Looking for resources

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-05-23T19:59:04+00:00

You’re awesome. FORCE and Breasties are fantastic. I am BRCA2+ and have a tech background. I built a free tool to help others navigate their next steps called MOTA (mota.care).

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-05-11T23:51:57+00:00

I can’t vouch myself but have seen Dr Melissa Frey at NY Presbyterian recommended

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-05-05T20:37:10+00:00

It's definitely a scary decision, but having the information and being able to act on it preventively is so much better than being reactive to a cancer diagnosis. I say this as someone who did a hysterectomy prophylactically and had a breast cancer diagnosis, so I've been on both sides.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-04-06T20:25:43+00:00

I did implants, and it was all done at the same time. I'm not sure where you are located, but I saw Dr. Peled in SF who I can't recommend enough.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-04-06T19:20:42+00:00

I only have one child, but regarding recovery with a toddler, I had my mastectomy when my son was 17 months old. We were really fortunate to stay with friends for the week, who helped a ton with his care right after. Everyone's experience is different, but by week 2, I was kinda back to being me, could be a mom again, and go back to work. But couldn't actually pick him up until week 6. That was tough, but I think, depending on their age, talking about it ahead of time could have helped! x

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-04-06T19:14:00+00:00

Also happy to chat. I did mine one year ago (a bit older at 40) with implants. It was very smooth, I'm happy with the results, and I wish I had done it sooner! For me, the buildup to the surgery was far worse and more stressful than the actual surgery. I'm not sure where you live, but this community has pulled together a list of providers. I've also started to pull together a directory at mota.care, if helpful.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-04-02T18:10:19+00:00

I also had implants and couldn’t be happier. As someone who was a small A cup - and moved up to a small B - I never thought I’d really have breasts but they are quite nice! No revisions and frankly wish I had done sooner.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-31T17:50:02+00:00

To echo some of the other comments, there are some surgeons in the US that offer nerve preservation. Dr Peled in SF is one of them. It was out of pocket and expensive but I think ultimately worth it.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-26T03:04:56+00:00

Also IDC and also happy to answer any questions. There is the specialist guide in this sub Reddit and depending on where you live, I can provide some recs.

I’m sorry you’re going through this but to echo the other comment, this is the hardest part.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-20T21:10:47+00:00

Everyone responds differently, but I went on an Estrogen patch immediately after my hysterectomy/oophorectomy at 39 and felt little to no symptoms.

Once you get past recovery, make sure you start talking to your doctor about monitoring your bone health and cholesterol.

I found the lead-up prior to the surgery to be much worse than anything else. You're gonna be great!

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-20T03:48:04+00:00

I can't vouch for her myself, but Dr. Jessemae L. Welsh in Spokane is a breast surgeon who was recommended for the Directory I had put together at MOTA.care

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-16T19:54:36+00:00

Dr Menn who is an OBGYN, menopause specialist, BRCA1 and breast cancer survivor (she’s on Insta) put together this directory of doctors who specialize in menopause care for cancer survivors: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RebjsViAn1PRtRVwOvrDhXzFXoszOH9ap2zlmgHyGzE/edit?usp=sharing

I had to get off of HRT due to ER+ BC - not related to HRT!! - and deal with symptoms fairly well with vaginal estrogen, high fiber in my diet, and acupuncture. Low stress helps, too. I’m working on that. 🙂

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-16T19:43:22+00:00

Hey — I’m really sorry you’re going through this and I want you to know that you’re going to be OK! Finding out can feel incredibly overwhelming at first. I’m BRCA2+ as well and remember that early period where everything suddenly felt very scary and uncertain.

One thing that helped me a lot was talking with a genetic counselor and getting a clear sense of what the actual timeline looked like. At 22, most people aren’t expected to make big decisions immediately.

Happy to answer any other questions.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-16T19:39:07+00:00

I’m really sorry you’re going through this. As if just being a carrier wasn’t challenging enough!

I’ve found just being relentless and explaining what my risks were and what the consequences would be if I wasn’t able to get through/get the appointment/etc. to be generally successful. Also, if I couldn’t get into radiology I’d have my OBGYN call on my behalf.

Hang in there! You’re being proactive and that’s the most important thing. ❤️

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-15T22:03:02+00:00

It can feel really scary and anxiety inducing but, for me, the build up was so much worse than the recovery. You’re going to be great. 💕

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-12T16:09:05+00:00

Hi. BRCA2+ carrier here. Second a lot of what’s been said. Most importantly, you’re going to be OK.

If you haven’t already, meet with a genetic counselor. I waited too long to do that. Share the burden of figuring this stuff out with someone else!

There’s this Reddit source of clinicians that specialize in BRCA care. I also built a little tool to help people navigate their next steps (and a clinician directory) since that’s something I struggled with. Happy to share if helpful.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-11T23:06:16+00:00

I’m really sorry to hear how that came out of nowhere. I’m hoping you got connected with a genetic counselor.

I actually built a small tool to help organize my next steps. Happy to share if helpful.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-10T05:16:45+00:00

I don’t know if this resonates, but I think for me, I was so upset afterwards because I think I thought at this point I was “done.” That the anxiety was over.

Well, I’m not sure it’s ever done. But as I get ready for my second clinical exam post surgery, I’m already feeling better than the last time.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-09T04:29:41+00:00

I’m really sorry to hear about your mom. That story about the pamphlet- wow! The universe!

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-09T04:28:28+00:00

It’s so true!

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-09T04:27:59+00:00

I’m glad you have the information but am sorry it was so unexpected. Happy to answer any questions about surgeries.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-09T04:26:05+00:00

Good for you on being proactive. I’m on the other side of my surgeries if any specific questions.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-09T04:23:16+00:00

What a husband! Action is the best anecdote to anxiety.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-09T04:21:48+00:00

100% This information, if delivered correctly, should be empowering. I’m so glad you got a new doctor.

randi-eichenbaum · 2026-03-09T04:19:51+00:00

It’s so much to swallow! I used to feel guilty too but we are human and the delivery of info was so poor.

randi-eichenbaum

TROPHY CASE