My Beef With Sex and the City 2
June 3, 2010 at 10:52 am , by Julie Bain
I was lucky enough to attend the premiere of Sex and the City 2 at Radio City in New York last week. The red carpet was lined with paparazzi and crazed fans, the stars looked glamorous and almost every scene in the film got raucous cheers from the passionate audience. I had a blast. Sure, the clothes, the locations, the action were all completely over the top. But hey, it’s been a long recession, and the movie provided pure escapism, just like Fred and Ginger did during the Great Depression. Still, one thing about the film bothered me, as it did my friend Courtney Bugler.
Courtney had just turned 29 four years ago when she heard the bad news: she had breast cancer. But she fought it hard. That included having her ovaries removed, although first she preserved some of her eggs. She suffered the symptoms of instant menopause, but later had one of her frozen embryos implanted. Now, four years later, she’s healthy and has a 1-year-old baby boy named Aidan, along with her husband Alan and four very large dogs. She has also become an advocate for young breast cancer survivors and runs the Atlanta affiliate of the Young Survival Coalition. I invited her to write a guest blog here and explain why one aspect of the movie really ticked her off.
How Samantha Let Courtney Down
By Courtney Bugler
I’m Samantha. You know, as in “what Sex and the City character are you?” If I had a nickel for every time that popped up on my Facebook wall in the past two weeks… well, I’d have about a dollar. But Samantha and I do have a lot in common. I’m a bit brash, seemingly fearless and, until I got married, had a kid and moved to the suburbs, we had some other “ahem” things in common as well. The most important thing, though, is that we are both breast cancer survivors. Sure, she might be 20 years older, but honey—I know menopause, too. As part of my breast cancer treatment, I went into menopause at age 30. The Chillow, ladies. I swear, it will change your life.
But there is one glaring difference. While Samantha seems to have skipped past her breast cancer experience into the cosmo-soaked world of “normal,” I have turned my journey into a life changer, most obvious in my career change from soap opera scriptwriter to breast cancer nonprofit director. I work every day with young women affected by the disease at the Young Survival Coalition. (That’s me, left, and with my boy Aidan, below.)
This past weekend, there I was, girl’s night out. Sex and the City 2. Dinner and cocktails followed by an estrogen-fueled viewing experience (well, except for me, since I don’t have any). It was supposed to be a break from reality—from home, kids, my sometimes-draining work, but for me, SATC2 went from fun and over the top to medically irresponsible. So instead of enjoying Samantha’s filthy mouth or her wonderful loyalty to her friends, I found myself fired up over the portrayal of her post-breast cancer experience. Or should I say, lack of portrayal.
Sure, menopause makes for some funnies. It’s a good gag. But for breast cancer survivors, it’s very real, and often way before it should be. So there’s Samantha, a cancer survivor, taking every hormone therapy you can think of. Creams, pills, pharmaceutical, bioidentical. Anything to combat the natural process of aging. Not once do they mention that as a breast cancer survivor, that kind of hormone intake is not recommended and can be dangerous. Not even Miranda, who asks why Samantha is taking medical advice from the woman who brought us the Thighmaster, mentions speaking to a doctor. Or the fact that hormones and breast cancer don’t mix. In fact, no one even mentions that Samantha’s been to this hot flash rodeo before—when she was in chemo. Nope, it’s like her breast cancer never happened.
The last thing I would want is for women who see this movie to think Samantha’s methods might be a great way to combat menopause. Hormone therapy does greatly increase your risk of breast cancer. But more important, survivors might think this is an okay thing to do when faced with menopause, especially if they are younger and it’s treatment induced.
Samantha let me down this weekend. Stick to the sex, girlfriend. Leave the survivorship to people like me.
Categories: Health, Ladies' Lounge | Tags: Breast Cancer, Hormone Therapy, Samantha, Sex and the City 2, Young Survival Coalition | 58 Comments
58 Responses to “My Beef With Sex and the City 2”
SEO Powered by
Written on June 3, 2010 at 12:12 pm, by Mishell
Courtney,
As a child of a survivor and as an individual who works with breast cancer survivors on a professional level I completely agree with your article. I know real life reality does not have a place in Hollywood so I am glad you brought this issue to people’s attention.
In Good Health
Mishell Brookins
Written on June 4, 2010 at 11:40 am, by Michele
What a missed opportunity! Besides the complete failures that Courtney perfectly and brilliantly covered, a wonderful storyline would have Samantha resorting to the alternative solutions that many of us survivors resort to trying out – they are MUCH funnier that hormone patches and even more unbelievable the lengths we have to go to!
Not to mention the fact that Cynthia Nixon is a survivor in real life and a representative of Komen. (But with their recent KFC campaign…what do we expect from them?)
#SATC2fail
Written on June 4, 2010 at 11:48 am, by Julie Klaski
Courtney,
Thank you so much for sharing. I almost went to see this movie last weekend, but we ended up seeing Prince of Persia instead, which by the way, was great:) All’s I can say is wow. Each day I educate so many young women on staying away from hormone therapy and have suceeded on many accounts, but is really hard when the media contradicts what reality is. Hopefully, a nationwide announcement will be made regarding this movie so young women know to distinguish fantasy from reality.
Thank you,
Julie Klaski
YSC Central OH
Written on June 4, 2010 at 12:07 pm, by Tina
Hi Courtney,
I am a survivor with two young children and a big thanks for your article. The characters of SATC have long become a troop of vapid women more interested in droning over hemlines than life lines. Although they do provide amusement and an escape from the everyday, it seems like they’ve missed the opportunities to bring issues to the forefront instead of just the “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” thing. Even during the regular season when Samantha was first diagnosed it was treated with what I thought was almost contempt. Then during the last movie involving the sushi scene I kept asking myself “Where is her scar?”. If she never made any references to chemo you would have never known she was a survivor. Samantha’s business makes her an ideal advocate for survivors, but instead the writers decide she should spend her time shopping and taking hormones instead of surviving gracefully. I know Hollywood is not always real but there can be real messages in the stories we so love to get wrapped up in. Besides, chemo, menopause and all the other stuff that comes up with this journey can make for some pretty funny stuff.
As for myself, I’ll just wait until the movie comes to cable, I’d rather be spending my time cracking up with real survivors.
All the best,
Tina
Written on June 4, 2010 at 12:36 pm, by Alane Davis
All I can say is “Wow”. Courtney, you expressed the frustration we all feel with this sort of misrepresentation on a daily basis. Now, I will come clean: I am not a Sex and the City fan and probably would never have gone to the movie. But when we fight every day to educate women about the facts surrounding breast cancer, when we struggle to have our voices heard, it is truly a major step backward to have someone who is a survivor and represents the largest breast cancer non-profit organization in the world, someone who is in a position of real power: with the ability to send messages to women young and old, completely disregard medical fact and send a dangerous message in the guise of entertainment. This is outrageously irresponsible to say the least. The characters in Sex and the City are supposed to represent the modern woman: women who handle it all with grace, style, humor and come out on top. The truth is, I know that women can be all those things and more. As a young survivor myself, put into total menopause at 34 after a recurrence of my cancer, I know I am as strong, vivacious and powerful as those women. So are the many survivors I meet. But the fear of cancer recurring, despite a difficult sex life and the side effects to go along with hormone deprivation, far, far outweighs the danger of playing russian roulette with estrogen. In my opinion they missed a real opportunity to speak to the women who they knew would flock to this movie, and they should be ashamed.
Written on June 4, 2010 at 1:21 pm, by linda
As a breast cancer survivor, I so appreciate your perspective on the movie. It’s really hard for the rest of the world to understand how breast cancer changes a person and how your whole world looks different when faced with such horror. And then, even in survival and thriving, there are moments of reflection, inner conversations, and lifestyle changes that could have been SO poignant and REAL in the movie. But, Hollywood is Hollywood they never let the facts get in the way of a good story, right?!
Written on June 4, 2010 at 1:23 pm, by Cathy Bueti
Courtney, great post!! I am a 9 year bc survivor who was diagnosed at 31 as a young widow back out in the dating scene during my mastectomy and chemo. I have always been a big fan of SATC. I actually thought they did a good job handling Samantha’s initial cancer experience during the show. But after seeing the movie I agree that they showed a very unrealistic portrayal of a cancer survivor! I cringed when I saw her pill popping and slathering on hormone creams. There was no mention at all about her past bc experience. It was like she never had it. There was no “life after cancer” struggle that so many of us deal with. I understand that this is a movie but they could have done a better job to help show the true plight of a survivor dealing with menopause and avoiding estrogen which fuels bc in some cases.
Kudos to you for sharing your feelings on this! So many of us survivors were thinking the same thing!
Written on June 4, 2010 at 2:09 pm, by jenn jennings
thankyou. i so agree. i was dx at 26and am stage 4 at 34. we girls have been through alot and have coirage and strength to survive… being bald is a drop in the bucket samantha… so many shows and soaps etc. glamourize bc… and its not glamorous. thanl u courtney/jenn j
Written on June 4, 2010 at 3:15 pm, by Elizabeth
Courtney,
I am SO glad you posted this article! When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, I spent some time watching the Sex and the City episodes and cried when Samantha got diagnosed with breast cancer and then got pissed when just a few episodes later they have her in a sex scene baring her boobs and showing zero signs of surgery. Since then I still have been a fan but not a supporter of this show/movies.
I have to say it too bad because this is such a great outlet and opportunity to talk about those “touchy” subjects for women and the writers and directors can’t even respect us.
Written on June 4, 2010 at 3:32 pm, by Carolyn
Courtney,
Great post. I thought the same things as I was watching the movie, but didn’t say anything as I thought that maybe I was being an overly sensitive survivor. I was saddened that the writers of this movie got the hormone issue so blatantly wrong, when it would have been a great opportunity to educate the world on yet another aspect of post BC life that we all deal with.
Written on June 4, 2010 at 4:07 pm, by Laura Shepard
I had a great time with the movie!
I am a 3 year survivor. (stage 3, 8 cm tumor, 27 lymph nodes) and yes, it was a missed opportunity oh well… Her cancer was briefly mentioned but the movie was not meant to be an educational message, it ‘s entertainment and it touched on other topics as well. It can’t be a vehicle for everything. The actual series went more in depth and I thank them for that.
As for the hormone bit… maybe…… Samantha was triple negative (like I am)! Hormones are not a factor.
Do you know how many SATC parties were utilized as fundraisers for SGK and others?? Tons.. We have been given respect and support.
Cancer has been a big part of my life but not everyone has to make it the center of their life. Samantha’s character represents those who faced hardship and moved on. It’s up to all of us in the real world to carry our message.
Written on June 4, 2010 at 4:55 pm, by maritza
I too am a breast cancer survivor (bilateral mastectomy in september of 2009). In fact I hadn’t even begun to recoup. from my own cancer experience (or surgery) when my mother was diagnosed with cancer (a rare form of adult leukemia, she’ll need a bone marrow transplant). I’m married to a wonderful, understanding and caring man, have a stressful job (am an RN for pediatric cancer patients) that I LOVE and am the mother of two young children (ages 2 and 4). Needless to say sometimes what we need in life is a BREAK from reality. Sex and the City 2 provides that break. Education is an important part of life and the cancer experience I agree. However, I don’t want to be reminded of cancer when i’m at the movies trying to have a good time. I deal with it every day, 24 hours a day as a survivor, a caregiver and a medical professional. Sometimes it’s okay to “let go” and escape the “real world” for a couple of hours. It really is.
Written on June 4, 2010 at 5:55 pm, by Doreen Dennis
I totally agree that this is just a movie, & these actors shouldn’t be looked at as “real people” living “real lives”. I, too, am a breast cancer survivor, & you do absolutely need a break from the reality of chemo, surgery, radiation, side affects, etc. We go to the movies for that break, & we shouldn’t expect movies to always portray real life situations. I don’t want to be reminded that I have cancer, & I don’t need anyone feeling sorry for me. Laughter makes me feel good, & seeing Samantha carrying on as normal after breast cancer is refreshing. I will be on chemo for the rest of my life, but I’m living my life as if it won’t, & that’s why I applaud Samantha’s role in this movie. Lighten up, everyone.
Written on June 5, 2010 at 3:45 am, by Beverly Anderson
Hi Courtney, Although this portion of the movie may have been medically irresponsible, there are women who continually take hormones against the advice of their physicians. That’s why it is so important for women to read, attend workshops, and become their own advocates for their health. I am a 27 year survivor, diagnosised at 26. I am going through menopause. Trust me there are days (today especially) when I want to take a pill or something. Try being in a room with the air set and 65 degrees, but you have sweat running down your face, clevage, and back. People look at you like you are crazy. I usually just annouce it as just menopause! This movie shows another side of what some women will do after surviving breast cancer, it is their body and their decision. We can only educate people, but GOD granted us each free will to make our own decisions. The movie was for entertainment purposes only, not a guide for the pathway to survival of breast cancer or menopause. The movie also depicted Samantha’s sex drive as wanning. That’s not really true either for all women.
Sweating, but Sexy!
Written on June 7, 2010 at 10:45 am, by Rhonda Craven
The focus was not about the cancer. Remember Samantha is in her 50 which is actually the time that many women go through menopause cancer or not. Who wants to keep focusing on that subject it is so depressing? The movie made light of the fact that a character that normally has a high sex drive notices a change when she experiences menopause. Come on people it is a movie for crying out loud..Hello entertainment, not a handbook for cancer survivors. Come on people!
Written on June 8, 2010 at 9:54 pm, by Robin
nope, I agree with Courtney. I know movies are supposed to be for entertainment & all that, but they could at least shown _some_ insight into breast cancer. In this movie & show, it’s just a device.
So since they are banking on women to see it, they should at least give a little real information. And whether you’ve had breast cancer or not, it is _not_ good to take all those hormone….
Written on June 21, 2010 at 11:29 pm, by Penny Dawn
Here’s the thing: it’s entertainment, but the movie is based on reality. That’s why so many women identify with these characters. Also, from a writers’ standpoint, they’ve taken Samantha out of character in completely disregarding perhaps the biggest challenge she’s faced. This–regardless of medical misinformation–is irresponsible.
Great article, Courtney!
Written on June 15, 2011 at 12:04 pm, by Kenna Ronda
I have observed that online education is getting favorite because accomplishing your degree online has become a popular alternative for many people. A lot of people have certainly not had an opportunity to attend a normal college or university yet seek the improved earning potential and a better job that a Bachelor’s Degree grants. Still others might have a degree in one discipline but wish to pursue something they already have an interest in.
Written on June 24, 2011 at 9:48 pm, by support socks
Just thought I’d leave a comment to express simply how much I liked this read. Quality blog!
Written on June 28, 2011 at 4:22 am, by jeamy
http://www.thoughts.com/russellengli924/custom-air-force-ones
Written on June 28, 2011 at 3:40 pm, by solar panels pa
You made some first rate points there. I looked on the web for the difficulty and found most individuals will go along with with your website.
Written on June 28, 2011 at 3:41 pm, by arcade machines
Nice post. I study one thing on different blogs everyday. It should all the time be stimulating to read content from different writers and observe somewhat something from their blog.
Written on July 15, 2011 at 3:18 pm, by Jody Capraro
One more issue is really that video gaming became one of the all-time most significant forms of recreation for people spanning various ages. Kids play video games, plus adults do, too. Your XBox 360 is probably the favorite video games systems for individuals that love to have a lot of activities available to them, in addition to who like to relax and play live with others all over the world. Thanks for sharing your notions.
Written on July 18, 2011 at 8:25 am, by buy vibram online
Regards for that marvelous information protected within your website, beneath is really a little check for the weblog web site audiences. Exactly what individual announced the next quote?…. I’ve the desire which my personal 4 small children may eventually reside in the country exactly where they’re not going to end up being evaluated through the colour of the pores and skin, however through the content material of the personality.
Written on July 22, 2011 at 10:42 am, by it support new york city
There may be a bundle to know about this. You made nice points also.
Written on August 13, 2011 at 12:22 am, by best binoculars for bird watching
You made some decent points there. I looked on the web for the difficulty and located most people will go together with together with your website.
Written on August 18, 2011 at 9:46 pm, by Landscaping Scottsdale
Hey there, i came across your internet site in digg along with decided to popin to be able to eliminate a little time. interesting blog i may have several soulutions for you personally in case you are unbiased. send me personally above an email along with unwell be when compared with pleased to share with you and find out only can help you in anyway.
Written on August 19, 2011 at 11:39 am, by szkolenie simatic s7
Attractive component to content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to say that I get actually enjoyed account your weblog posts. Any way I will be subscribing in your feeds and even I fulfillment you get admission to persistently fast.
Written on November 9, 2011 at 7:04 pm, by columbia printshop
first columbia print shop
Written on November 9, 2011 at 8:46 pm, by Hildred Kurutz
I was just seeking this information for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your website. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this kind of informative websites in top of the list. Generally the top web sites are full of garbage.
Written on November 15, 2011 at 6:50 am, by Kathline Scholnick
I like what you guys are up also. Such clever work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it will improve the value of my site
.
Written on November 15, 2011 at 5:32 pm, by www.advertiz.in: about BettingPlay.net
Have you ever considered creating an e-book or guest authoring on other blogs? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my audience would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e mail.
Written on November 17, 2011 at 2:57 pm, by Napa Valley Chiropractor
Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks Nevertheless I’m experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody getting an identical rss problem? Anybody who is aware of kindly respond. Thnkx
Written on November 17, 2011 at 3:39 pm, by sheepskin ugg boots
I wish to express my thanks to this writer just for rescuing me from this type of crisis. As a result of surfing around throughout the world-wide-web and finding solutions that were not productive, I thought my life was over. Existing minus the strategies to the difficulties you have solved as a result of your main guideline is a serious case, as well as the kind that would have in a negative way affected my entire career if I hadn’t noticed your web page. Your good know-how and kindness in dealing with almost everything was very useful. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I had not discovered such a step like this. I can also at this moment relish my future. Thank you very much for your skilled and result oriented guide. I will not hesitate to endorse your blog to any person who would like support on this area.
Written on December 3, 2011 at 2:28 pm, by Womens Boots sale
Thanks for your article. I would like to say that the very first thing you will need to complete is verify if you really need credit score improvement. To do that you simply must get your hands on a duplicate of your credit report. That should not be difficult, because the government mandates that you are allowed to receive one free of charge copy of the credit report every year. You just have to check with the right persons. You can either read the website for your Federal Trade Commission or contact one of the major credit agencies right away.
Written on December 5, 2011 at 6:33 pm, by tworzenie serwisów
I visited a lot of website but I conceive this one contains something special in it in it
Written on January 13, 2012 at 12:13 pm, by jordan.com sneakers
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to protect against hackers? I¡¯m kinda paranoid about losing everything I¡¯ve worked hard on. Any tips?
Written on January 13, 2012 at 9:27 pm, by official jordan website
I¡¯m at work right now, fortunately there is the internet, thanks for giving me something to do.
Written on January 15, 2012 at 9:22 pm, by high top jordans
Awesome blog you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any discussion boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I¡¯d really love to be a part of online community where I can get responses from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!
Written on January 16, 2012 at 9:37 pm, by jordan sweat suit
Wow I just adore her! She is so darn beautiful on top of being a really good actress. I don¡¯t think the show V is all that good, none the less I watch it anyway just so I can see her. And I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve ever seen her do an interview but she is also rather funny and it all seems to come so natural for her. I personally never even heard of her before The V, now I¡¯ll watch anything she¡¯s on.
Written on January 19, 2012 at 5:56 pm, by jordan hoody
I was just searching for this info for a while. After six hours of continuous Googleing, finally I got it in your website. I wonder what’s the lack of Google strategy that do not rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Usually the top web sites are full of garbage.
Written on January 19, 2012 at 7:04 pm, by cheap jordan
It is perfect time to make some plans for the future and it¡¯s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!
Written on January 19, 2012 at 11:44 pm, by jordan
This is really fascinating, You¡¯re an overly skilled blogger. I have joined your feed and sit up for seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I¡¯ve shared your website in my social networks!
Written on January 23, 2012 at 7:21 pm, by ukraine escort
You need to actually take into consideration working on growing this website in to a key recognition within this current market. You certainly have a grasp manage with the matters everybody is seeking about this website anyway and you also may definitely also create a greenback as well as a couple off all several advertising. I might discover adhering to new subject areas plus bringing up the level of generate pros you placed way up and i also guarantee you?d start witnessing quite a few incredible site visitors soon. A thought, good luck inside whatever you decide and do!
Written on January 30, 2012 at 10:24 pm, by Yolando Kotter
Hey all ours english can My Beef With Sex and the City 2 | The Ladies' Lounge
Written on February 1, 2012 at 5:03 am, by mike iupati jersey
Hi, i think that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to ?return the prefer?.I¡¯m attempting to in finding things to enhance my web site!I assume its ok to use a few of your ideas!!
Written on February 2, 2012 at 6:13 am, by Authentic Justin Tuck Jersey
What i don’t realize is in truth how you’re now not actually a lot more well-preferred than you might be right now. You are very intelligent. You understand thus significantly in relation to this subject, produced me for my part imagine it from a lot of varied angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested unless it¡¯s one thing to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. All the time handle it up!
Written on February 2, 2012 at 11:22 am, by michael strahan jersey
I¡¯m just commenting to let you be aware of of the notable experience my friend¡¯s princess obtained using your web page. She discovered some issues, which included what it is like to possess an awesome giving spirit to get other folks just have an understanding of chosen multifaceted issues. You truly surpassed people¡¯s expectations. Thanks for churning out the important, dependable, informative and in addition fun tips on your topic to Julie.
Written on February 3, 2012 at 11:20 pm, by giants jerseys
More often than not I tend not to create comments on websites, however I have to mention that this post really pushed me to take some action. Very remarkable content.
Written on February 8, 2012 at 3:32 pm, by discount christian dior handbags
I do like the way you have framed this particular challenge plus it does indeed present us some fodder for thought. Nevertheless, through everything that I have personally seen, I only wish when the actual responses pile on that men and women stay on point and in no way get started on a soap box involving some other news du jour. AnywayUGG Men Boots, thank you for this exceptional piece and while I can not really go along with this in totality, I respect the perspective.
Written on February 22, 2012 at 10:18 am, by Walk in Dusche
Very well written information. It will be useful to everyone who employess it, as well as me. Keep up the good work – can’r wait to read more posts.
Written on May 10, 2012 at 1:26 am, by low fat low sugar diet
Located your content very intriguing in fact. I really really enjoyed reading it so you make quite some great factors. I’ll bookmark this web site to the upcoming! Relly excellent post.
Written on May 22, 2012 at 1:17 pm, by Roxie Sidney
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Thank you
Written on October 4, 2012 at 11:24 pm, by Eduardo Simmons
I have been looking through your site and stumbled upon this decent little post. I have been making an effort to live a robust lifestyle. Your discourse has been eye opening. This will help me in my goal to be a healthy me.
Written on November 27, 2012 at 3:37 pm, by dresses
I guess, it comes down to 29551 simple choice!
Written on December 29, 2012 at 4:41 pm, by Monica medical insurance
Nice blog it was a worth reading. this as I have read other online views on the same. It was good to spend evening going through internet I’ll visit again to read more on this website.
Written on April 3, 2013 at 6:14 am, by Junior Bastida
Thanks for sharing excellent informations. Your
Written on April 30, 2013 at 10:09 am, by playstation 3 emulator x
Hi! Where did you download theme of this website? It is amazing