I am no Angelina fan. I can’t get over that weird stage she went through with Billy Bob Thornton. Creepy. However, she is brave and I am impressed with her sharing her masectomy story. How many women do you know that are so defined by or attached to their breasts that they are mortified with the thought of losing them? You know, when the breast cancer topic comes up over a few glasses of wine? We’ve all been there and each woman’s feelings are understandable. But, cancer is nothing to f…around with. And this gene Angelina has is a doozy.
Maybe she will do more than raise awareness. Maybe she will raise acceptance and help dispell the fear or denial that can be associated with the possibility of carrying this gene. Maybe, loosing a breast or two will not seem so defeminizing and instead will seem more empowering. Breasts are great, but they are not great enough to hold onto if it is a risk to your life.
One of my dearest friends has the BRCA1 gene and so did her mother and so does her sister. This is scary stuff. My friend fought breast cancer the hard way…a year of chemo, surgeries, radiation and more. Not fun. Scary. She kicks ass and is tougher than nails, but it definitely sucked and sucked hard.
She is encouraging her sister to take Angelina’s route so she doesn’t have to go through chemo and radiation in addition to surgeries. This is tough, but the whole point of all our modern technology and information is to help people, to prevent suffering, to be one step ahead of disease. This is a good step and Angelina is ballsy for doing it and ballsy for sharing. And since I am sure she still looks amazing and gorgeous, maybe more ladies will fear less about the vanity portion of a mastectomy and think about getting it done before it is no longer a choice.
bossybostwick 
Besides, you can get reconstructive surgery and choose your breast size.
I agree completely. Today just happens to be the 9 year anniversary of Emily’s death. Breast cancer took her way too early and Marina will be faced with being tested for the gene and forever looking over her shoulder to make sure that genetic monster isn’t following her.
Ah, sweet, beautiful, Emily. Hopefully testing will prevent more young deaths like hers.
I agree Jennifer. I’m no Angelina fan either but she did the right thing. These women (our mutual friend) and others I know who have bravely fought it and lived through mastectomy’s face a hard battle. A close friend of mine who currently lives in Atlanta has the gene-fought and won her breast cancer battle. Of her 4 sisters, one tested positive for the gene and she chose to have the surgery to remove her breasts before it became a health issue. This proactive decision saves lives. These women have children and we need to be around for them.
So true, we have a bigger duty and more to live for when we have little ones (or big ones) dependent on us.