am getting a lot of good "food for thought". :-)

Say, the Gyn Dr/Surgeon that is scheduled to do my surgery said "The BRCA would be helpful is assessing your risk for further cancers {I am a BC survivor} but If it comes out positive you would be uninsurable...."

Is this true? Also how do I get the test? and should I?

I went to the www.facingourrisk.org and there is A LOT of good info there (that is substantiated with footnotes and links and all).

Any thoughts or experiences with this would be greatly welcomed!

Peace (as we enter another hectic holiday season!)
Diana

Diana,
I don't have any info on this subject but I wanted to wish you well with your up coming surgery! I wouldn't have the test if I could lose my insurance, I love having insurance! Good luck and speedy recovery!
's
Barb

Barb:
Thanks SO MUCH for your good wishes for my upcoming surgery. Still not sure If I'm going to through it yet, but I really appreciate your caring enough to send that post :-)
And saayyyy, BTW: You are done with your radiation treatments today?? Many congratulations! You are a very brave woman, and have been through an awful lot! There is so much excitment about finishing a treatment I know personally...
Time to dance, receive a massage, get your hair done or whatever makes you really happy!
Celebrate!
Diana

Hello Diana:

I believe there are places that will do the BRCA testing confidentially, so there is less risk of having insurance issues if you decide to have the test. Also, there are centers for high-risk women, at least here in ny, and they have genetic counselors. I believe some will not even perform the the BRCA test without seeing a counselor. Is there a university hospital or cancer center you can go to? Even if it means traveling a little? It might be worth it if it would help in getting clear answers to all your questions. Regards, Blue.

My sister and I are considering having the test done but we would do it privately, paying for it out of pocket and not having it attached to our medical files officially so that no future insurance company could deny us based on it. After all, it still it not the most reliable test. Many false positives and negative positives. I hope you figure things out. With ovarian cancer and breast cancer in our family, my sister and I opted for hyst and oophorectomy even without the BRCA test results.