If you’re preparing for a mastectomy—whether it’s a preventative mastectomy because of a BRCA gene mutation or a mastectomy as part of breast cancer treatment—this episode is for you.

I recorded this one because I have quite a few women in my own circle heading into mastectomies this month, and this has been an ongoing conversation between me and these women for weeks now. Real texts, real voice notes, real "What do I even do with all of this?” moments—sharing tips we’ve learned the hard way and the little things that end up making a huge difference. At some point I just thought… this shouldn’t stay private. So I’m bringing it here to all of our friends at BRCA & Beyond.

This isn’t a “do it perfectly” guide, and it’s not meant to replace your medical team. It’s a supportive walk-through of how to prepare for a mastectomy mentally, emotionally, physically, and practically—in a way that feels human and doable, especially if you’re trying to hold life together while a surgery date is sitting on your calendar.

We talk honestly about anticipatory anxiety in the days and weeks leading up to surgery...how that date can start to feel like doomsday and how complicated it is to be saying goodbye to a part of your body that’s tied to identity, femininity, motherhood, and sexuality…while also being the very thing you’re being told could someday harm you. If you’ve had the sobbing fests, the random waves of panic, the “I’m fine—wait, I’m not fine” moments… you’re not alone. I also share what helped me most: therapy early on, having a safe place to let the emotions out, and finding support that doesn’t require you to explain every single detail.

From there, we get into physical preparation for mastectomy recovery: what the movement restrictions can look like, how long drains might be in, why muscle loss happens, and how gentle movement, walking, stretching, hydration, and prioritizing protein before and after surgery can truly support healing. I also share what I wish I did more of before my surgeries and why your body will thank you later for even small efforts now.

And then we slow down and get very practical, because the practical prep matters. We talk about meal prepping and freezing food, setting up a meal train, and stocking easy high-protein snacks for the low-energy days. I walk through a real-life “recovery nesting” plan—including things like a recliner or lift chair (a total game-changer), what to wear after surgery (button-down pajamas, zip hoodies, elastic sweatpants), surgical bras and drain management, slippers or slides (because bending down is a whole situation), bath wipes and shower routines when you’re scared to get incisions wet, mastectomy pillows for comfort and protecting your chest (especially around kids), and a seat belt cushion for rides to follow-ups.

We also talk about the first mirror moment — the “oh… this is real” moment — and the emotional side of adjusting afterward: body image, grief, relief, frustration, and how healing is not linear. I share why lining up support before surgery matters so much, including community resources like FORCE, and how giving your loved ones practical “jobs” ahead of time can make recovery feel less overwhelming.

If this episode gives you even one thing that helps you feel steadier going into surgery and recovery, I’m so glad you’re here. This is a big surgery and a big season—and none of us were ever prepared to have to prepare for something like this in the first place… but you’re doing the right thing by gathering support and making it easier where you can.

You’ve got this—and I promise you’re going to be okay.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really happens after you get your genetic test results?

In this episode of BRCA & Beyond, Marisa sits down with genetic counselor Sharon Pollack from JScreen to walk through what genetic testing can reveal—and what those results can mean for you and the people you love.

Sharon has a strong background in both cancer and reproductive genetics. She earned her master’s degree in human genetics from Sarah Lawrence College and holds a master’s in bioethics from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. She now works in an outreach and education role at JScreen, where she focuses on increasing awareness, empowering individuals with knowledge, and making genetic screening more accessible and understandable.

Together, Marisa and Sharon talk about

• What genetic counselors actually do

• The emotional and family impact of genetic results

• The difference between positive, negative, and VUS results

• How genetic mutations are passed through families

• Why cascade testing matters

• What to expect after a genetic test

If you’ve ever wondered whether genetic testing is right for you or what your results could mean...this conversation will help you feel more informed, supported, and prepared.

JScreen is a national nonprofit genetic testing and education program that offers clinical-grade at-home saliva testing for hereditary cancer risk. Their tests are processed through Myriad Genetics, a leading laboratory in genetic testing, and include access to licensed genetic counselors to guide you through the process and your results.

You can order a kit directly to your home and complete the process with professional support every step of the way.

Learn more or order a test:

Visit JScreen.org

Use promo code BRCAandBeyond10 for $10 off your test.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cancer Prevention Month… For Us, It’s Every Day With a Genetic Mutation

February is Cancer Prevention Month. But for those of us living with a genetic mutation like BRCA, prevention isn’t something we think about once a year—it’s part of everyday life.

In this episode of BRCA & Beyond, Marisa shares an honest, real conversation about what cancer prevention actually looks like when your risk is hereditary. From daily lifestyle choices to medical surveillance and preventative surgeries, this episode breaks down the difference between general wellness advice and true hereditary cancer risk management.

Marisa opens up about her own experience—how she exercised, ate well, and still faced a stage 1 colon cancer diagnosis—and why that doesn’t make healthy habits pointless. Instead, she explains how movement, nutrition, hormone balance, inflammation reduction, and metabolic health all play an important role in supporting the body, even when your DNA can’t be changed.

This episode is for anyone:

• Living with a BRCA or other genetic mutation
• Navigating hereditary cancer risk
• Considering preventative surgery
• Feeling overwhelmed by prevention decisions
• Wondering what prevention really looks like beyond lifestyle advice
• 
  

If you’ve ever felt like the typical “just be healthy” message doesn’t fully apply to you, this conversation will help you feel more informed, more grounded, and less alone.

Because when your risk is genetic, prevention isn’t a month. It’s a way of life.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.