Michael Cunningham said, “We live our lives, do whatever we do, and then we sleep. It’s as simple and ordinary as that. A few jump out windows, or drown themselves, or take pills; more die by accident; and most of us are slowly devoured by some disease, or, if we’re very fortunate, by time itself. There’s just this for consolation: an hour here or there when our lives seem, against all odds & expectations, to burst open & give us everything we’ve ever imagined, though everyone but children (and perhaps even they) know these hours will inevitably be followed by others, far darker and more difficult. Still, we cherish the city, the morning, we hope, more than anything for more. Heaven only knows why we love it so…There she is with another hour before her.” Our life cycle is a few simple processes, but our life itself doesn’t have to be. We need to devour those diseases and not let it consume us.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, which results from the exposure to asbestos. It is more prevalent in people who have had a job that exposed them to asbestos particles. It is often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. When mesothelioma develops, malignant cells begin to form in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer that covers the human body’s internal organs, as we would see in the lungs, internal chest wall, and the heart. From mesothelioma one may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, weight loss, and fluid will also surround the lungs. Even though mesothelioma’s growth rate is slow, there are some severe cases where tumors may already be present and lead to many complications.
If there is one thing people know best about me, it is that I am a believer of life and a tenacious individual. There has never been a challenge too immense for me to defeat. The thought of being diagnosed with a dire cancer prognosis saddens me to say the least. I never conform to anything; therefore I would search for the proper treatment for me. One never expects to be in a position of such freighting caliber, so finding the proper treatment along with resources that would help in such situation is extremely difficult. At first instinct, reaching out to my family would be the first thing I would do in search of support and guidance. Family and loved ones are undeniably one of the most significant people to get through such a dire time in your life. However, being knowledgeable of one’s condition and cancer is of most significance. To me, there is no going forward without knowing your opponent. Without knowing what is tormenting your life and future, it makes it nearly impossible to defeat it. Being able to find the best treatment for me would mean I would have to be dedicated and do my research. As a health science major and knowing the human body as well as I do, there is no doubt in my mind I would spend days, weeks, even months if necessary in a research lab to uncover something, anything that would prolong my life. I would consider every option available, from chemotherapy to surgery. One thing that would hold my spirits high is my optimism and belief of an all powerful being guiding me in such difficult time. Faith is something we all need to have in our life because that power will allow us to find the strength and courage to encounter and defeat all obstacles.
Regardless of the outcome, we all need to view life with a positive attitude and make everyday the best, as if it were our last. George Bernard Shaw said, “Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
Therefore, the torch represents our life and no matter what rocks we stumble on and how much it rains on us, we have to let it shine brightly. We always have to hold on even when it feels like it’s pointless.
By: DeLaCruz, Dorys
