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 at www.curetoday.com.

Cancer Survivorship Guide

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I found that your Survivors Issue hit on so many of the necessary points for cancer survivors. We need to be aware of our treatments, medical reports, billing, family ties, treatment aftershocks, taking control and soul food. Thank you for reinforcing my determination to continue to monitor every aspect of my health.

Charlotte Brown
Louisburg, Kan.

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I have learned so much by reading articles in this special issue, including “Treatment Aftershocks,” which I plan to copy and send to my doctors. I am a four-year breast cancer survivor, and I have not regained my energy. I can’t concentrate or focus for any length of time, continue to gain weight and suffer from chronic pain. I have been repeating these symptoms to my doctors for four years. “Treatment Aftershocks” really enlightened me. I was beginning to think I was losing my mind in addition to the above. Again, thank you for the excellent information.

G. Dorsey
Baton Rouge, La.

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The article “A Survivor’s Map” was a comprehensive view of the issues for cancer survivors, but I was disappointed to see social workers were left out of the survivorship prescription. Social workers are often the first person to guide patients and co-survivors on this journey. We weren’t listed under “other specialists,” as psychologists and genetic counselors were, so maybe it’s assumed we are behind the scenes in all the steps of the prescription. But unless we call out social work, patients and families may miss us and not get the support they need and deserve from the outset.

Angela Lim, LICSW, OSW-C
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
Seattle, Wash.

. . . . .

Thank you for addressing some of the treatment-induced problems that challenge many cancer survivors. In the eight years since my breast cancer surgery, I have been coping with post-lymph node dissection pain syndrome. Despite monumental efforts, I have only been able to track down three others who are similarly afflicted. We are usually dually cursed with lymphedema. I have so much gratitude to you guys for addressing the issue of pain among survivors.

Barbara Rascati
Branford, Conn.

Corrections

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In Spring 2006’s “Picking Up Momentum for Treating Renal Cell Carcinoma,” the illustration on page 39 incorrectly identified the VHL gene as being located on chromosome 17. It is located on chromosome 3.

In the Special Survivors Issue 2006, the location for Kristen Doyle’s bone marrow transplant was incorrectly identified as Houston in “Taking Control.” She received the transplant in Dallas. CURE regrets the errors.

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We love to hear what you thought about the stories in CURE. And don’t forget that we are always looking for good writing from our readers. Send your stories about cancer and its impact on your life to editor@curetoday.com. Keep it to 1,000 words please.

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. 

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