CARING.......SHARING.......HOPING.......HEALING.......HELPING......COPING.......HUMORing

CONVERSATIONS!

The International Newsletter for Those Fighting Ovarian Cancer

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Volume 18: Number 9-10 ISSN: 1533-1334 September-October 2010 Editor: Donald J. Melancon Co-Editor: Angel M. Melancon Founder: Cindy Melancon (deceased)

P. O. Box 7948, Amarillo, TX 79114-7948 Phone: 210-401-1604 Fax: 210-247-6169 E-mail: OVCANEWS@AOL.COM Web site: http://www.ovarian-news.org CELEBRATING LIFE TODAY! Published by CONVERSATIONS: The Ovarian Cancer Connection, a 501-(C)-3 not for Profit Corporation© Copyrighted. Permission is granted to make personal copies or copies for free distribution to cancer fighters. News and Idea Contributors: The Readers Subscription $60 per year Checks, Visa, Master Card and American Express credit cards accepted for donations. To cancel your subscription, notify us as soon as possible as there is no definite ending time period._________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: The information contained in this newsletter should NOT be considered a substitute for the opinion of a qualified health care provider.

This newsletter does NOT recommend or guarantee any product mentioned. Products or sources are cited only to assist readers in obtaining further information and making their own health care decisions.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ DON’S NOTES: This issue is a combined September/October issue to save money. We can only afford to work the office part-time and due to the economy our donations are not meeting our expenses. Once again, in this issue I am printing the contact information label. Please note the label on your newsletter. On the first line above your name you will find your ID number and the Last Contact Date. This date represents the date of the last contact you had with us at CONVERSATIONS. If the date is longer than 12 months this is your last issue of the newsletter you receive until you contact us again. Although there is NO DEFINITE subscription period, you must contact us on a regular basis at least one time each twelve (12) months. This contact may be by phone, email, fax or a letter saying that you wish to continue receiving the CONVERSATIONS newsletter. Anytime you send a donation to us also extends the date by one year. There are now two label types; individuals, or company: examples of both are below. ID#: 12345 Last Contact Date: 09/01/2009 ID#: 12345 Last Contact Date: 09/01/2009 Donald Melancon Donald Melancon PO Box 7948 CONVERSATIONS Amarillo, TX 79114-7948 PO Box 7948 Amarillo, TX 79114-7948 Just add 1 to the year and if the resulting date has already passed, it is time to contact us again in order to continue receiving CONVERSATIONS. We do not ever delete you. We just suspend sending the newsletter until you contact us so we know that you still find the newsletter useful and wish to continue getting it. This new method will help save the postage cost of sending out reminders. If you fail to receive an issue just look at the label of the last issue you received, compute the date and contact us in one of the methods mentioned above. The December long term survivor’s issue is rapidly approaching, so if you are a 5 or more year survivor, make sure you send in your story and a picture. These issues are a favorite among the readers and one we love to do. We need the information by the end of October. Please send by e-mail if possible because it reduces the time in entering the data and the typing mistakes created by me (Don) I know it seems like we just went through this, but, since these issues (July and December) are so important to all of us, we want to be able to include as many stories as possible.

Highlights of SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2010 Page Don’s Notes: 1 What you missed at the OCNA conference 2 Teal Town 2 Richmond, VA-GCF Survivor Course 3 Madison, WI -GCF Survivor Course 4 Survivors Anniversaries for September 5 Survivors Anniversaries for October 6 Schedule of Events 7 What the Stages of Ovarian Cancer Mean 8

Patient Resource Cancer Guides 8 Do not Lose Hope 9 Los Angeles, CA- GCF Survivor Course 10 Letter from OCNA and Susan G Komen 11

Diane Blankenstein & Capital Hill 11 GRAND FINALE 12

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 2

Here is what you missed at the 13th Annual Power is TEAL Ovarian Cancer National Alliance Conference There was a record attendance this year's Conference. Leading authorities in ovarian cancer research provided insight into the progress being made in early detection and treatment of the disease, including Dr. Robert Coleman of MD Anderson Cancer Center; Dr. Michael Seiden, President and CEO of Fox Chase Cancer Center; Dr. Barbara Goff of the University of Washington, School of Medicine; Dr. George Coukos of the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Dr. Deborah Armstrong of Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. In case you missed this year's Conference or just need a refresher, OCNA has provided you with educational materials for you to print and disseminate in your community. You can also find video clips and pictures from the Conference by visiting www.ovariancancer.org/conference/2010. Materials include:

• Presentations by leading medical authorities on ovarian cancer • Slides from break-out sessions, including "Obtaining Government Benefits", "Imaging Updates", Long

Term Survivorship", "Genetics" and "Health Disparities" • BEAT Campaign Flyer • Symptom Diary and Practice Guidance

Special thanks to all our Conference Sponsors. Without their support, this event could not be possible. Thank you!! And don't forget to mark your calendar for next year! The 14th Annual Conference will be held July 9-12, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺ Friday, September 3rd is the fifth annual "NATIONAL TURN THE TOWN TEAL". As an ovarian cancer survivor, we are asking you to WEAR TEAL to help raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms and to share this information with your family and friends. Ovarian cancer groups across the country will spread the message about wearing teal by sending e-mails to family and friends. TEAL is the ovarian/gynecologic cancer and community's color and a reminder that ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all the cancers of the reproductive system and a leading cause of cancer death among women. FACTS

• A Pap smear does NOT test for ovarian cancer. • Ovarian cancer occurs in 1 in 71 women, at ANY age. • Most women are diagnosed when the chance of survival for 5 years is about 30%. Early detection can

improve survival rate to 93%. • Symptoms are subtle, persistent, and usually increase over time.

SYMPTOMS • Bloating • Pelvic or abdominal pain • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly • Urinary symptoms (urgency or frequency) • Several other symptoms may include: fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation

and menstrual irregularities. TAKE ACTION See your doctor, preferably a gynecologist, if these symptoms are unusual for you and occur almost daily for more than a few weeks. Experts suggest a combination pelvic/rectal exam, a transvaginal sonogram, and a CA125 blood test. If ovarian cancer is suspected, medical experts suggest seeking a second opinion with a gynecologic oncologist before surgery is performed. I hope you will join the TEAL TEAM by passing this message on so all the women of the world we can be informed! Thank you for helping to SAVE WOMEN'S LIVES!

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 3

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 4

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 5

CONVERSATIONS! Newsletter Subscribers Diagnosed during the Month of SEPTEMBER SURVIVOR ANNIVERSARIES FOR 2010 1989: 21 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ada, NY Susan Tyrrell, AR 1990: 20 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jere Masumoto, HI 1992: 18 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Linda Smith, OH 1993: 17 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jeanne Karabin, IL 1994: 16 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rosalie Burkart, IL 1995: 15 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Joyce, KS R, NY 1996: 14 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lois Eicher, CA Phyllis, WA Mary Scroggins, DC 1997: 13 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!! Jane Dressler, ME Colleen, CA Lila Hanson, WA Donna James, OH Cindi Wagner, MI 1998: 12 Years !!!!!!!!!!!! Judy Callahan, NY Barbara Cherem, MI 1999: 11 Years !!!!!!!!!!! Michele Banker, MA Janet DeBower, NY Cynthia, CA Ursula Hackenberg, CA Jane Levin, MN Bernadette McClain, OH Janice Paulshock, MD Laurel, AZ Leslie Stoller, NY

2000: 10 Years !!!!!!!!!! Amy Marcus, NY Christine, SC Louise, CA 2001: 9 Years !!!!!!!!! Mary Barron, NM Diane D'Amico, NJ Lillian, IL Eileen Manning Malara, NY Chere, TX 2002: 8 Years !!!!!!!! Gayle, TX Ellena, OH Sue, IL Marie Seward, CA 2003: 7 Years !!!!!!! Dolores, CA Nancy, OH Debbie, IL Kathy Hollett, FL Sarah, CA Nikki Ortis, OR Linda, NY Becky Stockwell, NV Hildegard Vetter, CT 2004: 6 Years !!!!!! Frances, MO Terry, MD Ann, PA Michele Robinson, HI Judith Slames, AZ 2005: 5 Years !!!!! Loretta, CA Rose Semenas, NJ Betty Sinclair, WA

2006: 4 Years !!!! Michele Dudley, DE Eileen Frey, IL Cindy, TX 2007: 3 Years !!! Julie, TX Aileen, PA Nadine, WY 2008: 2 Years !! Geri Fournier, MI 2009: 1 Year ! Jenifer, CA Jo Ann Howell, AZ

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 6

CONVERSATIONS! Newsletter Subscribers Diagnosed during the Month of OCTOBER SURVIVOR ANNIVERSARIES FOR 2010 1971: 39 Years Betty Reiser, NY 1989: 21 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Florence Juhn, OH 1993: 17 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Marilyn De Fore, TX 1994: 16 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Janet Ruggles, MI 1995: 15 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Kathy Baierl, WI Charlotte Naschinski, MD Karen Sylvester, WI 1996: 14 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lois Densky-Wolff, NJ Mary Malmborg, FL Mary Markey, MD Betty, DE Vida, CA Marcia, MA 1997: 13 Years !!!!!!!!!!!!! Sherry, CA Elizabeth Burroughs, Canada Lucia, IL Phyllis Gallo, OH Rita Ganther, NY Norma Hornick, PA Robin Kantner, OH Connie Lechtenberg, KS Joanne, CA Robin Maupin, CA Susie Vancura, RI Donna IL

1998: 12 Years !!!!!!!!!!!! Freddie, KY Maria Ciesla, IL Gayle Clark, PA Betsy, GA Cindy, IN 1999: 11 Years !!!!!!!!!!! Alice Aguilar, CA Mary Barnes, CA Daisy, FL Bette & Ed Ghidotti, OH Mimi, GA Mary Van Lierop, WA 2000: 10 Years !!!!!!!!!! Ruth, MI Kay Knodel, TX Paula Kruse, IN 2001: 9 Years !!!!!!!!! Sandra, FL Debra, CA Suzanne, MD 2002: 8 Years !!!!!!!! Jeanette Alexander, PA Joe & Joan Barton, GA Mary Ann Booth, LA Ginny, MD Mary, NY Gwen, AL Becky, SC Madlen Selian, Australia Inge Stafford, NJ 2003: 7 Years !!!!!!! Kathy Bertrand, Canada Brenda, CA Margaret, CA Sandra Smith, MI Beverly, MI

2004: 6 Years !!!!!! Catherine Doig, MT Michele Fank, IA Jean Jones, LA Maria Krone, NJ Patricia Reynolds Caouette, Joyce Schauer, IL 2005: 5 Years !!!!! Elaine CO Nancy CA Carolyn Webb, CA 2006: 4 Years !!!! Marlene Cornell, PA Eleanor Cowan, MO Susan, NJ Andrea McIntosh, OH Barbara Pape, KS Treva Robertson, TN 2007: 3 Years !!! Debra Smith, MN 2008: 2 Years !! Kuuipo Chai, HI Barbara, CA Rosanne, CO Lynn Panci, WI Lori Stein, FL

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 7

Schedule of Events...and Opportunities...for Ovarian Cancer Activists !!! *To have your group’s activities listed in the newsletter or on the CONVERSATIONS! web site http://www.ovarian-news.org, please call 210-401-1604, fax 210-247-6169, or e-mail ovcanews@aol.com at least 4-8 weeks in advance.

Special note: If anyone would like to summarize what they learned at a program or during a telephone conference, your help would be greatly appreciated. However, to avoid duplication, please contact the office as listed above.

*The following events are also listed in the “ Events & Opportunities” section of our CONVERSATIONS! Web site.* *Please check for accuracy. *

*The sponsors of the following events would be most grateful for sponsorship, team building, volunteers, and support! * SEPTEMBER 2010

11, Orlando, FL, "Women in the Know" Women's Health Symposium 2010. Join the Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida in conjunction with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando, a part of Orlando Health, on September 11, 2010 for "Women in the Know" Women's Health Symposium 2010. This free half-day educational event will be held at Harry P. Leu Gardens from 9:30 AM-Noon and includes lunch. Drs.Veronica Schimp DO, Jessica Vaught MD, and Christopher Bryant MD will be presenting programs regarding women's gynecologic health and well-being. Reservations are required. For more information or to register, go to http://www.orlandohealth.com or call 321.8Health 321.843.2584 . 11, Richmond, VA GCF Ovarian Cancer Survivor Course. FREE courses for all cancer survivors, friends, family members and others who are interested in hearing from the leading experts in ovarian cancer research. Saturday, September 11, 2010, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Pre-Registration is required. Please visit www.wcn.org to register today or call 312-578-1439 12, Boston, MA 12th Annual 5K Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Inc. - MA Chapter, Sunday, September 12, 2010 Schedule Registration begins 9:00 AM, Memorial Garden - 9:30 AM, Survivor's photo – 9:45 AM, Run/Walk starts 10:00 AM, Marine Park, Day Blvd., South Boston, Contact: ma.nocc@ovarian.org or call 781-643-9800 or MAChapter page at www.ovarian.org, $20 in advance, $25 day of run/walk,--Barbara O'Brien President - Massachusetts Chapter, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Inc., 347 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA 02474, Phone 781-643-9800, Fax 781-646-4015, email ma.nocc@ovarian.org Web www.ovarian.org Help Break the Silence...Talk About Ovarian Cancer 19, Daytona, FL, Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Florida's Seventh Annual Golf Tournament. We are back at the LPGA Legends course in Daytona. The tournament will be held on September 19, 2010. Shotgun start is at 9:00 AM. The format is a modified scramble for the front nine and two best balls with handicap for the back nine. Entry for individual golfers is $125 and includes continental breakfast, greens fees, cart usage, practice balls, awards lunch, goody bag, giveaways and lots of fun! Bring a foursome or let us place you with a team. Sponsorships start at $150 for a hole sponsor and increase to $2,000 for Presenting Sponsor. Call for information on sponsorships, or for the form to become a sponsor. If you have any questions or need more information contact OCAF at ocaf@ocaf.org or 407.339.0024. 25, Dallas Ft Worth, TX The DFW NOCC Chapter’s 10th annual Run/Walk to Break the Silence on Ovarian Cancer will be held at the Baylor Regional Medical Center at Grapevine on Sat 9/25/2010 at 8am. We will have Survivor Recognition, Kids Corner, Raffle, Balloon Release, Food, Beverages, Entertainment, and Fun!!!, All paid participants will receive a Free T-SHIRT and be eligible for the raffle!! For more information please call the DFW Chapter at 214.273.4208, or send an email to noccdfw@ovarian.org or www.ovarian.org 25, Madison, WI GCF Ovarian Cancer Survivor Course. FREE courses for all cancer survivors, friends, family members and others who are interested in hearing from the leading experts in ovarian cancer research. Saturday, September 25, 2010, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Pre-Registration is required. Please visit www.wcn.org to register today or call 312-578-1439

OCTOBER 2010 30, Los Angeles, CA GCF Ovarian Cancer Survivor Course. FREE courses for all cancer survivors, friends, family members and others who are interested in hearing from the leading experts in ovarian cancer research. Saturday, October 30, 2010, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Pre-Registration is required. Please visit www.wcn.org to register today or call 312-578-1439

NOVEMBER 2010 5, Washington, DC GCF Ovarian Cancer Survivor Course. FREE courses for all cancer survivors, friends, family members and others who are interested in hearing from the leading experts in ovarian cancer research. Saturday, November 5, 2010, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Pre-Registration is required. Please visit www.wcn.org to register today or call 312-578-1439 20, Chicago, IL GCF Ovarian Cancer Survivor Course. FREE courses for all cancer survivors, friends, family members and others who are interested in hearing from the leading experts in ovarian cancer research. Saturday, November 20, 2010, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Pre-Registration is required. Please visit www.wcn.org to register today or call 312-578-1439

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 8

What the Stages of Ovarian Cancer Mean • Stage I: Cancer is found in one or both ovaries and is contained there. • Stage IA: A cancerous tumor or tumors have developed in one ovary, confined to the inside of the

ovary. No cancer exists on the outer surface of the ovary. Laboratory tests of washings from the abdomen and pelvis do not identify any cancer cells.

• Stage IB: Cancer has developed within both ovaries but not on the outer surfaces. Laboratory tests of washings from the abdomen and pelvis do not identify any cancer cells.

• Stage IC: Cancer is present in one or both ovaries and on the outer surface of at least one of the ovaries. In the case of cystic tumors (fluid-filled tumors), the outer wall of the tumor has ruptured. Laboratory tests of fluid or washings from the abdomen and pelvis identify cancer cells.

• Stage II: Cancer is in one or both ovaries and involves other organs within the pelvis, such as the fallopian tubes, uterus, bladder, the colon or the rectum.

• Stage IIA: Cancer has spread to the fallopian tubes or uterus or both. Laboratory tests of washings from the abdomen do not identify any cancer cells.

• Stage IIB: Cancer has spread to other nearby pelvic organs, such as the bladder, the rectum or colon. Laboratory tests of washings from the abdomen do not identify any cancer cells.

• Stage IIC: Cancer has spread to pelvic organs as described in stages IIA or IIB and laboratory tests of the washings from the abdomen identify cancer cells.

• Stage III: Cancer involves one or both ovaries and has spread beyond the pelvis to the lining of the abdomen or to lymph nodes or to both the lining of the abdomen and lymph nodes.

• Stage IIIA: Cancer is visible in the ovary or ovaries but not in the abdomen and has not spread to lymph nodes. However, biopsy tissue examined under a microscope shows tiny deposits of cancer in the lining of the upper abdomen.

• Stage IIIB: Cancer is visible in one or both ovaries and deposits of cancer are large enough to be seen (but smaller than 3/4 inch in diameter) in the abdomen. Cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.

• Stage IIIC: Cancer is visible in one or both ovaries and has spread to lymph nodes and/or deposits of cancer larger than about 3/4 inch in diameter can be seen in the abdomen.

• Stage IV: This stage represents the most advanced form of ovarian cancer. Cancer has spread to the lungs, inside the liver or to other organs outside of the abdominal cavity. Ovarian cancer cells found in the fluid surrounding the lungs also indicate stage IV disease.

• Recurrent ovarian cancer: Cancer went into remission with treatment but returned. Source: American Cancer Society, “How Is Ovarian Cancer Staged?” Available online at www.cancer.org. For More Information • American Cancer Society: www.cancer.org • ASCO’s patient Web site: www.cancer.net • Gynecologic Cancer Foundation: www.thegcf.org • National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov • Society of Gynecologic Oncologists: www.sgo.org

Patient Resource Cancer Guides

•

••

P

Here you will find trusted patient education publications that are comprehensive and nationally distributed cancer resources in the United States. They distribute, free of charge, more than 500,000 copies of their guides annually, primarily through physician offices, cancer treatment facilities and patient advocacy organizations. Combined with another website http://www.mycanceradvisor.com, they have created a powerful portal of web information to empower your fight against cancer.

On this site, you will find patient focused information with many encouraging stories of survival. Be sure to review them as you progress on your journey.

This is a place where you will find a comprehensive list of cancer treatment facilities in the United States. This site is also a portal for access to accurate and complete information on the internet – we have

researched and vetted thousands of sites to ensure that the information you link to from this site is credible. lease visit their web site http://www.patientresource.net for more information

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 9

DO NOT LOSE HOPE IN DEALING WITH CANCER AND YOUR FEARS

By: Stanley Popovich When your fears and cancer have the best of you, it is easy to feel that things will not get any better. This is not true. There is much help available in today’s society and the best way to deal with your fears and your cancer is to find effective ways to overcome them. As a result, here are some techniques a person can use to help manage their fears. You never know when the answers you are looking for will come to your doorstep. Even if the thing that you feared does happen, there are circumstances and factors that you can’t predict which can be used to your advantage. These factors can change everything. Remember: we may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference. Challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When you encounter thoughts that make you feel fearful or depressed, challenge those thoughts, by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense. For example, you are afraid that if you do not get that job promotion then you will be stuck at your job forever. This depresses you. However your thinking in this situation is unrealistic. The fact of the matter is that there all are kinds of jobs available and just because you don’t get this job promotion doesn’t mean that you will never get one. In addition, people change jobs all the time, and you always have that option of going elsewhere if you are unhappy at your present location. Some people get depressed and have a difficult time getting out of bed in the mornings. When this happens, a person should take a deep breath and try to find something to do to get their mind off of the problem. A person could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give them a fresh perspective on things. Doing something will get your mind off of the problem and give you confidence to do other things. Be smart in how you deal with your fears and anxieties. Do not try to tackle everything all at once. When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you with a lot of anxiety, break the task into a series of smaller steps. Completing these smaller tasks one at a time will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success. Take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights on how to deal with your current problem. By talking to a professional, a person will be helping themselves in the long run because they will become better able to deal with their problems in the future. Managing your fears and anxieties takes practice. The more you practice, the better you will become. BIOGRAPHY: Stan Popovich is the author of "A Layman's Guide to Managing Fear Using Psychology, Christianity and Non Resistant Methods" - an easy to read book that presents a general overview of techniques that are effective in managing persistent fears and anxieties. For additional information go to: http://www.managingfear.com This is the fourth in a series by Stanley Popovich and if you liked the articles, please send us an email so that we can contact Stan and ask for more. ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 10

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 11

August 12, 2010

TFA IKbc OMcAc "Kab MKso Tthf CFI MNctogthI dssTGthNSy

OVARIAN CANCER NATIONAL ALLIANCE AND SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE(R) APPEAL TO FDA AND KEY

LAWMAKERS ON AVASTIN ISSUE

he Ovarian Cancer National Alliance (OCNA) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R) today urged the U.S. ood and Drug Administration to continue to allow the use of the drug bevacizumab, commonly known as vastin, for metastatic breast cancer patients, noting that it is effective for many individuals.

n a joint letter sent to the FDA and key Congressional lawmakers Thursday, August 12, 2010, OCNA and omen for the Cure wrote "we are particularly concerned about patients who are presently receiving evacizumab and the message that this decision sends about drug development for women with advanced breast ancer."

CNA is concerned that an FDA label change will further restrict access to Avastin for ovarian cancer patients. any women with ovarian cancer are receiving and benefitting from Avastin, although its use for ovarian

ancer is "off label." These women face another worry: Medicare has already rejected some requests for vastin, one of the world's most expensive but widely used cancer drugs. OCNA argues that Medicare and its

ontractors should pay for anti-cancer drugs that are listed on the approved compendia for Avastin.

There is a fundamental fairness problem when the law is not being enforced equally," says Karen Orloff aplan, CEO of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. "Medicare is obliged to pay for the costs of off label

nti-cancer drugs listed on the approved compendia. We are concerned that a label change may create another arrier for treatment."

any doctors report patients taking Avastin enjoy "better than modest results" according to the joint OCNA-omen letter to the FDA. In addition, a large scale Phase III trial showed an increase in progression free

urvival in women who used Avastin in combination with chemotherapy and as maintenance therapy for varian cancer.

he decision to use Avastin should be made between a woman and her doctor after a thoughtful conversation at carefully considers its benefits and risks. OCNA believes that women who have the potential to benefit

rom this drug should have access to it.

ONVERSATIONS! The International Ovarian Cancer Connection endorses this completely rom Diane Blankenstein of Ft Worth TX

Diane and Congressman Louie Gohmert

took a picture of me with the door sign at each office of the Texas embers of Congress on Advocacy Day at the Ovarian Cancer ational Alliance Annual Conference so when I write them back they

an remember who I was. I made it to all 34 offices by 5:30 pm. I got talk to 15 of the Health LAs & left info for the rest. My husband

ot a call that night here at home thanking me for stopping by one of e offices. See picture of me with Congressman Louie Gohmert. walked out of his office & he & another guy were standing by the oor, so I asked if one of them would take my picture by the office ign on the wall. They other guy said OK & Congressman Gohmert - aid - how about if I get in the picture with you. Of course I said sure. hey asked where I was from and they responded by telling me Kay ranger was a good congresswoman - & asked what I was doing on e hill. We then discussed Ovarian Cancer and Advocacy Day OTE from Don: Diane is a real trooper. She will visit the offices of every Member of Congress and both enators from Texas. I did the Capital Hill Advocacy Day with Diane the last two years but could not go this ear.

CONVERSATIONS! September-October 2010 Page: 12

FIRST CLASS MAIL

FIRST CLASS MAIL GRAND FINALE

Here it is birthday time again! It is almost Halloween! The very first issue of this newsletter was mailed on October 31st, 1993 to the only 10 women Cindy knew who were also fighting ovarian cancer. The newsletter was launched with no name, no money, no experience, and no equipment. On the plus side was a driving need to connect with others who were fighting the same cancer. In addition, then as now, each issue is always written with a prayer in our heart for all of those diagnosed, their family, their friends, their caregivers, and their health care professionals, who are fighting ovarian cancer. And each month it is always mailed “on a wing and a prayer”.

Seventeen years and over 210 issues later, we are over 2400 strong in all 50 states and about 25 other countries. This all happened because one person told another who told another. The network actually touches far more because there are numerous groups represented by only one person who is free to make as many copies as she/he wishes.

Through your letters, e- mails, and phone calls, we are constantly reminded that you no longer feel so alone in your fight...thus you feel more hopeful. That was, and still remains, Cindy’s sole purpose in starting, and Angel and my continuing the newsletter. However, despite our dedication to this effort, it is your donations of money and your contributions of news, ideas, and tips which make this newsletter unique in the world of cancer support. Although we are sure most of us never fully know, the tip which you offer may make a vital difference in another=s life. To mimic the telephone commercial, we AReach out and touch someone@...so we want to Thank You Again !!!

THERE IS GREAT POWER IN WORKING TOGETHER

CONVERSATIONS! P.O. BOX 7948 AMARILLO, TX 79114-7948

Happy Birthday to

CONVERSATIONS