Lita57

Lita57

HERE'S MY RANT FOR THE MONTH: I have contacted some of these questionable law firms regarding their lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson and Shower to Shower because they feel that talc causes ovarian cancer.

I have spoken to their "receptionists," telling them I know their lawyers probably won't call me back, but that's okay…the call is being recorded, so I hope the boys and girls will at least LISTEN to the recordings.

I think these lawsuit procedures against Johnson & Johnson and Shower to Shower are a bunch of bull crap. First of all, ovarian cancer is NOT a common cancer, like breast cancer where ONE OUT OF 8 WOMEN will get breast cancer in her lifetime – 12.5%; and only ONE OUT OF 78 WOMEN will get ovarian cancer in her lifetime (LESS than 1% - actually it's only ONE TENTH – 1/10 – of 1% who will get it). So, you guys are suing the company for billions of dollars even though there are way more breast cancer patients than ovarian cancer patients out there? Does that seem fair? I have canisters of Gold Bond Powder and Monkey Butt Anti-Friction powder in my bathroom, and the FIRST ingredient on both of these is, you guessed it, TALC! Why aren't you guys suing them, too? Oh, no….we'd much rather sue the people who have the deepest pockets so we attorneys can get the MAXIMUM for our efforts (as you know, most attorneys will get AT LEAST 40% from the settlements, if not more). Yes, J & J has admitted that there is talc in some of their products, and they also use zea mays, or cornstarch, in some of their other products. Based on their prior knowledge, it's probably easier for the corporation to just "roll over" and pay out the settlements rather than fight it. The little blonde who does the talking in the commercials says that J & J "failed to tell the consumers." Oh, come on! All one has to do is read the powder canister to see what the ingredients are! Oops, I forgot…nobody reads anything anymore.

My first question when I call these firms is have any of these women had their DNA tested for genetic mutations? "A" does not always lead to "B." Some mutated genes will predispose a woman to ovarian cancer, and it has absolutely NOTHING to do with talc. Second question: Have any of these women had AUTOPSIES after they've passed to determine if there actually IS TALC in the tissues of their ovaries? No one has gotten back to me, and I seriously doubt that they ever will. I'm sure, as with other cancers, some of the women might have NEVER even used powder, and they STILL got ovarian cancer…it could have been caused by a douching product or something else.

As with lung cancer, some patients NEVER smoked in their lifetimes and weren't exposed to a lot of second-hand smoke and they still got lung cancer! Who do they get to sue? They can't sue R. J. Reynolds because they never smoked their products, and even if they did, these people knew the risks because each pack and carton of cigarettes has a warning on the side of the pack/carton. Incidentally, my father smoked for decades and lived to be 85 – never got cancer, and my oldest brother, who is almost 70, still smokes and he doesn't have cancer. So once again, "A" doesn't always lead to "B."

I always end on this point: So, who do my Stage IV terminal/metastatic breast cancer sisters and I get to sue, especially those of us whose cancers were Dx'd Stage IV De Novo, even after we had our mammograms every year religiously? Do we sue the mammogram machine manufacturers because they could not detect our cancers even after repeated scans year after year? European women drink more than we do, and they have higher breast cancer rates, so that lends credence to the statement that there is "a connection" between alcohol consumption and increased risk of breast cancer. Can we sue Robert Mondavi, Glen Ellen, Sebastiani, or Turley Vineyards? Or is it too late because we already know there is a link between the two?

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/countries-with-the-highest-incidence-of-breast-cancer-in-the-world.html (Here's the link to support this)

My third question: Did they bring any of these "afflicted" women in and question their application practices or their mutation status? It seems like a "far reach" to me as well because the powder itself has quite a ways to travel: Going up the vaginal canal, through the cervix, climbing up the uterine wall, splitting up between the fallopian tubes and finally entering the ovaries. In order to get that much powder up in there, these women would have to pour a big pile of powder on their palms, spread their legs, and SLAM it up there! Didn't their mothers show them how to apply it the correct way?

I'm getting sick and tired of seeing these commercials on TV day after day, especially when there's more than one law firm trying to reap a "big pay off." I also tell the receptionists that I'm over sixty years old, and I've been using J & J powder all my life. Even as a baby, my mother only used their products on thel five of us kids. After all those years, I didn't get ovarian cancer. Because of my Stage IV status, I have body scans EVERY three months, so if I did have ovarian cancer, don't you think it would have shown up on one of them by now?

As far as I'm concerned, if the prosecuting attorneys DID NOT perform supporting DNA mutation tests and autopsies, there is no direct connection between talc and ovarian cancer.

I always thank the receptionists for taking my call, and being very courteous and polite, letting me talk as long as I need to (and I try not to drag it out too long, just bringing up the concerns listed above).

Dear ladies, if you'd like to join me in bombarding these firms with your concerns and complaints regarding these lawsuits too, please PM me. I don't want to include their names and numbers here in this post out of respect for their privacy.

L

(Cross posted on "Steam Room for Anger)

Chemokaze

Applause and hootin' and hollerin'....excellent post, Lita! And I busted out laughing about the powder application!

Sometime I will share my own crazy story about my first primary breast cancer diagnosis in 1996. I had a prior breast issue at the age of 29 in 1993 and was misdiagnosed.....I was one angry young woman on a legal mission to find the truth about how the system failed me.

masonsmawmaw

Well said Lita!!

Mominator

Lita, you crack me up with your clear-headed COMMON SENSE!! 

I stopped using talc powder years ago when I heard about the talc-ovarian cancer connection. I never stopped to think how could talc possibly cause ovarian cancer. I'm trying to picture ladies powdering themselves and slamming the talc up there. Too funny. 

My Grandmother died of ovarian cancer in 1957. Can I sue J&J on her behalf? 

Also, Grandma probably had the BRCA2 mutation, since my Mom and I both have it as well. 

I'm feeling sad today as the anniversary of my Mom's passing was yesterday. 

Maire67

Lita, so true.


I have breast cancer because I smoked from age 15-30, drank red wine and still do when I eat pasta , lived in NYC ground zero of pesticides...you haven’t lived until you’ve been in roach central with moms who waged war with sprays (not to mention the mosquito trucks in the summer) I swam in the Atlantic around NY when the garbage barges dumped 4 miles off shore. I also played in polio water( puddles) I had a chest X-ray every 3 years as a nyc teacher to prove I didn’t have TB . I guess I’ll start suing my mom...whoops she passed away at 94. Guess not.

Lita your brilliant description of applying baby powder will make me laugh out loud for months.

Sending hugs Lita. So Good to hear your thoughts. Maire

Lita57

My "legacy" baby blue spruce is finally in the ground, we named him Fatty Boy because he's a cousin of the Fat Boy spruces. He will live on after I transition.

MinusTwo

Lita - It's a beauty of a tree. I love the Blue Spruce. Thanks for sharing.

molliefish

You beautiful Lita, we have three blues in our yard. 2 full size 35 - 40 foot guys and a wee mini blue in a corner spot to near the pool. We love them, and

from here on I will think of you and your family when and care for this tree.

Micmel

loving the tree! 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲! So special

Beatmon

Lita, we planted a Christmas tree our first year in our house. ( then found out baby son allergic to cedar/pine.No more indoor.

But I wanted to tell you we have lived her 35 years...and the tree towers above our house.

I’m going to add a cute blue spruce after enjoying your picture.

Glad to see you posted

Bliss58

Lita, that blue spruce is gorgeous, and a great idea. Hugs.

MJHJAN1014

Lita- YOU ARE A FORCE! Love your feisty spirit! I had a good belly laugh after reading your possible application method! Not on your thread often, but check in on you regularly. Could we also sue deodorant manufacturers for it's supposed connection to breast cancer, oh, and how about brassiere makers for too tight underwire bras that "may cause breast cancer?". I agree with you; it's total bullcrap.

Best, Mary Jane

Lita57

Let's just sue EVERYBODY!

L

Lita57

Happy Cancerversary to me!!!

It's been three miserable years now (4/14/16 - 4/14/19) since Dx.

How come I'm not happy? I should be thrilled to still be alive, but it's getting harder and harder to walk or even hoist myself up out of a chair.

I have Fred Flintstone Feet, Tree Stump Calves, and Stovepipe Thighs, all thanks to Gemzar IV chemo edema, which I'm told will NEVER go away now that my lymphatic system has been wrecked by Tx. I'm tired ALL THE TIME, but I don't sleep well. I can't drive anymore, and I can only read for about 10-15 minutes b4 everything becomes a blur. If I bend over to try and pick something up, I almost pass out.

I'm getting sick of this, and part of me is actually praying for a quick transition. I have my Advance Directive and DNR in place. My "Death Folder" is complete, urn for ashes is purchased as well as niche at the mausoleum.

More happy days ahead...L

illimae

Tough state to be in but we’re glad you’re still here. Planning any trips soon?

Micmel

I am also very glad you’re here. Well said Mae ~

Sending hugs to you Lita!!!!

IntoLight

Lita, your honesty keeps me brave--I don't think I could do it. I am so glad you are still here, and will continue to pray for your comfort and God's timing.

theresa45

Lita, You have been an inspiration to many of us. Your sense of humor through all your struggles has been nothing short of amazing. Your courage has humbled me on many occasions. I'm glad that you are comfortable sharing your current feelings. I will pray that you have more moments of joy and that God's peace will support you the way you have supported all of us. Hugs and best wishes! Theresa

exbrnxgrl

Lita,

I have no words of wisdom. It doesn’t get easier, does it!? Find peace where you can, in any way that comforts you.

Caryn

Lita57

Hoping I'll still be strong enough to go to So Calif next month. I dread packing...I have to bring so much cancer support crap...canes, walker, bed bar/brace so I can get in and out of bed and just turn over. And of course, plenty of Depends (or as Neegan from The Walking Dead calls them, Shittin' Pants) because of my fecal incontinence.

I'll have to start packing early and pace myself because of ongoing fatigue.

L

Maire67

Dear Lita sending gentle hugs and much admiration for your spirit. Praying for you to have peace and comfort and a good trip to SoCal. Maire

jensgotthis

The path of MBC just plain old sucks. My hopes for you are good moments embedded with all of the pain and discomfort you are living with

ADDK

Lita, I don´t know what to say. I hope you´ll find the strength to have some joy every day and go to SoCal as planned. I´ve just returned from a short trip. I took me ten minutes to get my clothes etc.packed, and one hour to get my "cancer stuff" together. What can I say? It sucks.

Bliss58

Hi Lita. I have no words of wisdom either, but want to say I agree with everyone's sentiments here. I hope you get to enjoy So. Cal - you've been through so much lately and you deserve some joy, but, yes, pace yourself, and let others take care of you!

Chico

You are an inspiration. I was Dx same time as youand it’s a tough path for sure but I’m pleased to have had the good fortune to have “met” you and others like you along the way - just enjoying the life we have.

ChuckL

Hi Lita.. I don't post much but I follow your thread in particular and looked for it last week... I always get a little concerned when it is buried. I am sending love from Minneapolis. I wish so much.... as you do... I wish this wasn't happening. I wish there was something to say. Peace to you. That's all I can think of. Years ago I was in touch via a blog with a woman who was in hospice... I wrote that terrible line about, we are all dying every day but you just realize it. God. I'm so sorry for that; for that pithy comment when she was in her last days. I really will never forgive myself.

JanetMara

Hang in there my friend Lita,

May God give you strength physically and spiritually,hope to meet you when you come to SOCAL, if it's feasible for you.

I cried when I read your notes.Gentle hugs to you.I was diagnosed the same year as you were.

God gives us all strength.

IntoLight

Lita, praying for a safe, comfortable, and stress free trip. Also praying for warm weather for you. It has been a little cooler here in San Diego than I like, but then I do prefer it here to Florida! PM me if you need help while here.

wam

Good luck on your trip. Get as much help packing that you can. I live in San Diego. Feel free to call me too if you need anything.The shittin' pants are a must have for me! I hope you feel well the whole time! You are so admired and loved here.

Lita57

Happy Mother's Day!

Here's my four-legged baby. She's a senior Bulldog and sleeps a lot more now. She's our treasure.