['lizbeth]

I like that. Many times I felt that I was the enemy in cancer treatment, not the cancer. I had not had much experience with the medical industry before my diagnosis.

I felt more hurt and devastated from the attitudes of my doctors than from the actual diagnosis of breast cancer. I would ask for more information and would be accused of wanting to be my own doctor instead of being an informed and proactive patient.

It did motivate me to want to change cancer treatment. I can not fathom how acceptable chemotherapy is, and the horrible after affects. It also made me realize that I cannot wait for the medical industry to rapidly progress cancer treatments. This change can only come from advancements in science and patients who are willing to voice a demand for change, to volunteer in clinical trials, and to vote with our dollars for the services and treatments that we desire.

It is unfortunate, but I think we have handed our power as patients to our physicians. We should be equal partners in our healing and recovery.

okay . . . stepping off my soap box now . . .