We recently connected with Tracy Milgram and have shared our conversation below.
Tracy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
At the age of 21 years old Tracy Milgram took a risk by doing genetic testing to find our her risk for Breast and Ovarian Cancer. She underwent 3 lumpectomies by the time I was 21years old. Tracy is a breast and ovarian cancer previvor and a BRCA mutation carrier. She found out she carried the BRCA mutation at the age of 21 after she had already had 3 benign breast lumpectomies. She speaks about what her breast cancer surveillance looked like in that next decade and how she made the decision to go ahead with prophylactic surgery to decrease her cancer risk and everything that has followed. Tracy is the founder of BRCAStrong, an incredible organization that aims to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens of women facing breast and/or Gynecological cancers regardless of genetic predisposition. Tracy shares why and how she started BRCAStrong and also talks about navigating life, relationships and parenting with a BRCA mutation and how she copes with mental health challenges.
Tracy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Tracy Milgram-Posner founded BRCAStrong in 2015 after fighting alone for over 10 years against her BRCA2 genetic mutation. Tracy underwent two separate benign lumpectomies at 18- and 19-years-old before being officially told she carried the BRCA2 mutation in 2004 at 21 years-old.
When her doctors informed her in 2015 that she had an 85% risk of developing breast cancer, and a 67% chance of developing ovarian cancer, Tracy underwent a robotic, total hysterectomy. Six months later, she had a prophylactic double mastectomy.
Tracy aims to inspire others by sharing her journey and encouraging others to do the same. “I think we all experience some level of self-doubt and physical insecurities after breast or reproductive surgery and/or treatment – regardless of BRCA involvement. In a way, BRCA2 took away my womanhood – and there are too many more women out there facing challenges similar to mine. But though similar, all our experiences are different, and I hope that BRCAStrong provides a safe space to share and inspire each other.”
As she dealt with the physical and emotional effects of these aggressive procedures, Tracy saw a need for an inclusive community that would allow her and others to connect, share tips and stories and offer advice on everything from post-surgery dating to clinical side effects and mental health.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
In 2004 when I found out I carried the BRCA 2 mutation, I knew I had to be resilient. Why, because my decision to remove healthy body parts was both the hardest, and easiest decision of my life. Due to carrying the BRCA 2 mutation my risk for breast cancer was 87% and 67% for ovarian cancer. This is based on my family history and being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
It is important to say that my decision is not right for everyone, but it was right for me and I knew this early in the process.
BRCASTRONG was created in 2015 when I decided it was time to take surgical preventative actions. My journey began at 18 years old when I found my first lump and underwent a lumpectomy which began at the age of 19. At 21 years old I had 2 more lumpectomies. From the age of 21 to 32, surveillance was my story. Every 3 months I would have a scan whether it was an ultrasound/mammo or MRI, scanxiety was VERY real.
Choosing to have a full hysterectomy and a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction allowed me to take back some power. Breast cancer was the bigger risk as I lost an Aunt at 40 years old, and I knew ovarian cancer as “The Silent Killer.”
Seeing family members battle both breast and ovarian cancer I had the instinct to protect my children from going through this no matter what it involved.
When you carry a genetic mutation it affects you as an individual and your family members. Knowledge is Power. Knowing your family history can help this disease to be caught early and prevented.
In 2019 after suffering for years with migraines I self-advocated and demanded an MRI. Well, my gut was right and I learned I have a Chiari 1 Malformation. This meant my brain was hanging out of its sack and was pressing on my nerves. Medication wasn’t an option, it was surgery. Moving forward to 2022 when I learned more about my Chiari and spoke with my neurosurgeon, Dr. Michael McDermott. It was now time to schedule my surgery. I was not prepared and I was numb. Dr. McDermott and his team held my hand through each step and now I am migraine free. This surgery showed me I can bounce back. I have lost more them half my head of hair which still hurts. The more we feel all of our feelings, the more resilient we are.
Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?
BRCAStrong is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization aimed at supporting women who have been touched by breast and/or gynecological cancers. From financial support to routine monitoring or preventative surgery, BRCAStrong helps Previvors, Thrivers, and Survivors through the journey toward health, positive self-image and inspired living.
The mission is simple: to alleviate the emotional and financial burdens of women facing breast and/or gynecological cancers (regardless of genetic predisposition) through advocacy, direct assistance, empowerment and events.
BRCAStrong has evolved into a sisterhood of Previvors, Thrivers and Survivors that offers education, information, support and advocacy for women who are uninsured or under insured, by women who care. Support comes in all forms , from post-mastectomy garments and prosthetics, to lymphedema sleeves and other treatment necessities; and is provided at zero cost to recipients.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.brcastrong.org
- Instagram: BRCASTRONG
- Facebook: BRCASTRONG
- Linkedin: Tracy Milgram
- Twitter: BRCASTRONG
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCt4_t0HKKJry51h0vVVnlCA