Just a few days after my 12th birthday, my maternal grandmother, Sara Grodnik, passed away. She was 60 years old. Though I didn’t know exactly what her illness was, the last few years of her life were occupied with a series of surgeries and procedures that kept her in the… Continue reading
By Rachel Beller, MS, RDN, Founder and CEO of Beller Nutritional Institute and Creator of PowerPerks I know, “cruciferous vegetables” sounds like something scary from a Harry Potter movie — definitely not appetizing! Well let me tell you why you'll soon love all things… Continue reading
“In my room watching Netflix, I did not expect what was coming. When my mom walked in and said, “Come here pumpkin, let’s talk.” The hurt in her eyes was as loud as a tree falling. She pulled me close and told me the news. She said, “I have breast… Continue reading
Breast density is a buzz word that seems to be all the rage these days. In 2009 it became a hot topic when the state of Connecticut became the first state to enact the breast density laws requiring women undergoing mammography to be informed of the risks posed by breast density.… Continue reading
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
