@BRCAresponder BLOG

Monday, December 14, 2015

What Is A Genetic Counselor?

Thursday, November 26, 2015

10 Upcoming Screenings of Pink & Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer

10 Screenings in 9 cities

at AMC theaters across the U.S.

Pink & Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer

There are 8 screenings in various cities on December 6th at 2pm and 2 screenings in San Antonio-December 10th & 11th. In San Antonio the film plays directly across the street from SABCS- the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

REGISTER & BUY TICKETS NOW

-Tickets available online only

-Q & A panel immediately following each screening

-Check out cities below or go right to the eventbrite site to watch the trailer and register.

REGISTER & BUY TICKETS NOW

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Family Medical History - I Have Lynch Syndrome

Family Medical History - I Have Lynch Syndrome -Georgia Hurst

Click here to read more from Georgia Hurst!

Georgia Hurst is a patient advocate for those with Lynch syndrome. She is the founder of the website and blog: ihavelynchsyndrome.com. She frequently writes about the emotional aspects of having Lynch syndrome, and writes for various websites and journals in order to create awareness amongst the global medical community about this hereditary cancer syndrome. Georgia is a wife and mother, and loves espresso, books, and being bossed around by her adorable dog named Sid.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Keeping The Faith At American Film Market - More on Pink & Blue

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Alan M. Blassberg Reflects On, Informs Via His "Pink & Blue" Documentary

Saturday, November 14, 2015

#MyHeartWithParis #Paris

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Happy Veterans Day!

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BOOK REVIEW

Dangerous Boobies: Breaking Up with My Time-Bomb Breasts by Caitlin Brodnick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I've never met comedian and author Caitlin Brodnick but I have heard her voice on her Screw You Cancer series: https://video.glamour.com/series/scre... Full disclosure: I also interviewed Caitlin via twitter for a blog post on this book: http://thebrcaresponder.blogspot.com/...

My favorite thing about "Dangerous Boobies" is its authentic voice; as I read it was as if Caitlin was reading it to me, in her sweet chirpy voice she writes like she talks raw, honest, fast, confident, sometimes insecure, often anxious, heartily reflective and mostly, "udderly" hysterical. Yup, that was me attempting channel my inner Caitlin.

As an advocate for those with BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes, I was excited to read Brodnick's book. I absolutely applaud anyone who is willing to be so open with their experience and Brodnick not only did this with her Screw You Cancer Series but with her book too. All was seemingly rosy as she was recovering in the last of her Screw You Cancer episodes, answering viewer questions. However, we learn in the book that all was not easy. Caitlin sheds light on tougher times post surgery, including struggling with serious depression.

I appreciate the places in the book where Brodnick gets statistics and information straight from the experts. Regarding genetic testing, I am thankful she says to see a genetic counselor and find out the facts. (I'm adding here that you can find a certified genetic counselor by phone or in person at: http://nsgc.org)

If you want to get a quick taste of Caitlin's humor and tone, just take a look at her chapter titles. My favorite one..."CANCER IS AN EMOTIONLESS BITCH WHO WILL RUIN YOUR BRUNCH PLANS"! Another chapter, TITTY TITTY BANG BANG: THE SEX PART, where she discusses having sex with her husband for the first time after surgery. The first sentence of that chapter is "Author's note: Dad and Grandpa, please skip to page 145." So perfect.

And, I cannot end this review without mentioning some stunning similarities I learned Caitlin and I have:

1. We both have the BRCA 1 5385insC mutation
2. We both have neurocardiogenic syncope
3. We both lost a close female relative at 33 years old
4. We both have Jewish fathers named Al
5. We both have moms that are hot shiksas
6. We both love writing, I'm writing my book now
7. We both have fair skin and reddish hair
8. We both have one leg shorter than the other

Very happy I ready this.
Very funny. Very real.
Very happy this is a resource I can recommend to others!
XO Amy @BRCAresponder

View all my reviews

BOOK REVIEW

Understanding BRCA: Living with the Breast Cancer Gene by Clarissa Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

FINALLY finished reading this Clarissa! As an advocate providing education, advocacy, and support surrounding BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes, I truly appreciate the time and effort that it took you to complete this amazing book/BRCA resource. Women and men in the UK will absolutely benefit from the all of the guidelines specific to the UK. Others will benefit from the information regarding BRCA mutations. I will be recommending this. Unbelievable glossary, appendix, resources, and index.

View all my reviews

BOOK REVIEW

Cancer Was Not a Gift & It Didn't Make Me a Better Person: A memoir about cancer as I know it by Nancy Stordahl
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raw, Honest, Authentic - MUST READ!
As a patient advocate for those with BRCA and other hereditary cancer syndromes, I personally appreciate Nancy's candor and complete transparency. Her writing is stellar; the book is captivating and on point. People who have a family history of cancer, BRCA gene mutation, or metastatic cancer diagnosis will absolutely appreciate the author's authenticity in this fantastic memoir. Must Read!

View all my reviews

BOOK REVIEW

A Cancer in the Family: Take Control of Your Genetic Inheritance by Theodora Ross
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a BRCA/Hereditary Cancer Advocate I was excited to read Dr. Ross' book. While I thoroughly enjoyed it, part handbook, part memoir, it's definitely worth the purchase just for the index! Pages 201-266 list inherited cancer syndromes by name and associated gene. Lifetime cancer risks associated with each syndrome are also spelled out in addition to current risk management guidelines for both women and men.

Those interested in health and science would enjoy this book.
Medical students and ALL DOCTORS in ALL SPECIALTIES would benefit from reading this book.
@BRCAresponder

View all my reviews

@BRCAresponder BLOG

WELCOME TO MY BLOG!

Monday, December 14, 2015

What Is A Genetic Counselor?

Thursday, November 26, 2015

10 Upcoming Screenings of Pink & Blue: Colors of Hereditary Cancer

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Family Medical History - I Have Lynch Syndrome

Family Medical History - I Have Lynch Syndrome -Georgia Hurst

Click here to read more from Georgia Hurst!

Monday, November 23, 2015

Keeping The Faith At American Film Market - More on Pink & Blue

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Alan M. Blassberg Reflects On, Informs Via His "Pink & Blue" Documentary

Saturday, November 14, 2015

#MyHeartWithParis #Paris

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Happy Veterans Day!

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

Information and resources on brcaresponder.blogspot.com should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. it is always important to do your own research and work with your own medical professionals regarding your own personal health issues & concerns.

Discussing Cancer Risk Management

Sharing my story

"SISTA"

@BRCAresponder extras

About BRCA/Dr. Susan Domchek

Pink & Blue store

LILLIAN & BO

LILLIAN & MY DAD circa 1930

Kristin & Me

BRCA SISTERHOOD

My pal Scary Face Dog

MY BRCA TEST RESULT

PINK MOON LOVELIES

PRETTY IS WHAT CHANGES

LETTERS TO DOCTORS

FAVORITE PIC OF ME & MY DAD circa 1972

ME & MY BEAUTIFUL SISTER JAN