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Catherine Milligan, breast cancer, cancer trial participant
Information Is the Key to Cancer Survival
Catherine Milligan, a 32-year-old executive, rarely misses a
beat. Two years ago, while teaching a training class in Texas, she received her
shocking mammogram results: breast cancer. She finished the class, flew home,
and spent the next day with her husband researching breast cancer in young
women. Within the week, she has a lumpectomy and returned to work.
She then met medical oncologist, Dr Barry C. Lembersky, clinical associate
professor of medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical School. “By
openly discussing the various available options,” Lembersky says, “I helped
Cathy understand that most improvements in breast cancer treatment result from
clinical research. We reviewed a current Phase III trial that compares adjuvant
Adriamycin® and cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by Taxotere®
to other regimens. It was my responsibility to put this trial into perspective
for her.”
Cathy asked her medical team many questions. “Dr Lembersky gave
me the latest information on trials, background about the recommended trial,
and explained what they hoped to discover,” she says. “Then he introduced me to
one of his nurses and trial participants who dispelled any remaining doubts. It
didn’t seem to be much of a risk.”
She enrolled in the trial and was randomized to
the AC/Taxotere arm. Side effects did not slow her down. Cathy continued to
work and travel, staying motivated with regular workouts. Her medical team
monitored her carefully. “Taking part in the trial was the best decision I
made,” Cathy concludes.
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