Raising Gynecological Cancer Awareness

[baguba]

I was home today and while flipping the channels I came across NBC -iVillage.  Fran Drescher, (a  7 year uterine cancer survivor was the guest)  I was so overwhelmingly moved while listening to her that I had to raise the volume to hear her through my sobbing.  She is a voice to be heard!  She has lobbied and has been heard by congress that more money needs to be appropriated for gynecological cancer awareness.  She mentioned the words we all speak of now and lament over that no one told us about before....TVUS, CA125, ascites........she was jostled around for 2 years and 8 doctors worth of trouble and only then, did she take matters into her own hands and get results with a proper diagnosis. I found hope in her words that the message is out there, and people are really listening.  She was adamant about doctors needing to be educated more about gynecological cancers and we, as women, need to hear about every test available to us; AND, if our insurances don't pay for them, then we need to have plans to supplement those in need. I have a new found respect for that ditsy dame who played The Nanny.  She said that getting cancer has made her a better and different person and that "sometimes the nicest gifts are packaged in the ugliest wrappers". I just wanted to share this with all of you; hoping to bring a smile, some hope and lots of love to all of us here who continue to do battle.  

Judie :)

[Casey06]

We need to do it on a grass roots level. Write a letter to every GP, GI and Ob/Gyn in your area!

Also need to partner with (not compete with) breast cancer folks. They have alot of "crital mass" and momentem we need to utilize!

[vegas2cr]

I think awareness needs to be raised on ovarian cancer all the way around.  My daughter informed her doctor that I had stage 4 ovarian cancer and he said "Well evidentally she hasn't had a pap smear in a long time."  I had pap smears every year and as we all know it has nothing to do with Ovarian cancer.  This from a Doctor... geeze if this guy didin't know what does that say for lay people.
I certainly was not well educated on Ovarian cancer and now everyone I come in contact with gets an earful...

[gah_70]

You can join her website at http://www.cancerschmancer.org.  She sends out periodic emails on what her organization is doing, and on any special appearances.

Gail

[hopeshell]

Thanks for sharing that...I wish I had seen it!

[Casey06]

We need more like her!

Thanks for sharing.