tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post4442485364506289457..comments2023-10-14T09:44:21.840-05:00Comments on People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Well Done, AngelinaJen Piwtpitthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09576108150881254072noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-77111002960436631492013-06-13T00:23:32.946-05:002013-06-13T00:23:32.946-05:00I also applaud her decision. I'm a six year b...I also applaud her decision. I'm a six year breast cancer survivor and if I had known I was at risk before breast cancer nearly destroyed my life, I would have done exactly what she has done. As it is, I had to fight to get a bilateral mastectomy, even though I had an aggressive, invasive cancer in my left breast. I wanted no chance of a recurrance, and my surgeon had the nerve to tell me that he was the surgeon and he'd make the decisions. I made the decision to find a different surgeon. Skyehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15771301488997444107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-76272632546181575862013-05-17T11:13:43.574-05:002013-05-17T11:13:43.574-05:00Thank you Jen for not judging Angelina and her cho...Thank you Jen for not judging Angelina and her choice. I am 34 years old and underwent a prophylactic mastectomy in January because I carry the exact same mutation as Angelina. It's too easy to judge and suggest other options such as "diet" when you didn't watch you mom battle cancer for half of your life. And eventually die from the horrible disease. Every person is different, every situation is different, and Angelina (although I've always been team Aniston, too) should be applauded for her courage to raise awareness. If interested, you can find my journey at http://tatatothetatas.blogspot.com/2013/05/angelina-and-me-brca-sisters-for-life.html (this particular link is my Anglina post).<br />Thanks again for writing this awesome post!Goodgollymzmolliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03976240975738160354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-53654820279695560902013-05-17T03:21:08.092-05:002013-05-17T03:21:08.092-05:00Thanks for that! Great article. Like I said, at le...Thanks for that! Great article. Like I said, at least Angelina's choice is encouraging more people speak out. Hopefully her voice won't be the most heard just because she's a celebrity. YanknFrankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07248868194118054322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-16090444797173212052013-05-16T22:03:00.933-05:002013-05-16T22:03:00.933-05:00Here is another link by a woman who knows first ha...Here is another link by a woman who knows first hand about the issue and is very well informed about all options for people. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-healing-factor/201305/angelina-jolie-missed-important-opportunityKatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17124174313280364952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-83284500833468229952013-05-16T17:46:17.590-05:002013-05-16T17:46:17.590-05:00I did consider it drastic because she didn't e...I did consider it drastic because she didn't even have the symptoms; just the predisposition for cancer. Also, I realize that she's rich and other women would not have the luxury of that option.<br />That being said, I do applaud her decision to be open about her surgery.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14718975387489795957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-41766205143041479312013-05-16T15:08:13.005-05:002013-05-16T15:08:13.005-05:00PS let me know how you feel after all that chocola...PS let me know how you feel after all that chocolate milk and ice cream. Super energized and ready for a run?? mmm, probably not. What you put into your body is what you'll get out of it. and by the way, I'm not a vegan, but I accept that my food choices are the biggest factor in the status of my health. we are all dying of Western diseases that don't exists in countries where people eat plants and not animal based diets. you might think that's extreme, but cutting off your body parts is pretty extreme too..<br />and my heart goes out to all women and men suffering from breast cancers and other cancers. I've worked with a non profit "Keep a breast" dedicated to educating people on how to make lifestyle choices to avoid this tragic disease and offering support for those that go through it. I think that Angelina is very brave and probably very scared like most of us. It's good that she is getting a conversation started. But that conversation should include both sides. Is her decision the right one? does it have it's own risky side effects? what else can people do to reduce their risks? <br />YanknFrankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07248868194118054322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-32393065060763378612013-05-16T14:51:40.139-05:002013-05-16T14:51:40.139-05:00Diet and lifestyle have profound affects on preven...Diet and lifestyle have profound affects on preventing illnesses, including cancer. Educate yourself as much as you can. The link below is from a doctor that has done extensive research with links to diet and breast cancer. It's definitely worth a read<br /><br />/www.forksoverknives.com/angelina-jolies-double-mastectomy-people-are-desperate-for-change/YanknFrankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07248868194118054322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-89311952113924110092013-05-16T14:24:25.034-05:002013-05-16T14:24:25.034-05:00Take it easy lady... just trying to add to the con...Take it easy lady... just trying to add to the conversation like everybody else.... <br />YanknFrankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07248868194118054322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-21826667539048704482013-05-16T08:36:25.211-05:002013-05-16T08:36:25.211-05:00Her mother died of ovarian cancer. Which currentl...Her mother died of ovarian cancer. Which currently is not detectable, which means it is not usually found until it's too late. Angelina has the BRCA mutation, which means she is almost guaranteed to contract breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer. In addition, with this mutation, the cancer is much more aggressive and treatment is much more difficult. If you are at risk for the mutation, getting tested and discussing the options with your doctor could definitely save your life. <br />You're right, she's not a cancer survivor. But she is bringing positive attention to something that is not widely-known. It's like any other difficult thing-the more people are open about having the gene/getting the surgery, the easiest it is for others who might be in the same situation.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02276871156256334412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-84025301368128848482013-05-16T07:10:10.230-05:002013-05-16T07:10:10.230-05:00My mom died of ovarian cancer when I was 36, and I...My mom died of ovarian cancer when I was 36, and I was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer at age 40. I had the BRCA test and had to fight my insurance company for payment but like you, I would have paid it out of pocket if necessary. To the assholes and douchebags offering opinions on Brad's loss or Angelina's choice, I say give them a double punch: one in the throat, and one in the nuts. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-11351876456589894772013-05-16T01:36:39.553-05:002013-05-16T01:36:39.553-05:00I agree 100%!! Cancer does not give a fuck how muc...I agree 100%!! Cancer does not give a fuck how much money you have or how big of a part your boobies have played in your image up to this point. This must have been an unfathomable decision for her and her family and I am so proud of her, really. <br />Loved this post Jen! <3 DevanTNMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16811407816593020440noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-64328288224325165422013-05-15T23:57:33.209-05:002013-05-15T23:57:33.209-05:00Ok, I'm weighing in because I can. I am a bre...Ok, I'm weighing in because I can. I am a breast cancer survivor, I was 31. It's been 9 years since that particular cancer (I've also had oral squamous cell carcinoma) but I've seen so many young women die from this. I tested negative for the mutations, though I did have cancer on both sides of my family. Breast cancer in young women is more deadly than it is in older women, mostly because it's more aggressive, and sometimes because it's not caught early. <br /><br />I've never been a huge Angelina fan, but I did respect her a bit more for this. There are some things that need to be talked about though. First, she has more money than she could possibly know what to do with, so she didn't just choose a surgeon from Angie's List. She probably talked to many before she found this particular person. She probably also paid in cold hard cash for the test, and maybe would have gone through with the surgeries even with out the genetic mutation. She did what she felt was right for her, and her family. She did it with partner support, and kept in mind that she has a responsibility to and love for her children. <br /><br />The other thing is what many people have stated about Myriad. They are the reason the testing is so costly, by being the only company offering the test. <br /><br />Oh, I guess I have a third thing, and that is this. The BRCA mutations are not the only cause of breast cancer, obviously. Eating well is not going to prevent it. I was incredibly healthy when I was diagnosed. An astounding one in four women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. If nothing else it's gotten people talking, and maybe thinking about what they would do in her shoes. Spendy shoes, but shoes nonetheless. chachahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01035097758709310102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-15415073004439685592013-05-15T23:33:05.467-05:002013-05-15T23:33:05.467-05:00I was in the planning stages for prophylactic bila...I was in the planning stages for prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, not due to BRCA+ but because of horrible fibrocystic disease, but before my doctor could even plead my case to the insurance company to cover the surgery (plus a tornado that blew my hospital, doctor's office and medical records to kingdom come, but that's another story), one of my cysts was biopsied and found to be stage 1 cancer. I was DELIGHTED to say "off with my boobies" and even had a Ta Ta to the Ta-tas Party to celebrate. And there was no squabble with the insurance company about covering any of it. Angelina Jolie didn't have to depend on insurance paying for hers - she can private pay. Not many of us have that luxury. She also could private pay for the BRCA test. MY insurance company won't cover it for me, because I don't meet all the conditions they have set as parameters. (My breast cancer and my maternal grandmother's breast cancer wasn't enough for them.)<br /><br />So there is a fear that women are going to rush out and do the same thing as Angelina? They may WANT to, but unless they are prepared to pay out of pocket for the procedure, it won't be happening.Dyanne @ I Want Backsieshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04946323852124525597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-53058240144356020842013-05-15T22:12:13.246-05:002013-05-15T22:12:13.246-05:00In the interest of full disclosure, I will say tha...In the interest of full disclosure, I will say that I have honestly not seen very much of the wide world, however, I can most assuredly inform you that Twitter is indeed, "populated with idiots and douchebags." (And a couple of funny moms and other people.) The NotsoSuperMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11129738899318944441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-64033212023414073752013-05-15T22:01:56.574-05:002013-05-15T22:01:56.574-05:00How about the fact that even though she does eat h...How about the fact that even though she does eat healthy and takes care of herself really wouldn't help her in that regard. She had the genetic tests done and the tests FOUND the BRCA mutation, and found she had an 87% chance of getting breast cancer. That mutation doesn't care if you're vegan, a meat eater, or a raw eater. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have a nice big glass of chocolate milk and ice cream. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04943917098869286011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-32894107564768257282013-05-15T21:57:35.297-05:002013-05-15T21:57:35.297-05:00How about the fact that even though she does eat h...How about the fact that even though she does eat healthy and takes care of herself really wouldn't help her in that regard. She had the genetic tests done and the tests FOUND the BRCA mutation, and found she had an 87% chance of getting breast cancer. That mutation doesn't care if you're vegan, a meat eater, or a raw eater. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to have a nice big glass of chocolate milk and ice cream. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04943917098869286011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-58131243040780180332013-05-15T21:19:56.070-05:002013-05-15T21:19:56.070-05:00Her body, her decision. Right? It's kind of ha...Her body, her decision. Right? It's kind of hard to judge her for that. At least it is for me. I think a lot of good will come out of this. Thanks Angie for being a freak, kind of a jerk and a compassionate humanitarian all in one. Fucking Geminis! <br /><br />As for the doctors, I've only heard one's opinion. I listen to a radio show by Dr. Christiane Northrup. She wrote Women's Bodies Women's Wisdom, which I read at 18 years old, in tandem with my mom and it's been a great resource for her and me. Dr. Northrup's only concern is the fear and panic that this press sparks in people and I can see her point. Right? She also said that many people die with this gene and not because of it. Also, many women who get breast cancer and pass from it do not have the gene. <br /><br />So, I feel badly that people are freaking out over this. It's also astounding to me that someone's breasts and decision to remove for preventative reasons stirs up so much anger. In the holistic community, breasts are connected to the archetype of mother and nurturing. I think the outcry has a lot to do with people's relationship to mother, our mother earth, mothering as an energy, their mother, being or not being a mother to oneself or another and so on. <br /><br />Anyway, I think it's time for everyone to just take a moment and breathe now. Grab your breasts and say, "Hey, thanks for being my friends. I will love and nurture you as you've done for so many others!" <br /><br />There are options, there are good doctors, healers, medical intuitives (yes, check it out!) and people who can offer great advice, wisdom, knowledge and resources. Have faith and when it comes to LIFE and DEATH, don't judge. You're only hurting yourself! Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17124174313280364952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-5655397472231222092013-05-15T20:38:14.330-05:002013-05-15T20:38:14.330-05:00I'm sorry, but I'm going to be the bad guy...I'm sorry, but I'm going to be the bad guy here. I feel that making a decision to have a double mastectomy is easier when you know you can have the reconstruction surgery. When you know you don't have that choice and still opt for the mastectomy. then you are a woman who has sacrificed. Just MHO Meghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10027947365593707958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-73282129343187491472013-05-15T19:54:14.183-05:002013-05-15T19:54:14.183-05:00I also have to applaud Angelina's decision to ...I also have to applaud Angelina's decision to be open about her experience. Yes, many other women have underwent preventative mastectomies and didn't get the attention she is getting. So what? Most of us aren't swarmed by paparazzi as we go to the store to buy milk either.<br />The simple fact is Angelina isn't like us. She's one of the beautiful people. But she certainly seems to be one of the beautiful people who is trying to use her celebrity to leave this planet and its inhabitants in better shape than it was when she got here. I have to applaud that.<br />Is Angelina's decision for everyone? No -- and she isn't saying it is. She simply is opening up the conversation about a very serious health issue. She is revealing that she sacrificed her breasts for her future. And for a woman who has made a living as a sex symbol, that seems pretty damn brave to me.Lucky Mama (Little Rock Mamas)https://www.blogger.com/profile/01896722714510390592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-47769694054744668062013-05-15T18:35:02.389-05:002013-05-15T18:35:02.389-05:00It is a very expensive test and not offered nearly...It is a very expensive test and not offered nearly enough. My aunt is just finishing up her first round of chemo from Breast cancer. They found a lump in one breast and not the other. The insurance company would not pay for a double so she opted to pay for the spendy test that is way out of their budget but worth the peace of mind... and guess what?? They found cancerous cells! Insurance paid for the double, but wouldn't pay for a preventitive test that, in the long run, would be cheaper and easier (2 surgeries) in the long run!! tarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15504582588617671161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-5723195656095197832013-05-15T18:20:14.202-05:002013-05-15T18:20:14.202-05:00To begin with, I have been on Team Angelina for a ...To begin with, I have been on Team Angelina for a very long time. Never could stand Jennifer. That said, my mother died from breast cancer at age 46. Her sister, at 50. I have had mammograms since I was 30, annually since I was 40. About 10 years ago, mammograms were being dismissed as creating a bigger problem from the repeated radiation than the cancer they detect.<br /><br />My point is - yes, I have one - that we all have a right to make the decisions we want for our individual bodies. No one else gets to weigh in on the appropriateness of the decision. The opinions of the douches who mourn the departure of Angelina's breasts have no impact at all on her life. <br /><br />I have been lucky. No cancer so far. But - when I had a hysterectomy 6 years ago, I was asked about my ovaries. I said, "Yank them out, too!" Less stuff to get cancer from, given my family history. <br /><br />I would say that I would like to request a punch in the throat for all of the people who think they know so much more than Angelina does.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17427184288010516909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-47873425772422574612013-05-15T17:49:07.621-05:002013-05-15T17:49:07.621-05:00I think this test should be given to ALL women fre...I think this test should be given to ALL women free of charge. I had insurance all of my life until Sept of 2012. I can't get covered because of a Pre-existing condition AND PLEASE DO NOT TELL ME OBAMA CARE CHANGED THAT..not true til 2014 if EVER..I had skin cancer, but the curable type and when they see the C word, it is an automatic NO!!!!! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09733433461814430153noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-49628410273900984632013-05-15T17:14:35.531-05:002013-05-15T17:14:35.531-05:00My family has been riddled with cancer, and in my ...My family has been riddled with cancer, and in my head it's not an "if," it's a "when." Oddly, I am at peace with this because I know what I would do.<br />I am not attached to any body part more than I am attached to my life and my children and my husband. <br />I have funky ovaries, and get them scanned regularly. My doctors and I are in agreement that the SECOND a SINGLE scan of them shows anything wonky: out they come. Good-bye.<br />If I had BRCA1 gene, my breasts would be gone. Good-bye. If I had a single tumor in one of them? Adios to both.<br /><br />I, too, applaud her for being aggressive about Life, and I think she's a smart enough woman that she knew exactly what would come of her press over this. I hope she can strong-arm America into helping those who need the tests and the procedures, but can't afford them. <br />I really do.Kim Bongiorno at Let Me Start By Sayinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04445701324967739322noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-50950495668082544262013-05-15T15:57:21.062-05:002013-05-15T15:57:21.062-05:00I think the biggest thing is knowing that there is...I think the biggest thing is knowing that there is a test out there that you can take to see what your odds are. As a child of a mother who is now battling her second round of breast cancer, this is something I'm very concerned about. I already knew that my odds were 50/50 to begin with. But when I found out a few years ago that there is a test that I can take to see if I have the mutation and what my odds are of getting breast cancer, I knew that it was something I needed to do. I need to know, so I can plan accordingly. See what I need to do, what I can do to decrease the odds that are stacked against me. <br /><br />So yes, what Angelina did isn't revolutionary. That she had the balls to come out and say what she did is awesome. That is such a personal and emotional decision. <br /><br />I think that, too often, we view celebrities as invincible. To know that she had such high odds of getting breast cancer kind of makes you feel less alone. That it doesn't care who you are or how much money you have, anyone can get. Christina Applegate had breast cancer as well. Her advocacy isn't as popularized simply because she's been doing it for longer than Angelina. Leilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00675292223301373719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5984487997306130330.post-82739641063633029612013-05-15T14:24:44.632-05:002013-05-15T14:24:44.632-05:00Yes! I completely agree with you - on all fronts! ...Yes! I completely agree with you - on all fronts! I'm Team Jennifer all the way, BUT, my level of respect for Angelina has gone through the roof with this one. Talk about putting yourself out there and bringing attention to a cause! I have to admit, I have watched Brad and Angelina do some pretty amazing things with their fame and fortune over the past several years and I truly have come to admire them for their outspokenness and willingness to use their celebrity for good, not evil.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04993538503291293036noreply@blogger.com