A chance at surviving Mesothelioma?
I understand that James O’Connor was diagnosed with Mesothelioma and was able to survive it for more than six years. That is a wonderful and amazing story, but I think I feel the same aspirations as he did, as, although I am unique. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I have believed that for many of years. If I were diagnosed with such a deadly cancer, I think I would let it go, unless my choices geared me into the direction of healing.
Mesothelioma is an incurable cancer. It is caused by being exposed to asbestos-which used to be called the miracle mineral- for as little as one to two months exposure. Many people received asbestos poisoning while working in jobs that exposed them to it, some without knowing. Many people now are just getting diagnosed. It is a rare cancer that only kills about 3000 people a year. It takes about 20-30 years to develop inside the lining of the lungs.
Believing that everything happens for a reason is a real challenge because you have to respect the fact that you can not know the reasons right away as to why things happen and some reasons you may never know. These things come without warning, and never leave because you learn from them and gain experience. The people around you also learn from you, your mishaps, and miracles. It is amazing to me of how many people actually beat the odds of cancer and live happily for the rest of their lives, but who is to say that your going to live six more years, the rest of your life could be tomorrow.
I don’t understand why people want to plan out their lives, when things are just meant to happen. I guess it could be because some people just don’t believe that, but its such a beautiful way to live. I love living one minute, one hour, one day, one month, one year at a time, because that way, you never know what will happen to you tomorrow or the next day, or the next. Its amazing, the exhilaration you get from not knowing what is going to happen next! just knowing that your life is all going to line up the way it is meant to be is also exciting! I think James knew this also and was led to his ability to fight his disease.
Cancer is a very devastating thing to be diagnosed with. But if I were diagnosed with cancer, I would live with it because it was a gift from god. He wanted me to have it. If he wanted me to get rid of it, he would then send the right treatments my way. If those treatments do not work it is for a reason brought on by god. Many people question why god would do such a thing; it’s like I tell my friends, “god is throwing you into the waters,where it is too far to swim on either side, but if you trust him, and have faith, he will pull you out. He is testing your faith with anything that doesn’t seem like the best thing to have. But you can grow from it.” If god gave me cancer and wanted me to survive he would have made it that way.
I believe the same thing for James happened. He was led through to the shore by god who helped him create a story for people to hear, so that one day, like today, people who are fortunate enough, can learn and grow. People love hearing of success stories. Laughter and happiness is the best medicine out there, but people who are ill do not get that enough because the people around them are too sad they are hurt. Therefore, god creates success stories to give people hope. I think that is why I am here today writing this essay in memorial of James O’Connor. Now I have hope.
This story has inspired me to write this essay because it had God’s name all over it. The thought of him made me stop in my tracks and write this essay. It is a very beautiful story to know that one man with the rigorous course work and the help of the higher power, was able to conquer an incurable disease for so long. He touched the lives of millions of people and is still doing so today…with his success story. I am very pleased that I wrote this essay in behalf of Mr. James “Rhio” O’Connor. Want to learn more like I did? Please follow this link: www.survivingmesothelioma.com
By: Houghton, Melanie
