Back in late 2022, my company offered free genetic screening through Color Labs. Being one who always wants to be aware of my health, I jumped at the opportunity. I’m a nerd when it comes to data, and who wouldn’t want to have as much info as possible about their health and wellness?

Once the results were made available one of their counselors contacted me to go over the results. This was an interesting offering, and different from the 23 and Me process, which was more a DIY read on my results.

The counselor informed me that I had an ATM Gene mutation. She went into an in-depth, but easy to understand explanation, of what this meant in my case.

High risk for breast and pancreatic cancer.

I just listened and took it all in. I think she was surprised at my matter-of-fact attitude. I’m sure she has heard many others panic or freak-out at the news. She released my full results, to send to my doctor, which I immediately did, and my doctor took action.

“I’m sending you to UTSW, and getting you into their genetics program for cancer prevention.”, my doctor said. I trust her care, and have been a patient of hers since 2010.

UTSW set me up with a genetics counselor, and he met with me to come up with a plan. He refered me to a breast specialist, and pancreatic specialist. I had appointments with both within a two week span.

The boob doc, as I call her, met with me, and ordered all the testing. The plan was to alternate a mammogram with a brest MRI every six months in between. We also spoke of other risk-cutting options. I made her aware of my thought of a pre-emptive strike, with doing a double-mastectomy. She agreed with this option, but also suggested that we start with testing, to see how everything looked. Mammogram first, with ultrasound if needed. This was done within a few days of my initial visit.

The mammogram showed some shadowed areas, which called for the ultrasound. After the radiologist looked at those results, he said that everything looked fine, and that it was likely fibrous breast tissue.

The radiologist final report stated:
IMPRESSION:
No mammographic or sonographic evidence of malignancy is seen.
Supplemental Breast MRI screening is recommended in keeping with the patient’s known ATM mutation status.
Screening mammogram in 1 year is recommended.

BI-RADS Category 2:
Benign Findings

Two months later was my pancreatic MRI. This was a scan of pretty much my entire torso. I was told that if there were any abnormal findings of other organs, that I would be refered to doctors to address any concerns.
Results:
IMPRESSION:

1. 2-5 subcentimeter cystic pancreatic lesions without worrisome features.
2. Asymmetric enhancing nodules in the left outer lower breast are not further assessed on this study. Patient had prior breast mammogram and ultrasound 05/11/2023 where supplemental breast MRI screening was recommended for patient’s known ATM mutation status.

Pancreas good.

Left breast? Ehhh WTF?