1. I just read your blog out loud to my wifw who is in her hospital bed recovering from her second-look surgery two days ago. We both cried tears of joy over your words. You nailed it baby! We both have learned so much since she was diagnosed six months ago and it has been a wonderful awakening despite the pain of the disease. God bless you for the inspiration and encouragement you offer us with your writing.

Posted at 5:00PM on Jan 21st 2007 by john burke

2. I just completed my last cycle of chemo after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer stage 1C. Cancer and chemo DO INDEED change your perspective on life. I discovered that I am stronger than I ever expected. There are some things in life that you do not want to repeat . . . nor do you want to delete them. This whole experience, as traumatic, dramatic and humiliting at times, has been wonderful too. I would not change this experience for anything. I now God, friends and family in such a different way and am so grateful for every day, opportunity and person that crosses my path. I truly believe that my life after cancer will be better than ever. I understand now that prayers can actually be phsyically felt, and there is peace that passes my own understanding, and most imporantly the joy of the Lord IS my strength.

Posted at 6:30PM on Jan 23rd 2007 by Lisa Lyons

3. I liked the post until she stated:
"Remember me, cancer? My friends kicked your butt with prayer."

If she means this figuratively,O.K.

Literally? There is no evidence for this and for those believers whose cancer continues to grow, you should know that it has nothing to do with your lack of belief or the intensity of the prayer.

Posted at 8:39AM on Jan 24th 2007 by hchcec

4. Researchers at the University of Iowa City found a link between psychosocial factors and immune function in cells isolated from human tumors. They noted that ovarian cancer patients with greater social support (which can include prayer) have stronger natural killer (NK) cell activity in tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) cells, as well as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

To examine the effects of stress on tumor environment, they compared NK cell cytotoxicity (NKCC) in peripheral blood, tumor infitrating lymphocyte (TIL) cells, and ascites in ovarian cancer patients. Peripheral blood was taken before surgery, while TIL and ascites were collected during surgery. In the peripheral blood, the researchers found the NKCC was lower in the cancer patients than in women with benign masses. The ovarian cancer patients had lower NKCC activity in TIL, compared to PBMC (which are critical components of the defense mechanism against infection), and ascites.

After adjustment for cancer stage, stronger social support was related to higher NKCC in TIL and PBMC, while higher distress was tied to lower NKCC in TIL. Psychosocial factors were most strongely tied to NKCC in TIL, and suggests that psychosocial factors may contribute to the robustness of the immune system in tumor environment.

Social support may play a protective role and may be an independent marker of health-related quality of life among cancer patients. Behavioral factors may contribute to disease outcomes.

J Clin Oncol 2005;23:7105-7113

Posted at 2:03PM on Jan 24th 2007 by Gregory D. Pawelski

5. This study the from the above commenter looked at a group of women at one point in time, so it cannot say whether women with social support had different outcomes, such as an increased survival rate, over women who felt less social support. In addition, it did not look at whether increased social support actually caused the levels of Il-6 to decrease.

In addition, it may well be that sicker patients have less social support for they have less energy to spend time getting support. Therefore, this study, looking at only cells, may have it backwards. The sicker you are, the less social support you perceive you receive or you may, in act, actually receive.

It also does not address prayer by itself or the idea that "prayer kicks cancer's butt."

Posted at 4:44PM on Jan 24th 2007 by hchcec

6. When I was told I had stage 3c ovarian cancer my world stopped. Without the love of my wonderful husband, family and friends I would not be here to write this today. After 12 months of port site chemo I was given a "second look" not clear yet,they told us. Then we did IP for six rounds.
today I'm a healthy 58 year old loving life and family. I look forward to everyday and enjoy hepling other women through this difficult time.
By the way it's been 16 years that I'm a OVCA surivior.
Take care and be happy!
Sylvia Whitson

Posted at 3:51PM on May 30th 2007 by sylvia whitson

7. 5 months into treatment for ovarian cancer..my ca125 doing well/bald as a bean..but managing..i live in a cold climate so i have to wear my wig under a hat ,,but at other times just hats and scarves since i hate ''wiggy''.im very optimistic and feel very strong inspite of the chemo..
good luck to all under treatment and survivors.

Posted at 12:07PM on Mar 10th 2007 by annette greif