Giuliana Rancic’s breast cancer diagnosis
Giuliana Rancic
I didn’t intend to write another blog post today as I settle into my first day in Malta, but I have to say I was really shocked to read of Giuliana Rancic’s breast cancer diagnosis and felt compelled to comment. Leaving aside the statement made by her husband, Bill, on her “fighting” and “winning this battle” ( I am not a big fan of this clichéd phrase), I was struck by her own statement of how we have to go beyond merely raising awareness of breast cancer and “take awareness and turn it into action”. I wonder if Giuliana was even aware when she said this of the power and truth of this statement.
What is clear is how unprepared the 36 year-old was for her diagnosis (not that any of us ever can be prepared) but she says she was resistant to her doctor’s urgings to get a mammogram because she considered herself too young to be at risk. She explained: ‘I wasn’t prepared to get a mammogram until I was 40 years old, like I’d been told. I never in my wildest dreams expected.”
The part of Giuliana’s story which has resonated so strongly with me, is that Giuliana found out she had breast cancer while about to undergo her third IVF attempt. I can’t help wondering, as someone who is starting down that route myself, if all those hormones she has been flooding her body with over the past year, have been a contributing factor and I fear that sadly it may well have been.
Giuliana is hopeful she and her husband will be able to resume IVF after her cancer treatment and I hope that her dreams of becoming a mother will still be possible after cancer – the type of treatment she will have and her type of cancer will determine her future fertility. Giuliana’s story shines a spotlight again on this aspect of younger women, fertility and breast cancer and it is such an emotive and personal issue that is so very close to my own heart, which is why Giuliana’s story has so effected me today.
Marie, I’m sure her story resonated with you very powerfully. I pray that both Giuliana and you will not give up hope, but keep up your spirits and your efforts. You are such an inspiration to all those younger women facing the challenge and continuous ups and downs of IVF. My heart goes out to all of you.
Enjoy your conference. We look forward to your take-home messages.
XOXO,
Jan
LikeLike
Marie I thought of you when I read Giuliana’s story yesterday. It is very sad —especially since you can relate to her struggle so much.
I did wonder, however, that since she already is doing a reality show, if BC may now get woven into it. From a BC perspective, that would be a first. (Farrah Fawcett documented her cancer journey, but she didn’t have breast cancer.)
Just read this in Time (online) … http://healthland.time.com/2011/10/18/the-case-of-giuliana-rancic-is-there-a-link-between-ivf-and-cancer/
They don’t think there is a connection between IVF and BC.
-Renn
LikeLike
I thought the EXACT same thing when I saw this:
“take awareness and turn it into action”
After all the recent very public announcements of “cured” and “never coming back” these were the most powerful words….. That belongs on a bumper sticker or over a row of fading pink ribbons.
Thanks, Marie!
AnneMarie
LikeLike
Thanks for posting-I think until the medical community can tell us exactly why we are getting breast cancer, we need to be very aware, diligent on early detection, and our own best advocates! As I found out there is no such thing as being “cured” or never coming back. We have to live each day doing our best to enjoy the present moment and sharing our stories with others…as is so readily available in this new world of technology…and in this way we help each other! http://www.facebook.com/heatherstaubinstout
http://www.notmymothersjourney.com
LikeLike
My heart always aches for a new diagnosee (Is there such a word?) with their brave words. Some will beat it; some will not. We do need to find out how to prevent breast cancer. And it isn’t by awareness.
LikeLike