A science video that moved me, and left me, at some points, in tears.

[NNadir]

Both of my parents died of cancer, as I suspect I will eventually.

I read excerpts of the book The Emperor of All Maladies, a Biography of Cancer a few years back, but I wasn't aware that Ken Burns put together a video series - six hours worth based on the book.

It has stories of real patients, along with fabulous discussions of the science of cancer, led by leaders of research institutions including the NIH and the National Cancer Institute before the destruction of American Science by the ignorant thugs now controlling all three branches of our government.

My wife and I watched the whole series this past week. It was put on by PBS, also being destroyed by the ignorant thugs. The video is available - we got them out of the library: The Emperor of All Maladies - Documentary.

I was particularly moved by the stories of the parents and children, since when my oldest son was an infant and toddler we spent a lot of time in children's hospitals to treat his non fatal condition, and naturally, in the process, we came across many young families with children who had cancer. It was heart breaking, and certainly gave us perspective about our situation, since ours proved not to be life threatening.

It also featured stories of older people facing their mortality, something with which I also have experience. Really, it was very moving. I recommend it highly.

[brer cat]

1. Thank you for recommending this documentary.

I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and have been doing a lot of research, especially the impact his may have on my daughter and granddaughters. I will look for this at my library.

[NNadir]

2. You're very welcome. I researched breast cancer when my...

Last edited Tue Jun 10, 2025, 08:42 AM - Edit history (1)

...sister-in-law had it. At that time there was no real great treatment for the BRCA type and I was crying for joy when she came back HER positive. She had breast conservation surgery, chemo and radiation and is now an 8 year survivor. Her surgeon, who was one of the pioneers of lumpectomies back when it was controversial, at one time headed the national organization of breast surgeons.

A surprising thing I learned in the video is that BRCA is now treatable as are the others. That was great news.

She was treated at Sloan Kettering, which if you're in the area i can't recommend enough. Of course there are many great institutions.

Good luck. May your outcome be as well as hers was.

[erronis]

3. I worked with the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. The hardest part was hearing the stories

of the young children enduring the tests and treatments and the incredible staff on the NIH campus that helped them and their families.

And to think that this is being purposefully dismantled so trmp can exact revenge on the American society, and make him and his co-criminals a ton of money.

[eppur_se_muova]

4. To answer the question, "why is Turnip devastating cancer research ?" you only need to remember this ....

https://www.science.org/content/article/scientific-advisers-tapped-guide-biden-s-cancer-moonshot

https://www.fightcancer.org/releases/president-biden-continues-push-cancer-moonshot

https://www.aacr.org/professionals/policy-and-advocacy/science-policy-government-affairs/national-cancer-moonshot-initiative/

Obama and Biden were for cancer research, therefore Turnip is against it.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/biden-cancer-moonshot-trump-cuts-harvard-columbia/

[NNadir]

6. I think all of us are in shock, intellectually as well as ethically and emotionally, that American science is being...

...destroyed by the petulance of a senile amoral man child.

People always say "thank you for your service" when talking about military veterans.

I want to say the same, "thank you for your service" because of your work with the NCI.

[eppur_se_muova]

5. Thanks for letting us know about the documentaries. Read the book a few years back.

Guwande has shown up on MSNBC a few times; don't know is he also does work for NBC, as I never watch the Big Three.

[erronis]

7. The "Emperor of All Maladies" was written by Siddhartha Mukherjee; Atul Gawande is another incredible

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author who has written about health issues in the US and around the world, and as you have noted, was a key part of President Biden's health initiatives (including USAID.)

Thank you for that set of links earlier. Looking forward to following them on this rainy day on the east coast.

[eppur_se_muova]

8. Oh, right. Funny, I don't think I've read ANY of his books -- yet his name really lodged in my memory.

I did get the title right, though. Only a tiny bit of chemistry in it, but a very interesting read as to the progress in the 20th century. The first topic covered was childhood leukemia. Reminded me sadly of a young girl in our neighborhood, years ago, who died quite young. Everyone knew at the time that her condition was probably incurable, and they were just sort of waiting for her to die. Things are so different now.