Angelina Jolie's Double Mastectomy: Lessons to Be Learned

Angelina Jolie's Double Mastectomy: Lessons to Be Learned

Genetic testing is not always accurate.

“The Angelina Effect” [May 27] in Time Magazine details Angelina Jolie’s decision to have a double mastectomy.
The May 27th Time cover story, “The Angelina Effect” was well done. However, what was not covered in the media generally or in the article was the important fact that genetic testing may give false results. Both physicians and the public operate under the mistaken assumption that lab tests, and in particular genetic tests, are always accurate. In fact, they are not. This fact needs to find its way into the public debate around preventative mastectomies.
I have been using genetic testing for more than 17 years. Recently, a patient was tested at three different labs for a genetic variant which affects folic acid metabolism. One of the results was not consistent with the others; More than 5 months were spent wrangling with the errant lab, setting up a conference call (which the errant lab refused to join) with a nationally recognized pathologist and lab directors in order assess sources of the error. The samples were re-drawn, and different testing platforms were compared. This time, all the results were identical.
Unless Ms. Jolie’s genetic tests were repeated with a second blood sample, blindly (under a pseudonym), there is a small chance that they were falsely positive. What are the chances? We do not really know. According to a government document (1) due to patent restrictions, there is only one lab (Myriad Genetic Laboratories) which can perform the BRAC test, and the lab only provides a summary of its data. Based on only 73 samples, the risk of false positives was determined to be 0%. Considering the clinical ramifications of a false positive test, this is hardly robust documentation.
While Ms. Jolie may have had physicians who were thoughtful enough to run a blinded second sample, at more than $3000 per test, I doubt most women would be able to afford repeated testing, nor would it be considered. Genetic testing may not always be accurate and the ‘Angelina Effect’ needs to be tempered by that fact.

BY: SHOAIB MIRZA

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How To refresh An Unsuccessful Relationship

How To refresh An Unsuccessful Relationship

o revive a relationship that is no longer working, can be a tall order. In some cases, it is either because both partners have completely given up on the relationship or that one of the partners had given up. In the former situation, it sounds both have agreed to disagree. In the latter case, say one partner still has some faith in it, and so the thought of a restoration is a silver lining. Even though there is hope of a restoration, the daunting task is how? We offer here 4 guidelines that may assist in the process.
Tip #1. Identify What You Must Not Do
You must not allow yourself to be side-tracked or bogged down by extraneous issues, no matter how juicy, important or urgent. Subjects that do not fit into your overall plan must be ejected like a virus. You'll not lose your focus or temper, no matter how tempting. Remember, it is easy to destroy, than to build. You may also resist the appeal to compare him or her with others, except with those whose behaviors have positive effect. While working with your plan, occasions may arise when there are phone calls, and he or she excused himself or herself to answer them. No qualms. No questions as to who placed the calls or what was discussed. They are of little consequence. So you notice right away that you're pretty much working within a restricted area.
Tip #2. Specify What You Can do
You are not omnipotent for sure. So you cannot do all things and be all things to your partner. That's an acceptable human limitation. You don't want to promise the moon. It may be good and reasonable to mute what are outside your ability to deliver. Emphasize those positive light things within reason to deliver. 'I plan to spend a week with your mother,' if you're a lady. 'When can you find time to be with my mother; she can't wait to see you', if you're a guy. As good as these are, they're probably not one of those great propositions at this time. We are all work-in-process. So also is any relationship. You can promise to be a better lover.
Tip #3. How To Take On The Area Of Concern
Don't rush to conclusion of the discussion because of its emotionally charged nature. It's emotional for both of you and the relationship. Navigate carefully with understanding as you would your car--softly, safely and smoothly. You want to restore it, not to the state it was prior to the decline or ruin, but to a better state of health and stability for both of you and the relationship. It's doable. That's a decision. The spirit with which this is embarked upon is important. You come, armed with a spirit of understanding, deliberation and openness. Don't allow any past misgivings color your tone of voice, emotion or sense of judgment.
Tip #4. Pin Down The Problem Area
You may face the temptation to either generalize or speak with tongue in cheek. Resist it. The nagging question(s) that led to a decline or ruin of the relationship, no matter how unpleasant, touchy or sensitive, can be talked through. Discourse is the name of the game. Many promising relationships have prematurely broken down, not because they didn't show clear signs of promise, but because discourse was often overlooked, neglected or both. What led to the breakdown of the relationship can be introduced with care. Work though it with understanding, consideration and thoughtfulness-and with a heart of negotiation and resolution.
Is your relationship stable, strong and promising? If not, we have valuable resources to help you build a strong and healthy relationship you would be proud to have. We invite you to visit us today at http://www.facebook.com/shoaib.mirza2 for these materials. You would be glad you did.

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Get Your Ex Back

By: Shoaib Mirza http://www.facebook.com/shoaib.mirza2

Let's face it... relationships are a mystery. You are certain that all things are working well. You are happy and content. Then without any hint, your partner drops the bomb. She is leaving you!
Why? You are clueless. What went wrong in the relationship? How can you save it? How can you get your ex back?
Of course, it is always best to prevent any relationship mishap. As medical professionals love to say, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". But it is useless crying over spilled milk. What's done is done. What we need to do now is to find a way to get your ex back.
Getting your ex back requires a series of actions.
First, calm down. You were caught off-guard. You did not have any inkling that something is wrong with your relationship - that your girlfriend is no longer happy and is planning to dump you. You are in a state of shock and filled with mixed emotions. Calm down.
Second, think. What could have caused the break-up? Did your girlfriend find someone else? If yes, what attracted her to somebody else? Is your girlfriend unhappy with your sex life? Have you done something wrong? Were you misunderstood? Are you not communicating well? Did you forget any anniversaries? Is it money issue? Think and go back to the past especially moments when you had a fight.
Third, ask your ex. It is best if you can get your ex to talk and be honest with you. Make sure that you are able to handle the situation in a mature way. Tell her that you want to understand your mistakes and her being open to your failed relationship will help you process and move on. This mature talk is good for both you and your ex.
Fourth, process your thoughts and your conversation with your ex; be truthful and unbiased. This may be difficult for you but you need to face the truth to help you devise a solution to either get your ex back or move on.
Fifth, decide to proceed to get your ex back or move on. After a thorough investigation of past events in your relationship, decide if it is worthwhile to get your ex back or to move on. Do you still want her back? Are you willing to make some sacrifices? Are you willing to wait and be patient?
Sixth, take action. There are several proven ways to get your ex back and you are the best person to know what will work. Each and every break-up is unique; thus, requiring a unique solution.

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