Principles of Medical Ethics 

Before You Donate

Think very seriously before donating to any breastcancer organization, or fundraising program until you read their Annual Report to see who their top contributors are, and if they have a product that appears frequently in the message the organization sends to the public. That would be unethical and its illegal. The same applies to a request that the public buys products, but does not receive a "donor receipt" for tax-deductible purpose. Read any and all food labels that breastcancer "non-profits" are promoting to raise money. Some organizations tell the public to help them raise money by asking you to visit their websites, but that only gives them "hits" to increase their sponsors.

Another tip, "signing" an online Petition is not acceptable, so don't fall for such antics. An ethical non-profit, or professional will not request your visit to their website, nor use "cookies" placed on your computer when you visit their site.

Purchase the Breastcancer Postage Stamp, the Post Office will always give you your charitable deduction receipt. Its a valid form of fund raising.

On the Links to Resources page you will find a list of your own state board of medical examiners - always be as good at medical consumerism, as you are when, at least, purchasing a car!

WEB SITES

There are online newsgroups to help you, from other survivors, and those currently in treatment needing support and love. You only have to go to that newsgroup, post your message /question, and watch for the responses.  Very often we keep up with each other, just for support, caring, and through challenging times.  Those survivors who have gone many years are our sustenance! 

A favorite has been a small group of us who've come to 'know' and care about each other, at annexcafe.support.breastcancer Newgroup (instructions to get there--use your back browser to return here).

Click on this URL and you'll join Ronnee, Pita, Theresa, Marilee, Pat S, me, and several others who want to help you...be there for you, and welcome you into our hearts and homes. Men are, of course, welcome, as well...some have a beloved with breast cancer, or have cancer themselves, and need a group to lean on - it matters not - we're here for anyone. This group is now called "The Ya Ya sisters, by yours truly, because we do discuss more than breast cancer, but you'll find help, love, caring, concern and truth!

Some groups have become so big, they lose their focus, but everyone must select what serves their needs best.

Here are a couple more, but by no means the only ones, such as: http://beta.communities.msn.com/WomensCancerForum
Ronnee handles the MS Cancer Chat, with Judy Bear, and others or on the annexcafe newsgroup above-A Ya Ya sister.

"Newsgroups," may be found at the bottom of most of your E-Mail Directory folders. You will have to click on Newsgroups, and search for these, and subscribe.  It's a challenge for the newbie, but worth it. If you can't find them, call your Internet Service Provider company for help. TIP:  When you go into any of these online newsgroups, change your Reply E-Mail address to something for example:  myname@NOSPAMisp.com.  By putting the spam word or "nospam" after the @ sign, the spam robots have a hard time picking you up.  You are answered via your question, etc., right there in that group, by another user.  They don't need your email address. Or, you may put it on your message, in the body if you like.  Most of us are getting used to removing the NOSPAM to reply to someone.

Doctors:  You might find some interesting information by observing and participating in this group.  Doctors talk to doctors, patients talk to patients, and NOW, I've found, doctors don't even talk to each other!  My Guest Book signers most often leave their e-mail addresses.  If you can help them, hug them, or just lead them, that is what it is there for—not for me, alone!  Exception noted:  William Dooley, M.D., John Hopkins (now chair, OUHSC)!

Books