Want to feel my breasts? Well, so do I.

On June 10, I am choosing to have a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction.

This was not an easy decision to make, despite the odds.

As a BRCA2 genetic mutation carrier, my lifetime risk for breast cancer is greater than 60% compared to 12.5% (1 in 8) for the ‘average’ woman. My risk for ovarian cancer is 10-30% compared to less than 2% in the general population.

I’ve been advised, “It’s not ‘if’, but ‘when’.”

My mom (BRCA2+) survived an aggressive + fast-growing ovarian cancer in 2014. I had my ovaries + fallopian tubes out in 2015.

My younger sister (BRCA2+) just survived aggressive breast cancer. Having a double mastectomy lowers my risk for breast cancer to about 2% or less.

The benefit seems worth the cost, especially since Cigna, my insurance provider, covers the cost of mastectomy and reconstruction as a high-risk individual.

Except, there’s a catch. I am also electing to have nerve preservation or grafting to hopefully retain some sensation in my breasts, something many women live without after a traditional life-saving mastectomy because nerves are severed from incisions and removed with the breast tissue.

Cigna considers this “experimental”, and therefore does not cover the cost for it - a cost that will be $21,500, due on the day of surgery. I have been told that Cigna “is the only insurance that does not cover this” - in truth, it may be one of a few. I’ve also been told that Cigna is “hostile” to appeals. One surgeon said bluntly, “Cigna is shit.”

If someone were to have surgery or trauma to any other part of the body where nerves were severed, part of the treatment would include restoration of the nerves to the injured body part and would be covered by insurance – the goal being to restore function and normalcy. Doing otherwise might even be considered malpractice.

Not so with mastectomy, says Cigna. As a result, I, like many other women, find themselves with a more difficult and costly choice to make. Maybe, what really needs reconstruction is the health insurance industry - sometimes, it has no feeling.

I’m taking on a cancer risk before it can take me by surprise. I need to know that I did everything I could to prevent cancer and feel as normal as possible after surgery. The cost is my breast tissue and a pile of cash.

I’m asking for financial support because I need it. All funds will go towards the cost of the surgery. The emotional, physical, and financial toll of this journey is immense, and any amount you’re willing to give is greatly appreciated.