Mastectomy Sensitivity

Imagine you are on board an airplane, ready for a journey. The pilot gets on the intercom and says this: "We have run the numbers and thought we'd bring some information to your attention. This particular flight path has been flown thousands of times before, and 87% of the time, the plane crashes. About 9 out of 10 times. Sometimes it crashes in the beginning of the flight. Sometimes in the middle or towards the end. But if you take this journey, you too have an 87% chance of crashing. You may not die in the crash, but really, we just don't know. There are so many unknown factors. Most other planes, other flights, only crash 1 out of 10 times. But that's not the plane you are on. So, think about it. Make the decision that is best for you. There is still time for you to get off the plane, if you choose."

The above scenario is how many women with the BRCA gene mutation feel. And I, myself, have chosen to get off the damn plane! The trouble is, there are often reactions from family/friends of "Why the heck would you have a mastectomy when you don't have breast cancer!?" As if we haven't given this huge decision an incredible amount of thought and research. It's hurtful to hear people say things like that. This decision never comes without a lot of heartache and emotion. So, for those of you who don't agree with my choice, I will try to be understanding of your opinion. But, please don't criticize my decision. 

(Side note: Most of the people I have discussed this with are kind, understanding, and supportive. I don't want to give the impression that there are lots of people criticizing my choice to have a mastectomy. I'm just trying to open minds, for those who haven't thought about this before.)