To the editor: In 2009 I went through a cancer ordeal very similar to that of Paul Thornton's wife. (“This cancer vaccine should prevent future generations from suffering hardships like my wife’s,” Opinion, December 28)
Mine started as a lump under my jaw that turned out to be the largest of several metastases at the base of my tongue. It was also caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV.
The treatment was brutal and basically stole a year of my life: no solid food; pain, nausea and choking (this is not fun). There are permanent side effects on the nerves, tongue and salivary glands.
Regardless of what certain politicians may believe, there is an easy way to prevent all of this: the Gardasil and Cervarix vaccines. Given before a child is at risk of exposure through sex, they not only protect against the diseases Thornton's wife and I had, but also against cancers of the cervix, vagina, penis and anus.
I consider myself lucky to have been treated by some of the best doctors in Los Angeles and with the cutting-edge technology of the time. It was a huge price to pay for a lifetime of normal adult behavior, but I'm alive.
I urge parents to vaccinate their children against this terrible scourge because, believe me, you don't want it.
David Reskin, Los Angeles
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To the editor: I was happy to read Thornton's article sharing his wife's experience and about the vaccine that prevents cancers caused by the HPV virus. Like him, I'm concerned about a vaccine skeptic leading the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
As a nurse practitioner, I see the consequences of HPV in my practice. HPV can cause precancers, requiring uncomfortable diagnostic and treatment procedures for patients. Sometimes precancers progress to cancer.
Many do not know that the rate of throat cancers caused by HPV in the US has surpassed the rate of cervical and other genital cancers. We are fortunate to have a safe vaccine that effectively prevents most precancers and cancers caused by HPV, sparing people the terrible experiences and distress that come with it.
I counsel my patients daily and highly recommend the HPV vaccine.
Simone Cox, Rolling Hills Estates
