James “Rhio” O’Connor was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer. This cancer is when the thin layer of cells lining the body’s internal organs infects the abdominal cavity or the heart. Also, this cancer is associated with the lungs, and it comes from being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate minerals exploited commercially for their desirable physical properties. The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles or been exposed to the asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. Another way it can be received is even if you do not work in those areas, but wash clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing the cancer too.
When Mr. O’Connor received the news, about being diagnosed with this rare cancer, he changed his lifestyle to where could live longer. Even though his oncologist said he only has one year to live, and the best thing he should do is take his wife on a vacation. When he changed his lifestyle, he lived for seven and a half years. After the seven and a half years he died at the age of sixty nine. James Rhio O’Connor believed in himself, and stood strong in staying alive longer. Mr. O’Connor made me realize this was a hard situation for him, but he stuck through it lived longer days.
This story inspires me in so many ways, and touches me personally. Mr. O’Connor ignored what his oncologist said, and took matters into his own hands, and lived longer. He knew that he did not have one year left to live. Mr. O’Connor had dedication and faith. He was determined to live longer due to the fact someone said he only have one year left. When reading this story, I thought about my aunt who had breast cancer last year in two thousand and nine. Her doctor told her she may not be able to survive the next three years. My aunt did not believe what her doctor told her. She had faith and courage while she stood strong. My aunt removed her left breast, and underwent chemotherapy until December. My aunt was diagnosed in late July two thousand and nine. As you are reading this essay, my aunt is still living with no cancer cells in her body. My aunt is living cancer free.
Moreover, if I was given a dire cancer prognosis, I would panic at first, but this what God wants for my life. If I was put into the predicament, there is definitely a way out of the situation. Conducting research is extending my life period. When receiving the news about my cancer, I know there is a chance I might die or make it. So as an individual with this certain cancer, I have to be strong in mind, body, and soul. If you do not have strength in those three then you can give up. This is only a task given to you that you can give up or just work harder on trying to survive. I would find out more about the type of cancer I have. The statistics of how many people had it and the percentage of survival from his cancer. Also, the different treatments, or therapy’s provided for the type of cancer. More researching would consist of how this cancer is received, and the damage it does to the human body. Even though there might be many different treatments, or therapy’s provided for my cancer, I have to choose the best tone for me. So in that case, I would conduct research on every single one that is provided. Research where I can find how effective the treatment is, the side effects it might come, how will the treatment enter my body, and how long the treatment or therapy will last. I would use all informed decisions provided because everyone’s opinion and information does count, and can help you in the long run.
In final consideration, Mr. O’Connor was a strong man for what he did and because of his bravery he lived a longer life. If I was inspired with a center cancer, Mr. O’Connor would be my inspiration through it all. I would think if he can do it, I can do it also. As long as you have faith courage, and heart you can make it in the long run and beat that cancer. If I had the opportunity to meet Mr. O’Connor I would be very excited. Even though I do not have cancer, he still has inspired me in my schoolwork showing me, everything is possible if you just do your best.
By: Merchant, Denesha
