How a survivor of cancer values extra months of life

Regarding “Setting a price for putting off death” (March 18):

Your article asks whether we can put a price tag on the value of a few months to live. Times writer Daniel Costello raises a profound question, one I have pondered many times since my diagnosis in May 2005 with metastatic colon cancer (Stage 4).

The article points out that this year cancer drugs are expected to account for nearly 22% of the nation’s drug bill, up from 13% in 2002.

How can our society continue to afford the bills for chemotherapy that, in my case, run as much as $22,000 for a single session that must be repeated every three weeks?

If this will buy me only months to live, is it worth it to me and to society? My answer is yes, it is worth it, and our nation must pull together to support more cancer research and finally find a cure.

I was dying in May 2005 when diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer. With surgery and chemotherapy, my brilliant physicians brought me to my feet again.

Twenty-two months later, I am now able to raise my two children, who were only 10 and 11 years old when I was diagnosed. Their lives were shattered and thrown into chaos, and our family continues today to struggle with the psychological scars it has left in their lives.

Thanks to chemotherapy, I am here to guide them through their pain and prepare them for what may ultimately be the too-early loss of their mother. Because I am still here to nurture them, they have a chance to mature into sensitive, caring human beings who will contribute in a positive way to our world.

The value of the last 22 months of my life is immeasurable to me, to them and to our society.

For the second year in a row, the proposed federal budget has cut funding for cancer research. Rather than worry about the rising cost of helping those with cancer, we need to have our legislators properly fund the war on cancer and end it for good.

Patricia Beaman Doroshow

Calabasas

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I am so angry I’m shaking. Research? Market value? Not to mention advertising on television, newspapers and magazines.

And what about all those doctors and staff lunches?

I work with cancer patients and their families daily -- no, we don’t have staff lunches from drug companies.

I would give my time freely if I could.

My heart goes out to the patients and their families. Never give up hope.

Donna-Marie Stenlake

Los Angeles