The full story of Angelina's surgery and the reasons behind it.
http://www.pinklotusbreastcenter.com/breast-cancer-101/2013/05/a-patients-journey-angelina-jolie/
This surgery is all about percentages. Her risk of breast cancer in her lifetime was around 87%. but removing her breast tissue she has significantly reduced her risks. While there is tissue left , you are still at risk of breast cancer. but your risk becomes far far less. (tissue includes skin and the chest wall).
I havent, as yet, chosen to be tested for this gene.
Her story makes me think again about choosing not to.
Its a hard thing, this cancer business. The day to day living has become much easier, but there are things that constantly remind me that I need to be vigilent. Reading Angelina's story has brought it all to the forefront again for me. Should I get tested for this gene? knowing that if i am positive it has a whole world of conitations both for myself, and my girls.
Do I have the surgery , have my breasts removed? what do I encourage my girls to do if I am positive? I would like to know what Angelina thinks , regarding her girls.
I see my breast surgeon today. I am on edge and emotional. Its a weird thing walking back into those office rooms. I will talk to her again about the gene testing, I think.
I have a gut feeling. I think I should follow it.
hard shit to think about.
i dont know.
will let you know.
rambling today.. probably not the best day to write a blog post.
warts and all, baby, warts and all.
peace.
Nx
Ultimately you need to do what you think is best for you & your situation. Trust your gut Ngai, you are having that feeling for a reason, trust yourself & follow it.
As far asAngelina goes-I think it would have been a difficult decision but she did what she thought right. How it will end up in the end no one knows but she is living the life she wants, the way she wants it so good on her!
Posted by: Tamara | Wednesday, 15 May 2013 at 11:23 AM
As someone who uses their body in their line of work - as a woman with power and voice that is heard the world over - I think she is incredibly brave both in what she did and in telling the World. I am standing there applauding too Ngaire.
I hope your visit with the surgeon went well and that you were able to talk about it.
Posted by: Carmen | Thursday, 16 May 2013 at 07:52 PM