Johanna's Law: The Gynecologic Cancer Education & Awareness Act of 2003

A bill has been introduced to Congress by Congressman Sander M. Levin and
Congresswoman Kay Granger to promote education about gynecological cancers.

The bill would authorize a national gynecological cancer early detection and awareness campaign directed at women and their physicians.

For a synopsis of the bill, see http://thegrouproom.com/johanna.htm ;

to send your representatives an email supporting the bill, see http://congress.nw.dc.us/sgo/home/

Education has been a primary concern in the ovarian cancer (which I had in addition to uterine cancer) support group I attend. There is general agreement that if we had been more educated about ovarian cancer, we probably would have been quicker to find the root of the symptoms that we had. Sending an email to your representatives is a good way to express your opinion, and your right as a member of their constituency.

Comments

  • lauralee
    lauralee Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I will definitely support the passage of this law by contacting my congressman. In the meantime, I have just been diagnosed with endometrial (same as uterine?) cancer, and am being scheduled for a complete hysterectomy. Dr. implied that prognosis depends on what is found during surgery, so I don't know how bad it is. Since you have experienced the same thing, I would like to communicate with you in ref. to this.
    Last Tues., upon getting the bad news, I was stunned, then frightened. As the week went on, I had my ups and downs, but have determined that this is probably going to be the biggest fight of my life, and that I will do my best to have a positive attitude, and know that I will overcome this. If you have the time, I would appreciate some information. Thank you so much. Please e-mail me at JCopper33@aol.com
    I'm new at this site, and don't know exactly how it works as to discussions.
  • marleesgm
    marleesgm Member Posts: 1
    lauralee said:

    Hi, I will definitely support the passage of this law by contacting my congressman. In the meantime, I have just been diagnosed with endometrial (same as uterine?) cancer, and am being scheduled for a complete hysterectomy. Dr. implied that prognosis depends on what is found during surgery, so I don't know how bad it is. Since you have experienced the same thing, I would like to communicate with you in ref. to this.
    Last Tues., upon getting the bad news, I was stunned, then frightened. As the week went on, I had my ups and downs, but have determined that this is probably going to be the biggest fight of my life, and that I will do my best to have a positive attitude, and know that I will overcome this. If you have the time, I would appreciate some information. Thank you so much. Please e-mail me at JCopper33@aol.com
    I'm new at this site, and don't know exactly how it works as to discussions.

    I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in Sept. 2003 and had a complete hysterectomy in Oct. My doctor told me the same thing as far as prognosis. As it turned out, my cancer was early stage; she removed 24 lymph nodes and 2 of them were cancerous with trailers. So as a precaution, I had 6 weeks of radiation therapy to "zap" any cancerous cells that may have escaped. I started radiation 4 weeks after the surgery. The only side effects were chronic diarrhea, cystisis, and exhaustion. My daughter whose name is Laura Lee gave birth to our first grandchild on Jan. 4. This was my inspiration during the trying times. You have the right attitude - stay positive and know that you will overcome this. I found that connecting with survivors was most helpful - no one truly understands like a survivor. If you have had your surgery by now, I hope that you are doing well. I look forward to hearing from you - my e-mail is lsonnonstine@houston.rr.com - best wishes!