- By Georgia Hurst
- Posted January 5, 2017
Overcoming My Death Anxiety Related To Lynch Syndrome
The new year leaves me contemplating where I am now, and where I have been to get here. When I discovered I had Lynch syndrome more than five years ago, I was absolutely horrified and developed death anxiety. Every single aspect of my life became magnified. I could not help but feel as though a ticking time bomb had been strapped to my back –…
- By Michelle Jackson
- Posted August 4, 2016
And Now, A Little Something For the Men Facing Hereditary Cancer
As a female genetic counselor, I can say I have counseled many men regarding their risk for hereditary cancer. I have seen the different reactions and responses they have had. I have looked for different information (from what I provided to females) to give to them, if it will help. I cannot say I have any idea what it is like to be a man going…
- By Tara Namey, MS, LCGC
- Posted July 28, 2016
What to Expect Regarding Your Health Care Following the Identification of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Gene Mutation
When you learn that you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, there are naturally questions as to what this will mean for your ongoing medical care and what you will need to do differently. The initial conversation with your healthcare provider will likely include a discussion about the options available to more carefully screen…
- By Deepti Babu, MS, CGC
- Posted July 20, 2016
It's Complicated: Sharing Your Genetic Test Results
I feel funny writing about sharing genetic test results with family when I’ve never done it myself, but don’t let that stop you from reading… I’ll draw upon my years in the clinic as a genetic counselor, speaking to many families about this topic, and offer thoughts from my side of the table. I have seen that it’s complicated for some…
- By Bill Rotter
- Posted May 10, 2016
My Doctor Ordered a Mammogram...But I'm A Guy
In my opinion, every guy should have the experience of having a mammogram at a women’s clinic… never. When I think back in my lifetime to all the uncomfortable experiences I have encountered, few can rival walking into a clinic designed for women to have a mammogram. From the moment I walked in, I knew this would be a life-altering series…
- By Georgia Hurst
- Posted May 9, 2016
No Mud, No Lotus
Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh believes if people face and embrace their suffering, they will eventually grow from it and possibly turn it into something beautiful and meaningful... Hence the phrase: No mud, no lotus. Five years ago after I was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, I found myself mired in mud – I had no idea what would emerge…
- By Eve Mart
- Posted May 5, 2016
Fear of Recurrence and Mortality
I would imagine it’s normal to face some degree of depression, anxiety, and fear when cancer becomes a part of your life. I have always felt lucky that my cancer was caught early enough that the doctors were able to get it all out with my surgery and 8 chemotherapy treatments. I continued to undergo ovarian cancer screening until having a bilateral…
- By Theresa Smith
- Posted April 28, 2016
What About The Men? Time For Us To " Man Up"
For a woman being diagnosed with a BRCA2 gene mutation, there is a ton of information specific to cancers for women, but what if you are a man? The amount regarding male breast cancer, hereditary prostate cancer, and hereditary pancreatic cancer is limited. In addition, public awareness about these conditions is limited. Considering that…
- By Bill Rotter
- Posted April 26, 2016
Sharing My Diagnosis and Genetic Testing With Family and Friends
While it’s difficult for anyone to come to grips with a cancer diagnosis, it becomes more challenging having to share the news with family and friends. Especially when you are a man telling them you have breast cancer. People may look at you with a deer in the headlights stare….men get breast cancer? This was the reaction from many, as nearly…
- By Theresa Smith
- Posted April 22, 2016
Previvor’s Perspective – A Daughter’s Feelings
It was a year after I had tested positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation before I found out about the status of my three children. My oldest, my son, and my youngest daughter were both negative (huge relief). My middle daughter, Jenna, unfortunately tested positive for the same mutation I have. She is 23 years old now and is graduating from…