Genetic Counseling

I have been referred for genetic counseling to see if genetic testing is something that I want to do. This will tell me if I have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, which would make me pre-disposed for breast or ovarian cancer. If I do have the gene, the treatment plan may change to include a double mastectomy and possibly ovary removal. 

RESULT: I learned a lot from the meeting. First of all, if I take the test and find out that I'm positive for one of the gene mutations, I don't have to take drastic measures right away. Their main concern is guarding against ovarian cancer which is very difficult to screen for. But in that case my age works for me, because the risk increases with age, and most people can wait until after child-bearing years to do ovary removal. So... I'm have chosen to do the test, and they will draw the blood when they do my pre-op bloodworm, and run the full panel. I should have results back about 5 weeks after the sample is sent to them.