I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) on 8/5/20 at 35 years young.  When I was told my diagnosis, I began to google and saw that many young people have this type of breast cancer and in fact 15-20% of them are Jewish and I began to learn that I was more than likely going to be told that I also carried the BRCA1 and/or 2 mutation.  Sure enough, the genetic testing did show that I was a BRCA 1 mutation carrier. I turned my pain into something more positive by using my voice to help others and that is where Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBCC) comes into play. This organization has allowed me to help others by being part of a young advocacy program where I can use my voice and learn how to improve my call to action.  I am so grateful for the information they have given me and the supportive community within LBBC.  I enjoy the many volunteering opportunities I have been given to date by LBBC and it thrills me to create my own events where LBBC is the recipient of raised funds.  Knowing that the given donations will go directly towards programming to continue to help other women like myself is very fulfilling.

Curious to know what my current advocacy is? Well, being that there is no family history of breast cancer and we didn't know anyone in our family who had the BRCA mutation, I knew I fell through the cracks and others are on the same path to do so as well.  I began to reflect back to all my years of checkups, particularly at the visits with the gynecologist, where I was always asked if I was of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and to that I would always check the box.  There was never any jump off question to that by the Doctor I was seeing.  In addition, my husband and I decided to do Jewish genetic testing before I got pregnant and I was screened for many mutations, but did you know that BRCA is not part of the reproductive panel?  

When I got those results that showed I wasn’t a carrier of any harmful mutations. I was relieved for us and my then unborn baby, but I was wrong.  Since I was never informed at the time of this reproductive testing that I should also screen for BRCA, I went along unknowingly carrying around this cancer susceptibility gene all of my life.  It is maddening to me that my daughter has a 50% chance of carrying the same mutation I have.  I will live with the unknown until she is old enough to test.  After enduring 8 rounds of the most aggressive chemotherapy out there, a double mastectomy, 22 lymph nodes removed, breast reconstruction, radiation, a full hysterectomy because of the risk of ovarian cancer, I am happy to report that I am cancer free.  I don’t wish this upon anyone.  What I would wish was to have been an audience member like you because knowledge is power. 

Being of European/Ashkenazi Jewish descent is enough of a reason to get genetic testing.  During my treatment, my family did genetic testing to see where this mutation came from.  We suspected it was my Dad because believe it or not, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer on the same day I was diagnosed; however, we found out it was my Mom.  Thankfully, she recently took measures with a preventative double mastectomy to reduce her risk of breast cancer and I am happy to report my Dad is cancer free.  

 I am not here to create fear.  It is quite the opposite.  Let's come together and get screened and eradicate BRCA1/2.  That means screen screen screen.  We don’t need this in our community.  My parents tell me that it used to be quite common for Rabbi’s to urge couples to get genetic screening before having a baby.  I am not sure why this doesn’t have the same precedent. I am a daughter, sister, wife, and Mom to a 7 year old daughter.  I have so much to live for … we all do!

Make an immediate, positive difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer. Living Beyond Breast Cancer provides free services, information and support that help ensure no one living with breast cancer feels uninformed or alone.84 cents of every dollar donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer goes directly to programming. Since the COVID-19 pandemic the programming and support resources LBBC provides to those impacted by breast cancer is more vital than ever. Donate today!