Overview

Previvor is a deeply personal memoir that explores what it means to live with the BRCA1 gene mutation-the genetic inheritance that drastically increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. When Erica discovered at just twenty-four years old that she carried this mutation, she was forced to confront life-altering decisions about her body, her future, and her identity. A previvor-someone who has not had cancer but takes proactive steps to reduce their risk-Erica shares the physical and emotional journey of preventive surgeries, the weight of family history, and the quiet strength it takes to live in a body that feels constantly under revision. Interwoven with her medical story is the raw, honest account of becoming a mother while navigating postpartum depression, her career as an educator, and the resilience required to hold both grief and joy in the same breath. With unflinching vulnerability, Previvor illuminates the intersections of identity, motherhood, relationships, Erica's career as an educator, and mental health. It is both a testament to resilience and to the courage it takes to reclaim and rewrite one's story in the face of inherited challenges.

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Reviews

""The four words that repeated in my head while reading Erica's incredible journey to embrace life were: Raw, encouraging, inspiring and resilience. A well written memoir that almost reads like a novel but is palpably real. The end the Step by Step guide and everything following that will be invaluable. This memoir will save many, from the difficulties of the who, what, when, where and why of the uncertainty of this disease. I would highly recommend this book.I would also recommend this for any therapist who works with this population."" ""I just finished reading Erica's book, Previvor, and it was a page turner-almost an all nighter for me! Erica takes us along on her journey as she deals with her BCRA diagnosis, the desire to become a mother and the many relationships in her life. She shares her inner most feelings with such honesty and purpose. We learn about the complications she encounters, the unexpected, the highs, the lows and everything in between.Erica is a beautiful storyteller. Her words flow on and on like a river yet she seems to be going against the current so much of the time. Although this book is a wonderful resource for others in a similar situation, it is also a reminder to follow your instincts and your heart. Thank you, Erica. I hope you write another book!"" ""It takes a lot for me to get hooked on a book but I could not put Erica's book down! As a wife, mother of 3, teacher and PLAB and BRIP gene carrier I was able to connect to her writing so much. It made me feel at ease about my upcoming surgery and gave me insight that no doctor would be able to do. I would highly recommend this book to anyone (with or without a gene mutation). I have never met Erica but feel like I know her just from reading about her life experiences. She is an excellent writer and I hope she comes out with another book!"" ""An inspiring tale of a very strong, resilient woman determined not to allow the Damocles like sword of BRCA mutation derail the dreams she has to be a mother, educator, wife and human who enjoys the beauty of the world around her. Erica's writing grabs you and holds you close as you are taking on a harrowing journey by her side as she goes from diagnosis through multiple rounds of surgeries. This story is courageously honest about Erica's struggle with post partum, the fears she struggled with regarding her fragile mortality, and what the future may hold for her children or other BRCA mutation previvors. This book is as educational as it is heartwarming and should serve as a foundational resource for anyone going through a similar life threatening health scare or for anyone looking to be a supportive caregiver of one. This book takes you on a journey to the top of the mountain where you stand with Erica to shout that vulnerability and genetic fate would not define you but only be a part. It also teaches the invaluable lesson of asking for help, marshaling resources and researching what the landscape of one's journey is truly like. Most importantly it teaches that one is never alone in one's struggles and sometimes the pat of a wet nose or scruffy ear is the strongest medicine there is.""

Author Information

Erica Clem is a mother, teacher, and writer who earned her BS in Education from the University of Vermont and later received her M.Ed. and Literacy Specialist licensure from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In high school, Erica attended an arts school for creative writing, where her passion for storytelling blossomed. In her twenties, Erica learned she carried the BRCA1 gene mutation-a discovery that turned her world upside down. Searching for guidance, she found few stories that captured the experience of being a previvor-someone who takes preventive steps, such as surgery, to reduce their risk of hereditary cancer before it develops. With cancer touching so many in her family, Erica was the first to change the story by becoming a previvor.​ Previvor is Erica's first-hand account of navigating the weight of her genetic legacy, undergoing preventive surgeries, stepping into motherhood, and facing postpartum depression. With honesty and heart, she shares the trials, triumphs, joys, and heartbreaks that shaped her journey.​Erica lives in Waltham, Massachusetts, with her husband, their two children, and their beloved goldendoodle, Sadie. Previvor is Erica's first book. Follow Erica's BRCA account on instagram: @brca_previvor

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