Understanding Clinical Trials

In response to some questions I have received...

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learning
http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/info/understand
http://www.fda.gov/oashi/cancer/pdart.html

Study researchers don't get 100 (or 1000 or however many participants) and then start. The study starts, then gradually admits patients as they (the patients) meet the admission requirements until they(the study researchers) have reached their total. It is not like the study just filled up in the past month. I have no idea when it started. I do not know how many participants they want, nor how many they have now.

I do know that because Johns Hopkins lost my block, the necessary test to determine whether or not I can be admitted will be back at the very earliest in two weeks from now. The study may very well have reached its admission goal by then. If Johns Hopkins had run the test when they were originally asked (6 or was it 8 weeks ago now), I could be in the trial right this minute. But no, no, instead this door is closing to me before I even get to find out if I was qualified. I wanted to do a clinical trial because it was supposed to be fast. When I decided to do a trial 2 months ago, I thought I'd be finished by now!!! Instead I am still waiting to find out if I am even admissible.

I am so far beyond disappointed. I am sickened and disgusted and angry. I am livid.

And I feel helpless.

And alone.

Again.

Cancer Sucks.