Senator Obama Response

[PPhelps]

I received this from Senator Obama regarding funding for gyn cancer research.

Dear Paula:

Thank you for your note. I share your view on the importance of strengthening the Federal commitment to combating ovarian cancer, and I commend the Administration's bold goal of eliminating suffering and death from cancer by 2015.

Cancer is the leading cause of death for men and women. We have made great strides in this area, but clearly more work remains to be done. Spending on medical research is absolutely necessary for the health care community to improve treatments and find cures for the diseases ailing our nation, such as ovarian cancer. Be assured that I will continue to fight for our shared priorities.

On a related note, during the 109th Congress, I joined my colleagues Senators Specter and Harkin to champion a bill focused on gynecologic cancer, the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act, or Johanna's Law (S.1172/H.R.1245). I am pleased to report that this bill passed out of Congress and was signed into law (Public Law No. 109-475), and will increase outreach and awareness about the early symptoms of these cancers so women can get diagnosed and treated earlier while these cancers are curable. Having lost my mother to ovarian cancer, I am acutely aware of the necessity for this legislation and for research funding, and I will continue to promote initiatives in this area as relevant legislation comes before the Senate.

Again, Paula, thank you for contacting me on this critical issue. Be certain your priorities are on my mind.

Sincerely,

Barack Obama
United States Senator

[freshair]

Let's get that Yale 99% accuracy test approved and pushed through. Now why don't tests get pushed through---cause there's no money. It seems that the very expensive drugs get through quick. They may extend a person's life by 2 months.

BUT THIS OVARIAN TEST CAN CATCH IT EARLY AND SAVE LIFES!

I'll send a letter on this. This is what needs to be done now.

Thank you for the information Paula. He is one that has stated many times on prevention medicine!!!  Hillary too.

[alanpvegas]

Yay Obama! :)

[lvfrogs]

I am glad to read about his feelings and actions on OVCA.   I agree with everyone on here that education about this disease is paramount.  I also agree about forcing the insurance companies to pay for the testing and treatments.  I also believe strongly that the DOCTORS need more education.  Everywhere you read, it states that if a woman comes to her doctor with the symptoms of OVCA, that the doctor needs to take it seriously and do the necessary steps to rule it out or if found, start treatment early.  As most of you know, so many doctors tell you that you have IBS (I don't know how many times I have read that on here) and was even told that myself when I went for a 2nd opinion (doctor didn't even exam me or order tests), just read my notes, said I have IBS and told me to tell my kids I wouldn't be dying anytime soon!  That was my worst experience and no one should go through that either. He shouldn't even be practicing. So, I believe it starts with educating the public, the doctors and the insurance companies how important it is for early testing.  I wish the doctor who delivered all my babies was still practicing (he retired). I have a feeling he would have been proactive.

That said - if there is somewhere where we can write and let our voices be heard. I am there. Let me know,
Colleen

[Lafnatitall]

At what address do we write to the good Senator?

Education and advocacy of this atrocious disease is so needed.  The disease is not as prevalent as breast cancer...however, it IS more deadly.  Some how or another, we need advocates that have the public ear...

Rhonda

[Sandymac]

Paula,  This just may be the start of something-- the sad situation with "LilBubba" (Kimmie) has really got my blood boiling. What if everyone on the forum wrote detailed letters about the brushoffs, lethargy, and lack of compassion they have suffered at the hands of their "doctors" and their insurance companies.
     All the candidates have noted the need for everyone to have insurance, but that is obviously not the whole solution at least when it comes to OVCA!. Regardless of whether you have insurance, it is practically worthless if the insurance companies second guess the doctors and refuse to authorize treatment or testing.
     I came to this forum in January when I was terrified of having ovca.. everything I researched convinced me it was likely. Luckily my gyn (a woman) is very proactive and her opinion is if anything is even slightly "off" that it must be investigated. I was very fortunate in that my cysts were benign but I decided right then and there that I would do anything I could to pass along any information I had received and I drop in on this forum from time to time. I think a letter writing campaign just might be the ticket and I mean details...from being told that the appointments couldn't be made for 3 weeks to "it's just IBS, accept it"
     It is simply unbelievable what Kimmie has had to go through in the USA! You'd think this was some backward country without resources.. Thanks for listening and forgive the lengthy post, but I'm just furious !

[marie3B]

His record on healthcare in general has been a good one. He was my state senator. Marie

[marie3B]

His record on healthcare in general has been a good one. He was my state senator. Marie

[Jan214]

Wow, I did not know about his mom.  Well, that should give us a staunch ally.  I have been undecided although Obama has been peaking my curiosity.  Well, maybe it is time to take a closer look at him.  I wonder how and when would be the best time to do a letter writing campaign.  He's in the middle of campaigning, so won't have much time for it now, but win or lose, the man is still in politics and could spearhead this continued effort for us.

[vegas2cr]

Thanks for posting this.  When the government makes some of the most stupid laws and yet allows insurance companies not to pay for important testing there is a problem.  I hope that whomever is our next president takes health care prevention to a new stanadard...If the doctors say you need it they should pay for it.,

[nyc lady]

I had no idea that his mother had OvCa....I feel a letter writing campaign coming on!!!

Thanks for sharing...this is one man that can make a difference and help in raising awareness!!!!

Pam