Good Morning.
I wanted to mention genetic testing for people who don’t really know about it. I certainly include myself in that category.
The first question the oncologist asked me when we first met was if I had had any genetic testing done in my past. I was a bit taken aback when he first asked, but his question has remained with me through this journey.
At my post op visit Wednesday, I asked about it and whether I should have it done. The short answer was ‘no’. The longer version was that I had estrogen receptors on the tumor and indicated I should not have any kind of estrogen (hormone) therapy. But my bigger question was about a poster I remember seeing in the exam room on my first visit. There were 2 different syndromes listed, Lynch Syndrome and HBOC Syndrome. See link below for more information about each of them.
ttps://www.cdc.gov/cancer/knowledge/provider-education/genetics/genetic-testing-lynch.htm
For me he indicated I didn’t need any further testing based on the pathology report and family history. It was a huge relief that I didn’t need to go further, but it also reinforced the importance of genetic testing today for people who match the risk factors. As a person who generally subscribes to the ‘less is more philosophy’, I would highly recommend looking further for yourself and your family if you have any history of cancer, as genetic testing is a powerful tool to help you understand your cancer risks vs. my approach of ‘luck’.
Have a wonderful weekend.
