It's a good idea to talk to a genetic counselor. There are familial syndromes that they test for. The test I'm getting is for 54 different problems. My family has enough cancer on one side that they seem to be suggesting my siblings be tested also for a gene increasing tendency towards cancers. I'm not clear if that is before or after my results; I thought it was based on my results but her note sounds like they should do it regardless. I'll have to ask.

One thing I found surprising is that if Medicare doesn't cover the testing it's only $250. That's a lot of money but I expected thousands. I know that doesn't matter to you but I just was surprised.


I'm completely willing to be like Angelina Jolie. I already had a hysterectomy so removing my ovaries would be a possible recommendation and I would chose prophylactic mastectomy if there were more risk than there already is. Some women get mastectomies for what I have just because the constant scans, biopsies, and surgical biopsies get frustrating. I can completely see that although I'm not far into the process to be frustrated, just scared.