My mom was taken by this horrible disease when I was only eight years old and she was only 40 years old in 2001. As I got older I knew that I did not want to go through what she went through. I didn't want my family to go through that kind of pain again. I also never wanted my future children to go through the tragedy of losing their mother. At the age of 20 I decided to be proactive and get genetically tested for the breast cancer gene. I knew if I had the gene that my choice would be to get a preventative double mastectomy. The results came back and I did not have the gene. However we didn't know if my mom had the gene because they didn't have genetic testing when she was diagnosed. Therefore this put me in a slightly high risk situation. My decision was to go ahead and get the preventative double mastectomy with reconstruction. My doctors told me I could wait but I honestly didn't want to. I am young, don't have kids, or very many responsibilities other than college and work. It was one of the easiest and most beautiful decisions I've ever made. Almost six months post op and it is still by far the BEST decision I have ever chosen in my life. I urge all women to be as proactive as they can. Take your life and your health into your own hands.

Gabrielle Sylvester
Portland, ME