# Testing for BRCA1 gene - options? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 11, 2024, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026 "2024-07-11T01:12:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2025, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/81 "2025-09-22T23:54:28Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Next week I’ll be allowed to drive and to sleep on my side - ideally not at the same time, LOL. No, please don’t try both at once. 😆 You have to sleep on your back? I can’t really do that, i get reflux into my lungs. I hope i never have to deal with what you are going through. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2025, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/82 "2025-09-23T12:08:17Z")
Excellent! More progress. This sounds very similar to the time frames my best friend had for her explant surgery, which was likely less intrusive. So that’s actually kinda impressive. > [@puzzlegal](#): > > You have to sleep on your back? I can’t really do that I’ve had to do it on two occasions, and it sucked for me too. Hopefully **Mama\_Zappa** doesn’t have the same issues! ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [September 23, 2025, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/83 "2025-09-23T14:17:52Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Tubes as well? Are you off an age where HRT is an option? Tubes as well. I was already \>95% post-menopausal (mid 50s), but I’ve been very fortunate that my menopausal symptoms are fairly mild. Even the hot flashes that I’ve had (I’ve never had the sheet-soaking type of hot flashes), seem to be responsive to diet change. The first days after surgery my body temperature was very much out of wack, but it seems to have settled down. I have my follow-up with my own gyn on Friday, and we’ll talk then. > [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Next week I’ll be allowed to drive and to sleep on my side - ideally not at the same time, LOL. Sounds good. If someone had asked me a few months ago, I would have said I sleep on my back. And I often wake up on my back. But I have to lay on my left side to fall asleep. Hope you’re able to sleep well. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2025, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/84 "2025-09-30T17:14:55Z")
It sucks, for sure. I’m pretty well propped up with a wedge pillow but that plus the CPAP make it really hard to sleep. I finality decided to ditch the CPAP for the time being. The elevation actually helps with the reflux. I haven’t yet tried to sleep on my side though at this point I could, supposedly. Doc told me 2 weeks but a lot of web pages say even longer, and I figure it won’t hurt to be extra conservative. For the “big surgery” next year (mastectomy / DIEP flap) the back sleeping requirements will be even longer. I’m seriously considering buying a recliner. Or I may just use my ultra adjustable office chair and rolling footstool; I’d need to add padding though (those Secretlabs chairs are rock hard). ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2025, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/85 "2025-10-03T14:27:39Z")
A minor victory: I am still trying to go to sleep on my back, with gradually improving success, but this morning I managed to go sort of on my side: using the wedge pillow so the boobinal area was not on the mattress, and with a pillow behind my back. I wasn’t at a 90 degree angle to the bed, more tilted back a little. Gonna persist in the back sleeping for a while yet, to position (hah) myself better for needing to do so for at least a month next year. And apparently the Steri Strips have become permanent additions to my body. Those things are NOT BUDGING. Apparently the packages they used on me came with extra Krazy Glue. I’ve maybe gotten 2-3 centimeters in length off, a few millimeters at a time. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2025, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/86 "2025-10-03T14:34:26Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Apparently the packages they used on me came with extra Krazy Glue. I’ve maybe gotten 2-3 centimeters in Goo Be Gone can be your friend. Dab on with a q tip, let it soak a few minutes. As the edges loosen, dab a bit more under those edges. It has a strong citrus scent. Use straight shampoo to wash the Goo Be Gone off after the steris are gone or else you’ll smell like a workshop for hours. Goo Gone Original Liquid - 8 Ounce - Surface Safe Adhesive Remover Safely Removes Stickers Labels Decals Residue Tape Chewing Gum Grease Tar Crayon Glue [Amazon.com: Goo Gone Original Liquid - 8 Ounce - Surface Safe Adhesive Remover Safely Removes Stickers Labels Decals Residue Tape Chewing Gum Grease Tar Crayon Glue : Arts, Crafts & Sewing](https://a.co/d/aKFojVn) If you’re hesitant to use Goo Be Gone, baby oil or even olive oil can be tried, dab on, let soak longer, keep adding as edges loosen. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2025, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/87 "2025-10-03T22:16:37Z")
Good idea. Hell, there’s always the old “smear peanut butter on it” standby trick, like we sometimes use for stickers on dishes. I once saw a video about how to remove those stickers, I think involving covering it with clear tape then hitting it with a heat gun. This might work, but is probably not the best choice for Steri Strips. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2025, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/88 "2025-10-04T02:29:13Z")
When i wore a continuous glucose monitor that simply didn’t want to leave me, i had good success with olive oil and patience. I dribbled on olive oil, rubbed it around the edges, tugged gently, and repeated several times. (Usually without adding more oil.) I had olive oil around the house, and figured it has to be pretty safe to use. ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2025, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/89 "2025-10-04T06:56:20Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > And apparently the Steri Strips have become permanent additions to my body. Yesterday I found one on the kitchen floor. The two which were covering my left hip incision came off. Right hip will probably leave tomorrow, the others are on their way off, as I’ve already trimmed the edges which have lifted up. Annoyingly, there seems to be a limit to how close I can cut the tail end of the stitch, so there’s a little piece sticking out on my hip. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2025, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/90 "2025-10-06T20:25:15Z")
Yeah - I can only trim so close to the part that is still stuck. Got another centimeter or so off this morning. > [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > Goo Gone Original Liquid Goo Gone actually makes a medical adhesive remover, LOL. I’m debating ordering a bottle of it. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2025, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/91 "2025-10-21T01:57:17Z")
I bought a package of medical adhesive remover wipes and that was apparently enough to scare the damn Steri Strips - they all finally came off at just under 4 weeks. Eagerly awaiting 6 weeks (a week from now) when I can a) buy some regular bras, and b) go back to my swim class. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2025, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/92 "2025-10-21T02:10:00Z")
Hurray for moving along through the process! How are you feeling? ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2025, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/93 "2025-10-21T04:08:47Z")
Pretty good mostly. Still the occasional “zing” and achiness. I imagine it’ll all resolve just in time to do it all again! ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2026, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/94 "2026-02-23T21:47:11Z")
Bumpdate: Saw the breast surgeon in January - she said I was good to go for the surgery. Plastics wanted to see me one more time, which wasn’t until about 2 weeks ago. And THEY said I needed to go back to the breast surgeon to get things scheduled. This made me a bit grumpy: I thought they could put me in with the scheduling folks right then. I messaged the breast surgeon a day or so later - and actually got my surgery scheduled right then. I thought it might take more time: 3 doctors will be involved (breast, and 2 plastic). D(IEP) Day is May 12th. I’m not at all nervous. When I was texting with a friend just as this was all unwinding, she asked if I was hoping for sooner (to get it over with) or later (to put it off) and I just replied “eek”. On the good news side: my project has extended us for a while longer, so I’ll still be on full pay for this. I’m sure our short-term disability insurer hates me right now. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [February 23, 2026, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/95 "2026-02-23T23:42:53Z")
I’m glad you’re scheduled and moving ahead. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2026, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/96 "2026-03-25T18:30:53Z")
A bit of a monkey wrench: my project has basically ended as of next Monday after all. If I had not had surgery scheduled, I’d have just started the retirement process right away, now I’m planning on doing “bench time” while looking for another project, for the 6 weeks until surgery. Unlikely I’ll be able to find one that will take me on when I’d be out on disability that soon, but hopefully they won’t lay me off in the interim. If they do, presumably there’d be severance anyway. But I will take a full 6 weeks of disability , maybe more, then start the retirement process. Yeah, it seems vaguely dishonest, but it’s not against any rules. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [March 25, 2026, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/97 "2026-03-25T21:02:54Z")
Best of luck. I hope you can find something. ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a88e4f/32.png) [@Digital\_is\_the\_new\_Analog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_is_the_new_Analog)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2026, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/98 "2026-03-26T00:46:37Z")
> [@Mama\_Zappa](#): > > Yeah, it seems vaguely dishonest, but it’s not against any rules. With stuff like that, I think of it as “they treat it as a business decision, so I will too.” Many years ago, I was working for a major cell phone manufacturer, in a technology group in their corporate division. At the end of the year, I transferred to another division - one which had one of the hottest cell phones in the market. As it happened, company policy at the time was that end of year bonuses were based completely on what division you were part of on Dec 31. My transfer date was something like Dec 20. The difference in bonus was huge - the old division would have given me low 4 figures, and the new one gave me five figures, if I recall correctly. Fast forward many years, and the company changed their severance package policy shortly before laying me off, resulting in me getting one week per year instead of two. These things happen in business, so take your win when it’s available. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2026, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/99 "2026-04-21T18:28:17Z")
Bumpdate: I actually found a new project - I start in the next couple of days. They know I won’t be around for long before surgery (I disclosed that at the interview). So THAT’s taken care of at least. The FMLA approval (handled by a major insurance company) was initially REJECTED. As I had not worked 1250 hours in the prior year. Well, that is not true. I contacted HR and they sent a request to review and now it’s “pending”, so that’s one stressor gone. With the leave I took last year, and a rolling 12 month window, I should be able to take up to 6 weeks if needed, though I’m hoping for 4. Because having jokes for the hospital staff is an important part of ANY surgical planning, I’ve ordered more “bikini” cookies similar to the ones I brought for the one last fall. [https://www.instagram.com/p/DO38d47ERrP/?utm\_source=ig\_web\_copy\_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==](https://www.instagram.com/p/DO38d47ERrP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) though this batch will say “so long”, “farewell”, “auf wiedersehen” and “adieu”. And of course to make sure the surgeons have plenty of caffeine on board, I’ve ordered these: > **[Custom Ink Design 'Build a Boob Travel Mug'](https://www.customink.com/designs/Build%20a%20Boob%20Travel%20Mug/xbh0-00d2-157u/share?pc=EMAIL-40778&utm_campaign=shared%20design&utm_source=share%20link&utm_medium=shared%20design&utm_content=shared%20desktop)** > > Create, save, share, or order your own products at CustomInk.com (thanks to Google Gemini for the artwork). ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2026, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026/100 "2026-04-29T17:44:42Z")
Major hitch number 1: I’ve been periodically checking the UHC web page for the status of my prior authorizations. Nothing. I reached out to the breast surgeon and the plastic surgeon and the breast doctor said they submitted it 2 months ago. No response from the plastics office. I called UHC today and they still have nothing. The surgery is thirteen days away. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/testing-for-brca1-gene-options/1004026.md?page=6)