During the height of the global pandemic, my surgical oncologist confirmed my biggest fear—the lump I had felt was, in fact, breast cancer. Despite learning of my BRCA1 status at the age of 33 and diligently undergoing imaging due to my high-risk status, I was diagnosed with… Continue reading
In today’s busy world, it can feel as though we are pulled in every direction, responding to others’ needs and wants. Sure, homework gets turned in on time, the dog makes it to his vet appointment, and everyone enjoys a homemade dinner served at a reasonable… Continue reading
When I was 18, I was a freshman at the University of Florida, excited to pledge Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Tau chapter. During my time in the sorority, I learned about Sharsheret through our chapter’s philanthropic events. I became aware of the connection between Jewish women… Continue reading
Tick, tick, tick. That's the sound I heard in my head for years, every time I looked at myself braless in the mirror or worked up enough courage to give myself a breast self-exam in the shower. It was the tick of what felt like a timebomb sitting on my chest, waiting to… Continue reading
When we think of breast cancer, it's often seen as a concern only for women. However, breast cancer risk—and the importance of genetic testing—actually applies to all of us. Everyone, regardless of sex or gender, is born with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that play an… Continue reading
As busy professionals, parents, caregivers, and friends, we’re often focused on living one choice at a time. We prioritize our careers, relationships, and self-care, but when it comes to our health – and especially preventive health – many of us struggle to find the same… Continue reading
Great strides have been made in breast cancer treatment and surgery. However, even with this progress, many women are unaware of a potential side effect: chest numbness. Many also don’t know that it’s possible to reverse or mitigate numbness through a surgical nerve repair… Continue reading
My mother’s ovarian cancer diagnosis amplified my family’s strong breast cancer and ovarian cancer history. When my mother and I both tested positive for a BRCA1 mutation, it came as no surprise. With my mother in Israel, I spent months at a time commuting back and… Continue reading
On November 30th, 2020 my world was turned upside down. On that evening I received a phone call from my primary care physician and heard those four dreaded words, "Yes Angela, it's cancer." My diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma with lymph node involvement. Thankfully, I… Continue reading
I had a mammogram in the fall of 2021 that indicated I needed a breast ultrasound. Everything looked okay, but six months later I felt a lump in my left breast which led to a biopsy. Unfortunately, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), which means that the… Continue reading
If you’ve been diagnosed with ovarian or breast cancer, you may feel overwhelmed by what it means for you. It could feel like you’ve lost control—but learning how to be your own advocate can help you face the challenges. What does it really mean to advocate for yourself… Continue reading
Understanding your family cancer history – and how it impacts your own risk for cancer – is crucial for anyone looking to be proactive in managing their health. This is especially important for people of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry who have an increased risk for carrying… Continue reading
I have a complicated relationship with Pinktober. Before cancer touched my life, I saw pink ribbons as a helpful reminder to get a mammogram. After I completed treatment for early-stage breast cancer and was deemed cancer-free, those ribbons symbolized victory and… Continue reading
Dear Sharsheret Family, I am writing to you today in the spirit of reflection, anchored in both gratitude and deep sorrow. October 7th is a day that all of us, as Jews and as human beings, will carry with us forever—a day of profound tragedy, resilience, and shared… Continue reading
If you're facing ovarian cancer or breast cancer, you're likely to come across many treatments and medical terms. ADCs, or antibody-drug conjugates, are a kind of treatment option you might hear about. This guide will explain what ADCs are, how they may help with ovarian… Continue reading
Eight years ago, I adopted a terrified, matted rescue dog dropped off as a stray at a high-kill shelter down south. He was on the euthanasia list and even bit me at our meet & greet. When asked if I still wanted to take him home, I apprehensively said, “Uh…… Continue reading
I recently saw the play Here There Are Blueberries. The play is based on a true story of a photo album featuring Nazi-era photographs that arrived at the desk of an archivist at the US Holocaust Museum in 2007. A central question to the play is what choices you make when you… Continue reading
In late 1974, I sat in our wood-paneled family room, watching the news as Betty Ford revealed to the world that she'd had breast cancer and a mastectomy. I called out to my mother in the kitchen, "Mom! What's a mastectomy" Dead silence. My mother had a long history of… Continue reading
I expected starting a new internship to feel a bit like starting a group project in school. Not knowing what to expect, overthinking what the people are going to be like, and the whole thing just being a little intimidating. But somehow, five minutes into my interview, I knew… Continue reading
In 2019, I was happily married, mother of two sons. I received good medical care and was in excellent shape. On a family trip to Greece, my belly was noticeably distended. I thought it might be traveler's stomach or perimenopause. I still felt bloated when we arrived home and… Continue reading
