Ok so I admit it, I'm being a little provocative here, the answer is of course No. The original question a friend actually asked me was, 'If you knew a plane had a 90% chance of crashing would you still get on it?'. Now things start to become a little more interesting after all you now have a 10% chance of arriving safely. Not liking my odds (or flying that much) I had to admit I would not get on, even if the Prosecco and peanuts were included as part of the in-flight service and Bradley Cooper was the Pilot!.
The whole discussion came about over the recent debate surrounding breast cancer and preemptive surgery http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/breast-cancer/about/risks/breast-cancer-genes Angelina Jolie brought news of her recent elected double mastectomy to the world table and with it an outpouring of both praise and criticism. I have read comments claiming that these procedures are nothing more than anti feminist actions aimed at disempowering women, I personally have never perceived my breasts as holding any particular super powers? I have heard the very issue of genetics questioned with the same conspiracy fever that Area 51 followers exhibit. But in the end (Yes I'm proud to say I am actually a feminist who does shave their legs and wear high heels if anyone actually cares) it comes down to women and men having the right to know if they are at a higher risk of developing breast or Ovarian Cancer. I understand Melissa Etheridges very public statement (she is a breast cancer survivor herself) but to label preemptive surgery as 'a fearful choice' is at best misguided and at worst dangerous. Ms jolie, and many like her will have taken time and consideration regarding such drastic surgery eventually deciding it was a 'proactive' alternative in trying to ensure a greater chance of extending life. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/14/opinion/my-medical-choice.html?_r=0 I've lost many friends and clients to Cancer, each journey different, all painful.
In the end only the person can decide whats right for them, but everyone deserves the choice, sadly thats not yet currently the case, Perhaps then the world of celebrity can bring the weight of this issue to the public arena, if needs be in high heels and sequins but whichever way, lets not close the lid on the box now the discussion is out there. And so it is with Teaching, I'm always trying to guide people through possibilities so that in the end the client can decide what the right choices are in their lives. In this last month my beloved Elder cat died, I was hospitalized and underwent surgery, I ran a Pilates Holiday in Cyprus (2 weeks post Op) and lost a friend to Throat Cancer, he had been told in 1981 he would be dead of AIDS in 6 months, he didn't like his odds so he got the next plane out, it just happened to be 22 years later. Rene was inspiring, vibrant and grabbed hold of Life with the most amazing tenacity. We met as Volunteers for the Foodchain www.foodchain.org.uk around 1994, he taught me things about the Gay club scene that I never knew I needed to know, or will ever forget!, he thought me wearing high heels in the kitchen was fabulous and he taught me lunch without wine was simply not lunch.
In truth its been a tough month but perhaps thats the point, life keeps going. Mr Tomas (the cat) quietly crossed the bridge whilst I wasn't looking or worrying, René's heart did exactly the same thing sparing himself and those he loved the indignity of a tortured end. The wonderful people I met in Cyprus brought such positive energy to the Holiday how could I not feel a greater passion and for what I do? My classes and clients have been incredibly supportive watching me literally re-piece my body back together post surgery...Friends have driven me crazy, just enough to keep me sane. So I for one will be happy to wait for the next Plane out, fearful or not, proactive or not, its all just a game of Odds, the most important thing it would seem is how you choose to play the game....
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| 2 Weeks post Op, a lifetimes work in progress! |
Keep up the practice and Love,
Suzy
www.seraphinapilates.com
