Upon hearing of Rhio O’Connor’s struggle with the cancer mesothelioma, he has inspired me to consider what I would do if I had a cancer that was diagnosed as terminal. Rhio O’Conner struggled with the cancer for six years past the time when his diagnosis would have pronounced him dead. The cancer that Rhio O’Connor suffered from was a cancer that infected the lining (called mesothelium) of the internal organs. It is generally found in the lining surrounding the lung wall. This is a very rare form of cancer that is usually terminal in those that are diagnosed with it. It is approximated that this cancer will be found in one out of every one million people. The cause of this cancer is generally presumed to be working with asbestos. It can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, but is still considered a terminal affliction. To learn more about this form of cancer, please visit www.survivingmesothelioma.com.
If I were diagnosed with such a cancer, I think that I would, after the initial shock of course, be prone to first find out as much as I could about the cancer and how it works and progresses. I would want to know for a reason more than finding out what ails me and for finding its cure. I would have a certain curiosity about how things work. I like to know not only what happens and whether or not there is a cure but how the disease is acquired and when each progression of the disease is likely to occur. I would conduct my research by using every means at my disposal—from medicals books and the library to the internet to any doctor who knows about the disease. Furthermore, I think that I would set my will against this cancer and the doctor’s prognosis. This may not be medically sound, but I don’t think we should exclude the power of the human will. I would be determined to outlive it and I think that Rhio O’Connors struggle shows just what the human will can do. The research that I have completed would further my ideas on what to do to eliminate the cancer and which are viable ways for me to use. I would also consider the “country” or “backwoods” wisdom, shall we say, about how to get rid of cancer. I personally have heard several people talking about rare herbs and such that are supposed to eliminate cancer. Now, I will agree that most people do not hold with such ideas in the Information Age, but there are still many things that we can learn from such people. After completing this research I would ask my parents, the doctors, survivors, and most probably God what I should do. This decision would be the most important decision of my life for it would guide me in what may be the last days of my life. I personally foresee three paths to take. The first would be one of devoting my last days to helping my fellow man and ensuring that I do all I can in the time I have left. The second path would be to just give in and accept my fate. The final and probably most selfish path would be to take the time I have and live life to the hilt as it were. It should be noted here that this is only theory and I have no real idea as to how I would act. I just wish that my last stand would be as heroic as Rhio O’Connor’s and that I would put my time to good use. To continue the conjectural possibility of what I would do should I be diagnosed with such a cancer. If I were to live through the ordeal, I think that I would start devoting much time to helping those people who have the cancer. I would also help researchers try to find a permanent cure for all cancer.
I would like to say here that it is a shame that only after something affects us do we try to stop it. We humans are fragile and yet we do not consider that until after our life is threatened. We also do not take the time to think of how many people we could help if we only tried.
By: Graham, Harvey
