https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:31:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-934685 Fri, 17 May 2013 04:08:18 +0000 Nicole D 934685@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank goodness the screening, mastectomies and reconstruction are covered in Canada (at least in Ontario). &nbsp;It is the best way to reduce risk if you have the BRCA gene. &nbsp;Still a difficult decision as every surgery has risks and challenges. &nbsp;Would be a very tough, personal decision. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-933585 Thu, 16 May 2013 04:04:47 +0000 Makrame 933585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Speaking of genetic testing, I was absolutely amazed that Medicare would not cover it for my Mom&nbsp;(It was not $3000 for the complete sequence, only $400 for the three most common mutations). &nbsp;Apparently having two close relatives (including her Mom)&nbsp;die of ovarian cancer in their 40s and belonging to an ethnic group with a high frequency of mutations are not sufficient indications. &nbsp;Only patients who have had&nbsp;a case of invasive breast cancer qualify for Medicare coverage of testing. &nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-933562 Thu, 16 May 2013 03:28:45 +0000 DonnaF 933562@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A freelance journalist I know with the same mutation as Angelina Jolie's also had the double mastectomy and I think hysterectomy and went public through a newspaper magazine article around six years ago.&nbsp; Her daughter was in middle school at the time and didn't want to be genetically tested.&nbsp; I'm wondering if Jolie mostly adopted due to her genetic background?&nbsp; Good for her for going public.&nbsp; I never would have guessed that genetic testing for this is $3K due to one company's monopoly.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-933547 Thu, 16 May 2013 03:15:02 +0000 Jaime 933547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think there will be a huge, positive,&nbsp;trickle down effect from Angelina Jolie's public discussion of her decisions and that it was very generous of her to share her story. Ornella mammograms are no fun (and I also get called back for ultrasounds), but neither is the dentist and we still go.&nbsp;In the big picture it is worth it to know you have done what you can.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-933503 Thu, 16 May 2013 02:19:58 +0000 Janet 933503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thank you for this, Ornella. I had read Angelina Jolie's piece the morning it came out, and I also think it was admirable of her to make this public.&nbsp;<br /><br />One of my dearest friends is halfway through her second round of treatment for breast cancer. She has lost her hair and eyebrows, but not her strength, sense of humor, and&nbsp;good spirit. She opted to keep her breasts and simply have the tumor removed (no lymph node problems), so her situation is different, but it's still a scary thing to go through. I agree with Isabel -- no one knows how they will deal with something like this until they are faced with it. I am in awe of my friends who maintain good attitudes and don't let fear take over. (I'm struggling enough with the idea of&nbsp;a stupid hysterectomy that I don't know how in the world I would cope with a truly serious diagnosis.)&nbsp;<br /><br />I have been getting annual mammograms for the last five years, even though there is no family history that I am aware of. Each time, I am called back for ultrasound because of my high-density tissue and my tendencies toward cysts (like you, Sarah). My doctor joked with me that I am quite a cyst-maker. Mammograms are no fun at all but I can deal with a few moments of discomfort for a bit of peace of mind.&nbsp;<br /><br />Ovarian cancer is even more frightening to my mind. A former colleague of mine lost his wife last year to it, and it truly is a silent killer. It often goes way too long before it is detected. I wish some kind of screening was available.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-933360 Wed, 15 May 2013 23:13:06 +0000 Sara L. 933360@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I, too, was very impressed that Angelina chose to come out openly about&nbsp;this aspect of her health. She didn't have to - she's already had the surgeries, including reconstructive, and probably could have continued to keep this aspect of her life and body away from public scrutiny. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-933358 Wed, 15 May 2013 23:11:32 +0000 Isabel 933358@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This a wonderful post, Ornella thank you.<br /><br />Everyone deals with the prospect of cancer differently. I don' think that any of us &nbsp;know how we are going to face it until we do. I also think that watching someone that we are close to die of cancer, deeply, deeply affects us. I have been lucky that I have never watched a family member die of breast cancer, but I am unfortunate in that I have watched a couple of very young acquaintances die. ( My mom has had breast cancer and endometrial cancer and skin cancer. She survived all of them )<br /><br />My breast cancer has a 98 % return rate within 5 years. I didn't get a double mastectomy because my doctors told me that they could radically drop my odds through meds. It ended be much harder than anyone expected. Many times I wish that I had because there have been so many complications with my treatment. Right now, I am not on any meds. I will resume them soon. But yes, there are days that I think, " Has one cancer cell escaped ? &nbsp;Has one estrogen molecule binded to it ? " &nbsp; But most days, I just don't think about it. I would rather do something about it everyday than think about it. My meds, my shots, my appointments are just part of my of my schedule. But I don't overthink it.&nbsp;&nbsp;It would drive me nuts. &nbsp;There have been some tough times in this process and their have been some hysterical times too....like the time that my Nurse Practioner&nbsp;told me I should take every opportunity possible to get "felt up, it could save your life" ! I did have a hysterectomy a few weeks ago that has dropped my chances down to nothing for ovarian and much lower for the breast. Though I need to go on meds to get it even lower. &nbsp;I do not have BRAC 1 or 2.&nbsp;<br /><br />I don't find what Angelina has gone through particularly brave....women with no insurance and no job and no partner, brave through it too. But what I do find extraordinarily brave and gracious, is her desire to share her story. She is a deeply private person yet her needs come second to building women's confidence and letting them know that there are options. It also helps that one of the most beautiful women on earth doesn't find her femininity in her breasts or ovaries. That is courageous. That is a role model. &nbsp;This was her attempt at saying, " I am you, you are me. &nbsp;We have the same bodies." &nbsp;She is building a kinship. &nbsp;I find that beautiful on so many levels.&nbsp;<br /><br />Ornella, get thee to a mammogram and then treat yourself to a coffee and donut. &nbsp; : &nbsp;) https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-933331 Wed, 15 May 2013 22:14:01 +0000 Suz 933331@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ornella, what a moving post, especially coming so close to Mother's Day (in North America.) Thank you for raising this, and big hugs.&nbsp;<br /><br />I agree that this was admirable of Angelina Jolie, and the more we talk about this openly, the better. <br /><br />My mother had breast cancer but has luckily survived it and is doing well; however that has also meant early mammograms for me. But I do this willingly (if not all that comfortably!). I would rather know and deal with it, than not know. My mother was what Angie would call "no -nonsense" through the course of her treatment, and I was impressed with how she handled things.&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-933240 Wed, 15 May 2013 20:10:40 +0000 ironkurtin 933240@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Good for Angelina Jolie.&nbsp; I believer her being public about her experience will do nothing but help other women, whether they make the same decisions or not.<br /> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-933219 Wed, 15 May 2013 19:52:32 +0000 Classically Casual 933219@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I too was very impressed by Angelina's decision to go public. It reminded me of First Lady, Betty Ford, going public about having breast cancer several decades ago. In those days, cancer was a forbidden topic, especially breast cancer. </p> <p>One of the hopeful developments about breast cancer, and perhaps other cancers too, are the genetic tests that have been developed. It's hugely reassuring to get back test results that are about your own body specifically, and not just working with the mathematical odds based on thousands of other people. </p> <p>When someone like an Angelina Jolie or Sheryl Crow steps up, they get so much attention that it can even influence what consumers expect from their health care providers &amp; insurance coverage.</p> <p>Since Angelina's career &amp; her physical appearance are so intertwined, she took a big risk in going public, but I for one, am very happy that she did. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-933027 Wed, 15 May 2013 16:41:37 +0000 sarah 933027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ornella, I was also inspired by the article about Angelina Jolie and especially by the <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?partner=rssnyt&amp;emc=rss&amp;_r=0">Op-Ed piece</a> she wrote in the Times yesterday. I think it is&nbsp;wonderful that she has decided to use her influence and celebrity to empower women who may not otherwise feel comfortable being open in discussing their family history and health care options related to breast cancer.<br /><br />If it's any comfort, I've had more mammograms and ultrasounds&nbsp;than I can count because of fibro-cystic breasts and I do feel much better being able to make decisions with as much information&nbsp;as I can possibly have.&nbsp;You definitely get used to them. https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-932997 Wed, 15 May 2013 15:54:06 +0000 Angie 932997@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Ornella. I'm going to think about this more and comment again later.<br /><br />I've had several mammograms. Not fun.&nbsp;&nbsp; https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-932851 Wed, 15 May 2013 13:42:25 +0000 Makrame 932851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That is very interesting, thanks for sharing! &nbsp;<br /><br />I come from a family with a history of ovarian cancer (grandmother and her sister both died of it in their 40s)&nbsp;and a high likelihood of having a BRCA mutation. &nbsp;My mother was tested for mutations and the more common ones were not found (good news) but still it makes me wonder about the risks. &nbsp;Because of that, I have been following varying medical advice on the preventive surgeries. A&nbsp;friend of ours had a double mastectomy because of a BRCA mutation.<br /><br />I went for a mammogram recently (I have been going since the age of 35 because of the potential increased risk) and found out that my radiology facility switched to new digital mammography. &nbsp;I was pleasantly surprised because for me the worst part has always been having to come back because "the doctor saw something and just wanted a few extra pictures". &nbsp;Digital mammography supposedly reduces the likelihood of "recall". &nbsp;Well, apparently my insurer does not cover the extra cost of&nbsp;digital mammography as "its benefits have not been proven". https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/article-about-angelina-jolies-double-masectomy#post-932782 Wed, 15 May 2013 09:45:52 +0000 Ornella 932782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This will likely be post and run due to my own lack of time for forum at the moment, but I feel I need to share this.<br /><br />Firstly, thanks to lovely (tall!) Adrienne from <a rel="nofollow">The Rich Life on a Budget</a> blog who brought<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.therichlifeonabudget.com/2013/05/brca-test-motivation.html"> it to my attention</a>, I have read the news about Angelina Jolie's recent medical procedure.<br /><br />The full article from NY times&nbsp;is <b><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?src=me&amp;ref=general&amp;_r=1&amp;">here</a></b>.<br /><br />And thank you Angelina Jolie for being so honest and open, and understanding the power of your public profile and what it can do. You use this power so graciously.<br /><br /><br />My mom was diagnosed breast cancer when she was 36 and lived until 51 - very long time given the late stage of her cancer when operated and against all prognosis she was given when first diagnosed.<br /><br /><i>(Which is why the most important thing I have learnt from her is that POSITIVE ATTITUDE will get you very very far. And that there is ALWAYS sunshine after the rain, always. These are the</i><b><i> life facts</i></b><i>&nbsp;for me, because I witnessed someone living them, and&nbsp;I am planting them my son's way of thinking, his conscious and&nbsp;subconscious&nbsp;mind.)</i><br /><br />Being 36 myself, a few years ago, I &nbsp;have had emotionally the most difficult year of my life. I could relate to my mom's experience more than ever, being the same age as her and thinking how she must have felt when her life was suddenly struck by a shocking diagnosis and everything that followed (operation in another city, long separation from us, long recovery... husband and small children - I was 8 and my sister 4 - she could lose and who could lose her...)<br /><br />And I admit that even today self-examining is difficult for me. I am afraid. I too have a child now, a husband,&nbsp;a life to live in which to experience and see and learn so many new things.<br /><br />I am still to undergo my first&nbsp;mammography.<br /><br />I find comfort that apart from my mum nobody else in my family had breast cancer, but some of&nbsp;my other aunties did have some other forms. So, naturally, it is always at the back of my mind.<br /><br />When faced with the option to do certain medical test, my main decision point is asking myself "What would I do with certain results?" This is why, e.g., I didn't want to do AC when I was pregnant. Knowing that there is are chances of X% of something happening still means that there are (100-X)% it will not happen. In such case one can almost choose which side of the equation to look at as the most&nbsp;informative.&nbsp;But, pregnancy is one thing, it lasts 9 months&nbsp;and then you know.<br /><br />Chances of developing cancer are something you live with. Once the number is out, it is out and won't leave the mind. This is why I too am also thinking and thinking if I should testing to show my risks&nbsp;because in all honesty I don't know which number would be that turning point to make me decide this way or the other. This may be immature or irresponsible attitude, but that's how it is in my case right now.&nbsp;<br /><br />Just sharing this in hope you'll be inspired and find strength and source of inspiration for whatever you're struggling with when it comes to this issue.<br />