cancer

  I think that the world should take an initial stance of guidance with respect to Iran's nuclear progression. Iran should be allowed to pursue nuclear power, stating that "it needs the technology to generate electricity and produce radioisotopes to treat cancer patients" (Mostaghim & Zavis, 2012, ¶5). However, the "United Nations nuclear inspection agency in November expressed serious concerns about a possible military dimension to the country’s nuclear program" (Mostaghim & Zavis, ¶4). To curb this, I think the United Nations should assign a permanent oversight detail to Iran, ensuring that only peaceful intentions are pursued by Iran. Iran, in my opinion, must also agree to complete transparency, allowing the world to monitor Iran's inclusion into becoming a nuclear power. Continual monitoring of the country would allow the world to monitor Iran's nuclear use and give warning to any military application in real time. Furthermore, knowing Iran's volatile past, a defensive net could be developed that would intercept any missile leaving Iran. While I understand that these measures would be costly to the UN, I believe it in the best interest of the world to encourage peaceful growth while demonstrating a zero tolerance for violence. Thoughts?

Wolf

Mostaghim, R. & Zavis, A. (2012). Iran claims it has a nuclear fuel rod, tests a new missile. Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 01JAN12, from  http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/world/53214243-68/iran-nuclear-iranian-saying.html.csp Read more about Iran's nuclear progression

Dear Mr. President

I was wondering about your HARP program, I live in a doublewide, and they tell me that I do not qualify  with any help on my mortgage. Is this so. I am on disability for cancer, could you please write me and let me know.

Sincerely,

Donna Read more about HARP Mortgage

Dear Mr. Obama, My name is Raul and right now I am asking you for help. I just got news my grandpa has cancer. What really disturbs me is my grandpa lives in Mexico. My uncles only make my grandpa feel worse because they want his house. My family in Mexico is really poor they live day by day. But one of my 4 uncle is trying to pay off one of my uncles.My uncle is is going to get kicked out charges 60,000 pesos to leave but my other uncle can't afford that. I am asking you please to help. Your Friend, Anonymous

July 27, 2011 President Obama, I'm not sure who will read this but any help or even helpful information would be appreciated. My brother is 40 years old and was recently diagnosed with stage IV Saracoma Cancer. This is the type of cancer that attacks the soft tissue in the body. He is the father of four ranging from ages 16 to 1. In December 2004 my brother,an owner operator truck driver, was driving through the state of New Mexico, after picking up a load from a Pepsi distributor, and was stopped by border patrol. The agents removed the seals from the doors, and stated that they found marijuana in the load. He and his now wife, Denise Y Alexander, were arrested on the spot and kept in custody in New Mexico for 10 days. In August 2005, the charges were dismissed. In 2007, my brother was hurt while on the job, hauling parts for Nissan Motor Corp. In October 2008, he had open back surgery where the doctor placed a titanium box in place of his L-4 and L-5 lumbars. At that point, his medical problems began to worsen. Because of an inability to urinate, another urology doctor preformed a number of in office surgeries so that he would be able to pass water normally. While he was dealing with his failing health, in October 2009, the United States Marshals came to our mother's home without any type of warrant, arrested his pregnant wife and my disabled brother, and stated that they would be extradited back to New Mexico to stand trial for the 2004 arrest. They were both detained for 43 days, and my brother was refused medical attention. I personally took his medical records to Florence County Detention Center, in Effingham, South Carolina, and I was told that they would have a nurse look at him and let me know what would be done to care for him. Because I knew what condition he was in, I called the detention center everyday to find out when he would be extradited, but according to the facility they were not sure when that would happen. It cost my family $2,500.00 for and attorney by the name of Bobby Fredrick, to go to court and get them both released. From the detention center, I had to take my brother directly to Carolinas Hospital System where they put a Supapubic catheter in because he was not able to urinate on his own anymore. We later found out through the attorney that he was not sent to New Mexico to stand trial because they did not want to take the risk of moving him in his condition, however they refused to take him to any doctor. Denise, his wife, had to have a surgery where Dr. Phillips, her OBGYN, had to sew her cervix closed to ensure that she did not lose their baby. My brother has been on so many prescribed narcotics and mind altering drugs that he was not fully aware that by entering a plea of guilty that he would have to do time. He had an attorney in New Mexico, Randy Oretga, from Ellis & Ortega Law Firm. He was told by his attorney that he had to "hurry up and take the deal". No one explained to him what pleading guilty meant. They only thing that he was trying to do was have his court case moved to South Carolina, because he was not in any condition to travel. It was not explained to him that he would have to plead guilty in order for that to happen. Their case was moved to South Carolina, and on February 8, 2011, my brother, Terence McFadden and his wife, Denise Y Alexander, were sentenced by Judge Terry L. Wooten to serve 21 months in a federal prison. The judge stated in court that he was not familiar with the case, but since it was in his court that they both needed to be punished. Judge Wooten was told about the present medical condition of both Terence and Denise, and he stated that they were faking, and for all he knew they did it on purpose to keep from going to prison. Stepping back for a minute, Terence and Denise were offered a sentence reduction if they assisted the Federal government with other cases. They complied, and arrests were made with the information that they were given. Nothing happened. They were told by the public defenders that were given to them as representation that if they took the plea agreement they would only receive probation. That didn't happen. Denise had brain surgery shortly after sentencing, she was not released from the care of her doctors when she was ordered to surrender herself in Alderson, WV in June 2011. Judge Terry L Wooten didn't give either of them credit for the 43 days they served in the detention center, for the pre-trial probation that they served, nor for the house arrest monitors that they wore since February 2011. There is so much more that could be included in this letter, so much more to say. Terence found out he has cancer the same day that his wife was told to surrender herself. He is going through kemotherapy and the judge has ordered that he wear the ankle monitoring device anyway. Where can he go? Why is this happening. A crime is a crime, yes we can all agree, but why did so much time pass from 2004, when this really happened, until 2009 when it all resurfaced again? No one will listen, and I truly believe that no one cares. Just two more "black people" off the streets. Help.......is that too much to ask for? Help, from someone, anyone that will. This can't be fair. To punish a man, his wife, their children. The judge didn't even know why they were there. He just said that they deserved to be punished, and that is what he did. Please help.......please......Tanya

Dear Mr. President, "With liberty and justice for all"... I know that is a strange way to begin a letter, but you see, I have a niece that was diagnosed with brain cancer a little over 2 years ago. During that time, her husband had lost his job because of our economy getting worse and was collecting unemployment benefits and she and their children were on "Sooner Care" because at the time of her diagnosis she was 2 months pregnant. The plan was to deliver the baby, let her recuperate then do brain surgery. Well her symptoms got worse and they delivered the baby at 7 months and did brain surgery the same day. It has been a long road. The baby is now a healthy almost-2yr old, for which we count it no less than a miracle. The problem I have is the way the health care system operates. Her care while on the state sponsored health care was great. But, as soon as that newborn reached 6 months of age, sooner care dropped her like a hot potato.. even tho she was going thru recovery and treatment for her cancer. She then had to deal with our Indian health care. (don't get me wrong, i am very thankful we are Indian and have access to this care), but herein lies the problem. She has to get a "referral" for EVERYTHING that is done. And, they do not get in any hurry to process those referrals. It is so frustrating watching her and her family go thru this added stress. Last January, her MRI came back "normal". but a few weeks ago she started having seizures again and we found out that the tumor is back (about the size of a golf ball) and here we have waited on the Dr to snail mail her "prescriptions" for her surgery, recovery time and anything else related to the surgery because apparently the Indian hospital doesn't take faxes. This is the United States, for goodness sake!! Oh, and they have their meetings only on Mondays, to determine what gets approved/disapproved. She has to fill out these papers,take them 25 miles away to the hospital. You know as well as I that she can't drive because of her seizures. The whole family is in on this one. She and her husband have 4 wonderful kids ages 9-2, and it breaks our heart having to see them deal with their mom's illness, let alone the added stress of dealing with the way the health care is handling it. Once a diagnosis is made, ALL care, no matter what it is, should be ok'd until that diagnosis is cleared. Now... here we are waiting on a third party to decide my nieces fate, when her surgeon and health care team already know what needs to be done. This is very frustrating for her and those who love her. There is no excuse for anyone in this United States to not have decent health care. Also, what about those who aren't "lucky" enough to be in the Indian health care system, where do they go??? I will bet that there are plenty of Americans not getting the health care they deserve because of all the hassle involved. That is just not right... "Liberty and justice for all"?? Really?!?

Dear President Obama My life has been consumed with tragedy however I have always stayed strong and believed in education, family, and health. As a 12 yr old child, I had three older siblings and married parents. I went to church every Sunday and attended private schools. I was then blessed with osteogenic sarcoma with a negative % survival rate. I had two years of chemo and lost my left leg. Thank goodness my father had insurance as we were a poor middle class family. Although my prognosis to live was less than a year, I am now 39 and have two beautiful children of my own, a 7 yr old daughter and a 13 yr old son. When the church no longer supported our family after my cancer diagnosis, I have never stepped into a church again; however I do still pray stometimes. I was a rebellious teenager and very angry with God. My parents emancipated me at age sixteen and swore I would be pregnant and drop out of high school but I prooved them wrong. I not only finished high school but also worked full time and put myself through college. At age 26 I was living in Colorado 1100 miles away from my family and pregnant with my son. He was born with a heart condition and has had 4 open heart surgeries since birth and will have more as he grows older. I could not stay home to care for my son as a single mother so I worked for less pay than what I paid his nurse in order to have health insurance for him. For five years, my son's father financially devistated me with the broken family court system. I was still unwilling to give up. I obtained my CPA license and advanced in my career. At age 32, I gave birth to my daughter. My daughter's father was very abusive and I left him at age 36. My daughter's father assaulted myself and injured our daughter a year later on our daughter's 1st day of school. Unfortunately, I was arrested even though I had a restraining order. Our daughter was then sent home with her father. After my charges were dismissed I pushed for a reinvestigation. After two broken teeth and another hospitalization, two month's ago her father finally plead guilty to child abuse, PTO violation, and 2nd degree assault. He is finally in jail but he is on work release and gets full parenting back upon hs release in one yr. Again thousands have been spent in the family court system that has failed us. I was layed off from my job a little over a year ago due to the economy and my abusive ex. I have insurance for my children through the state; however I am uninsurable due to a preexisting condition, I am not old enough(40) to get Medicaid and I have too many assets to collect disability. I have too little assets to pay for insurance premiums. Although I have no job, I am happy that myself and my children are safe and we still have our home. Today at age 39, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I have no way to get insurance nor funding for my treatment. Upon my death, my children will probably end up with their abusive fathers and I will no longer have any assets to leave for my children after paying the medical bills. I have little fight in me now and this country has disappointed me. Insurance, stem cell research, family courts, domestic violence, wars, etc. are out of control and unfortunately, I have had to endure it all before the age of 40. I hope to live to see a positive future for my children. Sincerely, Marianne

Dear President Obama, My son-in-law who is 39 years old, has been fighting stage III melanoma for over 3 years. He owns his own business and is the father of 2 young boys. He has undergone interferon treatments, limp perfusion, and interleukin treatments, all of which did not work. His only option now is a clinical trial which his insurance refuses to cover. I understand in 2014 insurance companies will be required to pay for clinical trails. What is a person to do until then? If he does not do the clinical trial he could die, as melanoma is a very aggressive cancer. He does have some money to cover costs for awhile, but as you well know cancer treatments, scans, blood-work add up very quickly. As much money that has been paid to the insurance companies it is a travesty to have a catastrophic disease and not be denied payment for treatment for a drug which could save your life. There are many cancer patients in my son-in-laws shoes that are not getting the treatment they deserve because of this. Do the insurance companies want another death hanging over their heads simply because they denied coverage? Something must be done about this now! Please do not wait until 2014 for this to pass. Have some compassion as your own mother had cancer. I am also a breast cancer survivor and expect and demand the best available treatments options and I have paid my insurance premiums for years. It is time the insurance companies are held accountable. Sincerely, Deborah Healey

Dear Mr. PresidentFirst I will be honest I am a Republican I did not vote because I had no time due to my Son being a diabetic since he was 13 he is now 29 and in the past 2 years being in intensive care 3 times, he does not have insurance all he he has is the Jackson Memorial card, i am so disappointed that an American Son born to an American Mother has to decide between gas money to go to his appointment or the fact that he is running low on his food stamps or getting enough money to pay his co-pay for his visits to the doctor or his co-pay for his meds. My Mom is dying she has been battling cancer for 2 years now, she left Cuba 50 years ago left her parents and her little brother I have not been able to get all the money together for her burial between helping my son and making sure my Mom has everything she needs only myself and my younger son working at home it's hard. Any way I will leave you with something that I hope puts a smile on your face MY Sons and I think you are the greatest because you play basketball.I hope you read this and if you do Thank you Yolanda

Dear President Obama, My lovely wife died on Nov 12, 2008 (just after your victory) of pancreatic cancer discovered two days after the diagnosis.  As limited and imperfect as the system is the answer is not to have the Government run and ruin it any further.  Historically, big Government has proven time and time again that it cannot compete successfully with the private sector.  It boils down to who owns the tools - people or big Government.  President Lincoln emphasized PEOPLE when he stated, "Government of the PEOPLE, by the PEOPLE, for the PEOPLE...".  I think it was Thomas Jefferson who stated that, "When people fear the Government there's tyranny; When the Government fears the people there's liberty".  I and numerous attorneys agree that my late wife was neglected by the medical community to the point that I agressively acted upon my own plan to get her hospitalized after months of agonizing and relentless pain.  I as her caregiver agonize over her suffering and death every day only to have my agony intensified daily over the liberty being lost to out-of-control Government take-over.  Respectfully, I fear you know this and we the PEOPLE are only seeing the beginning of doom, gloom and despair.  In despair we are looking to a POWER beyond our human limitations for hope.  That POWER is greater than Big Government can ever be.  We're fighting for survival.

Dear Mr. President Obama  

My name is Amanda Collins and I am disgusted with the healthcare situation, my brother Brett had stage 3 cancers and it’s not the fact he didn’t have coverage, but it was a limited policy covering only $3000.00. by Brett being 21, he didn’t know and thought if you have insurance you should be covered, Brett’s first visit to the emergency room exhausted his benefits, leaving him with no insurance, now his treatment has been basically been put on the back burner, he did receive chemo for 5 day a week for 2 months, had tumors removed, but now needs other treatment.  He is on oxygen and has had 4 blot clots in his lungs, he also needs another surgery.  

My problem is why isn’t a person who is diagnosed with cancer given state funded insurance right away?? When we give children who are born in this country illegal insurance, we also give them food stamps?? I feel as though a person with this illness should be given attention as soon as the problem is diagnosed and not put on a waiting list. Some people might not have 90-120 days.  

My mother has been his voice, but what about the people who have no one, no insurance, nothing, who is there voice, my brother is 21, has his whole life on hold, and living in the united states, it makes me sick that he has been a tax payer, working two jobs, and now he cant work, cant get benefits and now has disease that can destroy a persons being.   My brother is my hero, as he has remained in good spirits and takes everyday as another day to get better, hasn’t even said “why me”, he never feels sorry for himself. So you tell me why people who have cancer running through there body and may loose the fight shouldn’t be given state insurance right away, why make getting state insurance another thing to fight for??   My mother has made a box of all the bills that come in on a daily basic, the amount of money that he s owe’s is rediculis, why should he have to worry about this??? I don’t get it. Give me a reason.   

This weekend he was in so much pain and didn’t want to tell anyone cause he knew it would be another visit to the er, which means another bill, my mother made him go, as she saw how much pain he was in, when he got to the er, he was given oxygen, and had ct scans done, which showed that his chest was filled with fluid, the doctors explained it as “he was drowning in his own body”. They had to cut him and drain all the fluid.   My mother sent me a picture of my brother thru the phone and he had a smile and his thumb up. How can anyone deny my brother?   In my eyes he is still a little boy, with his whole life in front of him, he was planning to go to college, now everything has been put on hold just like his medical care.   I wish I could do something instead of writing this letter, but I don’t know what to do, I also have worked my whole life two jobs, one being in the medical field, and I get so mad when I see illegal people who haven’t paid anything in to the system get the benefits that we have worked for what gives them the rights over my brother???   I hope this letter finds someone to help people who need help really get it. The cancer society can only do so much.  I thank the hospital and the doctors that have helped my brother I just wish it could be easier.   If some one could help me or guide me in the right direction to help my brother it would be greatly appreciated.  

Sincerely A sister fighting for her brother Amanda Collins    

Amanda Collins 17699 Thelma Ave Jupiter, FL 33458 561-401-7866 ACOLLINS@SNEEZECENTRAL.COM    

Brett Mccauley 43 Long brook Rd Goffstown, N.H 03045 1-603-703-3037   His voice (my mother) Liz Mccauley 43 Long brook Rd Goffstown, N.H 03045 1-603-703-3675       Read more about Healthcare Struggle with Cancer