Cancer Type – Breast
Bio – The comedy writer had to confront the genetics that her mom, sister, and grandmother had all battled.
Short Story – The writer and producer for the sitcoms, Caroline and Spin City, and author of The New York Times best-seller ‘The Late Bloomer’s Revolution’, lost her mother to breast cancer. When she tested positively for the BRCA1 Gene Mutation (often referred to as the breast cancer gene) at 38, she had a decision to make, watch it closely or be proactive and have a mastectomy.
Cohen’s mom had her first round of cancer in 1972. Her mother’s spirit was contagious, and the inspiration for how Amy would take on her results. Her sister had also been diagnosed with the gene, and had chosen a double mastectomy, only to receive the uncommon diagnosis (3-7%) of breast cancer seven years after. Due to both her mother and sister’s breast cancer battle, Amy scheduled her prophylactic mastectomy.
After going to a mandatory reconstructive surgery, Cohen state, “I do not feel unfortunate.”
The comedy writer confronted an overwhelming genetic predisposition for breast cancer. Watching incredible women confront the disease and having her own scare, she realized she was stronger than she gave herself credit for, and also recognized people have to cope in their own way.
Both Amy and her sister are healthy and living life to the fullest.
Thank you Amy for inspiring everyone with the resilience gene.
