Louise W. has been affected by mesothelioma diagnosis from his father. He developed the disease through occupational exposure to asbestos
She came into contact with the deadly mineral several times in his life over the life of several decades. His childhood home contained asbestos, secondary exposure from the dust on his father's work clothes and occupational exposure of the work of a government job that his presentation to the toxic substance.
She is currently an international lawyer for mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases.
We would like to thank to talk about his experiences with us. We retain her surname privacy.
Can you tell me about your father's mesothelioma diagnosis?
My father, Norman, was diagnosed in January 1985 and died on 11 September 1985.
there were a number of years had a catarrh cough which used to annoy all the world he was a good man if the few months before his diagnosis, he had the flu and frequently also a very bad pain that doctors believed a hernia. Finally, by fluid drainage and biopsy he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. No treatment was given relief - chemo / radiotherapy sickened as did morphine. He was on the huge tanks of oxygen just to breathe. My father went from a 54 year old man very healthy and active to a wizened old man in a few months!
had caused his mesothelioma to asbestos? Do you know how he came into contact with asbestos?
The mesothelioma was caused by asbestos. In the early 70s he worked as a plasterer solid and came into constant contact with asbestos in the plaster, insulation and many work sites where asbestos was all around him add to his exposure.
Where did you turn for information?
In 1985, there was no information available. Most of the medical profession had never heard the word mesothelioma. He was treated at the hospital Peter Maccallum Cancer in Melbourne, Australia for lung cancer.
What was the reaction of your family?
My mother and father were married for 31 years. They would grow old together! Myself and siblings lost our stepfather. My 2 girls lost their grandfather. When Dad died, we were in shock. None of us knew anything about mesothelioma and asbestos! A lawyer came to see mom and dad when he was dying in the hospital, Dad asked few questions and made her sign a statement. They "settled" a claim to James Hardy after dad died. Mom's funeral paid for $ 3,000 and more for medical expenses that Dad had committed!
What were the events that led to your diagnosis?
unexplained chronic fatigue for 8 years before diagnosis. 18 months of misdiagnosis - Ultrasound / X-ray, I had high hardness on the groin area
When were you diagnosed
Finally diagnosed in December 03 after an incredible night intense pain.? my abdomen to the groin area flat. Diagnosis with a biopsy fine needle. Surgery to remove the tumor mass - doctors still were looking for ovarian cancer instead they diagnosed peritoneal mesothelioma
What were your biggest questions after being diagnosed
Why me.? Any other cancer, I am prepared for the biopsy confirmed "malignant cell type."
your mesothelioma was caused by asbestos? Can you remember to come into contact with asbestos?
I had 3 exposures to asbestos! In our first home in the end walls of the 50 asbestos / father could patch these if necessary, make kennels for our puppies / cubby house for us kids.
In the early 1970s, dad would bring home his work clothes covered in> asbestos dust - mom or myself would shake them and put them in the washing machine . I also used to use the vacuum cleaner to 'own dad car "because it would be covered in" dust "!
The third exhibition was my first job working in the Ministry of Health (Commonwealth Government) as data processing operator using huge computer type machines punching pharmaceutical requirements of the medical field. When these machines were broken - Computer technicians would climb a ladder near the machine, open suspended ceiling and attach power cables, 4 times the legal amount allowed asbestos in ceilings
Where did -you! turn to for information?
I contacted by phone various health organizations that have made could not even pronounce the word mesothelioma. Finally, contact was given in Western Australia and the person who heads an organization of asbestos there, called me back and talked for over an hour. I asked him just like how long have I, what are my options for survival, etc. - Any loss
I also went interstate and found a long-term survivor of mesothelioma - he was then alive for more than 5 years.
What message have you left with when you went interstate to visit another fighter mesothelioma?
This guy decided to have nothing to do with the medical profession as they could not come to an agreement on this. if a treatment they could offer him other than palliative so he decided to heal naturally!
I came out thinking, I'm not brave enough to do it myself, I will give my best, go with my oncologist that I have every faith. I asked him what was in long-term survivors of meso, his answer to me was' 2 lasted 8 years, the other is in their fifth year, "so that was reason enough to go with him. I also heal my own self, follow a good diet, positive, enjoy life and give back to others.
Many people fear a diagnosis of mesothelioma and will not talk with their MD. What advice or thoughts do you have for them and their families?
I need to know everything about it, the internet surviving in the long term, support group, and I asked questions, what stage was I in when first diagnosed (answer was the step 4) how long 2 months to months, etc. I need to know what I was doing against so I can heal myself and give it my best shot at survival and living with mesothelioma. That's my secret. - Live with it
I think this is the key to getting through a diagnosis such as ARD (asbestos-related illness) be entitled to this and then you can cope. Knowledge is a powerful tool. Talk to others who have an ARD really helps.
What was your reaction to hearing your diagnosis with cancer?
I am in shock because although my specialist when he said "mesothelioma cancer it could not pronounce the word I had to finish him! I remember the specialist saying "you know about asbestos cancer" - my answer was yes - My father died of it in 1985
What was your reaction family
My husband is 100% behind me and with me on this journey - live the nightmare with me - enjoying the good times and the bad times
what are your treatment options
major withdrawal of tumor surgery followed? by 18 sessions of chemotherapy (cisplatin and Gemzar).
in October 09, I was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. I had 3 major operations followed by intense sessions of ALIMTA and cisplatin
What message would you send to the community
No amount of asbestos is safe -.? He kills
I think I'm still here, even though many other beautiful people lost their lives no fault of their own because they inhaled asbestos fiber only 1, because I am now their voices and I will do for prevent someone else going through a horrible ARD aggressive.
I give my time to help others, including their partners, family and friends.
as vice president and joint outreach coordinator / advocacy on the board of ADSVIC (asbestos diseases Company Victoria) Australia - I sensitization and advocacy
we want to thank Lou to share his experiences with us and all mesothelioma fighters who continue to blog and reach out to the community
..How has cancer changed your life? Do you have any words of advice, encouragement and support to others? Continue the conversation on Facebook.
Author
Ben Leer
Ben Leer is an outreach coordinator with mesothelioma Centre. It works to improve education and awareness of mesothelioma and other diseases related to asbestos. Part of the work of Ben ?? is to reach out and collaborate with patients, caregivers and family members of our online communities
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