Cancer Research: Information from a Patient / Caregiver Perspective |
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TAKE ACTION: Download and sign the prewritten letter to the Minister of Health. Postage is not required. Now is a GREAT TIME to send your letter and make a difference - click here to read Hon. Judy Sgro's response to reading Lethal Dose (pdf, opens in new window)
What People Are Saying:
Latest Post: January 22, 2012 5:58 PM
Click here to read the Dec 12, 2011 Response from the Hon. Judy A. Sgro, Liberal Council, MP, York West (Ontario), Liberal Critic for Seniors, Pensions, and the Status of Women (pdf, opens in new window)
Thank you for sharing your story. As a nurse, that has never been in that part of healthcare, it certainly is an eye opener to how the trials can be handled. My heart goes out to you and your family, God Bless
KD Elliott
22 January, 2012
Thank you Pat for bringing this void in Canada's medical laws to my attention. You are a very astute speaker and an inspirational writer. I have sent my own letter off to Health Canada and hopefully soon some positive changes will come about ! You are a very motivated person in this quest and I wish you much sucess. I was talking with Val, my neighbour, and she holds you in high regards as well, you are a blessed lady. Thank You ,
Dave
January 12, 2012
Dear Pat,
Thankyou for taking the effort to record both the wonderful memories of the life that you and Dave shared, and the horrific times you shared from the time of Dave's cancer diagnosis until his death. The trials you went through during the Phase 1 cancer clinical trial were unimaginable and could certainly have been made easier with proper support and care.
Through my reading of the earlier part of your book, I feel I know you and Dave a lot better, and for that I am grateful. My knowledge of clinical research trials in any phase was sadly lacking, and in this aspect you have given me an education.
I think that your book would be a very valuable resource book for anyone considering volunteering their bodies for cancer research, and I'm glad you have sent it out to public libraries.
I'd like to take this opportunity to say how thankful I am for Dave's huge contribution to society. I'm not sure I could be so brave under the circumstances, and especially knowing what I now know.
Pat, I'd like to thank you as well for both your support of Dave during the cancer research trials, and for the positive changes you have been making to benefit present and future cancer trial volunteers. What you have accomplished is amazing!
Bonnie
January 2, 2012
Dear Pat -
I thought I had reached the point of crying less at the death of my dear husband Bob last January; Then it all resumed on reading "Lethal Dose" I felt elated at your vivid account of your and David's wonderful life together and then extreme sadness and anger at the unfeeling incompetence leading to David's death. I admire your courage, Pat, at bringing this to light.
Pauline Mills
December 30, 2011
Pat,
I read Lethal Dose in one sitting. Every Canadian, and anyone who wants to learn more about cancer research should read this eye-opening book.
The lack of even basic support and medical care you and your husband received as you struggled through the disastrous last few days of Dave's life is horrifying and unacceptable.
A person who donates their deceased body to science is to be commended. As your sister Jackie suggests, a person who donates their *living* body to science is giving a priceless gift to humankind and should be treated with the utmost care and respect.
Thank you for everything you are doing, Pat. I have handed out several copies of your book and my letter is ready to be mailed once I return to Canada.
Namaste,
Donna Derrien
November 26, 2011
This is a very revealing and deeply moving story from the heart, soul and mind of a very courageous woman ! Thank you Pat for telling it ! I also could not put it down, even for sleep !
It is my deepest prayer that the ordeal that you and Dave faced, be the catalyst that brings compassion and respect into the policies and politics of "Big Cancer". I encourage all who read it to add their voice, to petition for positive change!
Phil Mills
Courtenay
November 13, 2011
Pat,
Wow! Where do I start. Your book "Lethal Dose" was a wide awakening for me. I had no idea about phase 1 drug trials. I guess I have never given any thought to how the medication we use each day comes to be. I must admit I cried through a good portion of your book. I started it and finished it without once putting it down. It was very well written and points out the need for some serious things to change for the patients in drug trials here in Canada.
My eyes are tearing now as I am typing this. To go what you and Dave went through is unspeakable. No one should have to go through that sort of bullshit. They need to remember that a drug trial patient is a HUMAN being and the concern of the patient should come first over any drug research. Without these patients that give so much the scientists behind the research would have nothing! They need to put doctors with good bedside manners between the patients and the research doctors.
What you are doing here is an absolutely wonderful thing. Dave's volunteering for the drug trials will live forever in your research and your book and will hopefully pave a less painful route for others following in your footsteps.I can only hope that the changes that so badly need to happen do. I have typed up the letter in the back of your book and sent it in and have passed your book on to others to read. If we as humans come together, then they will have to listen. Thank you so much for sharing a reality that most of us never knew even existed.
Sandra Crawford
Courtenay, BC
November 8, 2011
Pat
I really enjoyed your book, "Lethal Dose." I found it easy to read and very informative. I think it kept my attention because it was so personal, and included interesting stories and local history. I particularly liked your description of farm life, and part way through the book, I researched where your old vegetable farm was located, and drove by to have a look.
The book presents information on Phase 1 Drug Trial based on your experiences when your husband Dave volunteered for a drug trial. No one should have to go through the experience that you went through, and I am amazed that the trial doctors allowed it to happen.
I think the book will be very helpful for potential trial participants along with their families, doctors, politicians, and the general population.
I have shared your book with my mother in law (her husband recently died from cancer) and she is now reading the book.
Jim Buchanan,
Comox, B.C.
October 19, 2011
Thanks so much Pat for sharing your story.
I now realize how important your work with Research with Respect is and what a wonderful tribute it is to Dave's life. You are providing a great service to cancer victims. He wanted his life to contribute towards the betterment of cancer victims and indeed now he has.
The book was a real eye-opener about cancer research clinical trials. I never would have dreamed that human beings would be subjected to such treatment.
Cindy
Victoria, BC
October 8, 2011
Pat
I found the book both emotionally hard to read and hard to put down. Good job of telling a story that needs to be told as clinical trials are something few think about.
Those that take part deserve far more care and respect than either of you recieved from the system you were trying to benefit.
Lyle P
October 6, 2011
Pat,
I believe this book was written straight from the heart. You shared Dave's story with us all in such a way that we can now take steps to help you achieve a goal of helping others through the difficult process of Phase 1 clinical trials. Research with Respect is a wonderful memorial in Dave's honor. Thank you for sharing.
Robin
Port Hardy, BC
October 5 2011
Thank you Pat Maddocks for the many challenges you endured to bring Dave's story to print, it takes a lot of gumption to stand up to Health Canada and the current medical practices. Dave would be very proud of you and very thankful knowing that his grueling death was not in vain.
This book is a must read for anyone considering clinical trails as a final option.
As a reader and someone who has suffered a great loss to cancer I can feel your pain on many levels and wish you a lot of success with this book.
Donna V
October 3, 2011
Dear Pat,
I thought I knew yours and Dave's story but Lethal Dose enlightened me.
You have written a truly compelling love story ....and I mean 'love story' in the most heart-felt way. Pat, you are remarkable, in your strength and your dedication.
I can only imagine the depths of emotion you experienced in writing this book.
The skills you bring to the whole process become evident when one reads of yours and Dave's farming accomplishments. I have learned a lot from you Pat and others certainly will.
I will pass Lethal Dose on with a note taped to the inside cover asking that people put their name and town with the date they handed it off.
Pat, you are astute at gathering people around you, people who have the skill sets to bring cancer trial issues and their solutions to the forefront. Many Blessings and Love as you travel your life journey.
Sandy
Duncan, B.C.
September 30, 2011
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