Medical Industrial Complex

As usual, Britchick said it so well.  I really value her opinion as she is on the front lines.

The whole tone of this thread (Medical Industrial Complex) smells strongly of "conspiracy theory".  Those who support this theory find it OK to trash those whose lives are dedicated to advancing medical science and saving patients from near-certain death.

This can sound so plausible when twisted by some of the writers of the "conspriacy" posts.  Yes, much of this treatment is harsh, as it needs to be to kill cancer cells.  Not everyone does well, and some endure this treatment only to discover it didn't do its job.  Some have bad reactions.

On top of this, no one whats to sign up for six months of major hammering when "gentle herbs", "relaxation", and "good thoughts" could potentially do the same thing.   Unfortunately, they do not replace conventional breast cancer therapy, or at least there is no EVIDENCE (other than anecdotal, which doesn't count) of their effectiveness.

This is why I have the utmost respect for those like Britchick who devote their lives to making sure we get to live out a full life span.  Not just the medical portion (right therapies) but also educating us as to why so important to do what is recommended.

Alternative" therapies can be used in conjunction with standard protocols, and that is called "integrative medicine".

Which is what most of us do in some form or other.

But what an education this thread has been!!  It should be required reading for anyone starting out in oncology.  Because this is the nonsense that Britchick and her colleagues face every day in treating frightened and vulnerable women.

Britchick's work is cut out for her. 

Not because she is a member of the "Medical Industrial Complex", but because every working day of her life IS DEVOTED TO SAVING LIVES. I have nothing but admiration for the work she does. - Claire

Thanks Claire, so sad that some people just won't listen, but keep posting, and when a post is questioned - refuses to answer.  Still like that Canadian link referring to the important and validity of chemotherapy.  Have shared it widely.

 In case you didn't follow the link Susan posted earlier in this thread, it led to this:

Why have chemotherapy after you've just had surgery to remove the tumour?

Cancers are made up of billions of cells that can travel from one part of the body to the other. Cancers that develop away from the original tumour are known as metastases. When only a few cancer cells have traveled away from the original tumour, doctors may be unable to detect them even with sophisticated scans and blood tests. These tiny metastatic deposits can grow and ultimately cause incurable disease.

Because we cannot detect these tiny metastases we need to learn from the experience of other women over years of research, which patients may be at a high risk of recurrent disease at some time in the future and which patients may be cured with surgery alone.

The goal of chemotherapy is to reduce the number of recurrences and to increase the number of women who are cured after a diagnosis of breast cancer. Research has shown that both premenopausal and postmenopausal women benefit from chemotherapy, and that chemotherapy given at the time of diagnosis can significantly reduce the risk of the cancer recurring.

Britchick,

I am so very thankful for the many people who work at the medical centers. I have had great care at moffitt, which is of course a medical center.

MOC - can you edit your post above to say 'Susan' not 'Susie' - I'm not her and she's not me and I agree with you all as you know. BTW - I realise it's a typo but I don't want to be thought to be anti conventional at all.

Apple - why the reference to Australian hours? The way I see it, is some people seem to have nothing better to do in the early hours of the morning over there.

Sue

p.s susieq, there is another person posting as susieq with slightly different numbers after the name, she just posted on the stage IV forum, maybe that is why there is some confusion?...

to others:  to spend time watching who's checked in/out??? boy, i wish thats all i had to worry about each day

no, i dont think so ann, apple has refered to an australian in the complaints forum..it is bordering on paranoia around here, everyone checking everyone out...it is THAT which is weird and stressful to see every day....it freaks me out. reading everyone's 'suspicions'..im so sorry leia, that your OPINION and thoughts have been overshadowed by yet another bombardment.

Thanks that's life I might change my name again and become my own sockpuppet

I've only come across one very nasty aussie on here

Sue

I was sure that Apple's comment about Australian hours referred to the hours that the Australian moderators would be monitoring that Piano forum while Apple and the other American moderators are sleeping. 

It seems like people need to take a couple of deep breaths. 

Believe it or not, even on a thread as contentious as this one has been, not everything is a personal attack. 

Luan hasn't come back yet with news of her onc appointment today.  Please let us know if you are OK Luan.  It must be evening there and I'm stressing about your results.

Luan, Let us know how it went.

Apple - I just wondered about your reference to Australian time - no one is having a go at you at all.

Sorry, maybe I took it wrong also...

To add to my previous comment about people who have nothing better to do in the early hours of the morning - I was referring to the ones who seem to spend a lot of time finding pictures to post ad infinitum on here.

apple, as a music minor I totally understand what you are saying. There is no reason to apologise.  Please don't just just go to the stage 4 forum. you have so much to share.

Rainbow Pony, this forum is for BC support over and above anything else.  I don't think our concern for Apple and Luan deserves to have a massive comic stuck in the middle. It's so disturbing.  I'm worried sick about Luan.  Have a heart.