Excerpted from remarks made during the February 7, 2017 Peer Support Training As I do when I begin a conversation with a woman with whom I have been matched as a peer supporter, I will begin by briefly sharing my story. I do this as a peer supporter to give the person on the… Continue reading
As we approach the Passover holiday, we recall the journey that the Israelites took when they left Egypt, a journey that took them from a place of familiar (albeit enslaved) circumstances to a wilderness of unfamiliar twists, turns, and obstacles. Their guidance system A… Continue reading
In just a few days, Jews all over the world will participate in the Passover Seder. We will read from the same text, engage in many of the same rituals. Yet each Seder is unique. Every family brings its own traditions to the Seder, how they prepare, who hosts, who takes the… Continue reading
Cancer is not a ‘journey’ nor a ‘gift’ nor did it give me a heightened sense of priorities. It is a disease which must be treated. It cannot be ignored. It is dangerous. BUT, it is also something with which people can coexist. It does not always ruin people’s lives,… Continue reading
I’ve known for 10 years, since the age of 23, that I was a BRCA2 carrier. Choices needed to be made at some point, but with my doctor’s advice, I chose surveillance. I’d get married, have my kids and revisit my options at a later date. My doctors said I had until I was 40… Continue reading
“Breast cancer” - you accept the diagnosis! You not only survive but thrive through surgery after surgery. You feel confident you have beaten the Cancer and while that may be true, you have a five-year journey ahead called tamoxifen. Reluctantly, you began the unknown path.… Continue reading
Breast cancer has been in my family since my mother’s diagnosis in 2002. I have three sisters and a brother and this diagnosis really upset, but educated, all of us. A few years later, my youngest sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. Therefore, I knew in the back of my… Continue reading
Dermatologist and Educator. Medical Advisor to health, fitness, beauty and professional magazines websites and news outlets. #stayskinsafe As a dermatologist, I perform over 20 full body skin examinations daily in my office. I do look for skin cancer and melanoma, but I also… Continue reading
You have just been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. You feel overwhelmed, anxious. What do you do first What doctor do you see What procedure should you have What is the best treatment plan As an independent patient advocate, I encounter many such patients.… Continue reading
The summer after graduation, I stumbled upon a job listing for a Program Associate at a non-profit organization named Bay Area Cancer Connections (or BCC for short). I was immediately drawn to the position after reading about everything that BCC does for women who are facing… Continue reading
I love to run, but after having my third child last year, I was looking for something to motivate me to get back into running (and in shape!) and so I have decided to give my running an important meaning and do it in support of an amazing organization, Sharsheret. Both sides… Continue reading
With Purim quickly approaching, I can’t help but think of the custom of wearing costumes and masks. I love this tradition on Purim since we eagerly shed our daily masks for one contrary to our own as we celebrate our survival. For over a year now my daily mask has changed… Continue reading
Dr. Ricanati is a women’s health and wellness physician, writer and consultant. Most of us know someone with breast cancer, or who had the disease, or maybe who even beat the disease. It's relentless...and seemingly everywhere. With breast cancer rates at roughly 1 in 8 by… Continue reading
When Sharsheret asked me to speak, I jumped at the opportunity. I was happy to be able to give back to such a wonderful organization. Generally I am a really private person, but I felt if someone who unfortunately is going through cancer could gain from my experience, then… Continue reading
Your first mammogram can be a daunting experience. Whether it’s concern about the discomfort, fear of the unknown, or nervousness that develops while awaiting test results, one thing is clear: anxiety is the enemy of the screening mammogram. In fact, anxiety is the leading… Continue reading
During our webinar, “BRCA Genetic Testing: Understanding the Physical, Emotional, and Financial Challenges,” we received a variety of questions on the topic. Peggy Cottrell, MS, CGC, Genetics Program Coordinator, is pleased to answer your individual questions and concerns… Continue reading
Tamera is a registered yoga teacher and focuses on helping individuals who are interested in using yoga to help with overall health and wellness. Tamera teaches at the Miami Jewish Community Center and is running a free survivor yoga and dance program that is open to survivors… Continue reading
Nursing was something I never considered. When my mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1970s, I wasn’t a nurse. I still wasn’t a nurse when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1980. I was working in the corporate world—as non-nursing as… Continue reading
A healthy diet can greatly reduce your risk for cancer. Sharsheret Medical Advisory Board Member Tanya Zuckerbrot, a Registered Dietitian in private practice in New York City and the Founder of the popular F-Factor Diet, shares the following tips to help you keep yourself and… Continue reading
Time collapses each time I have my annual mammogram. Months and years fold in upon themselves like an accordion. My last mammogram was a year ago and yet, as I signed in at the reception desk today, it felt like I had just checked in not a month before. How does the… Continue reading
