Fighting Cancer: Surviving Mesothelioma
In the midst of imaging the stress and emotional dynamics of reacting to a diagnosis of mesothelioma, I found myself touched to a degree that caused me to shed tears. With that, I am unsure that I could fully comprehend the emotional stress of truly being diagnosed. However, my mission is to not only to empathize to the best of my capability but what’s more share what measures I would take following my diagnosis. The first and most essential step after receiving such news is to face the task of overcoming the weight of negative emotions to find to the will to fight for a much longer and meaningful life. The very next step involves the undertaking of choosing decisive and effective action and not simply for the hopes of redeeming my own health, but that of those who may face similar trials.
Personally, I believe in a higher power than can provide healing, I also believe that we as mankind have received science and medicine as gifts that allow us to heal and eradicate the illnesses that were once thought to be “incurable”. With that, the proper step to take would be to gain intelligence on the enemy being fought, Mesothelioma. “What is Mesothelioma?” It is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium which is the thin layer of mesodermal epithelial cells lining the pericardial, pleural (lungs), peritoneal (abdominal), and scrotal cavities. The two most common forms of mesothelioma are pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. “What causes this from of cancer?” In a word, asbestos; exposure to asbestos in some form is the basis of the life threatening cancer.
After becoming acquainted with the subject, the next step is the plan of attack. “How do you fight Mesothelioma?” and “Who has had success, if any, with battling this disease?” To approach both questions, I refer you to stories such as James “Rhio” O’Connor and Paul Kraus; both who were diagnosed with mesothelioma and far outlived the short time frame of life estimated for them. After having this disease identified, I would take their lead. Should convention methods of treatment only offer little help, I would have no problem in seeking the unconventional. Acting in any other manner opposing this thought would be an acceptance of defeat from my point of view. I believe that the success of O’Connor’s and Kraus’ longer life directly resulted from their resolve and resiliency. Without which I firmly believe they would have never made as far as they did.
Presuming that I obtained such a resolve in the face of a relentless ailment, I would look to the assistance of researchers even it only to use experimental treatments. Also I’d make use of nearby clinics and hospitals, as Houston is home of the largest medical center worldwide. I’d commission family and friends to enlighten as many as possible for the more awareness that it brought to the problem; the more assistance can be brought toward a solution.
Finally, I’d especially seek the advice of patients who have already been diagnosed. The words of a person who has already gone through experiences and could advise me of what may be a waist of time and what will be more effective would be much more helpful than any suggestion of a researcher. I believe in life we are taught by hard adversities and struggles, and opportunities are the means of testing whether or not we have understood and learned our lesson. Therefore, I ask who better to seek counsel from than the experienced?
With examples such as Kraus and O’Connor leading the way, I believe that the cure for this disease and the cure for many others similarly overwhelming are not as hopelessly far from being cured as many would believe. As we can see through sheer willpower and faith for a better future, these honorable men will always be known for inspiring hope where none would be found by many men and women. Honestly without stories as theirs to lead as examples, I am uncertain that the fight against cancer would be as dismal and difficult to face as it was once it first began. Fortunately, we do have these that in their time of trial and despair chose to battle with what was thought to be hopeless and now give hope to the future for the sure which I believe is sure to be found.
By: Leger, Samuel Lovingsky
