New Cancer Drugs

Re “Cancer Drugs Face a Long Road From Mice to Men,” May 6: I take exception to the comment by Dr. Philip DiScaia, “They (cancer patients) are desperate to find something that is an easy way out of a difficult situation.” I’m the mother of a very brave young man who has battled Ewing’s sarcoma (a rare bone cancer) through multiple and radical surgeries, various horribly long and toxic chemotherapy treatments, massive radiation sessions and months of hospitalizations, culminating with a stem-cell transplant at City of Hope. Adam began this battle 10 years ago at 15 and he is currently in a difficult remission for his fourth time. During that time, he has never had an easy way or an easy day!

No cancer patient is looking for an easy way out of a difficult situation. Each one is just looking for any way out! Every cancer patient (and believe me, I know and have known quite a few) just wants to find a cure. These patients and their loved ones pray daily for anything that will help put them in a remission toward that cure. Don’t expect cancer patients to be patient when a possible cure is mentioned. They have their patience tested each day, just living through that day.

RUTH CRITES

Twentynine Palms