there are screenings for ovarian cancer, but they still show too many false positives to decide to do surgery based on them alone, and studies aren't conclusive that these screenings save lives.

The genetics counselor told me that insurance companies more readily authorize screenings, additional tests, etc...if they know an individual has tested positive for a mutation. (Essentially it gives them a reason to have to cover things that are not usually covered)

I'm 49, and my doctors recommended the test because if you are positive they will take precautions to protect you from other potential cancers. I went ahead with the testing. It only involves drinking a little liquid and swishing it into a vile. It's not any hassle. Best wishes to you.

I'm so curious why your doc wants you to get tested since there is no history in your family. I don't understand his thinking on this. But, that said... I had it done... (it was a saliva test) ... and I got the results a few weeks later. My mom, both of her sisters and her mother and my mother's niece --- and me! (I am my mother's daughter)... all have had breast cancer.... but interestingly enough, when I was diagnosed and took the test, I did not carry the BRCA gene nor did my mom! (cousin didn't carry it either)! So... my guess is that I probably DO carry a gene that has not been figured out yet... but not the BRCA gene. It's something you need to consider what you would do if you DID get the result and you were diagnosed positive for the gene. Would you get a bilateral mastectomy? Would your insurance costs go up? You need to follow your heart. If you were diagnosed with the gene and did nothing, you would be living in fear the rest of your life....

Hi @A MyBCTeam Member. Dale is my MIL. How do you know her? I wish I could get my rad at Evergreen. It would be so much closer. My PCP is VA Mason Kirkland where I did all my mammo, ultrasounds, biopsies. When I found out it was cancer, they scheduled me for either Seattle or Federal Way location to see the oncologists docs. I chose Seattle. I researched my docs and heard good things so decided to stay with VA Mason. I will do the daily drive to Seattle (groan) at 1 in the afternoon when hopefully traffic won't be too bad. Then I can go home with or without bra, work, rest, etc. Are you still wearing a bra if you don't mind me asking? I bought camisoles this weekend in case I need them. My workload is manageable and the work people and boss are very supportive of me...I am lucky.

Which gym do you go to? Do you like it?

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