Life was already hard. The pandemic made sure of that. In addition to losing my job, I was displaced from my home, my friends, and from most things in life that brought me joy. But I had my family. More specifically, I had my mother. A pillar of support, security, and… Continue reading
I first learned about Sharsheret in 2007 when I became a sister of the Mu Chapter of Alpha Epsilon Phi Sorority at University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign. Sharsheret had already been one of Alpha Epsilon Phi's national philanthropies, so I knew what they did and why it was… Continue reading
Who hasn’t been struggling with anxiety, control issues and isolation these past few months due to Covid-19 One might think I would be a pro in this type of situation after having been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and again in 2012. As a cancer survivor, I know… Continue reading
I thought I knew my breast cancer story. I mean, who doesn’t know their own breast cancer story! My story, as I knew it for eight years, was that at the age of 37, I shared with a friend that my breasts felt like they contained pebbles, so I had been proactively getting… Continue reading
Deedee Bitran learned of Sharsheret after her BRCA diagnosis and turned to Sharsheret for information and support while navigating difficult life decisions related to BRCA. Deedee previously experienced loss when she underwent IVF with PGD to prevent passing on her BRCA gene to… Continue reading
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer on December 5, 2019, I wasn’t at all surprised. I had felt the lump long before, but I was very involved with my mother, who had Parkinson’s and dementia. I had to frequently rush over to help her with her latest crisis, whether it was… Continue reading
“You have cancer,” said my doctor. My mother had heard the same when I was six. Hers had metastasized by the time she got diagnosed. A devastating experience for my family. Now it was me. About to lose it, I asked myself: “what would I say to a client if she were in… Continue reading
Why am I a member of the Sharsheret Jewel Circle This question takes me back to the very beginning of my most personal, and sadly, multiple connections to Sharsheret. I first learned about Sharsheret in 2001 when my sister, Margot Rosenberg Pulitzer Z”L, was battling… Continue reading
On November 7, 2019, one day after my prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, my surgeon visited me in the recovery center. She asked me how I was feeling. I was honest and said I was overwhelmed. She responded with a comment that really struck a chord. She said:… Continue reading
My grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2005. I had just turned ten years old and had arrived back home from overnight camp. I remember sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen having my mom explain the BRCA2 gene to me. She told me that my grandmother is a carrier,… Continue reading
I am so very lucky. Each day is a gift. Like many others, I wasn’t one of those who did monthly breast exams, but I did find something that shouldn’t have been there. I checked with my doctor, during my yearly exam, and, after some prodding from me, agreed that I… Continue reading
It’s hard to believe that the High Holidays are here already! 2020 has been a weird vacuum of time. We’re all quarantined now and the Jewish holidays will certainly feel different than they ever have. For me, the Jewish holidays will always feel different. Dealing With… Continue reading
I’ve often thought that cancer and anxiety should be synonymous. And when you add pandemic to the equation…well…stress and daily meltdowns come to mind. I finished chemo for ovarian cancer one year ago and still wrestle with fear and control issues. But after two years… Continue reading
Summary: Fear of Recurrence is a common and often disruptive concern for people who have been treated for cancer. Psychologist Pamela J. Ginsberg, PhD, shares the basics of fear of recurrence and some tools to help you cope. Intro: Fear of recurrence is a common and often… Continue reading
If we ask our loved ones to describe their experience with COVID-19, they would invariably talk about their fear and social isolation; worry that the world will “never return to normal;” lack of control; uncertainty; powerlessness. Do any of these emotions sound familiar… Continue reading
At the beginning of April, we began counting the Omer, the 49 days between Passover and Shavuot. As we count each day of the Omer, we are engaged in a process of ‘counting up’ and increased mindfulness of where we are on this journey from slavery to receiving the Torah at… Continue reading
When you’re a cancer patient or survivor, there’s often a lot weighing on your mind. But for 45 minutes every week in my Cardio Drumming class, I am so focused on where my feet and my drumsticks are going that I can’t think for a minute about my troubles or worries. The… Continue reading
The WHO (World Health Organization) declared the Coronavirus outbreak a pandemic on 3/11/2020. This led to immediate action around the world aimed at decreasing the spread of infection. Many different recommendations have emerged regarding safety and precautions that are… Continue reading
Another important aspect of treatment is your Medication Formulary. These are lists of what are considered “covered” medications by your insurance. These vary depending on your insurer and benefit plan. These are available to you either through direct discussion with a… Continue reading
Navigating health insurance coverage can be challenging and confusing. The following tips will help you learn more about how to be prepared and understand your coverage, and avoid some common access barriers. Before speaking with anyone about your health insurance coverage,… Continue reading
