My life saved at what cost?

[TOP]

I found out that the chemotherapy drugs I received during my cancer treatment are from a company that is involved in embryonic stem cell research. This I did not know about at the time. Where does that put me if I have a reoccurance and a second line of chemotherapy is used manufactured by the same pharmaceutical company? Tim

 

[ALLFORHIM]

I found out that the chemotherapy drugs I received during my cancer treatment are from a company that is involved in embryonic stem cell research. This I did not know about at the time. Where does that put me if I have a reoccurance and a second line of chemotherapy is used manufactured by the same pharmaceutical company? Tim

HMMM–That is tough. I think all you can do is research other companies that make that same drug you are taking and see if you can find another company that does not support or research embryonic stem cells. That is if you are up for the challenge.

You cant control what other companies do and honestly by you getting your meds from another company probably isnt going to effect anyone but you.

I would pray about it and ask God what He suggests you do. Then, follow your convictions.

I will pray that you heal and that this issue is resolved for you quickly.

Im sure someone will give you better advice then I.

 

[1ke]

I found out that the chemotherapy drugs I received during my cancer treatment are from a company that is involved in embryonic stem cell research. This I did not know about at the time. Where does that put me if I have a reoccurance and a second line of chemotherapy is used manufactured by the same pharmaceutical company? Tim

TOP,

The company might be involved in immoral practices, but you are not required to reject their drug if you cannot find a similar treatment from a company that does not do any unethical research (I don’t even know if there are any. Almost all pharmaceuticals are up to their eyeballs in this research). Ask you doctor.

So, if an ethical alternative is readily available you should seek that. But, if it’s not you should not think twice about using drugs from this company.

The Church doesn’t have a teaching on this *specific *issue, but it does have several on related issues.

I’d suggest you read the Church’s document on using vaccines derived from aborted fetal tissue. It seems that this is similar enough to apply the same reasoning. The Church uses the guideline that an alternative should be sought, but that the vaccine can be used if no other is available.

Here’s an article on the vaccines.

 

[TOP]

Four years have gone by since my treatments and it is now unlikely (30%) of a recurrence. But, I found out yesterday that the American Cancer Society give funds directly to Planned Parenthood. This pissed me off and got me looking into how much the culture of death is involved in this feild. I’m disgusted at the total involvement by most companys and organizations related to cancer in the research itself or the funding of this type of research. My treatments cost about $500,000 U.S. and these companies are getting rich off the dieing as well as murdering to get rich. The whole thing stinks and I don’t think I want any part of it , sick or not. The only options are finding a moral alternative or death. Yeah , I’m mad at the choices we are left with because of this garbage. Thanks for your response’s, Tim

 

[Tommy_Joe]

TOP, you’re in my prayers.

I have to admit I know very little about stem cell research, only what I’ve read in a few short articles. So I’m sure you know a lot more about it than I do.
Have you done research enough to be assured the stem cells they are involved with come from embryos, and not placentas or umbilical cords?

If somewhere in that company there are people being paid to find an acceptable source for these cells, wouldn’t that be a “good” thing?

 

[1ke]

Four years have gone by since my treatments and it is now unlikely (30%) of a recurrence. But, I found out yesterday that the American Cancer Society give funds directly to Planned Parenthood. This pissed me off and got me looking into how much the culture of death is involved in this feild. I’m disgusted at the total involvement by most companys and organizations related to cancer in the research itself or the funding of this type of research. My treatments cost about $500,000 U.S. and these companies are getting rich off the dieing as well as murdering to get rich. The whole thing stinks and I don’t think I want any part of it , sick or not. The only options are finding a moral alternative or death. Yeah , I’m mad at the choices we are left with because of this garbage. Thanks for your response’s, Tim

I believe the funds given to PP were to conduct an employee smoking cessation course. I really don’t see that as cooperating with abortion. I am pro-life 100% and sidewalk counseled outside PP, but to me this is really stretching it regarding “supporting” Planned Parenthood. ACS does support embryonic stem cell research in principle, although they don’t currently fund it. I don’t give money to them, though.

I agree drug companies are out of control and making fistloads of money.

It’s a real shame. I pray your cancer stays in remission and you don’t have to even deal with them again.

 

[thechrismyster]

A man is on top of a roof during a great flood. A man comes by in a boat and says “get in, get in!” The religous man replies, “No I have faith in God, he will grant me a miracle.”

Later the water is up to his waist and another boat comes by and the guy tells him to get in again. He responds that he has faith in God and God will give him a miracle. With the water at about chest high, another boat comes to rescue him, but he turns down the offer again because “God will grant him a miracle.”

With the water at chin high, a helicopter throws down a ladder and they tell him to get in. Mumbling with the water in his mouth, he again turns down the request for help. So he drowns.

He arrives at the gates of heaven and says to Peter, “What happened? I put my faith in God and He let me drown!” St. Peter responds, “We sent you three boats and a helicopter, what more did you want?”

---

maybe this would be God bringing something good FROM something bad.

 

[Newbie2]

Good question.

First, you weren’t aware of the situation when you started your chemotherapy. If there’s no alternative medications that are likely to work as well (we all hope you’ll never need them!), you should be on pretty solid moral ground. There may be a circumstance when chemotherapy requires the same medication as what was started (switching may decrease the effectiveness of future treatments) or quite the opposite.

I’d discuss your concerns with your oncologist.

This is a similar situation to the Nazi war experiments, to my way of thinking. They discovered some valuable scientific information, but morally, is it right to benefit from the things they learned in the way they learned them?

The big question is, is it OK to use the benefits learned through embryonic stem cell research to date?

Tough call. I wouldn’t think it hypocritical if you used the medication again but opposed embryonic stem cell research. The drug you were treated with may not have been researched in this way, but I see the dilemma “supporting” the company by using their medications if alternatives are available.

Hopefully, you won’t need to make such a decision.

 

[GandalfTheWhite]

If there was only one bakery in the whole country and they would support an abortion clinic, would that mean that you would have to stop buying bread? No, of course not.

When there are two companies then that’s a different issue. You actually have a choice and you should try going for the one that doesn’t use its money immorally. But if you there is only one company, and especially if your health is endangered, then you did nothing wrong.

 

[TOP]

Another thing, my second line of treatment would be high dose chemo with autologus stem cell transplant at UVA or Indiana State. That in itself would most likely be fatal if it even worked at all. I didnt’ respond well to the first line treatments. I’m not sure yet if they research with embryonic stem cells. What if I chose not to get treatment? Would that be a sin or considered suicide? Tim

 

[mercygate]

Four years have gone by since my treatments and it is now unlikely (30%) of a recurrence. But, I found out yesterday that the American Cancer Society give funds directly to Planned Parenthood. This pissed me off and got me looking into how much the culture of death is involved in this feild. I’m disgusted at the total involvement by most companys and organizations related to cancer in the research itself or the funding of this type of research. My treatments cost about $500,000 U.S. and these companies are getting rich off the dieing as well as murdering to get rich. The whole thing stinks and I don’t think I want any part of it , sick or not. The only options are finding a moral alternative or death. Yeah , I’m mad at the choices we are left with because of this garbage. Thanks for your response’s, Tim

I would suggest (not authoritatively but intuitively) that unless the specific drug you were given involves human embryonic stem cells or other unacceptable technology it should not deter you from receiving that drug. Perhaps it would be more unethical to refuse reasonable standard-of-care therapy for a life threatening disease?

 

[TOP]

I would suggest (not authoritatively but intuitively) that unless the specific drug you were given involves human embryonic stem cells or other unacceptable technology it should not deter you from receiving that drug. Perhaps it would be more unethical to refuse reasonable standard-of-care therapy for a life threatening disease?

Ok , that answers my last question, thanks. It’s a shame. If the Lord gave me a choice I would go with Him. Tim

 

[mercygate]

Ok , that answers my last question, thanks. It’s a shame. If the Lord gave me a choice I would go with Him. Tim

Fortunately, it appears that you did not have to make that choice.

 

[Newbie2]

Another thing, my second line of treatment would be high dose chemo with autologus stem cell transplant at UVA or Indiana State. That in itself would most likely be fatal if it even worked at all. I didnt’ respond well to the first line treatments. I’m not sure yet if they research with embryonic stem cells. What if I chose not to get treatment? Would that be a sin or considered suicide? Tim

Refusing medical treatment under the circumstances would not be considered suicide or, methinks, sinful. You are not obligated to seek treatment at all under the circumstances.

Refusing, say, an antibiotic which would very likely result in a complete cure (of a simple infection, of course) is an entirely different matter.

 

[1ke]

What if I chose not to get treatment? Would that be a sin or considered suicide? Tim

No, it would not be considered suicide nor would it be a sin.

The Church does have a teaching on this, and we are not required to pursue extraordinary means.

Here is an article on the subject.

From the Catechism:

2278 Discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of “over-zealous” treatment. Here one does not will to cause death; one’s inability to impede it is merely accepted. The decisions should be made by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests must always be respected.

 

[TOP]

Thanks 1ke and everyone else with your guidance. I saved the link you provided on the vaccines, 1ke. We can put it to use with the kids. Tim

 

[BobP123]

Question: Is all embroyonic stem cell research immoral? What about performing treatments with miscarriaged cells?

 

[Celeste88]

Question: Is all embroyonic stem cell research immoral? What about performing treatments with miscarriaged cells?

Well, the only problem I can see is that the individual that dies in this case can not sign a piece of paper stating he or she can submit their remains to medical science like a adult person can leave his body to scientific study (organs, cadaver, etc.) Other than that I don’t see what would be morally wrong if the individual died a natural death.

 

[1ke]

Question: Is all embroyonic stem cell research immoral? What about performing treatments with miscarriaged cells?

Embryonic stem cells are something very specific. They are available only in certain stages of development-- I believe it is at the 8 cell blastocyte stage-- before they begin differentiating.

A miscarried fetus does not have embryonic stem cells, they have passed that stage and their cells are differentiated into organs, skin, blood, etc.

 

[Nechasin]

Welcome to my dilemma…I’m a type 1 diabetic, so many organizations are asking for money for embryonic stem cell research to cure diabetes. I refuse to give money to these organizations, but I will find it extremely difficult to refuse treatment if one of these companies finds a cure. Now adult stem cell research I have no problem with and it looks pretty promising also. I really hate it when there is is an advance that is attributed to just stem cell research. Most of these cases if you look further are adult stem cells and not embryonic stem cells. The media is very quick to point out when something is embryonic stem cells since that creates the must controversy. If it were up to me, all reporting on stem cell research would be required to say the source as to whether it is adult or embryo so that it would be clear where the advantages are.