Angelina Jolie- double mastectomy
Replies
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There are a lot of people in this thread who are totally missing the point.
It doesn't bloody matter whether you like her personally or not. She is raising awareness and saying, 'You know what, it's okay to have a double mastectomy, it doesn't make you less of a woman.'
If you think for a second that her global profile won't contribute to global awareness of this gene/ this option then you are crazy.
Yes, every woman who makes the choice to have this operation and help to save their own life is a hero. No one is saying they are not.0 -
You know what, I was pretty butt hurt at some of the comments on this thread.
But then I realized that the people who have made those comments are the same people I saw around posting about 800 calories diets, and using atrocious grammar. People whose only worthy contributions to this community were "lololololol" and "sugar is the devil".
Their opinions don't matter to me.0 -
I have the gene. I also lost my mother, grandmother and aunt to Breast Cancer. My doctor has advised me to get this done and Im in the process of considering. I think it's amazing that she got this done and went public about it. And if the insurance pays for the removal then they do pay for the reconstruction, its how the laws work for this. Also someone mentioned that her chances of having this were exaggerated in the article. Not true. The percentage is based on having the gene and how many direct relatives have had breast cancer and how bad it was. So with a mother who died of cancer and the gene her chances of cancer were that high. For those of you saying shes seeking attention or a *kitten*.....no words. Shes using her fame to shed light on something that many women are afraid to do and risk cancer because they feel like society would treat them as less of a woman. My own mother got cancer for the second time instead of having the removal because she didnt think she would be a real women with her breasts removed. Angelina got nothing out of this, shes bringing it to light and showing women that you can be a real woman and get this done. Calling her names, saying shes exaggerating or otherwise putting her down for such a decision is ridiculous.
bless you.
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She is not the First to make this choice; she didn't have a lot up top anyway. I guess this is a Pre-disposition move, I PRAY that people do NOT believe that a genetic trait will influence them over their OWN Decision Making...and I Pray, Pray, Pray that Insurance Companies do NOT start DNA(genetic) marking and demanding/requiring that genetic markers be followed over our OWN ability to control certain factors.
You think THIS is a GOOD idea...what if Brad made a decision to CUT off His Testicles based on the Fact that he has a 87% chance of getting Testicular Cancer. Would YOU get YOUR Balls cut...OFF?!
a huge difference between testicles and breast gland and tissue. Hormonally as well. Not even comparable. But yes, some people make that choice as well.
I think his/her original point was to be careful regarding this type of information. We have the genome sequenced, but it's not even close to being completely understood.0 -
I applaud AJ and any woman with the courage to undergo this procedure that undoubtedly affects how people view you. My aunt had breast cancer 30+years ago and a double mastectomy was the only option at that point, reconstruction was not covered by insurance and was not widely available.
She is still with us and her four kids I know are cheering AJ's decision as well!0 -
There are a lot of people in this thread who are totally missing the point.
It doesn't bloody matter whether you like her personally or not. She is raising awareness and saying, 'You know what, it's okay to have a double mastectomy, it doesn't make you less of a woman.'
If you think for a second that her global profile won't contribute to global awareness of this gene/ this option then you are crazy.
Yes, every woman who makes the choice to have this operation and help to save their own life is a hero. No one is saying they are not.
QFT0 -
Wow at the ignorance and animosity in this thread.
Insurance covers this and very likely would cover the BRAC analysis for someone who's mother died of ovarian cancer. So even I she was poor it would have likely been covered. Mine was covered. I had cancer. It was removed and I was cancer free when I elected to have this same surgery. Idiots who have no idea the pain and fear that goes along with it really shouldn't have an opinion.
So having a gene that says she had almost 90 percent chance of getting one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer is a big deal. She is a human being with children she loves. BRAC 1 gene is connected I one of the most aggressive and most recurring cancers o the breast. I had an 86% chance of recurrence and a 97% chance o getting cancer in my lifetime. The test is $3000 but if you've lost a mother or sibling the insurance must cover the test.
I hope none of the nasty women and boys who down her about her very tough decision never have to face it. 0 -
thousands of women have to have it done every day. where's their applause and admiration?
This is nothing to do with applause and admiration, it's to do with raising awareness.
Who do you think will do a better job of raising awareness, a normal Mum of 3, or Angelina Jolie?
I promise, I am not trolling. I don't wish cancer on anyone. I had an aunt who died as a result of breast cancer. So I hope you don't cast me as a huge villain when I ask this: Who is UNAWARE of cancer, these days? How does wearing a colored ribbon help, in any measurable way? How does the info that a certain actress has had a procedure going to do ANYTHING at all to fight against that disease?
It isn't. Angelina beat the reporters to the punch. As with any woman who makes the decision to undergo a double mastectomy, I don't take lightly the gravity and difficulty of that decision. But I DO take her "big reveal" to the press with a big grain of salt. For this reason: If she tells the world, she's applauded for her bravery, she gets to be a saint. If she had tried to keep her medical history to herself, (like she should have a right to do,) the media WILL dig it up and people will stand in line to purchase the tabloid who got the "big story".
It seems like damage control to me.0 -
There are a lot of people in this thread who are totally missing the point.
It doesn't bloody matter whether you like her personally or not. She is raising awareness and saying, 'You know what, it's okay to have a double mastectomy, it doesn't make you less of a woman.'
If you think for a second that her global profile won't contribute to global awareness of this gene/ this option then you are crazy.
Yes, every woman who makes the choice to have this operation and help to save their own life is a hero. No one is saying they are not.
and ^^^this^^^ in addition to my earlier comment.0 -
when my kids come home from school with tales of mean & ignorant classmates, i tell them, i always tell them, the world is full of idiots & a-holes and all you can do is the best you can.You know what, I was pretty butt hurt at some of the comments on this thread.
But then I realized that the people who have made those comments are the same people I saw around posting about 800 calories diets, and using atrocious grammar. People whose only worthy contributions to this community were "lololololol" and "sugar is the devil".
Their opinions don't matter to me.
this thread reminds me that the i & a crowd grow up (sort of) too.0 -
Wow at the ignorance and animosity in this thread.
Insurance covers this and very likely would cover the BRAC analysis for someone who's mother died of ovarian cancer. So even I she was poor it would have likely been covered. Mine was covered. I had cancer. It was removed and I was cancer free when I elected to have this same surgery. Idiots who have no idea the pain and fear that goes along with it really shouldn't have an opinion.
So having a gene that says she had almost 90 percent chance of getting one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer is a big deal. She is a human being with children she loves. BRAC 1 gene is connected I one of the most aggressive and most recurring cancers o the breast. I had an 86% chance of recurrence and a 97% chance o getting cancer in my lifetime. The test is $3000 but if you've lost a mother or sibling the insurance must cover the test.
I hope none of the nasty women and boys who down her about her very tough decision never have to face it. 0 -
thousands of women have to have it done every day. where's their applause and admiration?
This is nothing to do with applause and admiration, it's to do with raising awareness.
Who do you think will do a better job of raising awareness, a normal Mum of 3, or Angelina Jolie?
I promise, I am not trolling. I don't wish cancer on anyone. I had an aunt who died as a result of breast cancer. So I hope you don't cast me as a huge villain when I ask this: Who is UNAWARE of cancer, these days? How does wearing a colored ribbon help, in any measurable way? How does the info that a certain actress has had a procedure going to do ANYTHING at all to fight against that disease?
It isn't. Angelina beat the reporters to the punch. As with any woman who makes the decision to undergo a double mastectomy, I don't take lightly the gravity and difficulty of that decision. But I DO take her "big reveal" to the press with a big grain of salt. For this reason: If she tells the world, she's applauded for her bravery, she gets to be a saint. If she had tried to keep her medical history to herself, (like she should have a right to do,) the media WILL dig it up and people will stand in line to purchase the tabloid who got the "big story".
It seems like damage control to me.
Damage control?? What damage? Having a preventative surgery? How is that "damage" that needs to be controlled? :noway:0 -
yes but will getting the surgery ensure she doesn't get colon cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer etc.? Seems a bit extreme to go for surgery for something that there is no guarantee she would ever have (unless she has already had a scare or has an unexplained mass which hasn't been leaked to the media).0
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[quote this!
I don't admire her for this at all. I mean it's great that she can opt for that surgery and reduce her chances but she can also afford the best surgeons to ensure that she is returned to her fabulous self. Most women cannot afford to have the reconstruction, let alone the elective mastectomy. I don't think her actions give courage to other females. It just reminds them that they are not ridiculously wealthy and can't afford the same preventative care that the rich and famous can.
[/quote]0 -
I promise, I am not trolling. I don't wish cancer on anyone. I had an aunt who died as a result of breast cancer. So I hope you don't cast me as a huge villain when I ask this: Who is UNAWARE of cancer, these days? How does wearing a colored ribbon help, in any measurable way? How does the info that a certain actress has had a procedure going to do ANYTHING at all to fight against that disease?
It isn't. Angelina beat the reporters to the punch. As with any woman who makes the decision to undergo a double mastectomy, I don't take lightly the gravity and difficulty of that decision. But I DO take her "big reveal" to the press with a big grain of salt. For this reason: If she tells the world, she's applauded for her bravery, she gets to be a saint. If she had tried to keep her medical history to herself, (like she should have a right to do,) the media WILL dig it up and people will stand in line to purchase the tabloid who got the "big story".
It seems like damage control to me.
Honestly I never thought to get checked for this until I saw this post, and I will be speaking to my doctor about it as I have a family history. So I suppose she brought "awareness" to me (and thousands of others I'm sure). It's not that people are not aware of cancer, it's just not something we tend to think about on a day to day basis.
And I'm just curious, what type of damage is she trying to control?0 -
somewhere out there, probably retired by now, are a bunch of science & maths teachers who failed.0
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She's not trying to raise awareness that cancer exists. She's raising awareness of the gene, the tests available, the options available to women with the gene, and the fact that having a double mastectomy is a possibility, and one that makes a woman no less of a woman.thousands of women have to have it done every day. where's their applause and admiration?
This is nothing to do with applause and admiration, it's to do with raising awareness.
Who do you think will do a better job of raising awareness, a normal Mum of 3, or Angelina Jolie?
I promise, I am not trolling. I don't wish cancer on anyone. I had an aunt who died as a result of breast cancer. So I hope you don't cast me as a huge villain when I ask this: Who is UNAWARE of cancer, these days? How does wearing a colored ribbon help, in any measurable way? How does the info that a certain actress has had a procedure going to do ANYTHING at all to fight against that disease?
It isn't. Angelina beat the reporters to the punch. As with any woman who makes the decision to undergo a double mastectomy, I don't take lightly the gravity and difficulty of that decision. But I DO take her "big reveal" to the press with a big grain of salt. For this reason: If she tells the world, she's applauded for her bravery, she gets to be a saint. If she had tried to keep her medical history to herself, (like she should have a right to do,) the media WILL dig it up and people will stand in line to purchase the tabloid who got the "big story".
It seems like damage control to me.
Even if she had kept this private and the media had "dug it up" - it doesn't reflect negatively on her anyway. Why would she need damage control? I can't believe the ignorance and cynicism in this thread.0 -
:noway: Did you read the article? She was told she has an 87% chance of getting breast cancer due to the gene she inherited from her mother. Having the mastectomy dramatically reduced that chance.yes but will getting the surgery ensure she doesn't get colon cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer etc.? Seems a bit extreme to go for surgery for something that there is no guarantee she would ever have (unless she has already had a scare or has an unexplained mass which hasn't been leaked to the media).0 -
thousands of women have to have it done every day. where's their applause and admiration?
This is nothing to do with applause and admiration, it's to do with raising awareness.
Who do you think will do a better job of raising awareness, a normal Mum of 3, or Angelina Jolie?
I promise, I am not trolling. I don't wish cancer on anyone. I had an aunt who died as a result of breast cancer. So I hope you don't cast me as a huge villain when I ask this: Who is UNAWARE of cancer, these days? How does wearing a colored ribbon help, in any measurable way? How does the info that a certain actress has had a procedure going to do ANYTHING at all to fight against that disease?
It isn't. Angelina beat the reporters to the punch. As with any woman who makes the decision to undergo a double mastectomy, I don't take lightly the gravity and difficulty of that decision. But I DO take her "big reveal" to the press with a big grain of salt. For this reason: If she tells the world, she's applauded for her bravery, she gets to be a saint. If she had tried to keep her medical history to herself, (like she should have a right to do,) the media WILL dig it up and people will stand in line to purchase the tabloid who got the "big story".
It seems like damage control to me.
She spoke about the costs, tests, etc. maybe poking at such things, things might get pushed to change. But, we could just go your route and do absolutely nothing. Just shrug and say, eh, I'm sure everyone knows about cancer. You mock the ribbons and I bet you think the cancer walks are dumb,m. But at least people are trying to do what they can and I think that even those little things you find pointless, might have made a difference to someone.
I know my aunt felt like she wasn't alone when she was fighting her cancer and participated in the walk and saw others wearing those ribbons.0 -
There are a lot of people in this thread who are totally missing the point.
It doesn't bloody matter whether you like her personally or not. She is raising awareness and saying, 'You know what, it's okay to have a double mastectomy, it doesn't make you less of a woman.'
If you think for a second that her global profile won't contribute to global awareness of this gene/ this option then you are crazy.
Yes, every woman who makes the choice to have this operation and help to save their own life is a hero. No one is saying they are not.
QFT (again)0 -
So a rich person was able to get her tits removed and buy new ones, and we should applaud her because.. It will just go along with every other fake part of her body. This is a woman who has 2 nannies for every kid.0
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Why does the public assume they have a right to an opinion regarding the fate of one woman's breasts?
Why the debate and scrutiny?0 -
thousands of women have to have it done every day. where's their applause and admiration?
This is nothing to do with applause and admiration, it's to do with raising awareness.
Who do you think will do a better job of raising awareness, a normal Mum of 3, or Angelina Jolie?
I promise, I am not trolling. I don't wish cancer on anyone. I had an aunt who died as a result of breast cancer. So I hope you don't cast me as a huge villain when I ask this: Who is UNAWARE of cancer, these days? How does wearing a colored ribbon help, in any measurable way? How does the info that a certain actress has had a procedure going to do ANYTHING at all to fight against that disease?
It isn't. Angelina beat the reporters to the punch. As with any woman who makes the decision to undergo a double mastectomy, I don't take lightly the gravity and difficulty of that decision. But I DO take her "big reveal" to the press with a big grain of salt. For this reason: If she tells the world, she's applauded for her bravery, she gets to be a saint. If she had tried to keep her medical history to herself, (like she should have a right to do,) the media WILL dig it up and people will stand in line to purchase the tabloid who got the "big story".
It seems like damage control to me.
Damage control?? What damage? Having a preventative surgery? How is that "damage" that needs to be controlled? :noway:
the media reaction would be the "damage" I was referring to. If someone is famous, the media ignores their right to privacy. The info that Angelina had this done would have been splashed across every tabloid rag. By dispersing the info herself, she controls the message. That's what I meant.
I think it sucks that the media has put famous people in this position.0 -
The ignorance on this topic is astounding! Educate yourself before you post.
Oh and for the record. Reconstruction is not a boob job. It's a long process, not done in a day. It can be quite uncomfortable to downright painful. And all this after the big surgery!
Angelina is hot! She will help many face their fears, whether they are facing preventative surgery, or already diagnosed.
Oh and lets ask a stage 4 women if she wishes, she had done what Angelina has done...0 -
somewhere out there, probably retired by now, are a bunch of science & maths teachers who failed.
^ This.0 -
Apples and oranges. Cancer is the number 2 killer of women. Breast cancer is the number 2 cancer killer for women. 1 out of every 5,000 men die from testicular cancer compared to 1 out of every 6 for breast cancer.She is not the First to make this choice; she didn't have a lot up top anyway. I guess this is a Pre-disposition move, I PRAY that people do NOT believe that a genetic trait will influence them over their OWN Decision Making...and I Pray, Pray, Pray that Insurance Companies do NOT start DNA(genetic) marking and demanding/requiring that genetic markers be followed over our OWN ability to control certain factors.
You think THIS is a GOOD idea...what if Brad made a decision to CUT off His Testicles based on the Fact that he has a 87% chance of getting Testicular Cancer. Would YOU get YOUR Balls cut...OFF?!
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
thousands of women have to have it done every day. where's their applause and admiration?
This is nothing to do with applause and admiration, it's to do with raising awareness.
Who do you think will do a better job of raising awareness, a normal Mum of 3, or Angelina Jolie?
I promise, I am not trolling. I don't wish cancer on anyone. I had an aunt who died as a result of breast cancer. So I hope you don't cast me as a huge villain when I ask this: Who is UNAWARE of cancer, these days? How does wearing a colored ribbon help, in any measurable way? How does the info that a certain actress has had a procedure going to do ANYTHING at all to fight against that disease?
It isn't. Angelina beat the reporters to the punch. As with any woman who makes the decision to undergo a double mastectomy, I don't take lightly the gravity and difficulty of that decision. But I DO take her "big reveal" to the press with a big grain of salt. For this reason: If she tells the world, she's applauded for her bravery, she gets to be a saint. If she had tried to keep her medical history to herself, (like she should have a right to do,) the media WILL dig it up and people will stand in line to purchase the tabloid who got the "big story".
It seems like damage control to me.
Damage control?? What damage? Having a preventative surgery? How is that "damage" that needs to be controlled? :noway:
the media reaction would be the "damage" I was referring to. If someone is famous, the media ignores their right to privacy. The info that Angelina had this done would have been splashed across every tabloid rag. By dispersing the info herself, she controls the message. That's what I meant.
I think it sucks that the media has put famous people in this position.
The media has also put famous people in the position of better getting their voices heard than the average person. As others have stated, this isn't about telling people "cancer exists." It's more than that.0 -
Percentages and history weren't in her favor. And it's LIFE we're talking about, not a house or car or material item.Why do the mastectomy now instead of waiting for cancer cells to appear first? If she don't get the cancer, it's kind of a waste of time and money, no? But she can afford to waste the time and money, I guess so why not.
My mother had breast cancer twice. Her right breast was treated with chemo. Then 9 years later on her left breast. She just had a mastectomy on her left breast last February. I also had a maternal first cousin that had breast cancer so my risk is high.
I am 45 now and so far has no symptoms. I am not sure what I'll do if I get the cancer. I'll probably just have both breast removed since they are sagging anyway, they get in the way of my work-out, I hate wearing bras, and I have no plans on having more kids.
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Like it or not, people listen to certain celebrities when they speak out. If you were famous and could touch others lives, wouldn't you?She's an actress. Her medical procedures are just like everyone else's, none of our business. She told the world about it so that she would enjoy positive press instead of prying media scrutiny. It doesn't make her a saint.
I just do not get the desire to admire someone solely on the basis of knowing their name and recognizing their face.
Remember the husband stealing? Anyone?
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I'm sure they get it from people who are important to them. I'm also sure they give back and are appreciated.thousands of women have to have it done every day. where's their applause and admiration?
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0
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