Previvor: Lisa Reibman
Her interests include cooking, exercise and playing with her pets.
She is passionate about letting people know about HBOC and getting the word out on getting tested.
Lisa is a graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC. Prior to starting her family, Lisa was a Manager of sales in the Garment industry. She now resides in Long Island with her husband Phil.
I, Like most people, am not searching out bad news. But thanks to my physician, I turned Knowledge into a defensive weapon, and took proactive action which will likely reduce my odds of ever having ovarian cancer- a silent killer.Was I happy when I learned I had the BRACA gene mutation? NO. But, with Dr. Herman’s guidance, advise and insistence, I was in the fortunate position to take control of my life by undergoing the BSO surgery (removal of my ovaries and fallopian tubes). As a 48-year-old mother of two, having to have laparoscopic procedure didn’t mean I would be deprived of having children. (There is no recommendation to have ovaries removed until childbearing is complete.) But even if I were 20 years younger, the alternative consequences could be far worse. Like every major decision one makes throughout life, there is good and bad. As a result of this surgery, I have entered menopause quite a bit earlier, and more suddenly than I had hoped for in my life. But that is the price I was willing to pay to drastically reduce the odds of ever having this cancer. I took a look at my husband, my children, my friends and family, and I am so grateful for the technology that gave me the upper hand in taking responsibility for my health.
Having this knowledge, my daughter, 22 requested to have the test, and I am elated to say she is NEGATIVE for this gene!! It was one of the happiest days of my life!
Contrary to my beliefs, there are still people who have a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancers, and refuse this testing strictly out of fear.
For those people I pray they will allow themselves be get educated and eventually get tested in order to save their lives.
I consider myself lucky, because now I can take control, and monitor myself more frequently.
Most of all, I am very fortunate to have a Dr. Who is dedicated to prevention and imparting knowledge to his patients.
For me, this knowledge is life affirming.
Lisa Reibman
Print This PageMy journey was about to begin…
I received the shocking news that I was BRCA 1 positive. Dr. Herman had counseled me before taking the test, but I didn’t actually think this could happen to me. Although my paternal aunt had passed away from breast cancer, I was stunned that I carried this gene.
I had to make some serious decisions. The first big decision was easy. I was aware of the extreme high risk of ovarian cancer . Having my tubes and ovaries out was life saving. So, for me this was the only option.
Going into early menopause at the age of 46 was out of my control. I would deal with that. I expected to feel some changes in my body, but in reality it was far worse than I had imagined . It was not something that occurred naturally. The hot flashes were intense. I took many months until I was able to handle them. I write about it because maybe if I knew about them in advance a it would have helped.
More important than all the surgery, recuperation, and menopausal symptoms was the ability to take control of my life and my family’s future.
My biggest fear and worry was my daughter. My 22 year old would now have to be tested.
I had discussed with my children (I have a son too) what this gene meant to all of us. My very mature daughter visited Dr. Herman. On he way, in the car, she told me how she thought long and hard about it and wanted to know. This decision to be tested at 22 was her own. Thank the lord she is Negative for this gene. She can now carry on with her life without worry. She knows she can get breast cancer and ovarian cancer but her risks are like every woman. I received this incredible news while attending a wedding. All I did was cry. Joyful tears !!
My 20 year old son knows that later in life he may be tested if he has a daughter. For now he is very proud to have a mom who took charge of her life to stay healthy and is trying to spread the word about HBOC.
My family witnessed the physical and emotional toll this gene played in my life. Now 48 years old, I am faced with decisions I never thought would cross my path. I am religious about having my check ups, Mammogram’s, Sonograms and MRI’s. They are a Hugh part of my life.
.. The decision whether or not to have a prophylactic double mastectomy is a cloud that hangs over my head.
There was no choice regarding having my ovaries out. I already have two grown children. So, ovaries were not an issue for me. The breast surgery requires more thought. It is however, becoming more of a reality, knowing my risks will decrease dramatically.
Again, my family will back up any future decisions that I make if it will save my life.
I want to watch my two beautiful kids get married and have children of their own. I will be here for that, no questions asked !!
It makes it so easy when my husband and my kids back me up in terms of making these major decisions. They want their wife and mom around to see everything that’s going to happen – anniversaries, birthdays, weddings, grandchildren…!!
I now spend my time putting the word out to my extended family and friends. Get tested!! Tell your Doctor what is in your family’s history!! That’s my message.
My goal is to inform as many people as I can about HBOC. Having this knowledge will help others to save their lives. Pass it on
Doing great
Lisa Reibman
4/18/09
Print This PageDecember 15, 2006 was a day that I will never forget. I had been tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. Exactly two months from that date, I had my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed. I was 47 years old, now in menopause and dealing with the fact that I had an 87% chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 70. As if living with this knowledge wasn’t hard enough for me, I then worried about my daughters risk. At the age of 22, my daughter chose to be tested. Wonderful news came my way when I learned that she was NEGATIVE.
Now, I had to concentrate on what I needed to do next to survive.
It’s now three and a half years later having had countless mammograms, MRI’s, sonograms, MRI guided biopsies and markers, I am truly mentally exhausted. Every time that the phone would ring, I would hold my breath and pray that the results were good.
The knowledge that I have gained from Dr. Herman along with countless conversations, lectures and statistics, allowed me to understand my options.
I will be turning 50 in September, and I want it to be a cancer free birthday.
The decision has now been made. With the support of my loving husband, two wonderful children, friends and family, I have made the huge decision to take control of my health and have a prophylactic bilateral double mastectomy with bilateral reconstruction.
Please understand that this decision did NOT come quickly or easily. However, I will be reducing my risk of getting breast cancer from 87% to 2%!
I am so very fortunate to have such an amazing doctor who just won’t quit on helping his patients. Dr. Herman lectures across the country to educate people so they can make informed decisions and take charge of there health.
I know that I have a wonderful support system thru my doctor, family and friends and I am confidant that I am making the right decision. My surgery will be performed in July 2010. I will be updating my story during my recovery.
Lisa Reibman
Please don’t forget “Tell your doctor what’s in your family history, it may just save your life.”
Counting down till the BIG day …7-7-10
6-10-10 27 more days, But who is counting? OK, so I am Nervous.
6-11-10 How do I explain the Butterflies that are living in my stomach ??
6-12-10 Today was the day I told my friends & family that I made the decision to save my life. !!! Very Exhausted.
6-13-10 Questioning if I am making the right decision .I am so very scared right now .My loving husband confirmed I am strong & absolutely making the correct choice.
6-14-10 Phone is ringing off the hook. I have huge support and being told this is the smartest choice. All are behind me on this. Makes me feel better
6-15-10 LearnaboutHBOC.com PSA aired on ABC today. Definitely made me feel more positive. So why am I having crazy dreams?
6-16-10 Going about my day, however, this surgery is always on my mind !!
6-17-10 Worry free day, until North shore called to verify my info. OH NO. reality check.
6-18-10 DOUBLE MASTECTOMY …Don’t like this.
6-19-10 AHHHHHH, out with friends for dinner. Tons of fun and NO worries tonight. feels good.
6-20-10 Happy Fathers Day. A great day with my Husband and my son. BUT Missing my dad, my hero today. RIP
6-21-10 Dinner by boat with my bro & sis in law. So very relaxing. Just what the DR. ordered.,
6-22-10 Phone call from NSLIJ. OH NO. what now? Back to being NERVOUS
6-23-10 Pre OP today. Reality strikes. Now off to Charlotte NC to see my beautiful daughter. feeling much better now.
6-24-10 Vacation with Lindsey & Vic. Having a wonderful time.
6-25-10 Vacation
6-26-10 Vacation
6-27-10 Great time in Charlotte. lots of love from my daughter.
6-28-10 Back home & back to reality. Getting closer to surgery, but I am mentally OK.
6-29-10 9:00 AM. Phone rings. NSLIJ calling.. All good it was my sis in law a DR, at North Shore RELIEF
6-30-10 Why is everyone asking me if I am ready ? Will I really ever be ready ??
7-1-10 July already. 9:00 AM Appt with Plastic Surgeon. 3:00 Appt for medical clearance. OY. Highlight of my exhausting day, dinner in City with my amazing son.
7-2-10 Lunch with my very supportive girlfriend Barbara. Thank you for the inspirational gifts. touched my heart.
7-3-10 Wineries with great friends. What a great day. learning that everyone is behind my huge decision. feels so good.
7-4-10 Happy 4th of July. 72 more hours. Still standing. Well wishes from everyone.!!!!!!!!!
7-5-10 NOT a good day. Having a melt down. Crying all day. Finally this is setting in. Asked Dr. Herman if I am doing the right thing. He is such a comforting, amazing man. I am so lucky to have Dr. Herman as my Dr. & friend !!!! Thank you for all you do.
7-6-10 My 8:00 AM chat with Dr. Herman. Makes me realize I am saving my life.!
8:00 PM, here come the hives…
This is it. Tomorrow morning my dad’s birthday. I know he will be with me in spirit. I will get my strength from him.
I want to tell my kids and my husband how very much I love them all. I am doing this so I will be around for their future.
Update soon. Wish me luck.
July 7th, 2010
Tug flap - bi lateral double Mastectomy.
This is it . The day I choose to save my life.
July 8,9,10,11 in hospital. not moving very well.
July 12. I can’t believe I am going home.
July 13th walking around with 8 drains. This is not fun or pretty!!
July 14th. Today the 8 drains hanging from my neck are coming out!!!! Hurray
July15th..Finally a shower !! AHHHHHH
july16th. Friends and family coming to visit. Trying my best to be up right and mobile.
July 17th. trying to be up and about. OUCH
July18th. Everyone says my surgeon did an AMAZING job. Just waiting to heal.
July 19th Thank you to all my friends & family that came over to keep me company, and bring me food. XOXO
July 20. Staples came out of my legs today.. Ewwww
July 21. Tired, stiff and frustrated.
22 thru 29… Just doing my thing … changing bandages, walking slowly, trying to look like me again….getting there
July 30..Bad day, don’t feel well..
July 31. I can’t believe this but I went ton my brothers boat for the day. Perfect day to enjoy the sun & water. Don’t worry I was in good hands. My bro & sis in law are both DR’S. !!
Aug 1 What, now I have restless leg . OMG this is not good!
Aug 2 Getting very frustrated.. Went to surgeon and went to visit DR. Herman. Dr. Herman always makes me feel better.
Aug 3. RLS Help I am going out of my mind.
Aug 4. lots of walking .Thank goodness for my puppy Emmie. She is great company!!
Aug 5. Good word that PSA for HBOC will air in Wash. DC and Philadelphia. Great news.
Aug.6 Friends coming to visit. Always makes me feel better. love my friends.
Aug 7. Shopping with my hubby. Now that feels good.
Aug 8. Can you believe this…. Fire Island by boat with my Bro & sis in law. AMAZING DAY !!!
Aug 9 Over did it a bit. resting.
Aug 10 Back to surgeon. Healing well. everything on track.
Aug 11. Starting to walk like a new person. feeling good.
Aug 12. Just realized I can’t bend my knees very well.
Aug 13. Stepped on glass.. Did I rally need this ?
Aug 14. my very own ” DR. PHIL” got the glass out of my foot. Thank you hubby !!!
Aug 15. Hampton’s with my husband. Oh boy over did it again. TIRED.
Aug 16. No more mammos
No more mri biopsys
No more sonos
I know this was the absolute right decision.!!!
Aug. 17. Just found out date for next surgery. Oct 12th. Stay tuned…..,.
Lisa Reibman
