Following Angelina Jolie’s announcement that she had her ovaries and fallopian tubes removed following a cancer scare, there was once again an outpouring of support and official statements online and on social media. Jolie announced her latest surgery with a NYT op-ed, which is how she did it in 2013 when announcing her double-mastectomy. I tend to think there was more of a stunned and shocked reaction back in 2013, but this time around everyone has seemed much nicer. I think most of us were prepared – in her 2013, Jolie said that she would undergo the salpingo-oophorectomy at some point, it was just a matter of when. So, here are some reactions to Jolie’s latest announcement:
*People Magazine did a weird write-up about how Brad Pitt “supported” Angelina during her surgery this time, but there isn’t any new information there, it’s just an assortment of old quotes.
*Some celebrities – many of whom have family history of cancer – posted links to Jolie’s op-ed. Mindy Kaling’s mom died of pancreatic cancer and Mindy posted about Jolie’s op-ed on all of her social media. Go here to read more about the celebrities reacting positively to Jolie.
*Calaneet Balas (cool name), the CEO of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, said: “By speaking out about her increased risk of ovarian cancer, Angelina Jolie has helped shine a spotlight on this deadly disease. In addition to being aware of their family history, we hope women will use this moment to learn the symptoms of ovarian cancer so they know the signs to watch for and when to seek medical attention.”
*Dr. Richard Wender, the “chief cancer control officer at the American Cancer Society” had more cautious words, calling Jolie a “very responsible communicator,” but saying Jolie’s announcement will “engender some fear. Some women may think, ‘Well maybe I’m a BRCA carrier and I should get tested.’” And? Why is that a bad thing? You can read more of his statement here.
*One of Angelina’s long-time doctors, Dr. Kristi Funk, released a statement too: “We continue to applaud Angelina Jolie’s willingness to share her journey with the BRCA gene mutation. Since the original release of her story, countless women around the world have been made aware of the gene and have been able to explore lifesaving treatment options to lower the risk it poses to their health. The best defense for BRCA gene mutation carriers against the threats it poses to their health and well-being is to educate themselves as much as possible on the risks and treatment strategies available. No single strategy works universally. Each woman’s life circumstances are unique and her treatment plan should be developed to reflect an individualized approach.”
As Angelina has said repeatedly, these were her choices, and her choices to make on her own behalf. The only thing she’s really encouraging is further discussion about women’s health and access to more and better health care for women. I’ll say it again: so badass.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
She’s talking about taking control of your own health. Asking questions. Being an informed consumer. Yes – she’s pretty badass. Love her.
Angelina deserves a lot of praise and credit for drawing attention to this insidious disease. While it’s great to see validation and support from the public and medical professionals, what about the parties that fund and provide access to the necessary procedures – depending on where you live, government &/or insurance companies? The vast majority of people don’t have Angelina’s financial resources and are reliant on insurance or gov’t funded healthcare. It’s one thing to recognize that you are a high risk candidate and truly need these procedures, but it’s quite another to get prompt access to them.
+1000.
Absolutely! Perfectly expressed @cadence.
I think it’s great that she was open to sharing such intimate information about her health. I don’t understand why she gets a lot of flack for doing so. I don’t recall any criticism for Sheryl Crow or Melissa Etheridge and other celebs when they shared with the world their fight against cancer or whatever ailments they had. As a celebrity it takes balls to admit that hey look I’m flawed just like anyone else can be. She could have hid it from the public and none would have been the wiser.
I know AJ could afford the best care but so could other celebrties. It’s not her obligation to go after the government or health insurance companies to make it more affordable for the average person but I think it would be nice if she spoke a bit about how costly it could be and urged the insurance CO to make it more affordable. Just because she might not be boisterous about it doesn’t mean she doesn’t contribute in some other form. But damn it would be awesome if she could shame them into lowering their cost or making it a part of health insurance coverage.
Agreed. Total badass for bringing this issue out for public discussion. Really admire that she emphasized there are her choices. At the risk of being stoned to death, I have to point out that her reconstructive surgery exceeds what is available to the general public, even those with decent insurance.
absolutely. And bringing the issue out gets it talked about more and maybe even to the point preventative care will be covered. The moment an illness is forgotten is the moment your insurance could decide they don’t want to offer that in their plans anymore.
Sheryl crow was diagnosed with breast cancer. Angelina was never diagnosed with cancer …she took preventative measures to lessen her chances…major difference.
I honestly don’t see what the ‘major’ difference is Loulou. Angelina lost her mother and aunt to the same cancer causing gene, and she was given only a 13% chance of not getting cancer, if she didn’t act. I don’t see much of a difference at all.
Excellent post.
That’s why I’m glad she’s been vocal about it – she definitely has advantages the average woman doesn’t, but the more everyone pays attention to these health issues and diseases, hopefully the more research and funding will be allocated to it. Maybe with more funding and research, less expensive methods of testing can be developed, and more people can have access to it. Maybe it makes people look at their own family history, and have a better conversation with their doctor, or know what warning signs to look for.
I hope her brother got tested too, he could have increased cancer risks as well.
Ovarian cancer scares the crap out of me since I was a hospice volunteer. As far as rates of remission it’s next to “0”. Once you know you have it, you’re lost.
🙁
I really applaud her showing all of us that there are choices out there.
As a breast surgeon, I have never to my recollection been denied a risk-reduction procedure for a BRCA positive patient, or for that matter, a contralateral mastectomy for a cancer patient regardless of genetic status. I live in a state that has programs in place for breast cancer patients, though, and even undocumented immigrants at least get emergency care (no reconstruction or prophylactic procedures, but certainly cancer treatment.)
Coverage for genetic testing is harder, as most insurance companies have different criteria, but most of the patients who are truly high risk get covered for testing.
Thanks for sharing your – presumably US – perspective. It would be great to hear from Canadians & Brits as well. Even though we have universal healthcare, it’s like jumping through hoops to get certain things covered – INCLUDING preventative surgery for those with a familial history.
Candice, I’m not from any of these countries, but it might be interesting nonetheless: Public healthcare covers all neccessary procedures (prevention, amputation- if they are recommended by the doctor) and around 80 % of all insurers cover genetic testing as well in my country.
I was just reading the comments on the NY Times Op-Ed and several women said that even though they had ovarian cancer and one ovary removed, their insurance company wouldn’t cover the preventive removal of the other ovary. And that Jolie is glossing over the very severe menopausal side effects of removing ovaries, as many women are not able to get HRT. Some of them listed were severe hot flashes, mood changes, lack of sexual arousal, just to name a few written about over there. One woman said that her severe menopausal issues had nothing to do with still “feeling feminine,” as Jolie assured the readers she still felt.
Also questioned, which I’m very interested in, is why give HRT if you have a gene for the cancer? Don’t hormones promote cancers? And can someone who has had her ovaries and tubes removed still get those cancers or cancers in nearby organs, like the cervix and uterus??
I thought her Op-Ed was thoughtful and very brave. But if people don’t have the means to get the same healthcare, then what she suggests is just a pipe dream for many cancer sufferers as our American healthcare system stands today.
In Canada the test is covered for women who have two relatives with cancer (criteria varies slightly from province to province but essentially you must qualify for free testing). The real problem is that according to Canadian statistics 90% of cancers – breast and ovarian- are considered sporadic (you don’t have a family history of the disease). So while we argue the merits of qualifying for free testing for 10% of cases we completely ignore the rest. Not cool!
Those of us with good insurance on top of the free healthcare do get most things covered. I have a chronic illness and have been in and out of hospitals, on expensive drugs ($4000/month) and it all gets paid. There are relief programs for those without additional private insurance, but of course it is not perfect, it never is. That should not stop the discussion, or lead to criticizing Angie because she can afford it. Affordability is only one thing when we talk about healthcare and while it is very important, awareness, education and so ways to address risk factors are important too. Plus, she may be American but her fans and her influence are worldwide – what we may not have coverage for here may well be covered in other countries. (My birth country, Romania, former communist outpost, has amazing social benefits, like two years paid mat leave. Can you imagine?)
AJ rocks and she is badass and I love her…
vauvert – I am in Canada too and although I see myself as a potential candidate for the same procedure as Angelina, I don’t even think I’d qualify for the testing. I have a family history – mother, grandmother, both deceased – but can’t prove this. Therefore doctor will only do periodic ca-125 testing + ultrasound.
Here in Australia genetic testing is free if you have a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancers, along with melanoma and most other recognised genetic mutations that have adverse health effects and high risks.
That’s right, Jacqueline. My mother died of breast cancer at 36, and I received free testing for the BRCA gene mutations, as did my father and brothers, in Victoria. I was found to have the BRCA2 gene mutation and had a double mastectomy and ovary removal.
I find her inspirational, in the brave public acknowledgement of her medical journey, her support for global humanitarian efforts and her adoptions (but as an adoptive parent, I am necessarily biased).
Ah, I love her. I really do!
As one who currently studies (and will practice) Chinese medicine, I am not much one for Western biomedicine. What I love about this is how she is an informed patient–she clearly has a good team of both Western and alternative practitioners. She’s doing what she feels is best for her based on a well-reasoned choice.
This is what I want for my patients! I’ll always be honest that FOR ME, Chinese medicine is my first and best choice. But that is me and that is my health situation. For someone else, it’s not the case. I have a Western doctor who supports me in this…and I hope that my patients, one day, will have the same. There is room for all of us. The best patient care is different for each patient.
Angie is a model for what I want for my own patients one day.
Ah, she’s awesome!
And I am glad that you have access to a western doctor for when your placebo-effect, er, I mean ‘Chinese Medicine’ fails you. All major, reputable, repeatable studies have shown no benefit from any applications of chinese medicine. But then again you probably don’t believe in ‘science’ either. But keep on exploiting people for cash! I suppose if it gives them hope and they can afford it, then it isn’t all bad. But don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re actually doing anything.
I agree with everything. I wanted to add that I also loved when she wrote that she still felt beautiful and feminine after her mastectomy. Amazing that she continues to share her journey with the world with the hopes of increasing awareness and hopefully saving lives. It’s a very selfless thing to do, imo.
I just love her so much. I could go on and on but that pretty much sums it up.
I always did admire her, but now I am just impressed by her brave choices, it’s not easy to willingly put yourself through menopause and all the risks associated with early menopause ahead of time, good for her.
I really hope and wish someday the BRCA1 and BRCA2 tests are more easily available to all women, regardless of insurance or financial ability.
I tested pre cancerous for uterine cancer and had a partial hysterectomy at 36, am due for the test for ovarian cancer and am terrified but will do what needs to be done. ( My mom, two of her sisters and my maternal grandma died of uterine and ovarian cancer ).
Awww you’re such a strong woman… Sorry for you loss.
Best wishes love!
it is weird because i also read alot of mean reactions to this but watever this woman is more than fierce
I guess they are going to attack all the other women that have now started sharing their stories as well.. Is the TMI applied to those women too because they are not famous. Or is it just different because they are not Angelina. Yeah I know the answer.
Yes I saw lots of mean reaction… I can only weep for humanity! 🙁
So did I. I was absolutely disgusted by some peoples reactions. Some people really need to get lives…
I truly don’t understand the mean reactions. She was just telling her story. It’s not like she tries to hide the fact that she is wealthy. Of course money buys you better health care, but it can’t buy you your life. Le sigh, some people just complain about everything.
I’m just here to look at pics of La Jolie.
Sigh.
I’m still reeling from the one time I saw her in person (hard to believe but the pics have nothing on the real deal).
So tell us about when you saw her in person.
Melissa Etheridge will have something to say!
Ha! I can only imagine what she has to say 🙂
Only if Brad comes out and calls Angelina heroic. Wasn’t that her issue?
ME has many issues.
Yes, Jolie’s actions being called “heroic” was the main point. And that was coming from the woman that argued against the right for homosexuals to be legally married so she wouldn’t have to pay her ex wife alimony. So, yea. There was that.
Keep telling us what makes a person herioc Ethridge.
Melissa Etheridge said she had the same gene mutation but she figured she could keep cancer “shut down” with grapefruit juice. She also fought against having her kids vaccinated.
It takes a special level of narcissism to think your talent at music makes you smarter about medicine than all the world’s doctors and research scientists…
Ok, the two biggest criticisms I see being lobbed at her are that a) this is too personal and no one needs to know about her medical issues and b) she is an out of touch rich lady talking about testing and surgeries that most American women cannot afford.
Let me say that I disagree with both. I am by no means a super fan, but I think most of the criticism of her to be outlandish and unfair. I think she was just trying to start a dialogue, which is great. I think sometimes people scream TMI, but I for one appreciate when celebrities speak about such issues with candor. There are some things very stigmatized in our culture, certain diseases and cancers, mental health issues, addiction issues, etc. People that are public figures and very widely known in the public eye not being afraid to say “here is my story, here is what I went through” might help a person out there to not be ashamed or afraid. I just had surgery to remove a fallopian tube, because it was damaged due to endometriosis, as well as have scar tissue and endometriosis removed. I was in incredible pain but didn’t really talk to anyone about it. Sure, it is very different than Angelina’s case, but I still appreciate her speaking about something deemed “too private” to share.
In the case of the surgery being too expensive and not feasible for the general public, well I can’t blame her for that. She addresses that in her op ed, and states that there are other alternatives. I can’t really be mad at Angelina for the fact that insurance companies stink. If you were rich enough, wouldn’t you do what you could to insure that you would be around to see your family for as long as you could? Maybe this becoming an open dialogue will help change the way things are done. I love dlisted, but they were outlandishly harsh about this yesterday. I really don’t see anything snarkable in what Angelina is doing *Kanye shrug*
“I can’t really be mad at Angelina for the fact that insurance companies stink. If you were rich enough, wouldn’t you do what you could to insure that you would be around to see your family for as long as you could? Maybe this becoming an open dialogue will help change the way things are done. ”
Agree 100%. Obviously Angelina has financial means that aren’t universal to all women. But her story sheds light on the “advocate for yourself” aspect. I am not rich— but I have decent health insurance. My insurance gives me more than plenty of other people in the US have (like people with NO insurance)– but even with decent insurance–I will get so much better care if I advocate AND educate myself. That alone is a good thing that could come out of her telling her story.
No everyone has to go through these surgeries that she has, but maybe some women that had no idea this was an option now know.
@ TheOnlyDee
You wrote a great piece!!
I support that Angelina deserves to be applauded for trying to start a dialogue. And she gets a lot of criticism but it is a kind of criticism that often isn’t remotely fair (fairness).
I am not sure if removing body parts does really reduce your cancer risk. I am not a medical professional by no means and my question would be this:
If that what causes cancer is able to “dock” more easily to certain body parts (breasts, ovaries) and cause cancer there than in other body parts? Then wouldn’t it be logic if you remove your breast tissue the cancer will appear merely elsewhere perhaps a few years later?
Wouldn’t it make equally much sense to try to remove the cancer triggers? I don’t know what they are … It would certainly make a lot of sense to have lots of cancer testing …
I had a bilateral mastectomy last summer (no regrets and I’m fine). My oncologist said if cancer recurs it would come back in either the bones, liver or lungs. There are no guarantees in life, you just do the best you can.
I agree on both points. I generally keep any medical stuff pretty private as well, and I think celebrities should have the right to do that also if they choose. If they decide to go public with it simply in an effort to help others and draw attention to the issue, I think that’s great. I’m not a super fan of hers either, but I see no reason to criticize her on this.
A common criticism I’ve seen of her discussing this is that she had the preventative surgery, and that hit a nerve with a lot of people, who seem to think that means she’s telling everyone affected they should do that. She’s very clearly not, it was her choice and she’s upfront that it’s not the choice for everyone.
So much respect and admiration for her. The gene also runs in my family and I’ve seen several aunts and my grandmother suffer and ensure painful treatments. They are fighters and survivors! Angelina is putting the topic out there in a way that is very relatable. She is shining a light on all the brave women also facing these terrifying health issues.
I have seen many women sharing their stories.. some very similar to what she has gone through. The thing that just floors me is how some people can’t see beyond their irrational hate to feel for another human being. This is especially troubling when you hear it from other women. Breast and ovarian cancers are illnesses that I’m sure affect everyone on this site either by personal experiences or someone you know or work with. So who would women be so nasty about this happening to another woman, Luckily for Angie she doesn’t have cancer. But with the odds of her getting it so high she made difficult medical choices to stay those odds. I don’t know anyone could not understand that. I have a friend that was in a very similar situation. Female family member after on have died from cancer. She made the same choices. I would too. In a heart beat to save my life.. Just like we see people with heart disease in their families changing their diets and losing weight.. not the same; but people being proactive to combat a more likely than not diagnosis.
I guess for some people their need to be negative and nasty override their sense of empathy for another person. They need to live by the phrase.. But but the Grace of God go I…. because none of us know what may come..and perhaps how you sympathize for others will be returned when you need someone to hope for the best for you.
And women doing this is the saddest thing.. She seems to be up and about going through her routines. That is the first step.. creating your normal.
I do so admire her for going public with
This very private situation, helping other women to discover their own health issues!
Such a beautiful soul. .
And never forget, this type of celebrity awareness raising does get results – even if you personally are an anti-fan (I can’t bring myself to type that awful internet word beginning with H and ending with ER), you should acknowledge that.
There was a reality TV star here in the UK, Jade Goody, who I personally couldn’t stand and felt embodied the worst of famewhore celebrity culture. She died of cervical cancer. She was absolutely open about using her terminal diagnosis to make as much money as possible to leave to her young children after she died.
You might celebrate that or cringe at it, but what happened was this – tens upon tens of thousands – some studies put it at hundreds of thousands – more British women signed up for the screening and early intervention program as they followed her story and thousands of lives were undoubtedly saved.
So you know, anti-fans – don’t let your dislike of Jolie get in the way.
What happened to Jade Goody was absolutely horrendous. I couldn’t believe she allowed the cameras to film her as she was dying, it was such a terrible sight I had to look away. A level of bravery and complete absence of vanity that will probably remain unrivaled. I wish there was more of a link made between cervical cancer and HPV in terms of public campaigns, I don’t understand why that isn’t stressed considering outside of an anomaly, cervical cancer is caused by HPV.
I was just reading a comment in a tabloid that Brad and Angie hadn’t been seen together in weeks. (This was prior to the soccer game) and how the marriage was on the rocks. Hmm maybe we know why. She was, again, privately recuperating from surgery! WithBrad at her side.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 6 weeks ago at the age of 44. Luckily for me, it was early detection and I had a lumpectomy (during which time in surgery my surgeon found a second tumour that neither the mammogram or ultra sound picked up) and sentinel lymph node removal. I’ve started radiation, which in itself is another issue to deal with on top of the cancer diagnosis. I face a decision later, whether to have what Angelina had done because the medicine I will need to take for at least 5 years can cause uterine cancer. Both breast and uterine cancer is so much more that just cancer of the ‘lady parts’ – there is so much to consider around treatment, medication and even diet. I applaud Angelina for making so many woman more aware of these 2 forms of cancer and I hope that even if she saves 1 life, that 1 life is worth saving. Recovery from both is not easy either physically, emotionally and mentally. I wish her love and light and applaud her bravery 😉
Best wishes to you Lesley. I had breast cancer at age 28, similar experience and treatment route to what you described for yourself. I am 41 now and quite healthy but, like you, I do also worry about the increased risk for uterine or ovarian cancer associated with the breast cancer meds I took. Here’s to us both remaining free of those other cancers and I wish you the best in getting through the breast cancer treatment and moving past it without recurrence.
You’re so lucky to have found it early and been able to act on it!
Best wishes through radiation!
Early detection and the ability to begin treatment swiftly is key!
All the best to you, Lesley. I’m sure you’ll find the strength to make the best decision for yourself.
Love my Lady. I have always admired her. My admiration have never wavered. She rocks. Love the Jolie-Pitt.
If your insurance does not cover genetic testing, find out what your state mandates as required benefits – check your state’s insurance statutes, which can usually be found on your state’s website or at your local library. If it is not mandated, lobby your governor and legislators to make it so. States can mandate more benefits than the Affordable Care Act requires, although most don’t. If it is mandated but not provided, file a complaint with whatever agency in your state regulates insurance
She talk about her doctor….thats the same doctor who Angelina talks in ger Op
And here is a lettler from Angelina mother:
A letter from Angelina Jolie’s mother : 2003
A few years ago I came across a letter written by Angelina Jolie’s mother. It detailed her cancer diagnosis and her efforts to help others dealing with cancer. It was published in 2003 under the name Mary but was later disclosed to be Marcheline. It’s sweet and moving, especially given that she would pass away a few years later.
http://ms-opinion.tumblr.com/post/50458464043/a-letter-from-angelina-jolies-mother-2003
Thanks for posting that, Mia. Remarkable.
I lost a very close friend to breast cancer this past summer. She was 39 years old when she died and she left behind three young children, aged 11 and younger. She had the gene and even though her aunt and grandmother had cancer, she had not gotten tested because at the time of diagnosis (34) she was so young and the test was not readily available. These tests really matter. It could have saved the life of my friend, it could have saved her years of suffering, and it could have meant that her children did not have to grow up motherless. Anyone who criticizes her has no awareness of what cancer is.
Yesterday I watched Wendy Williams show just to see what she had to say about Angelina choice because I knew she was very mean to Angelina for years. Well, I believed this time she would be gracious and say something positive and put away the hate. Well, she tried to be positive but at the end she was so disrespectful to Angie and in doing that was disrespectful to all women who had this surgery. I will not repeat what she had to say and I will never watch her show again.
Angie you are my inspiration and I wish you nothing but a long and healthy life with your family. I have seen what the devastation this disease has done to families and I applaud you for being so forth coming. You have a heart of gold always thinking about others and what you can do to be of help. Your fan.
Wendy is terrible. If Jolie put an end to world hungry, brought world peace, and was responsible for creating heaven on earth/eutopia/new golden age Wendy Williams would be hating on all of it because of Jolie.
I saw it airing at the gym. To attack AJ she ended up insulting women that have gone through the same struggles.
FLORC, as you mentioned, the thing that WW did so callously was to insult all the women who are Going through this struggle. WW is 50 years old, I bet she is pre menopausal or will soon be going through this. As a woman, her hate is blinding her from realized that she is not only Insulting Angelina but millions of other women.
Wendy Williams talks sh!t about all celebrities. She’s never singled Angelina Jolie out.
Nothing new,Wendy can’t stand Angie.
People magazine is pathetic, it’s obvious they are clueless about the JPs so they threw together that article based on stuff they read from other articles.They have never mentioned the kids playing soccer until the Daily Fail posted the pics.They are clueless just like all the other tabloids. I bet one of the tabloids has a story about her trying to get pregnant.LOL
Not much else to say other than this is all so great!!
I had a hysterectomy at 31. Aunts and grandmother died of ovarian cancer. I was always in pain, it was endometriosis and I had 5 cysts on my ovaries. Considering my chances of cancer, I had the surgery. Luckily my insurance paid for it. Angie isn’t heroic for doing something lots of women do. I’ve read comments other places with people saying the same. It’s good she’ll be around for her kids, and was able to have it done
I have a slightly different view on this based on a personal experience. My uncle complained about his back and went to a lot of doctors. He got a surgery per their suggestion on his spine. It was brilliantly performed. He was about to be discharged from the hospital when suddenly collapsed and died. When the doctors opened him up, they discovered he had cancer which was why his back hurt. How did none of them saw it before? Because doctors are not gods. They do what they can but sometimes they make mistakes. Patients need to remember that doctors are people and make mistakes.
It is a personal decision Angelina made to remove her organs but I can’t help but think of so many instances when doctors were mistaken and drove patients to drastic measures that ended up hurting more than help. In Angelina’s case the alternative is death as her doctors say, but we don’t know what this removal of her organs will do to her body while she’s still alive.
I’m not saying what she did was right or wrong. It’s a tough tough decision one has to make on their own and obviously everyone has the right to do what they deem is right. But it’s good to consider different sides of an issue and remember that doctors make mistakes too.
The genetic test for the BRCA gene is pretty damn reliable. Much more reliable than your anecdote about one human being. I’m sorry he died, but one case does not make a reliable data point for making medical decisions.
Angelina kicks all the a$$es.
Hopefully her story would get more people to talk about the lack of research on women’s healthcare issues and lack of preventative healthcare for women. It’s unbelievable that there is no real good screening process for ovarian cancer that can catch it before its too late.
Praying good health for Angie. Her children & Brad would be so lost without her. The family seems like a very loving unit.
Angie seems to be very proactive. I would be more worried about Brad. Brad has been a smoker all his life and hasn’t given it up, even though he said he was going to when he was first a father. He is the one who could very well not be around one day.. Not only lung cancer, smoking is causally related to other cancers also.
When I read on March 24 (Tuesday) the new Op-Ed of AJ, “Diary of a Surgery”, I was teary-eyed once again. I knew she would eventually undergo ovarian operation based on her previous Op-Ed, “My Medical Choice” & often wondered when she would do it. Now that she finally did it, I was still shocked but concerned with great admiration & much respect for her BRAVERY & SELFLESS public revelation about her medical condition in her pure intent of encouraging women to consider available options ONLY after careful research & series of medical consultations & tests/ examinations besides family & financial considerations.
Bear in mind, the key important words/ phrases in her Op-Ed are:
– useful information
– stay calm & focused
– what you live for and what matters
– more than one way to deal with any health issue
– not possible to remove ALL risk
– expect some physical changes
– a part of life
– not easy to make decisions
– possible to take control and tackle head-on any health issue
– seek advice
– learn about the options
– make choices that are right for you personally
– KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
She decided to share a very personal matter or information to the public NOT because she wanted controversy or to be talked about BUT rather in order to help other women through her experience somehow. She doesn’t need to be famous for this because she already is. She is AJ!!! She is not just famous but enormously famous. She just wanted for more discussion & possible positive results to further research & government support on women’s health issue.
Every time she writes her Op-Ed, it has a great impact or effect on people. It surely starts discussion. The public just don’t read what she writes BUT really talk thoroughly what she is sharing & its related issues. It certainly creates debates & generates varied opinions. Mostly, people lauds her personal choice especially knowing that she has assessed her health condition with much care by seeking the advice of medical authorities. She is in constant consultations with her doctors before she came up with a major decision. So, AJ is just sending a message that only make a personal decision if armed with necessary, relevant information that goes with it.
I actually chatted with my doc about this yesterdY. We were in agreement that we normally despise when celebrities make health declarations because there is not rationality behind them. But Angelina has clearly stated each time that what she has chosen is not for every woman, but everyone woman should be aware of her health and take control. She’s doing a good thing by making it less scary for women to get tested and seek treatment, whatever that may be.