Losing My Mother, Previving For My Children

At just 13, Heather lost her mother to breast cancer. Fifteen years later, a mother herself, Heather had genetic testing done and learned that she carried a mutation in a BRCA gene. Heather shares her experience as a previvor--from genetic counseling to finding the right doctors to her continued involvement in the BRCA community and the many changes she’s witnessed since she was tested in 2005. Story Reference Points: Heather learns that she carries a BRCA1 mutation @ 1:20 Making major medical decisions and finding the right doctors @ 7:54 Heather’s children’s books @ 19:59 Heather remembers her mother @ 22:19 Heather’s surveillance today and memories of scanxiety @ 27:24 The Breast Advocate app @ 29:14 Life after an oophorectomy @ 31:30 Heather’s children’s and their BRCA risks @ 36:07 BRCA resources: then and now and the shift toward shared decision making @ 41:00 Heather’s advice to individuals considering genetic testing @ 43:35 Heather’s advice to individuals looking for the right doctors @ 45:08 Links and Resources My BRCA Story (Heather’s blog) Heather on Twitter: @expattravelmom Heather on Facebook Beyond The Pink Moon Facebook Group The Breast Advocate app Breast Reconstruction Resources: Terri Coutee on Twitter: @6state The Diep C Foundation The Diep C Journey Facebook Group Heather’s books on Amazon: Why is Mommy Having Surgery? She Looks OK to Me: For families with BRCA risk and undergoing prophylactic surgery and implant reconstruction This Much I Know Do you want to support Patient Stories? You can now make a donation online! Want to support Patient Stories in a non-monetary way? Leave us a review on iTunes, or share your favorite episodes on Social Media. Patient Stories on Twitter: @GreyGeneticsPod Patient Stories on Instagram: @patientstoriespodcast Check out other Patient Stories podcast episodes. Read other Patient Stories on the Grey Genetics Patient Stories Page Are you looking for genetic counseling? Choose from our growing Network of Genetic Counselors. All genetic counseling appointments take place over secure, HIPAA-compliant video-conferencing or by phone.