Genetic Testing

Given that I was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, it was recommended that I complete genetic testing to determine if my Horcrux (cancer) was due to my genetic makeup.  Out of my parent’s four children, I have been the one to have the most medical issues, so with my new diagnoses, I was convinced that it had to be something in my genes.  I met with a genetic counselor and he led me through a patient but extensive breakdown of my family tree and the diseases that exist within the tree, specifically related to cancer.  I have a huge family.  My dad is 1 of 12 and my mom is 1 of 7, giving me about 30 biological cousins.  In reflection, I realized that cancer had taken its toll on my father’s side, however, all the cancer beyond my own, was diagnosed when my family members were 55+ making me the “outlier”.  Well I was born to be “special”, so I guess I’ll take being the outlier.  Fun fact, did you know that a mutation on the BRCA2 gene not only leads to an increased risk of breast cancer but also an increased risk of prostate cancer? 

After my long family tree was explored my counselor explained to me the possible results, positive, negative, and uncertain.  Nothing like waiting for test results and it being “uncertain”.  I thanked him for his work, went downstairs, gave them some blood, and walked away.  Two weeks later the results were in and I called the counselor.  As he was pulling up my chart he said “I know you are waiting on the other end of the line anxious to hear the results so just let me tell you as I am pulling them up, I’ve got good news to share with you!”  Nothing like some good news when dealing with cancer!  He shared with me that I was negative for all the genes that would have put me at risk for breast cancer as well as other cancers that have been found to be related to genetic mutations (at least that are known at this time).  I was relieved because now my treatment can be solely based on my Horcrux’s pathology and not my genetics, but mostly relieved because that means my siblings don’t have to rush to get tested and the info that can be helpful to my extended family as well.  Granted I still want them all to be proactive about their breasts and prostate, but knowing genetics doesn’t play a part brings some peace to the madness.