BRCA & Beyond

Surveillance or Surgery: The Choice That Haunts Us


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When you test positive for a BRCA mutation, one of the hardest questions you’ll ever face is this: Do I live under constant surveillance, or do I undergo surgery before cancer ever arrives?


In this raw and unfiltered episode, Marisa opens up about standing at that exact crossroad — and the fears, doubts, and sleepless nights that came with it. She shares what it was like to live scan-to-scan, the weight of her colon cancer experience, and the emotional tug-of-war that made surveillance unbearable. With honesty and compassion, she walks you through how she wrestled with the decision and what finally brought her peace.


This isn’t a medical lecture. It’s a heart-to-heart conversation about identity, motherhood, fear, loss, and choosing a path forward when both options feel impossible. If you’re navigating your own BRCA journey, or love someone who is, this episode will remind you that your fears are valid, your questions matter, and the “right” choice is the one that gives you peace.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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BRCA & BeyondBy Marisa Stachelski