Surviving Mesothelioma
As you take a breath in and then breath out your cells multiply and divide an abundant amount of times. This is a healthy function and usually means your body is working properly; however, there is an exception. When these cells multiply during a time when it is not needed, they will form a tumor. This tumor can either be benign or malignant: a benign tumor is most likely harmless and removable, but a malignant tumor spreads into other organs, never ceasing to stop multiplying and dividing. It’s a disease that makes the body weak, causes weight loss, and leads to other serious diseases. It may seem a lost cause to fight against it since there is still a vast amount of information that doctors, researchers, and we ourselves have yet to know about cancer; although, there are some people in the world who believe otherwise.
An inspirational and long-spanned event happened when Rhio O’Connor was able to overcome his diagnosis of cancer that doctors assumed was “incurable” at the time. Rather than just living out his last year of life without battle, Rhio decided that he would face his deadly cancer to the end while seeking out all of the options possible. He began his war by researching his cancer: visiting a range of professionals, doctors, researchers, and other cancer patients. His goal was not only to cure his cancer but also to influence current and future leaders about the value of thinking outside of the box when it came to cancer prognosis and research. His story is one that strikes all those who hear it, not only because of the advances and conceptions he made towards the treatment of cancer, but also because of the courage he instills upon those who are battling the disease themselves. Up until the moment when one has a disease this impossible to overcome, they have no idea what it would be like to succumb to such a heavy burden. It is only when you see the effects of the disease personally that you can take in the weight of its curse.
I would imagine that if I had been given a diagnosis from a doctor that I had a deadly cancer, as Rhio had, I would take steps very similar to the ones he had taken himself. Along with the medical and scientific steps I would take in the treatment of the disease, I would also take many steps towards a more spiritual path: connecting with friends and family, finding a peace with myself, and making sure all those I love know that I do, just in case I do not succeed in my battle with the disease known as cancer.
Temple University, the college I attend, has one of the largest libraries around and a great medical program. I would start myself on a very stringent study on the material that the library has based upon my disease. By gaining as much knowledge as I can through the library, the study of other people, and the options that they have taken, I would further pursue my goal of ending my cancer by seeking out the advice of professionals. It would be extremely pricey to get an opinion from every doctor in the area since only about fifty percent of healthcare in the United States is covered by government; therefore, I would take the closest option, Canada, where close to seventy percent of healthcare costs are covered by government. It would well be worth the trouble to save your own life and if I needed to I would definitely take advantage of that option. On a more positive note, I have never been to Canada and would be a great vacation.
Before looking into the toxic options for the treatment of cancer, such as radiation and chemotherapy, I would attempt to seek out other options until I absolutely had to become involved in the more dangerous treatments. I would change my diet to better suit my battle against cancer by eating foods that can help to destroy cancerous cells. I would not trust just doing one kind of treatment though, such as a change in diet, I would venture out by trying many different options all at once. Any option that seems feasible I would take.
On a more spiritual level, I would surround myself with positive people, thoughts, and music. Throughout my routine of medicine and treatments I would try my very best to keep an optimistic attitude. I would not only have my treatment routine but also a thorough exercise ritual and constantly keep positive music playing in my headphones. I would try to keep in touch with as many people as I could for support because, in the end, it is my family and friends that are going to push me past where I can go so that I can accomplish the barrier of cancer keeping me from health. It would be a long and curvy road to battle a disease so weight worthy as cancer, but with a consistent routine and the love of family and friends, I would do my very best to overcome it.
By: McGeehan, Matthew
