Genomic Scans...a conundrum

cheerleader · Post by **cheerleader** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 10:22 am

A thought provoking essay in the LA Times written by a young woman who had a genomic test done by Navigenics, utilizing the technology of the genotyping chip. For those of us with children who might wonder if our kids have the genetic predisposition for MS....would this test be blessing or curse?

It's not cheap...$2500 for a spit analysis. I'm not rushing out any time soon for this test for my child (or myself- my Dad's recently dx with dementia-sigh), but I wondered if others would?

http://www.latimes.com/features/health/ ... ory?page=1

AC

Lyon · Post by **Lyon** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 5:37 pm

cheerleader · Post by **cheerleader** » Sat Apr 12, 2008 9:49 pm

Hiya Bob-
I had thought I'd read about gene markers found for MS and autoimmune disease on IL-2 and IL-7 receptors. Not a firm "yes, you'll have MS" but maybe a hint at probability. The article mentioned a specific test for MS probability. Maybe the lab looks at these markers? Here's the New England Journal genome study-

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMoa073493v1

Wow, I thought I was up on the whole "pay it forward" phenomena (I watch Oprah) but I hadn't heard of the Californians Showering Bobs project. I hope I can get involved! Is it tax deductable? We owe way too much to the Feds this year

Rather have it go to bobs than bombs!

I'm really sorry to hear about your Mom, Bob. What a tough decision. I know it's not going to get better. My Dad always told me he'd "rather be over the hill, than under it." But this sucks. He's with it enough to know his memory is slipping, and it scares him.

There's no easy way out, it appears.
sigh.
L8r,
AC