Wendy M. is a survivor of 14 years mesothelioma cancer. His mesothelioma cases is very unique, as it was in an opposite trend. Wendy is an active member of our community on Facebook mesothelioma and was willing to share her story with others through our Insight Survivor Series. His last name is withheld on privacy.
What were the events that led to your diagnosis?
I worked in a nursing home as a paramedic / help. I had to lift a very large patient when I noticed my left arm felt tight and tingling. A colleague noticed the size and marbled he looked. My left arm was almost twice the size of my right arm. I rushed to the ambulance in emergency for an arm / injury potential and shock shoulder.
How old were you when you were diagnosed?
I am 28 years old.
How was your diagnosis process?
The whole process was a 30-day event The Cleveland Clinic . The arm swollen out to be the result of a clot 3 "blood in my subclavian vein just below the collarbone. This clot was in danger and move into my heart, killing me instantly. The Cleveland Clinic vascular unit had to break the clot and dissolve the clot, with fingers crossed that he worked on such a great part. I spent almost two weeks in Cleveland with misdiagnosis. I returned a week later with a similar swelling, which CT proved my entire lymphatic system was considered tumors, cancerous tumors. another two week ended in a removed lymph node that was sent to Boston and England for a diagnosis. my CA-125 blood test was well over 500 (excluding cards). I was tested for each type of cancer under the sun, without diagnosis. I am informed later he was mesothelioma after my release because they had no reason valid to keep me.
Being so young with mesothelioma, how long did it take for you to get a diagnosis accurately?
My mother demanded a second opinion. We had my lymph nodes slides and blocks sent to the hospital James Cancer in Columbus, Ohio for an examination. Their results came back as mesothelioma, they hoped was a huge mistake because of my age and the advanced stages of cancer. Overall, it was a three-month journey to a correct diagnosis.
What were your biggest questions after being diagnosed?
I don 't know if I had lots of questions. I was shell shocked train diagnosis and prognosis. I was immediately given 12-18 months to live with chemotherapy to make my less painful death. Once you hear this kind of news, everything else disappears immediately because your brain is too traumatized to absorb anything else.
your mesothelioma was caused by asbestos? If so, can you remember to come into contact with asbestos?
Yes, my cancer was 100% linked to asbestos. My first exposure to asbestos was at birth. My father was a professional mechanic. The grain on his uniform (clothing) was the asbestos dust from brake pads and clutches.
What treatment options were you offered and what have you chosen to do?
I was only offered a form of treatment. It was an experience. The Cleveland Clinic gave me chemo free in exchange for rights to my medical records to research them and Boston Medical Journal. I refused. I went to the hospital at OSU James Cancer in Columbus, Ohio. The used the same form of treatment as suggested in Cleveland. I was given Taxol and carboplatin.
Have you traveled in a specialized center or a surgeon?
No
How was your life since being diagnosed?
My life has been completely turned around, and sometimes ?? .. Upside down. My husband and I left our children halfway through my treatment. He married immediately, which made me feel like he has found a new parent for our girls. I am a healthcare professional, I had to dive feet first and be aggressive in my own survival. I studied everything I could get my hands on, about my body at the cellular level. I was also blessed by my oncologist to give me the OK to try alternative therapies with my conventional treatments, while keeping a medical journal of my experimental results. I am able to find true peace with my spirituality. I finally understood how I could stay being "me" and always know in my heart that I am a child of God. I must not be in a way that society expects of you "being" to myself a Christian consider. I had a better relationship with my family and friends, and with that, a better peace of mind about the life we know on Earth. I decided to leave my comfort zone and be a person mesothelioma lawyer and support, even if the potential is there to emotionally relive my fight.
you are writing a book "mesothelioma and me" why did you decide to write it?
My oncologist was the push behind the idea of writing the book. It took me several years to really examine. And now he comes to an end, I am happy. I ' have had several walk from the keyboard to shout that I delete all these years. this book is to educate and inspire those going through the same struggle that I endured. education is the key!
writing is a form of therapy for patients with cancer
Can you tell us a little more on the book?
This book is a chronology of my cancer experience. It also has medical information and legal questions, I hope to open some eyes . Mesothelioma has been by far the most educational experience of my life.
What message would you send to the mesothelioma community? (Newly diagnosed or survivors?)
Even if life is terminal, never stop believing and try! This declaration ?? .. Life is Terminal ???? I had to look in the mirror and accept that the whole sentence. I was not born with an expiration date on my body, and to be your new hands disappearance is the worst countdown you could never keep a calendar. If your brain and your body is telling you something completely opposite of what a man or woman in white coats gave you, listen to your heart and fight, debate, crying, praying, sharing, love and live the mostly this life with what your gut is telling you to do! You are never alone in this battle. And if you think you are ???? look in the mirror. Look into your own eyes and see that God gave you a special gift that no one can ever take from you ???? your mind and soul. And if you are dealing with bad news, or beat down today and you fear exhausting your family or friends (again) with insecurities you ?? .. Please know that I will do everything I can to be your cheerleader in your corner. I'll talk to you until I'm blue in the face for you where you need to be mentally and emotionally, if it means you have 10 minutes to feel the peace and confidence in your heart get!
we thank Wendy for sharing his personal story with us in our Insight Survivor Series. She had a very unique situation that is an inspiration to others. Are you interested in sharing your story with us? reach out to us outreach@asbestos.com.
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