Thanks for writing, Heidi, and yes, my fingers are crossed for you. Another one of the factors for my daughter changing her mind was how many people we know with breast cancer who don’t have the BRCA mutation. From that perspective, it makes it easier to face the known unknowns rather than all the factors that contribute but remain less well understood. So yes, now she’s in a different–and vast–pool. But with no need for intense surveillance at such a young age!

Yes, our relief is substantial! Thanks for writing, Wendy.

I want you as the choreographer! Thanks, Janine!

Oh, Nancy, it’s hard enough having to deal with breast cancer and all the physical and emotional ramifications–not the least of which is worrying about what it all means for our kids. But to have to wage war with insurance companies and jump through all these hoops–especially with such a strong family history! Good luck with the genetic counselor, and wishing you and your daughter and mom (the ever-gracious Marge who was such a lovely presence in my childhood) good health. Please keep me posted!

Thanks, Ilene!

A couple of weeks ago my 22 year old daughter came to me and asked for genetic testing. With new information in hand, I called Wende Breast Clinic and asked if I now qualified for genetic testing. The screener once again said I did not qualify, I told her that ‘that wasn’t working for me – give me other avenues in which to pursue’ and a little more back and forth ensued. Tomorrow at noon I will meet with a genetic counselor and try to build the case for insurance to cover this test.