As someone who’s so closely associated with breast cancer, I feel I should acknowledge Angelina Jolie and welcome her to the sorority no one wants to join.
So I’m writing this to salute her for having a double mastectomy in order to avoid getting breast cancer, the disease that killed her mother. And even more to salute her for writing an article in the New York Times today, disclosing her surgeries, her health history, and her personal feelings about it.
I am writing about it now because I hope that other women can benefit from my experience. Cancer is still a word that strikes fear into people’s hearts, producing a deep sense of powerlessness…..On a personal note, I do not feel any less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity.
I realize she didn’t have cancer, just the BRCA1 gene; and that she had the best care money could buy; not to mention Brad Pitt at her side supporting her every inch of the way. It still took a lot of courage for this public disclosure by maybe the most famous and glamorous movie star in the world.
Cancer isn’t exactly glamorous. Even though we’ve come a long way in putting it out in the open.
I still remember when cancer wasn’t even said out loud; the enormous impact made by Betty Ford when she told the world she had a mastectomy. I think Angelina could have a similar impact, especially if she chooses to get more involved in the cancer community, which I hope she’ll do.
It’s sad and scary to think that after all the years, all the research, all the ribbons, all the PINK—-there really isn’t a better option for women who carry the gene than just lopping them off.
I think Angelina made the right choice; one I would also make. Decisions we make about our own health are highly personal; and need to be respected no matter what they are. No one else has to walk in our shoes.
I’m assuming that she’ll later also elect to have her ovaries removed, as I did. I don’t have the gene, but chose to remove my ovaries as a proactive move. At the time, my choice was highly controversial; even my own doctor disagreed. I switched doctors; and I’ve never regretted either choice–the ovaries or the doctor.
I also appreciate the irony, whether intentional or not, that the piece she wrote in the New York Times about this was published the day after Mother’s Day. No doubt Angelina feels both sides of Mother’s Day, too; as I wrote about yesterday.
I welcome her to the sorority; wish her well; and wish her a long healthy happy life.
Cathy Chester says
Thanks, Darryle. I didn’t even know about it. I applaud her for her courage and honesty
Been kind of out of it. Found out yesterday my dad has B cell lymphoma, and yes, I AM scared. Not a fraternity we want him to be in. We lost his beloved brother in July to Pancreatic Cancer, the worst of all.
Kudos to Angelina. Prayers for my dad, please. Thanks for the great post…
Sherri says
I was hoping you would write a bit about this. I saw her article last night as I was heading to bed and wow, just wow…and that two sides of motherhood on Mother’s Day was just a topic of conversation between my mom and me over lunch. She lost her mom way too early, and at the same age I am now.
Darryle Pollack says
So sorry to hear about your dad, Cathy. And your uncle. CAncer really is a bitch. Thank you for commenting; and will keep your family in my thoughts.
Darryle Pollack says
I saw it late at night too, and couldn’t go to bed without somehow writing about it. I’m sure Angelina feels exactly as I do on Mother’s Day; and will continue to for the rest of her life. I’m also sure that losing her mom made her feel an even more urgent need to be proactive about her own health. I did and would have done anything at all to be there for my kids.
So many moms feel those two sides of Mother’s Day; you’re fortunate to have your mom around to discuss it. HOpe you both had a great Mother’s Day; and nice hearing from you. xxoo