184. Racing Time, Holding Hope: The Ups and Downs of a BRCA+ Fertility Journey

Briana Felsen's path to motherhood was anything but straightforward. When she learned she was a BRCA carrier, everything changed—her sense of time, her plans for the future, and her relationship with her own body. Facing a 72% lifetime risk of breast cancer, she found herself racing against the clock to build her family before needing preventative surgery. What followed was a fertility journey deeply intertwined with Jewish time—the holidays marking both medical milestones and heartbreaks. From an ectopic pregnancy on the High Holidays to finally learning she was pregnant on Chanukah, her story is one of resilience, faith, and finding light after darkness. We talk about: - How a BRCA diagnosis reshapes family planning and fertility decisions - Navigating IVF, PCOS, and genetic testing with faith and fear in equal measure - What it feels like when Jewish holidays become painful reminders instead of celebrations - The toll of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, even when a good dose of Zoloft helped her hold on For anyone navigating a genetic diagnosis or struggling with fertility challenges, this raw and heartfelt conversation is a reminder that you are never alone. More about Briana Felsen: Briana Felsen is a development professional who works in the Israel space. First in South Florida and now back home right outside of Washington, DC. She graduated from Indiana University with her undergraduate degree in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures and George Washington University for her graduate program in Israel Education. Briana is passionate about Jewish community building, reading good books, Hoosier basketball, and the perfect wine and cheese pairing. Briana lives in Potomac Maryland with her husband Jerry and their dog Skipper and the newest member of their family, their IVF baby, Sonny. Connect with Briana Felsen: - Follow her on Instagram Connect with us: -Check out our Website -Follow us on Instagram and send us a message -Watch our TikToks -Follow us on Facebook -Watch us on YouTube -Connect with us on LinkedIn