In a New York Times’ op-ed story written by Angelina Jolie and titled My Medical Choice, the star, 37, explains;that she spent the last three months undergoing and recovering from a double mastectomy.
Jolie, who lost her mother to ovarian cancer, writes, “My chances of developing breast cancer have dropped from 87 percent to under 5 percent,” Jolie writes. “I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer.”
The honest, open and sweet first-person piece chronicles the journey she managed to keep secret in a day and age when so many stars rush to tell all on any topic.
“My own process began on Feb. 2 with a procedure known as a ‘nipple delay,’ which rules out disease in the breast ducts behind the nipple and draws extra blood flow to the area. This causes some pain and a lot of bruising, but it increases the chance of saving the nipple.
“Two weeks later” she writes, she had “the major surgery, where the breast tissue is removed and temporary fillers are put in place. The operation can take eight hours. You wake up with drain tubes and expanders in your breasts. It does feel like a scene out of a science-fiction film. But days after surgery you can be back to a normal life.”
After nine weeks, she notes, “the final surgery” was “completed with the reconstruction of the breasts with an implant. There have been many advances in this procedure in the last few years, and the results can be beautiful.”
She also writes that her children “can see my small scars” but adds, “Everything else is just Mommy, the same as she always was.” She feels no “less of a woman. I feel empowered that I made a strong choice that in no way diminishes my femininity.”
And she gives a shout-out to her sweetie, Brad Pitt, “who is so loving and supportive,” she says, “Brad was at the Pink Lotus Breast Center (in Beverly Hills), where I was treated, for every minute of the surgeries. We managed to find moments to laugh together. We knew this was the right thing to do for our family and that it would bring us closer. And it has.”
The news has also been met with love and support from celebs who are praising Jolie’s decision to go public.
Kristen Bell calls her “admirable.” Rosanne Cash , who battled brain cancer, calls her “courageous.” Sheryl Crow , who faced breast cancer says, “I commend Angelina Jolie for her courage and thoughtfulness in sharing her story today regarding her mastectomy. So brave!”
Giuliana Rancic , who had the same procedure done, wrote that she is “proud” of Jolie for using “her incredible platform to educate women.”
Some more reaction popping up on Twitter;http://twitter.com/search?q=’Angelina%20Jolie’&src=tren :
Elizabeth Banks : “Much respect & for sharing in classy way: Angelina Jolie on why she had a double mastectomy & how it can save lives”
Soleil Moon Frye : “My Medical Choice by Angelina Jolie. Read this, re-tweet it, share it with friends & family. Awareness can save lives”
Marlee Matlin : “Brave, honest, strong. Angelina Jolie gets a double mastectomy.”
Rosie O’Donnell : “bravo Angelina for sharing ur truth !”
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