What About Fatigue?
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The article “Warning Signs” in the Winter issue contains some of the best explanations I’ve read about ovarian cancer symptoms. Regarding the symptom debate, I was extremely bothered by the exclusion of fatigue from the symptom consensus statement. As a survivor of ovarian cancer, one of my first symptoms was extreme fatigue. Although chemo has only been over for five weeks, I am not as fatigued as I was prior to diagnosis. I would please ask those researching the symptoms to not discard fatigue so easily. Put it on the list, noting that it needs follow-up and is not a stand-alone symptom, but something to be brought up when seeing your doctor. Naturally, there are other reasons for extreme fatigue; however, in looking for early signs, doctors need to keep an open mind if other factors seem indicative.

Barbara Simon
Kalispell, Montana

Demystifying Misdiagnoses
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Your article “Mistaken Identity,” about the difficulties of diagnosing blood cancers and the dangers of misdiagnosis, particularly for fast-moving acute leukemias, was right on the mark. At The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, we’re providing primary care physicians with the tools to identify blood cancers early and improve outcomes with early access to vital treatment.

Robin Kornhaber
Senior Vice President, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Sarcoma Story Continues
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I recently read your article “The New Sarcoma Story” from the Fall 2007 issue and want to thank you. I was diagnosed in May 2006 with osteosarcoma and felt like it was a death sentence. I am now in remission and hope and pray I never have to go through anything like it again. I was so happy to see the different sarcoma foundations that you gave. I also wanted to let you know the Jennifer Hunter Yates Sarcoma Foundation (www.jenniferhunteryatessarcomafoundation.org) is another one at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. It funds education on the disease and research at the hospital. Unfortunately, when you are diagnosed with a rare cancer like sarcoma, it’s frustrating to know that not much funding goes toward it.

June Poirier
Cumberland, Rhode Island

Straight From San Antonio
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Every year when I return from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, I wonder if the media were actually in the same room when I read their reports, rife with erroneous information, misinterpretations of the science, and misleading headlines. Congratulations to CURE for timely, accurate, and informative coverage of the symposium!

Marjorie Gallece
Director, Williamson County Services
Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas

Catch up on our coverage from the 2007 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium at www.curetoday.com/sabcs2007. —Editors

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