Big Steps on a long journey

So I finally made a big step in what will probably be a long journey. I have decided to have some genetic testing done to see if I have a gene mutation that can cause breast cancer. My Mom had the testing done after she had cancer but did not have the gene mutation. I don't know if knowing or not will make me feel better, but I know that it will give me a starting point on where I want to go from here and what I will want to do. I plan on eventually having an elective double mastectomy with reconstruction so that I can reduce my risk of even developing the disease. I know a lot of people, including some of my family members, think that my decision is rash. That if I just wait it out and am closely followed if I do develop cancer I can have it treated quickly. I would rather just reduce my risk all together because I know in my heart if I don't I will get cancer. I don't want to have to face that if I can help it.

I plan to document the process I go through during testing so that I can look back on it later.