Letter to the Editor

Pancreatic cancer survivor help

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but many people don't know that it's also Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month! I never thought about it until I was told in May.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading killer because of late-term discovery. Mine was found early enough that surgery was performed: removal of half the pancreatic organ, half of the stomach, parts of the upper intestine, and gall bladder. The surgery lasted six hours and I still have a more than 80 percent chance of dying from complications in two years or less.

No major advances have been discovered because of lack of funding. There is no help for people, like breast cancer, but the cost still rises for treatments and meds.

I've checked out several areas for some help with personal costs, but all they want is for me to donate to them.

I filed for disability, but there's a five month period where you can't have any income before you qualify.

Anybody have any ideas about where a 42-year-old male could possibly qualify for help?

ROBERT BLACKWELL, Jackson