Waiting for the Cure? Do Something NOW.

PJ thanks for doing such a good job of explaining the role of clinical trials in the fight for a breast cancer cure.  Joining the Army of Women is such a great way to learn more about trials and maybe find one near you that you qualify for.  I joined last year; and although I haven't seen a trial near me that I qualify for, I've learned so much about what researchers are doing.

I am a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient. I have completed my lumpectomy and chose my trial for many reasons. Some selfish some not. First the peace it would give me to have my score and know my reacurance rate. Secondly because I am adopted and have very little knowledge of my genetic background and I have daughters. I dont know where this cancer came from, who it will attack next, I have granddaughters. Also when I researched the researchers It intrigued me and made me feel very honored to know that a tiny piece of my tumor, something that was causing me such devastation could actually help someone else,well it gave me peace. And not only in cancer research but they use it for other things like alzhiemers, diabetes, and many other devastating diseases. Everyone should consider research,clinical trials,not just the many things that it can offer them but the many things that as a patient you offer to the trial and the many people who will benifit. (we really need spell check on here)

I was diagnosed with breast cancer (her2 positive) in 2008.  At that time my oncology's told me about a trial that was being conducted, and if I meet all the requirements I could become a part of it.  There was no doubt that I wanted to be a part of this trial if possible.  I had lost my mother and 3 siblings and have 2 other sibling still fighting cancer.  I am the only one out of the seven in my family that has breast cancer.  Just think of all the people it could save if the medication if it is proven to work.  I have one more treatment of Advintin.  This medication is being used for more that just breast cancer.  I would hope that there are more people out there that would consider being a part of any trial.  Even if you don't see the positive, some one might benifit.  God's speed and my prayers are with all of you

I too have been a guinea pig for breast cancer research. I had lost all 3 of my sisters to breast and ovarian cancer from 1985-1988.  In 1993 a tiny article in my local newspaper jumped off the page.  The article asked for volunteers that had not had breast cancer, but were at high risk, to enroll in the BCPT (Breast Cancer Prevention Trial).  Genetic tests weren't available to me at the time, but I was pretty sure that high risk described me!  The trial was a blind test to see if taking Tamoxifen for 5 years would prevent breast cancer.  I joined because I hoped Tamoxifen would be beneficial to me, but I also joined because I had daughters, aunts and cousins at risk.  Results of the trail showed 45% fewer breast cancers in the Tamoxifen group.  That was HUGE!  I eventually got breast cancer in 2008, but Tamoxifen gave me 15 years that I may not have had otherwise.  Treatment I received in 2008 was so much better than what was available to my sisters in the 1980s. I know now that I have the BRCA1 gene mutation and one of my daughters has inherited it.  The BCPT was so worth it...

In 2006 I joined the ongoing Sister Study and I signed up for the Army of Women last year.  Dr. Susan Love was instrumental in the BCPT so I knew I wanted to participate as soon as I heard she was asking for volunteers. Just a few weeks ago a study was announced for women who had completed breast cancer treatments within the last 6 months.  That's me!  The CISRC (Cancer Information Service Research Consortium) is testing new ways to best serve women who have completed treatment.  Go figure... old normal is not new normal... so now what?  The research addresses managing the effects of treatments, dealing with emotions, relaxation techniques, communication and practical issues like finances and work. It also gives tips on post medical care and getting the most out of doctors visits.  I really encourage all of you in this category to participate.  Someone you know will benefit because you took time to answer some questions.