Marni,
My mom was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma Insitu ( non invasive breast cancer) when I was 17. That was 31 years ago. I clearly remember the family meeting to discuss what it meant, and what the options were for her. She chose to skip surgery, but is incredibly vigilant about watching it. My sis had breast cancer too (diagnosed about 13 years ago), so this means my family history puts me high on the risk lists. It's good for all the family to know what's going on - not just so they can comfort you (I would be furious if they kept something serious from me!) but also so they know the family genetics.