BRCA & Beyond is where real talk meets real life with a gene mutation. I’m Marisa, a BRCA2 previvor, colon cancer survivor, wife, and mom of two, and I know firsthand how overwhelming, emotional, and downright confusing this journey can be. But here’s the truth — your gene mutation does not define you. Your choices do. And there is a full, beautiful life waiting beyond this diagnosis.
Here, we’ll talk about the decisions no one ever expects to face, the emotions that come with them, and the messy, beautiful, complicated life that happens in between. You’ll hear honest stories (mine and others’), practical tips, and guides that make the path a little clearer. We’ll welcome guests who share their own journeys and expertise, offering fresh perspectives, hope, and encouragement. We’ll laugh when we can, cry when we need to, and remind each other that joy still exists, even in the chaos.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, deep into decision-making, or simply searching for connection, this is a space to feel understood, supported, and never alone. Pull up a seat, friend. We’re in this together.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
BRCA & Beyond is where real talk meets real life with a gene mutation. I’m Marisa, a BRCA2 previvor, colon cancer survivor, wife, and mom of two, and I know firsthand how overwhelming, emotional, and downright confusing this journey can be. But here’s the truth — your gene mutation does not define you. Your choices do. And there is a full, beautiful life waiting beyond this diagnosis.
Here, we’ll talk about the decisions no one ever expects to face, the emotions that come with them, and the messy, beautiful, complicated life that happens in between. You’ll hear honest stories (mine and others’), practical tips, and guides that make the path a little clearer. We’ll welcome guests who share their own journeys and expertise, offering fresh perspectives, hope, and encouragement. We’ll laugh when we can, cry when we need to, and remind each other that joy still exists, even in the chaos.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, deep into decision-making, or simply searching for connection, this is a space to feel understood, supported, and never alone. Pull up a seat, friend. We’re in this together.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Marisa opens up about the early symptoms; she tried to rationalize the pain, the moments she was doubled over, and the day she saw blood in her stool and knew something was seriously wrong. She shares the raw truth about how easily she could have ignored the signs… and how that one decision to listen to her intuition changed everything.
You’ll hear her walk through her colon cancer diagnosis, the shock of discovering she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation, and how understanding her genetics helped her take back control of her health and her future. This episode is a reminder of how important it is to notice repeated symptoms, trust your gut, and speak up even when it feels uncomfortable.
You’ll also hear about the emotional side of advocating for yourself, the fear, the second-guessing, the frustration when providers dismiss concerns, and the courage it takes to say, “No, something isn’t right.”
Throughout the conversation, Marisa shares what early detection actually looks like across hereditary cancers.
She also discusses how many women struggle to access genetic testing through traditional providers and shares JScreen as a resource for those seeking clarity without barriers.
Through www.jscreen.org, listeners can order an at-home saliva kit, return it easily, and have it analyzed through Myriad Genetics’ gold-standard hereditary cancer panel, which includes BRCA1, BRCA2, and over 60 genes connected to cancers. A genetic counselor reviews results with you so you understand exactly what they mean for your life and your family.
Benefits of JScreen:
– No clinic wait-times
– No need to find your own prescriber
– Post-test genetic counseling
– Access to trusted, high-quality testing
– Easy for relatives to get tested too
– The right test with the right interpretation
The program fee is $49, and listeners can use promo code BRCAandBeyond10 for $10 off. Insurance is billed afterward, and many people pay $0 out-of-pocket. A $249 self-pay cap is available for those with high deductibles or who don’t meet traditional “criteria” for testing.
But at the heart of this episode, beyond any program or test, is a simple truth:
Listening to your body matters. Your genes matter. And early detection truly can save your life.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.