Gennifer Birnbach “Breast Cancer is NOT on my ‘To Do’ list!” This was my first reaction when I got the news that one of the two biopsies I had done was positive for cancer. I repeated it when I met the breast surgeon, but I tackled it like I tackle any new challenge: face it head-on, make a plan, start to schedule appointments, and round up support.
My breast cancer “adventure” began in May 2023 with a questionable mammogram screening. I was told to schedule a diagnostic mammogram and an ultrasound, but the appointments available were far out. So, every morning and again in the afternoon, I called the radiology schedulers in two different hospitals until I could get in quickly. I got the call from the radiologist with the results, confirming the cancer diagnosis, while at AAA getting maps and books for two trips I was planning.
I now knew I had cancer and yet I felt very lucky, having dodged a bullet. It was caught early and it was very small, and the doctors said it was most likely “in situ” – completely encapsulated. I had been referred to two different surgeons, both with great reputations, and I chose the one who could operate the soonest, as I was anxious to cross Breast Cancer off my To Do list!
I am the granddaughter of four Ashkenazi Jewish grandparents. I knew of two cases of breast cancer on my father’s side: his sister who had it in her late 70s and a paternal second cousin who has been battling breast cancer valiantly and repeatedly for several years. I was very aware of the inherited BRCA genes and that Ashkenazi women have a tenfold higher incidence of having one or more of those BRCA genes than the general population.
Two years before my breast cancer diagnosis, and newly relocated back to South Florida, I decided to get tested for the BRCA genes. After all, if I am a carrier, it would be important for my three sons to know for themselves and their children. (Many don’t realize that men can also get breast cancer.) I was relieved to get the news that I tested negative for the BRCA genes. And I had more good news. I had not realized that the genetic testing was not only for breast cancer. I tested Negative for the colon cancer gene, also more prevalent among Ashkenazi Jews; my father had colon cancer in his 70s and I had been worried about the possible increased risk for it.
My breast cancer “adventure” had a bump in the road when in the lumpectomy surgery the surgeon discovered a “microinvasion” of breast cancer cells. The tumor was NOT “in situ”. Upon this discovery, the surgeon could have tried to identify and remove the sentinel lymph node in order to test it, but she did not do that. A few weeks later I met with my oncologist, and we both agreed that I should have more surgery to identify, remove and test the sentinel lymph node and others, if necessary. Meanwhile, I got clearance to take my planned trip to England, Vienna, and Slovenia, and we scheduled the additional surgery immediately after my planned return home.
Once again, I found I had dodged a bullet. The sentinel node and three others were removed, and all four tested Negative for breast cancer.
I know that my journey has been easier because I surrounded myself with support from my family, friends, neighbors and community. I know women who won’t talk about it and don’t tell anybody about their breast cancer. I feel just the opposite. I tell both women and men so that they know that they, or the women in their lives, must get screened.
I am divorced and live on my own, but I have had amazing support during this journey. My family has stood by me with their concern, and I am particularly blessed to have my son Yoni and his wife Mariana living half an hour away. As busy medical doctors, they could not necessarily come to every appointment with me, but they made time to get on speakerphone with the doctors and me at every critical appointment, and Yoni was able to join me a couple of times.
My “significant other” Robert, my good friend Leslie Stone (another Alembika Woman), my neighbor Karen and others were there to bring me to surgeries and take me home, to shop and cook for me and to just “babysit” so I would not be alone. I could not have gotten through this without them.
A few words about “community”: when I told my news to members of my weekly study group, they surrounded me with love, concern, and their own personal stories of breast cancer. At least three of them were breast cancer survivors. They were always available to me. One of these women was the President of my synagogue and immediately asked me to participate in “Pink Shabbat” which the Jewish community celebrates every October. This year will be my second time participating, my first as a survivor.
These women also put me in touch with Sharsheret (Connection), the Jewish breast and ovarian cancer community, which helps both those who are Jewish and not Jewish, as its psychosocial support and educational outreach resonate with so many. Their programs are free and confidential. They sent me resource material, some special toiletries and even a special pillow. A social worker reached out to me, and other resources were also offered.
Two surgeries and 16 radiation treatments later I am well on my road to full recovery. Once I knew I had breast cancer, I attacked and did what had to be done to move forward. My support network is still with me on my journey. I am grateful to all of them and I know I have so much to live for. And, yes, I have crossed breast cancer off my To Do List!
