Chronic Pains

. . . . .
Bless Andrea Cooper for sharing her story of chronic pain in the Spring issue's "Closer to Relief." I have been living with chronic pain since my treatments for breast cancer in 1998. This article was so validating and described the nature of my pain perfectly.

Kerry Tomaino
Tucson, Arizona 

. . . . .
In the Spring issue, an article on pain states, "Because Prialt is such a potent drug—it is 1,000 times stronger than morphine." It is important when writing about such breakthroughs to ask: What does this really mean to the cancer patient? To the pharmacologist, "1,000 times stronger" generally means that one can get the same effect with 1,000 times less drug, not 1,000 times more effect. Patients are not likely to experience 1,000-fold less pain, which a cancer patient might tend to derive from such an article. A good deal of clarification should accompany such as statement. Sensationalism has no place in health care journalism. 

Lewis A. Kelly, PhD
Lexington, Kentucky

Thinking Positively?

. . . . .
I read with understanding the Spring issue's article on positive thinking. I was devastated when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. When I gathered the courage to share my news, I learned valuable lessons in what not to do when someone comes to you with a cancer diagnosis. I was told "you'll be fine" by so many people. This doesn't mean I wasn't employing the positive thinking attitude—I most certainly was. But when someone somes to me with a cancer diangosis, I hug them and tell them I'll do anything I can to make this journey easier.

Mallory Copeland
North Caldwell, New Jersey

. . . . .
Your article "Being Positive?" in the Spring issue was surprisingly negative for a publication that is supposed to be of assistance to cancer patients. There are certainly many opinions on the subject of mind-body interaction and its effect on disease. The fact that you did not publish an alternative positive view on the subject will lead some of your readers to conclude that positive thinking is overrated at best and useless at worst. That will do your readership no service, and I am now disappointed in your publication after having been a big supporter since the first issue.

David Stockwell
Katonah, New York 

The Waiting Game

. . . . .
I laughed and cried when I read, "The Waiting Room." Four years ago, I was doing my own 36-treatment gig for breast cancer. It only took a few minutes, but your life brushes up against a diverse group of others for those nine weeks. This article brought back memories that I'll never forget. There was so much anxiety laced with hope in that room; so many different kinds of cancers, so many different approaches. Thanks for a very poignant story. It brought back memories and was a great reminder to reach out and touch someone.

Terri Swain
Colleyville, Texas 

---

We love to hear what you think about CURE. Address comments to editor@curetoday.com. Letters may be edited for length, grammar, spelling, and clarity. If you prefer your letter not be published, please indicate.

And don’t forget 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. 

 

^ TOP OF PAGE