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#BCSM, Advocacy, breast cancer, Breast cancer as family issue, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cancer, Culture of Cancer, density, diagnosis, Harvard University, Komen, Liz Scabo, MBC, media, Metastasis, metastatic breast cancer, METAvivor, Phoenix Public Library, Pink Ribbon Culture, pinkwashing, Reconstruction, research funding, Tweetchat, Twitter, USA TODAY
Reposted from March 23, 2012 in support of increasing awareness and support for Metastatic Breast Cancer research. Please visit METAvivor to learn about “The Elephant in the Pink Room.”
Perhaps it is because my family history is bereft of breast cancer. Perhaps I was lulled into a false sense of security by three mammogram reports that lacked information about the density of my breasts. Whatever the reason, until my own diagnosis, I assumed that breast cancer was what happened to other women in other families. Such naïveté. Cancer always happens to people who are just like you and me. In fact, the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation estimates that 70% of the women who have breast cancer, have what is known as a “sporadic occurrence” – no family history.
It is almost twelve months now since I heard the Breast Patient Navigator tell me, as if by rote, but not unkindly, about the malignant tumor at 12 o’clock, 3cm from the nipple of my the right breast. I imagine, in her almost-cozy office, she has had to deliver the same sentence and respond to the same shock all too often. While I wept, she reassured my husband and me with what I now realize was relatively good news. While many of the details are unclear, I distinctly remember her congratulating me on having found the lump all by myself, reassuring me, “what you’re hearing today is not a death sentence.” It isn’t. Not yet.
The day before her pronouncement, I would never have predicted that the day after – and every day since – my life would often resemble the one I led as a graduate student, before motherhood, before the Internet and the iPhone, an artful balance of work and study with frequent visits to the musty basement floor of the old Phoenix Public Library, a library made of bricks and mortar. There, I spent countless hours perusing education periodicals and old newspaper articles on microfiche, taking notes, and making photocopies. Almost twenty years since, and in the interest of full disclosure, the notion of continuing a formal education is wholly unappealing. Thoughts of a PhD fell by the wayside during a summer conference at Harvard some years ago when I realized I have a deep aversion to homework. Nonetheless, I was duly seduced by the aura of Harvard University and readily donned the mantle of “academic” – for all of one day. Reality set in when I failed to complete the required reading and subsequently spent classes avoiding eye contact with the lecturer just in case I was called upon. Clearly, further education was out of the question for me. However, in the past year, the language and politics of breast cancer have forced me to resume the ways of a full-time, often recalcitrant, student with a full-time job.
Until one Monday evening this past March, I thought I had done a decent job on my breast cancer homework. I could talk quite knowledgeably about breast density and mammograms, estrogen and progesterone receptors, and the difference between DCIS and IDC. I had even learned how to decipher a surgical pathology report. Regretfully, I had not been thorough enough. Peeling away the layers of awareness, I felt betrayed, duped even, by a media saturated with stories of breast cancer like mine, of ribbons and races, of celebrities who triumphantly “overcome.” A cold reality emerged from a virtual conversation with a group that meets online every Monday, 9pm ET at #BCSM, The Breast Cancer and Social Media Tweetchat. It was here at “the intersection of breast cancer and all things social media,” that I learned about metastatic breast cancer, mets, and METAvivor, a volunteer-run non-profit which has coalesced around three sad truths: support for mets patients is lacking; awareness about the disease is strikingly low; and, research devoted to mets is woefully underfunded.
A neophyte to breast cancer country and Twitter, I was a stranger in a strange land by any measure. Odd, then, to experience such a level of familiarity in the virtual company of The Breast Cancer and Social Media twitter chat, where truth is conveyed at lightning speed in 140 characters or less. That particular Monday, the group was “speaking” with @CJMeta from Metavivor, Dian “CJ” M. Coreliussen-James who introduced herself thus: “Founded an MBC support prog 07. Grew FAST! Knew we could do more as non-profit. And 4 of us founded METAvivor in Jan 09.” Such urgency behind those words. This was an unfamiliar urgency. @MetaCJ then went on to explain that “METAvivor offers support, builds awareness and funds MBC research. 100% volunteer run. Most have MBC.” And then the sentence that leaped from the screen and into my heart:
One of the things we talked about today was this reality: of four founders only two are still living.
Re-tweeted again and again, the message was clear. Metastatic breast cancer is the kind of breast cancer we all fear most, the kind that spreads to distant places on our boides, usually the bones, the liver, or the brain. It was beginning to dawn on me that the lump in my breast was not the thing that could kill me; a lump could be survived. But the breast cancer that metastasizes, the cancer that spreads to distant organs is not considered survivable. METAvivor is committed to helping change what continues to be this tragic inevitability.
At the risk of oversimplifying a complex issue, I wonder if we could figure out what causes the spread, then couldn’t we figure out breast cancer? Figuring this out requires research, so surely metastasis research is well funded? No. During the Tweetchat, CJ explained that a mere 2% of US Breast Cancer dollars support metastatic breast cancer research. Two percent. How could that be? Could it be that we have grown content, as a country, with detecting lumps and accepting as acceptable the race toward cure before cause. The Tweetchat left me knowing, in no uncertain terms, not only are there many types of cancer, but also that American culture is paralyzed in a paradigm that sees one type of cancer, mine, as more “socially acceptable,” more worthy of media attention and research than others. With that in mind, I posted a comment at the MBCNBuzz website in response to a powerful letter to the Editor of US Weekly. “I am so tired hearing of celebrities putting a happy face on for cancer.” Buried in over 30 responses, I found this comment by someone I know only as Kelly K:
“With no family history, no positive genes, I was dxed with stage III lobular triple positive breast cancer at 29 and mets at 30. That year my oncologist practice selected me to be honored at a Komen luncheon. I spent a few hours one day being interviewed for a video they do about the honorees breast cancer story. My onc selected me bc when I found out I had mets, everyone I knew from working in a hospital and covering oncology at times, had died quickly it seemed. She said because the ones doing well just go about living their lives. I wanted to show people that was true. Komen edited out every reference to my mets in the video. If that isn’t pink washing I don’t know what qualifies. That experience was March 2003. I’m still here with mets to stomach, ovaries, pleural lining now with effusion, adrenal gland and countless lymph nodes. Just started seventh chemo regime yesterday. But you know what I’m still here, still living my life as a mom to a wonderful 11 yo son, wife, daughter and friend.”
I can only tell her I am sorry and pledge to Kelly that I will do my part to “edit in” her story and the stories of those who live with mets. I am still dismayed by Komen’s treatment of her, that they apparently wanted to hide from view the offensive disease that has spread to her stomach, ovaries, adrenal gland, and lymph nodes. Why would the organization that is virtually synonymous with breast cancer choose to erase rather than confront the very thing they say they are committed to curing? It is chilling to consider the answer to that question as it is to know that Kelly was, this March, beginning her seventh chemotherapy regime, not knowing if the right research is being funded right now to figure out what caused breast cancer to metastasize to other places on her young body.
It is maddening and unacceptable to have made so little progress towards eradicating this scourge of our time. Research should be targeted, differentiated, and funded appropriately. According to METAvivor’s website, 90% of cancer deaths result from Stage IV cancer, but only 2% of research funding is devoted to StageIV.* The website goes on to explain that this is not a “rare” disease; 30% of breast cancer patients will progress to stage IV. In light of this, METAVivor has an urgent request: “30% for 30%”: We believe that since 30% of breast cancer patients metastasize, 30% of breast cancer research funds should go toward MBC research.” Surely the time has come, especially in this election year, for us to exert pressure on those who can to make decisions that will affect the flow of money and the right kind of attention, the research that would matter to those with Stage IV cancer and those at risk of Metastatic Breast Cancer.
As for me, what will I do? Someone once said that the little difference each of us makes can make all the difference in the world to someone else. So I will keep doing my homework until I master Twitter. I will keep doing my homework to learn how I can help change the conversation about cancer in America – sooner not later. Now, it would be less than true if I didn’t say I’m scared. Really scared. Most days. I am afraid that the cancer that was removed along with my breast, will reappear in my bones or my brain or my liver. That it will sneakily take up residence in a vital organ. So every little headache is a warning bell, every twinge in my left hip is a harbinger of disease. The series of appointments with oncologists, plastic surgeons, breast surgeons is unsettling. Scribbled in a planner, the dates remind me that my life has been forever altered by breast cancer. I suppose I am doing just fine. I’ve even been told I look just like myself, that God would never give me more than I can handle, and admonished to put my “big girl pants on.” The thing is that those tests and scans shocked me once, and I have prepared a little space inside to be shocked once again.
I should know that living in fear is no way to live. Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, I learned early on that you can’t not go outside for fear of being blown up by terrorists. You can’t succumb to that fear otherwise you’ll never go outside. So I will continue my education about this cancer that has changed my life. I will continue to reach out to people like the bold and brilliant Dr. Attai, Jody Schroger, and Alicia Stales who moderatethe #BCSM Tweetchat.
Today, it is no surprise to read about what Liz Scabo describes as a social movement in USA TODAY. The weekly Tweetchat has often been my soft place to fall when I have been unable to find answers anywhere else. So, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month winds down and the pink ribbon products make way for Thanksgiving decor and Christmas decorations, I will do what I can to increase awareness for and traffic to METAVivor where others can learn more about Kelly’s disease, the disease Komen apparently didn’t want anyone else to see at their luncheon. Between all those who blog and tweet, I’m convinced we can create an online revolution that will thrust metastatic cancer into the forefront of a conversation that should be taking place on the national stage. Very soon.
Metastatic breast cancer matters.
** For general information about METAVivor, please contact “CJ” (Dian) Corneliussen-James at cj77@comcast.net
* See CJ’s comment below
Yvonne, thank you so much for this moving and powerful post. As we continue to educate through our blogs, our tweetchats and in our own communities, people will become more aware about the severity of the problem – how many women develop metastatic breast cancer and die due to the disease, and the appalling lack of funding for research on prevention and treatment of metastatic disease. Keep up the excellent work, and I’m looking forward to reading more from you.
Thank YOU, Deanna. Were it not for the powerful work that’s going on in the online community, I would still be in the dark about metastatic breast cancer. In the dark is no place to be, so I worry for those women who don’t have the same access to information that I enjoy. I am still reeling from the knowledge that research into prevention and treatment of this disease is so horribly underfunded. So if writing about it helps change that fact, that’s at least one thing I can do.
Thank you for educating me and countless others.
This is an outstanding post. A powerful contribution to a critical discussion. Thank you 🙂
Thank you!! I can’t stop thinking about the fact that I was so unaware. Now that I know, I feel obligated to tell everyone I know and hopefully, eventually, the ripple of awareness will reach those who can make a real difference.
Yvonne,
I can’t tell how how thrilled I am (while also sad you had to have a bc diagnosis) that you have joined in, along with so many others, in this mission to inform whoever will listen about the realities of metastatic breast cancer.
Sadly, too many have been duped. There is much work to be done.
Thank you so much for this well thought-out and very informative post.
Nancy – were it not for you and all the others who tirelessly advocate for change, I would be completely in the dark, so thank you! I will “see” you at #bcsm
yvonne
Thank you for writing this, Yvonne. Powerful & articulate. I’m glad you were there at #bcsm.
Thank you, Kathi. Were it not for the likes of your blog, I would continue down a path of blissful ignorance about the realities of breast cancer. I’m glad I was there too. Oddly, I find the #bcsm experience surreal and at the same time the most real conversation going on about the disease. I will see you there again.
Thank you for this post. When I was first diagnosed, I was not informed of the possibility that my BC could metasticze, now it’s in the liver & bones, stage 4 they say…all within 8 months. I believe (no research to back, just my experience) stress contributed to the quick advancement. More follow up & research in this department is indeed needed! Best of health to you.
I am so very sorry this happened to you. Metastatic breast cancer is such a sneaky, cruel disease that seems to come like a thief in the night. I think if everyone were aware of its realities, we might see an increase in research funding. I am with you on the stress issue, and I’m trying really hard not to succumb to it. I think writing helps, and I hope you keep doing so to “keep the calm.”
My best to you.
Thank you for so eloquently expressing what is in the minds of every woman who has ever been diagnosed — but not frequently spoken about. Looking forward to your posts.
Thank you so much for commenting. Saddened and maddened to learn that so many people in are dying of a disease that is not talked about enough or funded enough.
Thank you for this post! I haven’t been able to be with everyone on #bcsm for a while now but as the daughter of a beautiful woman who died of metastatic breast cancer I have been comforted by this group. When my dear college friend was diagnosed with BC, I turned to this group and they comforted me…so many beautiful women going through so much pain! Yes, it is saddening and maddening!
Thank you, Kathleen. I am so so very sorry you lost your mother to metastatic breast cancer and that your dear friend has breast cancer. I have just a little idea of the comfort you found in the group – indeed it is an incredible band of witty, warm women who are unflagging in their determination to change the conversation.
Yvonne I have just been reading your blog and all the comments, to tell you the truth it would scare you. Thank you for educating me , I have been ignorant and thanks for all your work. xxx love you always mam x
Mam, I know I am fortunate to have access to all the information and to the amazing women i have met online.Just need to keep supporting them so they are not forgotten or ignored, and so this disease is no longer ignored by national media and the big cancer organizations. xo
Mam – I ‘m learning the importance of becoming my own advocate, particularly when it comes to my health. finally realizing that I don’t have to simply settle. Tremendous group of people working online who are committed to making some real changes. Ican’t do much, other than tell my story or share what I’m learning through it and hope someone might hear something that will help them down the road.
x
Thanks for educating us on this national tragedy of metastatic disease. We need more voices like yours (a vibrant and articulate one) to speak out for those who can’t. Brava!
Thank you so much Jan. Until I attended the #bcsm tweetchat, I had been completely unaware of metastatic disease and the need to really rally around it in a way that will draw attention to the need for more research dollars. Between us, I think we can create a lot of noise …
Yvonne,
I thank you so very much for this wonderful, honest and moving tribute to metastatic breast cancer. I am incredibly grateful to you for helping to get the word out. Normally one does not become introduced to these problems until one is metastatic. YOU, Jody and select others are taking on our cause as non-metastatic individuals. I cannot tell you how much this means to me .. and to others with MBC. It is unspeakably encouraging to see this wellspring of support from sources hitherto unknown.
I would like to clarify two issues. 100% of deaths from breast cancer are from stage IV breast cancer. Breast cancer in the breast and adjacent lymph nodes does not kill. Only metastastic breast cancer kills … it is the spread to distant organs that kills.
The 90-95% figure speaks to cancer overall. Some cancers, such as pancreatic, can kill without spreading because their origin is in a vital organ, No one can live without a liver, lung, etc, but one can easily live without a breast.
The other is the issue of 2% funding. Metastatic/stage IV cancer research for all cancers receives only 2% of cancer funds. It is appalling. Breast cancer is a sub-group of that. I use the 2% figure for MBC because breast cancer receives the bulk of cancer research funds and tthus also the bulk of metastatic cancer funds.
We should all advocate for more funding for stage IV cancer across the board. Stage IV cancers have much in common and advances in one stage IV cancer are of great benefit to the advancement of research for other stage IV cancers. As for MBC, we gain the most from targeted MBC research. We gain our second best research from stage IV research for other cancers. Our third source of information is from research on the process of breast cancer cells transitioning to MBC. We gain the least from research for prevention and early detection,.
CJ
Thank you. I am learning a lot, and I want to help so thank you for clarifying the issues around funding. I will update the post to reflect those changes.
You are all in my thoughts.
y
Hi Yvonne,
Terrific blog. I came to many of the same conclusions as you after I was diagnosed with breast cancer and became an advocate. A huge breast cancer industrial research complex has been created with billions of dollars in resources, but it is focused in all the wrong places! We’ve made a pitiful amount of progress over the years when you consider the attention and resources focused toward the disease. Far too little is focused on understanding metastasis, or on developing meaningful interventions. But the answer is not just throwing more money at everything labeled *metastasis* research. We must demand the right research, the meaningful research that is focused on the clinical outcomes that matter to women with stage IV disease, and for those at risk of metastasis. I believe that advocacy built on facts will be much more impactful, so I have to correct the 2% figure. The largest funder of breast cancer research is the federal government, mainly through NCI and DOD. The DOD directed 25% of their 2010 breast cancer research funds to basic research coded as ‘metastasis’ research. This does not include research focused directly at treatment. NCI directed 6% to basic research on the biology of breast cancer metastasis and progression in 2010 (this is 6% of $631 million), and 19% to treatment of both primary and metastastic disease. Komen is the largest private funder of research and they coded 17% of their 2011 grants as metastasis research (again, not including treatment research). But none of this is getting us where we need to go fast enough. We must figure out how to advocate for and fund the research that will matter to women with Stage IV disease and for those at risk.
Yes … a breast cancer industrial research complex indeed.
Thank you so much for helping me out with the correct figures – I want to make sure I have my facts right.
Wow, thank you so much!!!!
Thank you Kelly. Won’t forget you.
Yvonne, your story is much like mine. I found my own breast cancer — in this case, inflammatory breast cancer. I was lucky, because it was caught and diagnosed early. But I was stunned. Like you, I had no reason to believe that I would be at risk for getting any form of BC.
Also like you, I found myself living in a strange new world — Cancer Land — where the sky looks very different from what it was before diagnosis. It is a strange, strange new land. ‘Nuff said.
Having been blind-sided by cancer once, I vowed not to be blind-sided again. And like you, I began a self-education program. I began hitting the medical journals and the textbooks. I also made friends with other women who had an IBC diagnosis…and a regular BC diagnosis.
Between those two, I learned about metastatic BC. Like you, I came to realize that if this comes back — and for IBC, there is statistically a high chance that it will — I will then be metastatic, which means that I will then have a terminal illness. And like you, I am appalled at the lack of funding on how to prevent and to cure MBC.
If I am metastatic, the disease will kill me. I have friends who are metastatic, and it’s killing me that this is killing them.
30% for 30%! Indeed!
Thanks for a wonderful editorial, Yvonne. Spread the word. Spread the word.
Thank you, Brenda, for commenting. I so relate to your description of this strange “new” normal, where “the sky looks very different from what it was before diagnosis.” Becoming educated and empowered is a full-time job in itself, isn’t it? It would be so reassuring to know that the right kind of research is being appropriately funded, right now.
This is a relatively new “journey” for me, and already those I have encountered have forever changed how I view the disease. People like you.
I am so very sorry that you have friends in the throes of this illness. How frightening for all of you. How maddening that we’re simply not getting to where we need to be soon enough. May you take some encouragement in knowing that a virtual conversation such as this, is one more that raises awareness and brings us that little bit closer to changing the conversation about cancer in this country.
My best to you.
Fantastic post, Yvonne. I have just found you via the Being Cancer Network and am straight off to add you to my blog roll. I have just finished active treatment for Stage II Breast Cancer and can identify with so much of what you’ve said, both in terms of the extremely ‘pink-washed’ understanding of breast cancer that I had before entering this world myself (even after diagnosis I must confess it took quite a while for the whole ‘no cure for metastatic breast cancer’ reality to dawn on me), and in terms of the ongoing struggle with fear. I am appalled by the story about Kelly K’s treatment by Komen (hi Kelly K!). I will check out Metavivor right now…and you have ALMOST convinced me to try Twitter (though as a bit of a cyber-addict I am rather scared of where it may lead!). Looking forward to reading more of your blog.
Cheers
Liz
Liz,
Thank you so much for the encouragement. It just seemed so important to say something after the #bcsm chat and then finding Kelly K’s story just stopped me in my tracks. Perhaps I should have researched more or mulled it over more, but since cancer showed up, I’m much more aware of time passing by and feel the need to say everything I need to say! Immediately. Hence, Twitter, which I think you would probably love. Try it 🙂 I’m a novice, but completely hooked.
I can completely relate to your comment about the ‘pink-washed understanding of breast cancer.’ Until my own diagnosis and even four months since that day, I still “default” to a kind of denial about breast cancer. I think, like yourself, I’d pretty well fallen for a lot of the myths that abound about breast cancer. It’s different now. The fear creeps in. At some point. Every day. So I’m going to do my best to help change the conversation, along with people like you.
Wishing you the best of health, as you move beyond treatment.
yvonne
Yvonne have just read all the blogs … you are certainly hearing a lot of very sad stories.
Keep up the good work ,. mam xx
Thanks ma
Sad and frustrating for so many people. It’s just maddening that we’ve made such little progress in finding out what causes it and how to prevent it.
There are amazing people committed to changing the conversation, so I am lending my voice too.
xx
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Reblogged this on Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer and commented:
“It is maddening and unacceptable to have made so little progress towards eradicating this scourge of our time. Research should be targeted, differentiated, and funded appropriately” writes Yvonne Watterson today
Thanks so much for reblogging Marie.
This is so good, and so important. It is maddening and unacceptable, indeed, that MBC is the ugly stepsister to the “pretty kind” of breast cancer. I too struggle to live fearlessly instead of waiting for a recurrence, and I have saved space inside to be shocked again. Bring on the online revolution.
Oh, Nancy, isn’t it terribly ironic that the most amazing support, the most incisive answers come from these online revolutionaries that we may never meet. I am right with you.
y
Hi Yvonne ,
Thank you so much for advocating for us and telling my story. It’s thanks to your actions that we are making progress against the pink elephant in the room . I wish you continued good health. A quick update on me:
Today is 11 years since I was dxed with stage III lobular bc and 10 years ago today, I started tx for mets. My cancer continues to progress to new areas and expanding where it was already. But I’m now on my 8th treatment and hopefully in late Nov will start TDM1 as my 9th treatment but one both my oncologist are excited about. I got to see my son graduate elementary school, which was exciting. They held it on the high school and the kids got all dressed up. I enjoyed a summer where I dipped my toes in the ocean and ate funnel cake. Saw my son start middle school . And have reached the 10 year milestone of living with mets. New goals are to finally see a broadway show, see my son become a teenager in the summer, celebrate wedding anniversary and enjoy the days I have left . I dream of new treatments so I can see him graduate high school. I pray for a way to prevent mets so no one else goes through this. I have lost in ten years, Mindy, Karen, Cathy, Renee, Sue, Marie each was a young mom. Friends are struggling with no more traetment options or treatments that aren’t working. I want others to be able to focus on families and not side effects, scans, wills, palliative care, hospice and financial devastation over medical bills. We need more research . Thanks again for doing a wonderful job getting our message out. Kelly
Kelly, it is so good to hear from you!! Although we have never met, I have thought of you often this year. On October 13th – which is almost my dad’s birthday – I thought of you and all the women with mets I have encountered in the blogosphere. It is so strange that I almost cannot remember before last November, when I didn’t know any of their names and when I was so unaware of the pink elephant in the room. Now that I know about it, I just cannot ignore it.
I can sense your excitement as you watch your son become a young man, Kelly, and about the prospect of a Broadway show and an anniversary too. At the same time, I just cannot begin to fathom just how much has been taken from you and your family by this horrible disease. It is so unforgivably unfair. It is heartbreaking to read the names of these young mothers – Karen, Cathy, Renee, Sue, and Marie. Words just fail me.
Please do stay in touch. I am in your corner.
Yvonne
Thank you for doing such a wonderful post getting this message out. I get so upset that there is so little funding focused on MBC and it’s time for a big change. Going to SABCS and hearing abstracts about the difference between tamoxifen and an AI frustrates me, because this has been tested so much and the money should be about Mets research. I also really appreciated CJ’s comments, because after early stage breast cancer with surgery, chemo and radiation, and a recurrence that was not Mets, I believe I have NED. But as a patient advocate, I want to do everything I can do for the metastatic community and I am thrilled as another member of this fantastic #BCSM community, we are united in this effort.
Susan, thank you so much for your support. The #BCSM Tweetchat has been my safe place to fall on more than one occasion. I’m not a quite a year out from diagnosis, but I’m a quick study. I’m struggling with Tamoxifen myself, but it is unforgivable to read so much about it and so little about research on MBC. Then, to realize the inequities in funding … just so unfair
Like yourself, I am buoyed by the support of the #BCSM community and believe it is making a change.
y
Hi,
I have a quick question about your blog. Could you email me when you get a chance?
Cameron
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Reblogged this on jenmeusjourney and commented:
I am re-posting this blog entry because I find it very relevant to share during the month of (Pinktober) October. It touches me deeply and I am so glad to share what others write, especially when it articulates so well points I hope my friends and family can think about. Thanks for reading. JLSM
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Reblogged this on exiledtyke and commented:
This is well worth reading, and acting upon.
Thank you very much for sharing and inspiring action in others.
My pleasure
Thanks for a great post. I’m all to familiar with mets due to our terrible family history. To be honest it scares the hell out of me. I wrote a post about unnecessary stress and it’s implications which is here if of interest to anyone http://fecthis.wordpress.com/2012/10/18/the-subtle-repercussions-of-unnecessary-stress/ I hope the scientists and researchers move on with the beta-blocker theory ASAP and throw a lot more effort into drugs to prevent angiogenesis.
Reblogged this on Not Down Or Out and commented:
As you know, I’m aggravated at the idea of people profiting from the suffering of people with breast cancer. I’m disappointed to learn that the pink ribbons and high fives from breast cancer charities do not reflect the fact that national research of metastatic breast cancer is a low priority. Here’s another excellent discussion of the issue by Yvonne.
Hi Yvonne,
I saw your post reblogged on NotDownorOut’s blog and just wanted to tell you that I think this is an incredible post… You are so right… I hope many more people read your post & learn the truth about MBC…
Warmest wishes to you…
Hi
Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. Yes. Let’s see what we can do to help change the conversation about MBC this year.
I visited your blog and was so sorry to read about the loss of your dear friend, Julie.
yvonne