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
Passover is canceled because of a plague. Technically, Passover will not be canceled this year because of the coronavirus, but for most of us, it won't be observed in the traditional fashion to which each family has become accustomed. We may not be celebrating with extended… Continue reading
During our recent webinar, “Living With Cancer and COVID-19: What You Need To Know,” Dr. Stuart Samuels, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, shared important information about the impact of COVID-19… Continue reading
The good news: I have food, a roof over my head, a sweet, (although needy) dog, two amazing kids, and an incredible network of friends and family who are there for me, albeit virtually for the moment. I also have an abundant supply of flushable Preparation H wipes ordered… Continue reading
The Book of Esther is a bit puzzling, not because of its exotic setting, but rather because it is a book in the Bible that never mentions God at all. You do not have to be theological to see an irony here. However, the interpretive genius of the Rabbis finds God’s… Continue reading
On March 15th, we will be participating in the UA NYC Half Marathon as part of Team Daniella through Sharsheret. We are running to honor our dear friend Daniella Stadtmauer, who is fighting advanced breast cancer with unbelievable courage and fortitude, grace and… Continue reading
The NYC Half Marathon is coming up on Sunday, and I couldn’t be more excited to run with Team Sharsheret! I have chosen to run with this amazing non-profit organization because I was so touched by the kindness they treated my mom with. The relief on my mom’s face after… Continue reading
My Mom had an extraordinary life. It was vibrant and colorful and full of love. She was taken from us too soon after she battled with ovarian cancer. Last year, only a few weeks after she passed away, Sharsheret honored my mom in holding the Pie for Prevention sale in West… Continue reading
I am running the NYC Half Marathon this March with Team Sharsheret in honor of Daniella Stadtmauer! Sharsheret is a non-profit organization that provides relevant support, information and resources to women and their families facing breast and ovarian cancer and is a… Continue reading
Running the #unitednychalf is unlike any other as you race down New York streets and over bridges usually filled with traffic, but for this special day, there are just runners, spectators and so much joy! Being part of Team Sharsheret is unlike any other because Sharsheret… Continue reading
