Genetic Testing, Fear of the Unknown
Debbie Bisbano, OVARCOMER extraordinaire shares her story of Ovarcoming Ovarian Cancer. She is on a mission to educate and advocate for Genetic Testing. We support her 100%. Genetic Testing is important not only to protect your family and loved ones, but may also determine your treatment path and the options available to you. Get TESTED!
Debbie’s Story: Be Inspired!
Should I get tested or not? This is the question I was faced with when I found out my younger sister was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. I remember going in for my annual exam and telling my doctor about my sister. She asked if any one else in our family had cancer and all I could think of was my grandmother, I never had the opportunity to meet. I remember my Aunt telling me she went to the hospital and had a hysterectomy and never came home. This led me to believe she had some sort of female cancer. Being that it was 50 years ago, we never knew.
Cost of Testing & The Misdiagnosis:
I told my doctor I would look into the testing and get back with her. Unfortunately, the price of the testing drove me away from further interest in testing. This was in February 2015. In 2016, I began to have symptoms of Ovarian Cancer, but at the time didn’t know it. I was misdiagnosed for several months and finally diagnosed by my Oncologist at MD Anderson in October 2016.
On A Mission:
Soon after I was diagnosed, my oncologist suggested genetic testing and I decided it was time. After testing I had my meeting with the genetic counselor and was told I tested positive for the BRCA1 mutation. After reading more on the benefits for my family knowing if they were or were not BRCA1 positive, I made it my mission to have everyone tested. I contacted all of my siblings and told them. I insisted they all be tested and if tested positive to please share their results.
Don’t Compromise With Health:
I was able to share some information from my genetic counselor to my siblings, their children, as well as my children. This facilitated why I thought it was so important to get tested. I told everyone that money should never be a factor. There is financial assistance for those needing it and your health is much more important than the money. Once I found out what gene was mutated, I was able to share this and everyone else only had to have that one gene checked which made their testing much more affordable. I do want to add that most insurances cover this testing. I personally had a high deductible and high out of pocket maximum. I’d like to note that the price of genetic testing has since gone down.
Knowledge is Power:
If this article leaves you with anything, knowledge is power. Knowing you may have a mutated gene and have a higher risk of cancer leaves you with the power of early intervention such as, early mammograms, CA-125 blood test, etc. Knowing more of the signs and symptoms of Ovarian Cancer could ultimately assist you in early detection of cancer. So get tested and use that power of knowledge to your benefit. A genetic counselor can help you by providing information to pass along to others in your family as well as help you understand what a mutated gene will mean to you and your family.
If you are asking yourself the same question as to whether or not to get tested, go ahead and do it. The power of knowing outweighs the fear of the unknown.
TOGETHER, We Can Ovarcome!
