That being said: You need to do your research. I had a bi-lateral mastectomy with reconstruction with NO cancer. It was prophylactic. Every woman on my Mom’s side had / died from breast cancer – most before 40. When tested, I discovered the BRCA1 mutation which meant an 85% lifetime risk of breast cancer. Although extreme – for woman who have seen families devastated by aggressive, recurring cancer, this decision while difficult is also empowering.

For years I spent every six months in centers getting mammograms, MRI’s, etc. I waited in a constant state of anxiety each time they came out and brought me back in for another look. And if you think I’m just over obsessed, anxious, etc. in the words of my well respected physician – it’s not a matter of if you’ll get breast cancer – it’s when.

While I completely understand whysomeone who does not understand BRCA and the terrible risks associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer would think this is extreme – to those of who made this decision – no LUMP of flesh can possibly be important enough to risk our lives for.

If you’d like more information on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and why surgical intervention is an option for women, please visit http://www.facingourrisk.org