A New Book!

[Amy Steppe]

Check out this book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

It is the story of a 31 year old black lady who was mother of 5 chlildren dying of cervical cance in 1951. . At Johns Hopkins, where she died, cells were taken from her tumor that lived on and on. She never knew about any of this. These cells became the basis of most of the advances made in medicine.

I don't want to spoil the story. But I will say that we finally learn about the woman whose cells have made the difference in the health of so many people. There was no informed consent, etc, etc.

It is one of the best books I've come across in years!

The cells are called He La after the first two initials in her name.

There are some spirited discussions about this book at Amazon!

 

[bitmover]

I've had this book in my library queue for at least a few weeks now.... waiting patiently, or not! It's a fascinating story!

 

[maddiesmum]

Yeah, ditto, it's been in my library hold queue for weeks also, I too am patiently waiting......

Clare

 

[NinjaMom]

I remember hearing about her on the news a few weeks ago. I need to add this book to my library queue too!

 

[Amy Steppe]

I had to buy it - and I don't regret it!

I am buying a copy for my Mother In Law's Mothers Day gift.

It is a page turner!

 

[dixiedog6]

Tank for the recommendation, it sounds great!

 

[janie1234]

Oh no, . . . .okay, . . .I'm going to my library. Sounds like a great book. Ironically enough my OBGYN said that for the third year in a row I need to come in for a cervical biopsy and that it may be cancer. Of course I freak out and wait patiently for the office to call for an appointment. Two weeks later they never called. I called them. They said woops, . . okay hows 3 months from now. I mean sheesh. First they tell you, . .you might have cancer but we want you to wait for 3 months to test you. So I sit here waiting patiently.
On another side note this kinda reminds me of how many people are organ donors? My husband thinks I'm crazy that I am a donor but seriously, . .if I could save just one person in my death take whatever cells, or guts that you need. I wouldn't need them anymore. I'm curious if this book turns into a legal story? Amy can you elaborate without spoiling it?

 

[bitmover]

I don't think it turns into a legal story, just having heard an interview with the author.

I'm signed up to donate organs..... I don't understand why someone would think that's crazy?

 

[janie1234]

I'm signed up to donate organs..... I don't understand why someone would think that's crazy?

Good for you! I guess it is because they don't want their dead bodies to be chopped up. My parents are appauled that I'm a donor. It is a cultural thing. Heck, it is not like I'm gonna feel anything. I think this is why it is so important to me to keep my body healthy so that my organs would be healthy for donation.

 

[mdbecky]

I'm reading this book now too.

 

[janie1234]

I'm reading this book now too.

Mdbecky, . . . I just LOVE your avatar! Your baby is so adorable. Makes me want to have another!

 

[Stephanie0523]

Check out this book: The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

It is the story of a 31 year old black lady who was mother of 5 chlildren dying of cervical cance in 1951. . At Johns Hopkins, where she died, cells were taken from her tumor that lived on and on. She never knew about any of this. These cells became the basis of most of the advances made in medicine.

I don't want to spoil the story. But I will say that we finally learn about the woman whose cells have made the difference in the health of so many people. There was no informed consent, etc, etc.

It is one of the best books I've come across in years!

The cells are called He La after the first two initials in her name.

There are some spirited discussions about this book at Amazon!

I remember reading about this awhile back on Amazon. It looks really interesting and unlike anything I've ever read, but I used to write about research at a university, and I think it would be a great book to read. Thanks for reminding me of it! Wish I had seen your post earlier. We just took a field trip to the bookstore because I had an awesome coupon. Oh well... I'll wait until the paperback version is out.

 

[buffettgirl]

I've heard about this book too. AND, I've used some HeLa cells at work in years past.

 

[Amy Steppe]

Personally, this book is a must read!

It is multi facted

The Real Henrietta Lacks. It was interesting to read about the woman behind the cell. It is sad she suffered so much and was buried in an unmarked grave.

The Lacks Family - especially Deborah. The way the researchers treated that family was deplorable.

The Ethics perspective. I was in total shock on what researchers did prior to IRB reviews! Injecting cancer patients with HeLa and lying about what they were really doing floored me . Injecting any GYN surgery at Sloan Kettering and James Ewing Hospital with HeLa without the patient's knowlege or telling them they were being tested for cancer

Detailed history of HeLa and its effect on research

I purchased my copy at Amazon and I am glad I did because the story reads like science fiction! OMG!

This book made me cry and laugh. I am re-reading it. I often re-read a book because I want to make sure I don't miss anything.

What do you who have read the book think? The forums at Amazon were way over my head for the most part.