Having lost her mother to breast cancer, and being a mother of young children herself, she had been tested for the inherited mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2 and found that she did in fact have one. That means she has a far higher risk of developing breast cancer, and also an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer. So, after weighing her options, she decided to have what's called a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy – essentially the removal of all of her breast tissue. And she called on her female friends a few days before the operation to help her bid adieu to her breasts.

Girlawhirl and the other invited pals weren't quite sure what to say. Was this something to be celebrated? And truth be told, even though she was perfectly healthy, their first inclination was to act as if their friend was sick, as if she had, in fact, developed breast cancer. Of course, they all wanted to support their friend, they just didn't know how or if it was ok to ask questions.

Ultimately, the party itself set the tone. It was being held not to mourn the loss of her breasts but to celebrate the long life their friend would have ahead of her, a life without the constant worry, and vigilance she had been practicing. In fact combining the prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with another surgery to remove her ovaries would bring their friend's risk below average, something her young family could celebrate daily for years to come.

Their friend answered the many questions from the group about the genetic testing, the surgery and reconstruction. As they toasted their friend, Girlawhirl was sure that she wasn't the only one in the room who knew that she too would celebrate daily that breast cancer was no longer an overwhelming part of this woman's future.

And as a special treat, each of the invitees brought along a meal that went right into their friend's freezer, to make sure her family would be well fed as she recovered.