Would you do it?

[i-need-a-martini]

Would you have a double mastectomy to reduce your risk of breast cancer? Angelina Jolie did after doctors told her she had an 87% chance of developing the disease.

It's a pretty drastic thing to do. I'm not sure I would do it though. But then again I don't have a family history like hers.

You?

http://www.smh.com.au/comment/my-medical-choice-20130514-2jjyu.html

[i-need-a-martini]

I'm wondering if it would have packed more punch if she hadn't had reconstruction and actually allowed her chest to be photographed.

I know this is extreme but if she wants to send a message, then that would be the way to do it.

Not in the same league, but I'm thinking about how Jamie Lee Curtis allowed that photo of her to be taken to show what a 'real' 50 year old body looks like. That sent such a powerful message.

[bright.ton42]

sick of hearing about it.

Easy, block your ears and eyes. 

this is an important thread for many and deserves discussion. 

[ambercat16]

I'm wondering if it would have packed more punch if she hadn't had reconstruction and actually allowed her chest to be photographed.

I know this is extreme but if she wants to send a message, then that would be the way to do it.

I'm not sure what you mean by this comment.  Surely the best way to get the message across that prophylactic mastectomies in women who have a very high genetic disposition to get breast cancer is a possible option, is to show that someone who has had the surgery can still look fantastic.

What possible good would it be for AJ or any other woman to 'show' her body after the mastectomy but before the reconstruction?  Surely this would put off any women who might be contemplating it (scars ain't pretty!)

[azureline**]

I still want to know, if the reconstruction was not an option, would she have done it?

[ambercat16]

I still want to know, if the reconstruction was not an option, would she have done it?

But surely the point is that reconstruction IS an option and Angelina Jolie, by publicising the fact that she made the decision to have the procedure, has opened it up to comment and has shown women in a similar situation that having the surgery is a choice they have.

[azureline**]

That is her point I suppose but I can still wonder about it....... it isn't like anyone who has the gene, would not have the information and the counselling to do the same, if they chose to?

[cherry*135]

I still want to know, if the reconstruction was not an option, would she have done it?

Under what circumstances wouldn't it have been an option?

[azureline**]

Under what circumstances wouldn't it have been an option?

wouldn't? probably no circumstances......might have.......Cost? priority? infection? 

she says she did it because she has children etc.......

[twinkles**stars]

my concern is that some women may believe it's an easy option when in fact it's not. not every one is able to have the best surgeon, best of care, someone to care for family etc. it's major surgery and with such there are risks. I dclined reconstruction for several reasons. The pain and discomfort.....no way would I have inplants if tummy tissue was not a viable option.....plus I feel ok with how I am now.

....

[azureline**]

Hers is all healthy tissue though, no cancer.