Thank you to Grey Genetics and Patient Stories for having me on to discuss my journey with BRCA and surgery, but more importantly, for allowing me to discuss my children, who were/are a big part of all the decisions I made along the way.
Please click the image below to hear this podcast.
At just 13, Heather lost her mother to breast cancer. Fifteen years later, a mother herself, Heather had genetic testing done and learned that she carried a mutation in a BRCA gene. Heather shares her experience as a previvor–from genetic counseling to finding the right doctors to her continued involvement in the BRCA community and the many changes she’s witnessed since she was tested in 2005.
Interview Reference Points:
Heather learns that she carries a BRCA1 mutation @ 1:20
Making major medical decisions and finding the right doctors @ 7:54
Heather’s children’s books @ 19:59
Heather remembers her mother @ 22:19
Heather’s surveillance today and memories of scanxiety @ 27:24
The Breast Advocate app @ 29:14
Life after an oophorectomy @ 31:30
Heather’s children’s and their BRCA risks @ 36:07
BRCA resources: then and now and the shift toward shared decision making @ 41:00
Heather’s advice to individuals considering genetic testing @ 43:35
Heather’s advice to individuals looking for the right doctors @ 45:08
Heather on Twitter: @expattravelmom
Heather on Facebook
Beyond The Pink Moon Facebook Group
Breast Reconstruction Resources:
Terri Coutee on Twitter: @6state
Heather’s books on Amazon:
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