Anyone have experience with genetic testing?

For me it was worth the additional peace of mind just knowing whatever I can know about any risks to me and descendants. Also, some tests can help identify helpful treatments. The counselor I had was very helpful with making my decision to move forward with testing. Good luck.

My response to you is, after doing 23 and me. I found out I was in a high risk category for many concerns of a female nature..
I found out I was half Ashkenazi a Jewish.
I am adopted so I have no idea what any of my relatives had or did not have.
I also come from the eastern block.
I had genetic testing several years ago.
By the grace of God, all 56 markers came back negative.
Which reduced my chances of the high risk category for breast cancer, and BRAC genes and ovarian cancer, and a few others.
However, I am still considered high risk because, I have very dense breast tissue, and I’ve had several surgeries non-cancer related, and they’ve been reductions, removing scar, tissue and adhesions, cellulitis from an infection, implants put in, and then years later implants taken out and then I was put back together correctly for the first time.
I was fortunate that my insurance paid for the genetic testing that cost $250.
It’s because I was in a high risk category.
I think the genetic testing is absolutely necessary, if your gene pool is high risk.
However, my geneticist told me that even if my markers came back positive my chances were slightly greater.

All 56 of my markers came back negative, which was a miracle, she said anyone, even with markers that were negative, can still develop breast cancer. It’s not an exact science..

I hope this helps.

Yes I did it! After I was diagnosed with BC at 55 my dr recommended it . I did the full 99 gene test and it came back negative on all. It was a relief for me as I have a daughter , sister, nieces etc. Also my insurance paid for it.

I had 2 breast cancers and colon cancer since 2016. My mom had 2 cancers.
I had a genetic test which revealed a hereditary pathogenic gene, (now I know why I had the cancers and the 90% risk). Fortunately all small and treatable. I received a letter to share with daughter and my two siblings. The letter also contained a list of yearly tests. I am very worried about family. They are all at 50% risk of having this gene, and if they do there is a 90% cancer risk. I am very anxious to hear results of my daughter’s blood test. If she has the gene, we worry for her then our worry also extends to my 12 yr. old granddaughter who would be at 90% risk of childhood cancers. Yes, even if markers are negative one can still get cancer within the lower generalized risk. Best to you all.

I was dx with BC, there was no history of BC in our family. At 60 my dad was dx with early colon cancer; in my early 30s I was found to have borderline ovarian cancer. With that history genetic testing was performed it was determined I had TNBC and was BRCA2+. As a result my adult children were able to have genetic testing and I passed the BRCA2+ genetic to my son but not my daughter. He will need to start health testing and monitoring earlier than most males - which will help to catch anything early.

Yes, my oncologist ordered some testing. There is a lot of cancer in my family such as colon, prostate, pancreatic, one breast. The result was negative for breast. However, it was discovered I have a gene mutation for high risk of aggressive kidney cancer. Now we know that my nephew has the gene and most likely my niece. My sons haven't tested yet. My nephew and I get a scan every year. Medicare and Tricare For Life covered it. The genetic specialist collected a lot of history.

I was offered genetic testing and I'm happy I did it because it gave me a better perspective on possible recurrence. It did increase my lifetime risk score and this helped me to make a decision about treatment. I had LCIS plus family history and opted for a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. My genetic counselor/office used Ambrey Genetics - we did file it with my insurance and they paid. If they refuse to pay both Ambrey and my Breast Center had funds available to cover the costs. I was told I didn't need to file with my insurance because the cost would be covered, but I chose to file to keep funds available for those persons who don't have insurance. So whether you're insured or not, there is always a way forward - breast cancer foundation/societies might also cover the cost of genetic testing. Good luck with your decisions and journey!