Angelina Jolie's decision

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labrat

Trad climber
Auburn, CA
May 14, 2013 - 02:46pm PT
"rSin, a bit vicious post as well as the article by Ruth Fowler on Counterpunch." X2

I have nothing but respect for Angelina Jolie.

Adopted 3 children.

Humanitarian work.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelina_Jolie#Humanitarian_work

Erik

crusher

climber
Santa Monica, CA
May 14, 2013 - 02:49pm PT
I have two friends who've had this same procedure after finding out they were positive for the gene. Both made educated decisions and valued their life span and quality over concerns about feeling "less than a woman" or some such nonsense about implants/reconstruction. One friend has kids, one doesn't.

A third friend got the test done because the gene runs in her family and her sister has had breast cancer twice. She doesn't have it.

It is a shame that many women here in the US and internationally don't have the resources that someone like Angelina Jolie does and that's a subject for another debate. I think her reasons for discussing this have to do more with her work for more humanitarian aid around the world (including better health care and screening) than any self-serving stupid celebrity reason. Regardless it's an important topic that deserves discussion as no matter whether you (in Tacoland) are a woman or not - you all have Moms, Sisters, Wives, Daughters, Girlfriend and Friends who this can affect.
abrams

Sport climber
May 14, 2013 - 02:53pm PT
Beyond brave! Best of luck to her.



apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Topic Author's Reply - May 14, 2013 - 02:54pm PT
I had actually hoped this thread would be more about the impacts of breast cancer on a woman's life, the decision making process they must go through, and the lasting impacts of those decisions, and not so much about Jolie herself.

Probably not realistic to expect, given the amount of (inexplicable, to my eye) 'Bradgelina Hatin' that's out there. Ah well....that's ST for ya.
Patrick Sawyer

climber
Originally California now Ireland
May 14, 2013 - 02:55pm PT
Crusher, a sensible post. ++++1

Apogee, I think that this thread you started is a good one. One or two people may have made more out of it than necessary (including me?).

But less than 21 months ago I lost my sister to breast cancer. I was just responding to what I felt was an insensitive (and knee-jerk) post.

I probably should have kept my fingers off the keyboard. I do not need to expose idiots, they usually do it themselves.

Condolences about your mom, Apogee.
Anastasia

climber
Home
May 14, 2013 - 02:59pm PT
Trade in sagging boobs after kids for fake ones. Do it in the name of cancer? Yeah, not a bad decision. Nope.

I don't think it's a big deal, especially with reconstruction. In the days before breast implants, yes... It would be a scary and brave decision to live without breasts. Today... I think girls will do it just for looks!
That's my two cents.

As for folks that might have the gene. Do it... Your real boobs are not you. I don't see why someone needs to risk their life for a dang concept.


AFS
Patrick Sawyer

climber
Originally California now Ireland
May 14, 2013 - 03:02pm PT
Anastasia, I am not sure what you are trying to say.

Are you being sincere or cynical?

And I usually always agree with your posts.
mountainlion

Trad climber
California
May 14, 2013 - 03:57pm PT
My Aunt had a double masectomy around age 55 and it really affected her. She was almost a different person...didn't smile as much and didn't seem happy. She was a teacher until she retired recently, a mother of 2, and still is married to her husband of more than 30 years.

I don't think she ever considered herself a sexy or pretty lady--she is definetely pretty IMO. Losing her breasts was very traumatic. When they are removed you no longer have nipples you look kind of like a barby doll without bumps...

I may be wrong but having a breast removed due to cancer doesn't qualify you for breast implants...you pay for those on your own (I assume--I know my Aunt doesn't have implants).

As for Jolie good for her...being proactive and not reactive is a trait I admire!!
pud

climber
Sportbikeville & Yucca brevifolia
May 14, 2013 - 04:15pm PT

What a brave decision, and woman.

I hope Angelina lives a long and healthy life filled with joy and wonder.
Largo

Sport climber
The Big Wide Open Face
May 14, 2013 - 04:59pm PT
She's also 37 years old and the old pert form cannot be possibly maintained - that starts going at about 30. So maybe she's trading up so to speak.

But it's a mighty bold move going for major surgery when you don't have to. She mentioned the procedure taking up to 12 hours. That would suggest that she's going for a free flap or muscle transplant (common for breast cancer) rather than just a mastectomy and implants. I had a free flap to close a hole in my leg from a compound tib fracture and it took 10 hours. That's a big deal.

Hope she comes out okay. I've always been a fan.

JL
apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Topic Author's Reply - May 14, 2013 - 05:06pm PT
It would be especially difficult to consider this strategy when a woman still plans to have children, and have to consider how the impact of such a dramatic preventative surgery would affect their ability to breastfeed. Jolie already has a couple of kids, so one might guess that this was less of an issue to her.

Regardless of what one thinks about celebrities and their social role, it's hard to deny that her choice to do this will help a lot of other women to more comprehensively consider their options in a similarly difficult situation.
pdxrags

climber
Portland, OR
May 14, 2013 - 05:20pm PT
I don't know enough about climbing to contribute to other threads but this topic I know something about, personally and professionally.

Apogee, my wife had bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction 8 years ago at a relatively young age. While traumatic, I wouldn't say it was a difficult decision given her diagnosis. I don't know for sure but I don't think she feels less "whole" or "feminine". I would like to think it is because I don't treat her like a leper and love her more than ever but it is probably because with our hectic family life she doesn't have time to feel sorry for herself. I will say she is happy she doesn't ever have to have mammograms again!

As a surgeon, I agree our healthcare delivery system is totally screwed up. I doubt Obamacare is the answer but at least someone is trying.

Mountainlion, usually reconstruction is considered part of the treatment and covered by healthcare.
kennyt

climber
Woodfords,California
May 14, 2013 - 05:24pm PT
I'm going to miss them.
they'll be back
Baggins

Boulder climber
May 14, 2013 - 05:33pm PT
Stich thats total nonsense. She has been identified as carrying a faulty gene that is strongly correlated with BC. Which means she has an 87% chance of developing it.

Following surgery, the risk is 5%. Id say that is a pretty bloody big difference, dont you?!
Norton

Social climber
the Wastelands
May 14, 2013 - 05:41pm PT
I had read that women who have this procedure are no more likely to live longer than women who don't

interesting

care to post a link where you read that?
Anastasia

climber
Home
May 14, 2013 - 05:44pm PT
Sorry,

I am being influenced by my perception of her.
She's just not my favorite person. The way she acts around the media and during the interviews I've witnessed. She's way too out there for me.

To me, she's not that remarkable, even for this.

apogee

climber
Technically expert, safe belayer, can lead if easy
Topic Author's Reply - May 14, 2013 - 05:45pm PT
"...she has an 87% chance of developing it. Following surgery, the risk is 5%."

I've got to wonder about those stats, too. I know that's what Jolie cited as her odds, but I'm curious as to what the source was.

This is totally anecdotal, but it sure seems like the great majority of people I've known who were diagnosed then treated for cancer & given a miniscule likelihood of recurring cancer seem to see their cancer come back (and usually kill them). Maybe I'm not hearing the actual diagnosis & prognosis properly.
mechrist

Gym climber
South of Heaven
May 14, 2013 - 06:02pm PT
I'm already seeing some proposed enhancements on my google search for:

angelina jolie nude tits

but I'm far too classy to post any of them here.

(edit: bummer, looks like no more boobs thread)
Ward Trotter

Trad climber
May 14, 2013 - 06:06pm PT
Here is an article and some links that are informative in this connection.
This gene identification is a relatively new technology.
It is entirely possible that in the not-to-distant future a solution to the mutating BRCA genes will be developed ,making this type of radical surgery a thing of the past. We can only hope.
At least now they know quite a bit more than they used to .Just a couple years ago they did not know about these particular genes and their functions. There was no screening of the specific genetic factors .

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/04/130418134121.htm
Off White

climber
Tenino, WA
May 14, 2013 - 06:12pm PT
I think its kind of funny you all are so outraged over rSin's strong opinion. Does anyone honestly think Jolie didn't have a discussion with her management along the lines of, "If I'm going to do this thing, how can I use it to advance my brand?" Angelina Jolie is not just a person, she's a small industry in her own right.

It sounds like she made a rational decision based on a medical opinion, and understanding that it could not possibly remain private, took steps to turn the inevitable tabloid scoop into an image enhancement. Win win win, that's a successful business strategy.
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