Posts tagged Genetics test

Just the Facts: Tracy and I met with a Genetics Counselor today.  We decided to proceed with the genetic counseling.  It won’t really help us make any decisions at this point (since the main one has already been made) but can offer insight into my potential to develop ovarian cancer, and may help my close family members get insight into their health risks as well.

Details: I filled out quite a stack of questionnaires last night to take to a genetics counseling meeting today.  Basically all that could be learned from them was that there is no significant family history of cancer in my family.  The counselor suggested we go ahead with the testing because it also will give us information about any genetic predisposition for me to develop ovarian cancer.  At this point, I am eager for that type of insight.  Finding out if I carry the gene(s) for breast cancer (called the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes) will also be helpful to close family members.  The test involved simply having some blood drawn.  Results are expected in about three weeks.  Surgery will not be held up pending the results.

I also spoke with my surgeon’s nurse this morning and asked her what else I need to be doing now.  She gave me the name of two plastic surgeons who my surgeon recommends.  They will be setting up appointments for me with one or both of them.  Other than that, we are just waiting to see what this week’s biopsy reveals, and then will schedule surgery.

Prayer Requests: Please pray for tomorrow’s biopsy: 1)that the snow we are having would in no way make getting to the appointment (10:00am) difficult or impossible 2)that the tumor will be easy to spot on the ultrasound and that the procedure goes well, like it did last time 3)most importantly — that the pathology report comes back indicating that this tumor is benign! If it is benign, I will not need sentinel node biopsy or any other node biopsy on the left side during the mastectomy. This will save me significant discomfort and speed healing, in addition to removing the risk of lymphedema in the left arm in the future. It would also be quite a morale boost to know that the cancer is confined to the right side.  Please also pray for my family’s good health, as my son has been struggling with a cold virus this week.

What’s coming up: Tomorrow – biopsy of the tumor in the left breast, results of that biopsy by Friday (most likely) and setting up consults with plastic surgeons.

Me: Doing well, looking at this as a workout to be completed.  Thinking a lot about one of our family’s favorite verses:  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. –Joshua 1:9.