As many of you noticed, in August we published a Special Survivors Issue. No other issue of CURE has received such immediate feedback, some of which you can read below. We set out to provide information and encouragement to the growing survivorship population that craves knowledge of what’s ahead. If you missed the Special Survivors Issue, you can read it online or purchase a back issue.

Doing Well
. . . . .
The mesothelioma article in the Fall issue was so interesting to me since I was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1999, which has since returned twice. This was the first really in-depth story that I have ever seen. If caught early enough and with the right treatment, a person can do quite well. I have responded to treatment very well each time. I am back to about 85 percent of my ability considering that I will be 71 years young. My doctors and I are really proud of my progress.

Joyce Williams
Phenix City, Ala.

Bladder Cancer Survivor
. . . . .
I was very happy to read that you will be having an article on bladder cancer! I was diagnosed in 1998 and had a tumor removed, but three years later I had a recurrence. I still have one more year after this month to reach the five-year level, and if God so wishes, I will be a cancer survivor.

Jennie Ratajczyk
New Baltimore, Mich.

[Editor’s Note: Please see “Bladder Cancer: Breaking the Research Barrier”.]

Quality of Life
. . . . .
I was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ at the age of 45. After reading “In Situ Breast Cancer: Is It Really Cancer?”, I was prompted to write because it seemed to place such emphasis on survival rates. I think an important point is missed when there is no discussion about quality-of-life issues, or when it is assumed that mastectomy leads to the poorest quality of life. I chose bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. Had I chosen lumpectomy, radiation and five years of tamoxifen, I would have lowered my risk of recurrence, but with additional risks to my health from the radiation and medication. I chose bilateral mastectomy not just because it lowered my risk of recurrence, but to give myself a better quality of life. I have had a wonderful outcome and never regretted my decision.

Sherry Scotton
Waterville, Ohio

Survivors Issue
. . . . .
I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, but it wasn’t until I almost finished chemotherapy that I actually sat down and read the Special Survivors Issue cover to cover. The issue is informative, easy to read and thought-provoking. However, what I get the most out of it is a real sense of encouragement from those who have been there and that I’m not alone.

Linda Collins
Lindale, Texas

. . . . .
Thank you so much for the wonderful special issue. The article “The Cancer Chronicles” about Dr. Wendy Harpham had a wealth of information in it, especially the part on post-cancer fatigue. But why, after being in remission for two years, did I have to read this article to put a name on the strange fatigue I have? Not nearly enough is being done to help survivors once their treatment is over.

Jean Miller
Aston, Ill.

We love to hear what you think about the stories in CURE. Address comments to editor@curetoday.com. Letters are published at the editor’s discretion and may be edited for length and grammar. If you prefer your letter not be published, please indicate.

And don’t forget we are always looking for personal experience writing from our readers. Send your stories about cancer and its impact on your life to mweber@curetoday.com. Keep it to 1,000 words please.