Retesting My DNA

I Had Genetic Testing in 2015. I Just Did it Again. Here's Why.

I just had my annual checkup with my internist, and because of my personal and family history, she suggested that I do updated genetic testing.

I honestly hadn’t really thought about doing it again. I had genetic testing back in 2015, after I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 41. At the time, I remember thinking:

“Okay. I had genetic testing. They looked for the cancer genes. I was negative. Done.”

So when my doctor suggested doing it again, I started learning about how much genetic testing has changed over the past 10 years.

This time, I had an Invitae panel that looks at up to 71 genes and also includes RNA technology. And it made me stop and think:

How many of us had genetic testing years ago and just assumed we were done?

Because the science has changed.

There are more genes we know can be connected to hereditary cancer. Our understanding of those genes has evolved. And newer testing can include RNA analysis, which can provide additional information when interpreting certain genetic changes.

That doesn’t mean my original test was wrong.

It means science keeps moving.

And then I got my results.

All 71 genes were negative.

I am so happy. And honestly, relieved.

I know a negative genetic test doesn’t mean you can’t get cancer. I know that better than most. But knowing that no hereditary cancer-related genetic changes were identified on this panel is something I am incredibly grateful for.

It got me thinking about everyone who had genetic testing years ago

If you were tested 5, 10 or even 15 years ago, it may be worth asking your doctor or genetic counselor to pull up your original report and see what was actually tested.

Not because you need to run out and get another test.

Just ask the question:

That’s really what happened to me.

I went to my regular annual checkup. My doctor looked at my history and said, maybe we should take another look. And I’m really glad she did.

For me, this is another reminder of something I talk about all the time through My Cancer Family:

We are not the same patients we were the day we were diagnosed.

Medicine changes. Research changes. Treatments change. And sometimes, the information we have about ourselves changes, too.

So today, I’m celebrating some really good news.

71 genes. Negative.

I’ll take it.

Sending Healthy Vibes,

Denise