- By Beth Kuhn
- Posted January 30, 2018
How I Got Ahead of Cancer After Learning About My BRCA2 Gene Mutation
After watching my mom and aunt battle bilateral breast cancer - which included chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomies (surgical removal of the breast(s)), and all the physical and emotional anguish that accompanies it – I learned that I carry a BRCA2 gene mutation. It runs in our family. I was told that my inherited BRCA2 mutation …
- By Eve Mart
- Posted November 20, 2017
Genetic Testing May Have Changed Things for My Mom
*Editor's Note: In honor of Family History Day, which is on Thanksgiving, Eve Mart is sharing the story how hereditary cancer has shaped her relationship with her mother, and how genetic testing may have been able to help change the course of her mother's health. I often tell women “be your own best advocate”, and I truly mean …
- By Rowan Shoemaker
- Posted November 10, 2017
7 Things You Learn When You Get Neuroendocrine Cancer at 23
1. I learned what neuroendocrine cancer is At 23 years old, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of neuroendocrine cancer. Initially, I remember thinking “great- not only do I have cancer, I have a rare cancer that I’ve never even heard of!” Now, after completing treatment and in remission, I feel as if I could teach a class on the subject! …
- By Desiree Magee
- Posted November 8, 2017
Genetic Counselors: Companions on the Journey to Rare Disease Diagnosis
Our daughter Daphne started missing developmental milestones at around 6 months of age. She was unable to sit on her own and unwilling to eat baby food. We started down the path of diagnosis, which was long and exhausting and went like this: First, we went to our pediatrician to document our initial concerns and obtain referrals for a physical …
- By Michael Squier
- Posted November 6, 2017
My Grandfather Lost His Pancreatic Cancer Battle, but Taught Me a lot About Life
*Editor's Note: This Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, Ambry's Creative Director, Michael Squier, is sharing memories and lessons learned from his grandfather, who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. Ambry encourages everyone to know their family history of cancer. If someone in your family has pancreatic cancer, you could be at an increased …
- By Vanessa Petersen
- Posted October 24, 2017
I Mustache You a Question...
Did you know that 1 in 8 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime? And that your risk is increased if you have a brother or father who has been diagnosed? You may never know that men and their families are quietly battling this disease, even though the statistics are the same for women and breast cancer. So why does …
- By Valerie Smart
- Posted October 24, 2017
An 18-Year Survivor of Breast Cancer Shares Her Story
My name is Valerie Smart. I’m a wife and mother with three beautiful children, two boys and a girl. And I am an 18 year breast cancer survivor. This is my story. I was diagnosed with a stage II ductal carcinoma (a type of breast cancer) in August of 2000. I had eight cycles of chemotherapy and 30 days of radiation followed by Tamoxifin. I lost …
- By Nicole Schweppe
- Posted October 18, 2017
My Breast Cancer Journey, Part 2- How I Prepared for Chemotherapy
I like to prepare for the worst but hope for best. When I started chemotherapy for my breast cancer, I knew what it meant for my hair and body. I was aware of the side effects and what each cycle could bring. To physically get my body ready for chemo I did a few things that might sound trite or shallow, but I knew they would help me feel somewhat …
- By Nicole Schweppe
- Posted October 12, 2017
My Breast Cancer Journey, Part 1- Your Thoughts are Your Reality
My breast cancer journey started on March 31st, 2017. I sat in the doctor’s office for my follow-up appointment after my lumpectomy. Before the lumpectomy, I was told I had less than a 1% chance of the tumor being cancerous by three different doctors. I sat there and told my doctor about my workout regime and that the incision was a little …
- By Laurie Curtis
- Posted September 28, 2017
How my Genetic Counselor Provided Guidance When I Needed it Most
I went in for genetic testing because cancer runs in my family: My maternal grandfather had prostate cancer; his sister had an unidentified cancer; my mother died from ovarian cancer; both her sisters have had breast cancer, one of which had bilateral breast cancer, 18 years apart; and 2 of my 3 female cousins have had breast cancer. One cousin …