TERMINAL 7 BRAIN CANCER TRIAL
TERMINAL 7 BRAIN CANCER FREE

The first tiny ring of an alarm bell went off in my head as I hung up the phone. I was then told, for the very first time, вЂњAtivan is only meant for short term use.вЂќ I was told that because chemotherapy treatment was concluded, the Center would no longer prescribe them, and that I needed to contact my regular primary care doctor. Shortly thereafter I called the Center to renew the Ativan prescription. I was then told, for the very first time, A tivan is only meant for short term use. Most importantly, I planned to spend my time with my precious daughter and possibly travel to England.

TERMINAL 7 BRAIN CANCER FREE

I knew the cancer was likely to return, but I was determined to make the most of my cancer free days. I did sleep well, and recovered nicely between chemo sessions. I never smoked or took recreational drugs and averaged about three alcoholic drinks per year, so I erroneously assumed I would be safe.ДЇor the seven months of chemotherapy, I took one milligram of Ativan every evening exactly as prescribed. I recall being reassured by a statement in the literature that those who have вЂњaddictive personalitiesвЂќ should take extra care when considering a benzodiazepine. It did mention some of the possible withdrawal symptoms, but in no way did it convey how severe and protracted they can be. I read the informational pamphlet that came with the Ativan. And so, being uninformed, I made the gravest mistake of my life. I was not told that Ativan, like all benzodiazepines, was meant only for short term use of just 2-3 weeks. At no time was I given any warning about this drugвЂ™s potential for creating dependence and severe, debilitating, protracted withdrawal symptoms. In a chirpy voice she said вЂњa lot of our ladies like Ativan!вЂќ She explained that Ativan (generic lorazepam) was an anti-anxiety medication that helped worried patients sleep and control their situational anxiety. The PrescriptionД®arly on I spoke with one of your nurses and conveyed to her that I was frightened about starting chemotherapy. That prescription was Ativan вЂ“ a benzodiazepine. Many medications were thrown my way, including the one that would destroy my life. Next came the rush to surgery, ports placed and chemotherapy sessions. I was forced to quickly find my teenaged daughter a place to live as I moved in with family for help.

TERMINAL 7 BRAIN CANCER TRIAL

In May, 2015, I saw one of your staff oncologists with concern about symptomsвЂ“ the whirlwind of appointments, ultrasounds, blood work, scans and clinical trial discussions began.

I am writing to you about benzodiazepines because cancer is not what ultimately ruined what life I had left but rather a prescription for a benzodiazepine given to me by your facility.

It is this damaged brain that I am writing in regards to today. I will soon be free of this failing body and damaged brain and for this, I am grateful. I began treatment in June, 2015 for advanced ovarian cancer. I am 57 and a patient at the Cancer Center where you head the gynecologic oncology group.

Terminal 7 brain cancer