Comments for

Comment on Selecting the Legislative and Public Policy Priorities for NBCC by DR. WILMA JOHNSON

DR. WILMA JOHNSON — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:41:17 +0000

I am in cancer treatment, but I would like to become more involved in awareness and prevention projects, especially in the African American community.

Comment on Selecting the Legislative and Public Policy Priorities for NBCC by Teri Fuller

Teri Fuller — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:22:49 +0000

You are a great leader and spokesperson for NBCC’s mission. Thanks for all of the work you do, Chris!

Comment on Random Acts of Science and Business: Reflections on the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium by Susan Zager

Susan Zager — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 17:56:46 +0000

Thank you for this well thought out reflection of SABCS. You explained as educated advocates (thanks to the National Breast Cancer Coalition for teaching us at Project LEAD) we need to see studies focused on less toxicities for early stage breast cancer chemo regimens, new approaches to metastatic breast cancer , and preventing the disease in the first place. We also need much more research on metastatic breast cancer so that we can prevent one death every 14 minutes making a total of over 40,000 deaths per year from MBC in the United States alone. I appreciate the way you brought out the weaknesses of the ATLAS trial. It was very discouraging to see the press report on the ATLAS trial as though it was a huge breakthrough, when we know how much the press gets it wrong.

Comment on Random Acts of Science and Business: Reflections on the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium by Neneri

Neneri — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 02:04:27 +0000

I was surprised by your comment that “associations between genomic profiles and various factors of the disease or treatments”… “is elegant science, which leads to papers and new lines of laboratory research for next year”, but…….didn’t show “much evidence that this work was leading to benefits for women”. The complexity of an individual’s genetics (which we’ve only recently been able to see using genomic sequencing), and it’s interaction with environmental factors makes cancer inherently diverse and complicated. Add the heterogeniety of tumors (different genetics in multiple populations with a single tumor) and you find the reason there is no magic bullet for a cure. Genomics is in it’s infancy but it’s going to solve a lot of the issues facing breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. This won’t happen overnight and it requires a multifaceted approach AND significant federal funding support. Your notion that advocates must ” right this ship, getting researchers to focus on the appropriate questions that will lead to meaningful progress and lower toxicities” suggests advocates know more about the scientific process than the scientists. As a 20 year veteran cancer researcher AND breast cancer survivor, I think an advocate’s role is not to TELL researchers what to work on but to work with them to inform them of what they experience so that they may include this information in their quest for biological answers. I do agree with you that there needs to be more research in prevention because given breast cancer’s heterogeneity, at the time of diagnosis the horse is already out of the barn.

Comment on Making Advocacy Opportunities Happen by Susan Zager

Susan Zager — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 20:20:28 +0000

I am sure you had quite an impact as a speaker at the ASCO 2012 meeting. I am so lucky that you led my group at the NBCC Project LEAD 2011 which is why I know you are very inspiring as well as a great Mentor. Keep up the great work Beverly and thank you for this wonderful post!

Comment on Math Problem by Hollye Jacobs, The Silver Pen

Hollye Jacobs, The Silver Pen — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 17:21:52 +0000

This is a wonderful article, Lissa. Very funny. Look forward to advocating with you in California!
I agree with Jody: We.Can.Do.This.
Best wishes,
Hollye

Comment on Math Problem by Marvin and Carolyn Levin

Marvin and Carolyn Levin — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 23:13:37 +0000

Lissa,
Thank you for forwarding your article and beautiful picture.
Was great to read your thoughts about Project LEAD!!!!!
We love you!!!!!!!!!
Dad and Carolyn

Comment on Math Problem by Logan

Logan — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 16:52:49 +0000

You inspire me with your accomplishments, your humor, your writing, and now your understanding of genetics. I am so proud of all you have done and all you will do. And, as always, the coffee you made this morning was excellent.

Comment on Math Problem by Nancy's Point

Nancy's Point — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 15:48:53 +0000

Lissa,

It sounds like you soaked up lots of info! Thanks for being there. And now since the train has left the station I say, “full steam ahead!”

Comment on Math Problem by Jody Schoger

Jody Schoger — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:26:57 +0000

Thanks so much for this, Lissa. It was fabulous to meet and study with you at ProjectLead.

Now that we’ve done the math? There’s no place to go but forward with strength, intelligence, and determination. The path is clear. We can do this.

Jody