Farrah Fawcett's Story

maximink

I watched "Farrah's Story" today on the internet.  I have several issues with this documentary.  I was wondering if anyone here saw it and what their feelings are about the documentary.  Before I list the issues, please understand that I am very sorry that Farrah is going through this experience and I would never wish it on my worst enemy.  I am a breast cancer survivor, experienced chemo, surgery and rads.

My issues with Farrah's documentary:

1.  Farrah frequently flies back and forth to Germany for treatments.  They show her in what appeared to be a private jet.  In addition, the place she stays at in Germany is quite charming.  The hospital room she was in looked much more like a home bedroom.  My issue here is that more cancer patients than not do not have the luxuries Farrah can afford.  This really got under my skin because this is not a norm for cancer patients.

2.  There was a focus on the paparazzi harassing Farrah while she is working through her cancer treatments.  She was a model, a tv/movie star and has carried on with O'Neal for many, many years.  Why would she make it a point to complain about this now when it has been happening her whole adult life?

3.  When she talks about avoiding any treatment that may make her lose her hair just launched me right out of my chair.  Hair does not a person make, even Farrah Fawcett.  And then, she shaves it and leaves her bangs.  I am still shaking my head over the vanity of it.

4.  She reads parts of her journal out loud, which is touching, but then she begins to say the same things over and over again.  Chemo brain maybe?

5.  At the end, she says that health care in America does not accept alternative therapies.  This is true, but in IMHO she did not have an alternative therapy in the sense of something that doesn't wreak havoc on your entire body.  She was still cut, poisoned and fried like the rest of us.  What she received in Germany may have been different in the approach, but it still used the same tools.  She does make a good point, but in the wrong context.

6.  Finally, I personally thought that this documentary was self-indulgent, self-centered and will only help her family/friends/media remember her after she has passed away.  I am so disappointed that she did not use this documentary in a way that would have been a huge influence on health care reform on Capitol Hill. 

With any luck, let's hope that the powers that be in DC will watch this.

My apologies to anyone if I have offended you.  Please understand that it was not my intention.  I am just very upset about this documentary and the ramifications it has on those that are  newly diagnosed or are currently going through the process.  Even after I have gone through a round of treatments and am considered to be in 'remission', this documentary , frankly, really made me angry as I saw it showing Farrah being an elitist.

God Bless you all - even you Farrah.  Keep the faith....

Maximink

pattih

I saw the documentary and had the same thought about the hair. I understand your point about the private jet and spa-like amenitites but maybe the point is with all that she is going to die just like the rest of us with stage iv cancer and in the end it doesn't matter if it was silk or cotton sheets.



Self indugent? maybe. informative? not really, As for the papparazzi, I believe many famous people have been in and out of hospitals for years for one thing or another and noone is any wiser. I do believe her records were breached though and if she can make a difference and shut down the breach of security yeah.

susiered

I did not see this documentary in the same way you did. I saw it as a woman dying with stage IV cancer that just happens to be very famous and with the means to afford treatments from another country that may be better than what we have here in the US. I agree with you on the hair, but that is a huge part of her and I am sure very difficult to let go of. I know it was for me. I even asked my Oncologist if there was a chemo we could use to keep me from losing my hair. I was told no, but it was a vert traumatic thing for me to lose it.

As far as the hospital room...to me it looked like a hospital room. Maybe I need to watch again. I am with pattih...she is going to die wheather it is on cotton or silk sheets. She just happened to have the money to afford a little nicer to make her feel more comfortable. All I could feel was pity for this poor woman. I did not see her as Farrah the famous actress. I saw her as Farrah the woman who has fought so hard to battle this illness and in the end is losing the battle.

As far as the paparazzi goes, I don't care how famous you are, when you are fighting for your life they should have enough respect to leave her to fight in private. I agree it was not very informative, but maybe she was just trying to show that she is a real person fighting a very real disease and how it has affected her and her loved ones lives. Maybe she did do it so her family and loved ones could remember her. I don't know her reasons, but they were HER reasons and must have meant something to her. I know you said you were not trying offend anyone, and you have not offended me. I just feel you are judging her harshly. I did not see that she was being shown as an elitist. Just a woman who is going to die and is fighting in every way she knows how. This is only my opinion and many may not agree. We should not hold it against her that she has money and can afford some luxuries. I sure wish I could.

God bless!

Susan

maximink

Patti and Susie,

Thanks for your responses.  I loved the 'silk or cotton sheets' comment. Very good point.  And, frankly I had forgotten about the breach into her health records.  That was actually against the law and those who are responsible and/or profited from it should serve some jail time.  Maybe I am offended by the perspective that was shown and that there was not more information about the medical side of her battle.  As I said, this documentary really could have been a great opportunity for Capitol Hill to see that cancer is not prejudice against anything and serious reform needs to take place in the options for treatment and programs that cover treatment for those of us who can't afford the best.  Cancer is equal opportunity.  Why isn't healthcare?  (Although I am definately not supporting Obama's agenda of socialist healthcare.) 

Maybe the bottom line is I JUST HATE CANCER!  Thank you ladies for your input.  I really appreciate it.

Maximink

maximink

Patti - I didn't realize you are Stage 4.  How are you doing?

Maxi

Cheryl60

I also watched this special and I came away with a slightly different take on it.  I saw it as an 'informative' documentary for anyone who has NOT had the pleasure of experiencing cancer 1st hand.  It showed all the tough decisions and awful treatments and the horrid things these drugs do to a persons body and the personal hell one has to go through to survive this trauma to your body.  Sure you can have all your loved ones around you and supporting you, but in the end, it's YOU who has to manage, accept, deal and live with it.

Sure there were one or two points in the show where we all probably raised our eyebrows, but good Lord haven't we all experienced some form or the other of that?

I compliment Farrah for doing this...I think it was really brave of her to record her journey and I truely HOPE that someone somewhere will see the agony cancer patients have to go through and have to live with and maybe something good will come of this, either in NEW and combined forms of treatments for ALL over the world and an understanding from the general public that this is not an easy disease and it will stay with you until you draw your last breath.  No guarantees are given.

May we all find our own personal peace with this left handed curve in life we've all been handed.  Cheryl

Deb-from-Ohio

Cheryl I agree with you...I watched it and it brought tears to my eyes. I felt it not only showed physically what a cancer patient has to go through, but also the mental aspects of it as well.  As for the press, well imho, say a singer, when you buy a ticket to their concert, that's it, it doesn't mean  you're also entitled to enter their personal life. We can all go home and forget about work, they should be able to also without the constant papparazzi. Alot of people say that they knew what they were getting into when they entered show business, but think about it, if you were a lawyer, would you want people constantly asking you about the law?..........as for the luxury she has, well she worked for it, why shouldn't she be entitled to it, granted it's not what the everyday cancer patient has, but then again, we're not all rich and I think everyone understands that. All in all, I think she showed well what a cancer patient has to go through, the fear, the pain, the whole nine yards.

pattih

As far as stage iv goes I'm doing ok. More of a mental basket case than physically disabled at this point.

As for Farrah, I think a lot of us cancer patients may have looked at the documentary not just to show everyone what we go through but we too are looking for answers. I know they were not going to go into treatment details or even names of drugs. Everyone with cancer would call their onc the next day and say either I want what she has or don't give me that because it didn't work for her and look at her state.

Aren't we all looking for a happy ending even if we know there isn't one? Or worse do we want to see someone else's treatment fail because we have had failed treatments? Not out of meaness but out of our own fear of having to do this alone and feeling the isolation of being stage IV.

I've never been a Farrah fan or groupie and this documentary didn't endear me to her anymore. Honestlly I though what's his face her significant other? a wierdo! And son Redmon a screw up. Real life there, real problems money can't fix. Way to tell your son to get his life together when you were both arrested at the same time a few years ago.

I've lost my hair three times now - oh in the 70's I went for the Farrah do just din't have the body, I was 9.

So in short she is in my prayers as much as anyone and I hope none of my family or in-laws ask me if I saw it and is that what it is like for me because no a limo, private jet does not take me to chemo and I do not have a sigificant other that wears a white bathroom to answer the door knowing there are cops on the other side.

Peace.

1Cathi

I watched the special also actually x2 now, and my take was a bit diffrent than yours as well Maximink.

I found it to be very moving and informative,  especially for those (thank God) who have never had any type of Cancer reek havoc on their life's/family.  I actually admire and respect her for sharing this most awful time with me and the world.  I was never a big FAN of Farrah,  but I believe after seeing the documentary if she had been granted enough TIME she would have been a true fighter for REFORM  -IMO.

As far as the private jet,  I figure the work she did all her life afforded her such a luxury -  so be it. It doesn't change the fact that she will soon die because of cancer, it doesn't change the fact of the pain and suffering she is going through - RICH OR POOR  - Cancer hurts.

The same for the room she was in,  if I could afford such  I would do it.

As far as the hair, that also did not upset me,  I think being a BC survivor myself,  and loosing both my breasts,  I kind of related,  no hair does not make a person anymore than breasts do - but for those of us who have lost either - it's hard, its sad,  if keeping her bangs made her feel a bit better about herself, then good for her - 

Now the media - lurking around her, made me mad, yes she was a model and actress,  hounding her then was one thing.  The woman is dieing,  I say show respect - leave her alone, she and her family deserve this time - as anyone does. 

Once again I was not a Farrah fan,  but IMO the documentary was an eye opener, probably not for Capitol Hill, heck we have woman who walk, run and march for a cure everyday and nothing seems to change. But perhaps Farrah has helped some family somewhere to be able to understand or feel what a loved one is going through.

God Bless you Farrah - may you find peace and freedom from pain.

kiara

I loved the Farrah Fawcett documentary.  It was one of the biggest rating in tv history

I think it was done on Farrah's way, not my way, not your way.

If I had the resources she had I also would have fly in my private jet, etc.  I am so glad she had the resources to do that. 

With all the suffering and pain she has gone through, there is no judgment in my heart for her only love and compassion.  I am so grateful she had the guts and the courage to show to the world her illness.  I pray for a miracle for her.

Dawnbelle

I haven't seen it, I will try to find it & watch it now....

I am newly diagnosed and don't even know my stage yet....but, I sure wouldn't want a camera in my face during any of this, it is hard enough looking at my children wondering if I will see them grow up with-out the thought of the whole world judging me.

Her hair? I don't want to lose mine either & I am just a 43yo mom, Farrah was famous for her hair her entire life, I can understand her having a hard time over it. If I was that rich, I'd certainly have "silk sheets" too. JMHO.

dreamwriter

I havent seen it.  Maybe she shaved all but her bangs because headgear can be made to duplicate that look easily without the sweaty wig.... she is entitled to her vanity... it is what made her who she was and is.  However, if I lost the ability to write... I would feel the same way.  Lets give her the extra yards to make a touch down.  But no point after.... she could have pointed out WHY she wanted to be in Germany.... that the US health system is a fight and a half.  It leaves people destitute and when they need to concentrate on their illness, they are fighting insurance companies. 

Husband11

I watched it, but found it very painful.  Hits too close to home.  We've lost many to cancer before their time should have been up, and lost two dear relatives recently to breast cancer.  My wife is going through chemo right now, and I can relate to the ups and downs of medical diagnostics, test results and seeing the grief that bad news, disappointments and disfiguring treatments bring upon a woman.  I hope the show helps others whose lives haven't been touched by cancer to better understand some aspects of the disease and treatment.  I think it was bold to tell the story of a woman's (and I hope not) losing battle with the disease.  Usually Hollywood doesn't like to depress us with harsh reality.

Anonymous

I am so sad that Farrah died...I'm not sure why her death affects me as it does, it's not like I know her or anything.

RIP sweetie...we'll miss your dazzling smile!

Anonymous

PS:  I thought the documentary was gritty and sad...painful to watch but I am honored that Farrah saw fit to share her "truth" with all of us, right down to showing the world her bald head.

cs34

SIGE, i'm with you...i cried. i didn't watch the documentary. i hadn't started chemo yet and was beyond terrified of it and didn't want ANY kind of reality...cowardly? perhaps but i just couldn't do it.

anyway, i read that what we're calling a documentary was initially intended for her family only to remember her and then she decided to share it with the world...

i grew up loving Charlie's Angels...i'm 39 so it was my time as a little girl.

i am very upset that she has passed away and not sure why it's hitting me so hard. emotions? i'm fighting the fight also and will do so for the rest of my life? i can relate first hand with her? whatever the reason...may she rest in peace.

pabbie

RIP Farrah.....

I too am sad today of her passing. My first cancer was colo-rectal which was dx'd in 1999.

Anal cancer is not talked about so I'm glad she made a documentary. 

She's in my thoughts and prayers.

1Cathi

Sige - I agree with you about the special,  I think it effects you/us because it  just proves Cancer is not picky,  and I think for me it hits a nerve,  if someone like Farrah can't survive/beat cancer with her money and ability to have the best treatments - what chance do I have.

She is an "ANGEL" now  - may she fly high and proud.

smithlme

She lived her life the way she wanted to. She fought her cancer the way she wanted to. May her family and friends find comfort in her memories...

Linda

hollyann

OT here but did anyone just see where MICHAEL JACKSON PASSED TODAY???????   OMG!!!!!....That makes three in 2 days!........They say he may have had a hreat attack....I wonder what will  become of his children???..........

lvtwoqlt

Lucy, I too wondered about Michael's children.

I also mourn for Redmon, Farrah's son, he didn't get a chance to see his mom one last time although he tried to get a compassionate temporary release from jail. Sometimes people in authority can be so callous. When I was getting ready for my bc surgery 2 yrs ago, my son was stationed in HI and his commanders wouldn't allow him emergency leave to be here when I had my surgery.

Sheila

Anonymous

Farrah's Story on now NBC

Anonymous

She showed the pain and anguish of cancer.  The toll it takes on the body.  The emotions we go through when we think we are in control and later find out we are not.  Who among us would not take advantage of every available resource that we could.  She had the money to do so and I cannot fault her for that.  A private jet - why not.  Did you notice that when she went over to Germany she was sitting up in the limo and on the plane; on her return home after treatment she was flat on her back in the limo and on the private jet, clearly very sick.

Put into this perspective - many of us have travelled quite far, many times a few hours each way to treatment because we wanted to get the best that we could even though tx was available closer to home.  Compare that against the uninsured or indigent who cannot travel - perhaps no transportation - or can only go to a nearby clinic and get whatever treatment is there.  Healthcare reform is needed yes, but until then shall we all only use a local clinic because some cannot afford to seek out the best BS, med onc, rad onc, etc.  That's what she did, according to her ability.  But... all that still could not save her.  Doctors "practice" because there are no guarantees.

I'm actually writing this as I'm watching and the private jet was a necessity although she should have had a doctor on board with her.  The film does show how very sick tx makes you.  And, bottom line, regardless of our resources, cancer is a beast who doesn't care who you are. 

This post is kind of disjointed so I'll end with...

Paparazzi - another question altogether; vultures all.  I still blame them for Princess Diana's death.  They disgust me.

Rest in peace, dear Farrah, you are finally pain-free.

lovemyfriend

All I can say is thank you to BreastCancer.org. for allowing so many to post their feelings and know someone caring is their to listen and share.

Farah, for all her material possessions, still felt great pain and ultimately lost her battle.  That is the tragedy we pray does not keep repeating itself. 

Anonymous

Lovemyfriend - so true.  Where else can we just let it all out.  It's a lot cheaper than counselling because many can't afford that and tx and we still know someone is reading/listening.  Her extreme pain was evident throughout the 2-hour show; but her money could not buy more time.

Prayers going up for a cure, soon.

cp418

I couldn't bear to watch Farrah's story the first time but decided to watch last night after hearing of her passing.  It was very hard to watch.. I hope it will help the public understand how difficult these cancer treatments are physically, emotionally and psychologically.  Fly Angel, Be Free and Fly....