What does it mean to have a BRCA mutation? When K found out that she is a carrier of a genetic mutation of the BRCA 1 gene or BRCA, which is correlated with a significant risk of breast and ovarian cancer, she opened up to her community and asked her friends for help as she underwent risk management surgery. In this candid conversation, K shares her story about learning she is BRCA positive and her physical, mental, and emotional journey with a double mastectomy with reconstruction, and hysterectomy. Also in this episode: navigating a changing body, self-image and femininity, communication with intimate partners, hormones, self-advocacy within the healthcare system, and the most unique incentive to quit smoking. TIME STAMPS: Check out K’s woman owned creators shop All of The Things NYC on Etsy  https://www.etsy.com/shop/allofthethingsNYC Follow them on Instagram @allofthethingsnyc https://www.instagram.com/allofthethingsnyc/ For more information about hereditary cancers, and to help those affected visit facingourrisk.org Visit https://its-elemental.com to learn more about their thermal bras for previvors and survivors. NYU Langone Perlmuter Center support groups: HereInformation about BRCA 1/2 mutations from the top of the episode were compiled from the following resources: National Breast Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society, and Mayo Clinic.Visit us at thedowntherepodcast.com to learn more about our show, find episode transcripts, or to get in touch. Check out our Instagram @thedowntherepodcast https://www.instagram.com/thedowntherepodcast/ for new episode drops, info about our guests, and fun tidbits!  Like the podcast? Rate the podcast on I Tunes!  CREDITS: Host: Caitlin Smith RapoportMusic, Sound Design, Editing: Kate Marvin Producers: Molly Hennighausen, Caitlin Smith Rapoport Design: Jean Kim Studio Thanks for listening! Xoxo 💛TheDownThere Team💛