admin said:

Nicki Boscia Durlester- author, shares her family journey of BRCA, breast & ovarian cancer…

http://beyondthepinkmoon.com/order.html

Hi All!

Thank you, Tobey, for posting the link to my recently self-published book. Beyond the Pink Moon, A Memoir of Legacy, Loss and Survival intimately chronicles my journey after being diagnosed with breast cancer. My story begins with my mother who was diagnosed with the disease in 1962 at the age of 43. I was 5 years old. My earliest memories are of my mother recovering from her radical mastectomy.

I provide unique insight into being part of a large Italian-American family afflicted with the BRCA2 gene, sharing poignant stories about my mother and her six sisters who faced breast and ovarian cancer with extraordinary grace and courage.

I write candidly about the highs and lows of my journey as well as my frustration in finding the right team of doctors, sharing humor and heart along the way. I share my medical history including my decision to remove my ovaries  prophylactically 20 years ago because I didn't trust the limited screening tests that were available for ovarian cancer. When I tested positive for the BRCA2 gene in 2001, I seriously cosidered prophylactic mastectomies, but was advised by people I trusted to practice active surveillance instead. That appears to have been a glaringly wrong decision, however, I believe this was the path I was meant to take and I have found my peace.  Otherwise, I would not have written a book and be affecting many more lives than just my own.

Last week the saga continued when my 23 year old daughter tested positive for the BRCA2 gene. I had hoped and prayed it would end with me. My daughter seemed to take it in stride as I was reduced to a puddle of tears. She is a take charge young woman who has decided to have prophylactic mastectomies and oophorectomies when the time is right for her.  She refuses to be a sitting duck. I admire her strength and positive attitude and love her with all of my heart. I know she will be okay and our family history of breast cancer will end with me.

I invite you all to visit my website to learn more about my background and book. In the words of the poet Masahide, “barn's burnt down…now I can see the moon.”

Wishing you all health and happiness,

Cent' anni!

Nicki Boscia Durlester