Your article on the new Medicare legislation in your Spring issue was very informative. I just have two questions: 1) What is US Oncology and why are Sands and Berger the qualified spokesmen for this side of the picture, and 2) what is NPAF?
Margaret McCandless
Diamond City, Ariz.

Editor’s response: US Oncology, headquartered in Houston, Texas, provides comprehensive services to a network of affiliated practices comprising more than 875 affiliated physicians in more than 470 sites, including 78 integrated cancer centers in 32 states.

Leo Sands is the Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of US Oncology. His responsibilities include representation of the US Oncology network in Washington, D.C. Eric Berger is the Vice President of Public Policy for US Oncology and formerly staffed the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Health Subcommittee.

The National Patient Advocate Foundation (NPAF) provides avenues of access to insurance funding for evolving cancer therapies, therapeutic agents and devices deemed medically efficacious by the medical and scientific communities through legislative reform.

I found the article “Into the Brain: Unlocking New Brain Cancer Treatments” in the Spring 2004 issue to contain factually incorrect and misleading information. Dr. Gilbert states, “Approved in 1999, Temodar was the first new chemotherapy agent for brain tumors approved by the FDA in 20 years.” In fact, the highly publicized and evidence-based approval of Gliadel Wafer for recurrent glioblastoma multiforme in 1996 clearly renders the above statement incorrect. Dr. Chamberlain mentions “the benefits [of Gliadel Wafer] are very modest, measured in weeks,” and the writer adds, “And using the wafer adds about $10,000 to the cost of surgery.” Though both statements are indeed factually correct, no adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent has been proven to provide greater benefit than Gliadel Wafer. Moreover, the article fails to provide similar information on the efficacy or price of Temodar. That may be because a full 12 course of treatment costs more than $24,000—double that of Gliadel Wafer.
Gil A. Golden, MD, PhD
Director of Medical Affairs
Guilford Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Editor’s response: As stated in CURE’s article, Gliadel Wafer does provide direct delivery of chemotherapy to a brain tumor at the point of initial surgery. A randomized trial reported at the June meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology found Temodar prolonged survival in patients with newly diagnosed brain tumors.

Many responded to the letter from Daniel Ostroski, whose wife was dealing with pancreatic cancer and felt our story was too frightening:

With all due respect, Mr. Ostroski, having cancer IS a depressing and scary experience. To expect any medical personnel, publication, etc. to give you hope, and false hope at that, is delusional. That aside, the good news is each cancer patient can become his/her own advocate. Instead of sticking one’s head in the sand, one can become galvanized to be an active force in one’s own treatment and recovery. Let’s fight the good fight together!
Heather Ortiz
South Florida

To a reader who wished CURE’s Winter 2003 article on pancreatic cancer was written in a less frightening way, my wish was that it was written just 12 months earlier! When my mother was diagnosed the day before Christmas Eve of 2002, I frantically searched for anything factual. Despite our Herculean effort, she passed away during 2003. I am volunteering with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network now to promulgate the need to fund more research, which offers real hope, not just a storybook ending! Thank you for always remaining totally truthful!
Jeffrey Tong
San Bruno, Calif.

Here’s what others are saying about CURE and our soon-to-launch Heal:

I have noticed in your wonderful magazine that you do not include cervical cancer in your cancer lists. I’m sure I’m not the only cervical cancer patient out there. I realize we are not a big group but usually ours is in advanced stages and treatments are severe and consequences grave. I feel the loss of my vagina is just as dramatic as the loss of a breast and in some ways more so as it can’t be replaced. I’m happy to say I’m a six-year survivor and love your magazine. Your article on spiritual care (Summer 2003) has sent me on my own quest to work in a palliative care unit. Thanks and keep up the great work.
Nicole Price
Billings, Mont.

Editor’s note: An article on cervical cancer will appear in the Winter issue of CURE.

I can relate to Lauren Brower with her second-time-around story [on the Heal website]. I had colon cancer in 1985. I was one of the lucky ones and they were able to remove and reconnect. I thought I had served my time and duty with the big ‘C’ and proceeded with my life and family. In 2001 I was diagnosed with bladder cancer, which had gone into the kidney. I am very limited in energy and fight depression all the time. I am in love with my doctor, have tons of support from my family and belong to a men-with-cancer group. But still it is difficult to deal with. My wife and I have taken this stand. We know what will probably kill me, but between now and then we have a lot of life to live and are doing it the best way possible. My compliments to you and your great publication.
Walter Cohoon
Southampton, Mass.

Editor’s note: We take all readers’ comments into consideration when planning future topics for each issue. Please see “Overcoming Depression.”

Just wanted to tell you what a terrific magazine CURE is!!!! My father has been fighting cancer on and off for the past three years. My mother and father get this magazine and are so pleased at all the helpful information supplied in it. Thank you so much for providing such a useful magazine to so many who are determined to keep up the fight against cancer.
Kim Wright
Arkansas

Thank you for this magazine. I first saw it when I was going back to get another mammogram of my left breast. I found out that I had DCIS. Thanks to you, I know more about my cancer and the hormone therapy I chose to follow after reading your magazine and discussing all sides of whether to take tamoxifen or Arimidex with my oncologist. I feel I am in control of my healthcare. Knowledge is power and helps reduce the elephant or the whale to a manageable size. I appreciate all you do to educate cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.
Billie W. Johnson
Annandale, Va.

I just received my recent copy of CURE. Wonderful, as usual. I am excited about Heal; it sounds great. I am a three-year survivor of stage 4 colon cancer (with mets to liver). I was diagnosed at 43. For nine months my doctor kept telling me I had hemorrhoids! As I’m sure you have heard before, it has changed my life completely. Most for the good, but some not so good. Anyways, thank you for your magazines. They help a lot. I have recommended CURE to several people.
Donna Bunnell
Orange, Mass.

Here are some more letters from our readers:

I attended the cancer seminar in Dallas. It was far beyond my expectations. I have had stage 4 breast cancer with metastasis to the bone for two years now with no hope for a cure. I have been reading articles from CURE magazine that my oncologist’s receptionist keeps in the lobby and in the chemo room. I have always taken one to keep. The seminar has given me more hope than I thought possible. Not only from the survivors there but from the remarkable selection of speakers. It’s people like you that keep us going and now I am looking forward to the next seminar no matter where it will be. Kathy, it was great to meet you and hear you tell your story. My family groans when I tell them it is OK to say I am doing this and that because I have cancer. I have made some wonderful friends and have already had an e-mail from one. One new friend said she went up in a hot air balloon and next was going skydiving. Thank you CURE magazine from the bottom of my heart.
Wanda Barr

In response to Donald Ostroski’s letter (Spring 2004): The first thought that came to me after reading his letter was that his wife had her “mortality moment” while reading your magazine. It is probably the most frightening time following the initial cancer diagnosis. I spent a sleepless night with anxiety, sweating and shaking after the initial diagnosis, but it was at my second chemo session that I had my “mortality moment.” I was getting the second of six chemo treatments for breast cancer. That was the most difficult chemo week for me—the worst physically and I fell into a black hole mentally. It was my “mortality moment,” a reality check, the end of pretending. The exceptance of my mortality that came out of that dark week has led to wonderful changes in my life. Four years later I am healthy, happy, working in my pottery studio and volunteering with the local hospice organization. I realized that any day could be my last. There are no guarantees of a long, healthy life. It is beyond my understanding and my ability to control. So now I enjoy the fullness of each day and look forward to whatever number of days are left to me. I am sorry Donald’s wife had her “mortality moment” while reading this great magazine. The information is invaluable for staying up to date on the latest treatments and I use it as a reality check, even though my health is excellent. I hope she has found her way through the dark days and eventually will find the joy of each moment we are given, not counting how many there might be. Blessings and love to her through the cancer journey.
Jane Hall
Yreka, Calif.

Having read the reader comments in the past editions, I will add my thanks for the good information passed on to us readers. After having gone through the surgeries and treatments for stage 4 melanoma and losing half my nose to the cancer, I am indeed aware that cancer “doesn’t knock,” but just enters where it can, as the article in the Spring 2004 issue by Verna Acker so fittingly described. I know that talking with, and to others, who have had the same words spoken to them is a comfort to me and helps me deal with this issue much better. Thank you so much for CURE.
Gary N. Mumford
Soda Springs, Idaho

Address your comments and letters to editor@curetoday.com. Letters are published at the editor's discretion and may be edited for length. If you prefer your letter not be published, please indicate.