WE ARE BRIGHT PINK

Glynis
I made the decision to go forward with a prophylactic double mastectomy during the summer following my graduation from college. I was 22, and my mother was facing her second recurrence of Breast Cancer. I left my job in Charlotte, moved home to Buffalo, and started helping to care for my mom.

We were facing an uphill battle. My mother's two sisters and my grandmother had died early from the disease. In addition, thirteen other members of my family have faced Breast Cancer. Shockingly, no one on my mother's side has ever tested positive for any genetic mutations.

For as long as I can remember, I've understood that I would eventually have to have the surgery; it was only a matter of time. I did my research, I contacted other young women--including Lindsay Avner--and I met with surgeons. The process from decision to recovery took about ten months. It was a difficult time; I was helping my family, making my own preparations, and dealing with my own fears.

I was nervous about dating, about the possibility something would go wrong, and about how I would look and feel after the procedure.

It wasn't until I finally scheduled the surgery--about seven months into the process--that I began telling my friends. I had waited because I was unsure; I didn't want anyone talking me into or out of such a huge decision. I wanted to be confident that I was doing the right thing, no matter what anyone else thought.

My friends offered amazing support. One friend told me, "You are doing the right thing. This is between life and death and you have to choose life."

Surgery has come a long way since my mother had a double prophylactic mastectomy twelve years ago. She reported to the hospital six times; I was in and out, with complete immediate reconstruction, after four days. If all goes well, I won't have to return to the hospital--for anything related to this specific surgery--for at least fifteen years.

Immediately following the surgery, I had serious discomfort and pain that lasted about three weeks. It wasn't pleasant, but even then I knew it was worth it.

The surgery was the best decision for me. I am extremely happy with my results and relieved to have the procedure behind me. Concerning my figure, people would never know. This photo was taken at a wedding exactly one month after I got out of the hospital. I couldn't dance or drink, but I could show off my results with a smile.

I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to do something proactive about my health. On the six-week anniversary of my surgery, my mother and I walked together in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Thanks to the support of our friends, family, and my former high school's business class, our team, Mothers & Daughters in Pink, was the top fundraising team in Western New York.

I know how lucky I am that my friends and family supported me through my decision and sponsored me in the walk. They helped to propel me from a life dominated by fear into a position of hope that soon we will fine a cure.