I admire Angelina Jolie for her disclosure but could you/would you do the same?

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   SEXYLADYDEEposted 9 years ago

   I admire Angelina Jolie for her disclosure but could you/would you do the same?
   
   As a 5th generation cancer survivor I learned about the test for the mutant cancer gene a few years ago. My great Grandmother had mouth & throat cancer, my Mother, Great Aunt, and Aunt all tested positive for Breast Cancer. My Mother may have also tested positive for ovarian cancer, while I beat uterine cancer a few years ago. (Thanking God) I share this to say I may indeed have the gene but have chosen not to have the test but do my annual screenings. It's around $3000.  Please be aware that Women with no history have an equal chance of getting breast cancer as well as Men.

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   Billie Kelpinposted 9 years ago

   I wouldn't or couldn't do what Angelina Jolie did at her age. It really seems illogical to me and this is why. Assuming she actually is only 37, which I doubt, but let's go with 37.  If her mother died at 56, that's almost 20 years from her age now.  In twenty years, in ten years, in five years, with the advances in medicine being made at the exponential rate that they are being made, I'd gamble on science in the future rather than science in the present.  I can never forget "Bones" in "Star Trek" examining someone who had surgery in the past (i.e. the time we're living now) and calling medical practices barbaric and railing, 'Jim, surgery with a knife is just plain butchery.'  I think he referred to sciene of medicine in what would be our time -  witchcraft. 
   In ten years, I think we'll look back on practices in the year 2013 as archaic.  But I know I am in the total minority on this one, but respect and admire each person's individual decision.  It just couldn't or wouldn't be mine.
   This is the only place I felt safe to express my feelings which apparently are the opposite of the whole wide world and women everywhere!  Thanks for asking and letting me express this here.  (Afterall, my poor husband can't carry ALL the load of my rantings).

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      SEXYLADYDEEposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      While it is very true that there will be many advances in the next few years. Ovarian cancer took my friend in six months. Many of them can be very aggressive. I had 3 young children when I made my decision. But it's a personal & individual choic

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      Billie Kelpinposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Sladydee, I understand what you're saying.  I held the hand of my friend on the day she died and am terrified myself of that "c" monster. That's why I hesitated to write. My own lack of bravery conflicts w/ the deep respect I have for the choice.

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   Annie Millerposted 9 years ago

   I guess I'm  a cynic when it comes to overpaid, under talented, media hogs who haven't been in the news lately. I just hope she doesn't start another trend.

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      SEXYLADYDEEposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Why wouldn't a cancer awareness trend be a good thing. And if you read the papers or watch tv you know many women both celebrity and regular folks are coming out about having done it. Erasing the stigma that says breasts/beauty make a woman. Dee

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      Billie Kelpinposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Sexyladydee, you're right about erasing the stigma that says breasts/beauty make a woman. My daughter is a comic who makes a joke out of having small breasts. "Iris" and "Mabel" talk to each other (Not that I enjoy her saying "boobs" in her act

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