We thank D. Jo to share her experiences with us. The support of the community continues to grow with these prospects firsthand. We retain her surname privacy.
What were the events that led to your diagnosis?
I had pain in my ribs / chest when I took a deep breath. A year without a clear diagnosis, but I kept continuing medical care, and finally had surgery to biopsy and talcage who provided the definitive diagnosis.
When were you diagnosed?
November 1, 09
What were your biggest questions after being diagnosed?
What should I do and where should I go to the doctor and expert surgical care needed?
your mesothelioma was caused by asbestos?
The doctors said it was caused by exposure to asbestos that had occurred there about 30 years.
If yes, can you remember to come into contact with asbestos?
I didn, AOT realize at the time, but my exposure was the second-hand exposure doing laundry that had asbestos fibers embedded in them. Also I worked cleaning the engine room of my Dad, AOS boat, which was covered with asbestos. And thirdly, I used a lot of vermiculite in the planting of large containers of plants, not realizing that asbestos was also at that time. (70, 80 and AOS, AOS).
Where did you turn for information?
Internet and friends and family who did research for me and helped me find a center of excellence.
What was your reaction to hearing of your cancer diagnosis?
I cried a lot. Then I started reading everything I could and that was too depressing, I quit.
What was your reaction to family, AOS? 
My family and friends have been very supportive and helpful. Also I used a free website called CaringBridge, which allowed me to update to one location on the progress and status and selected family and friends could meet. This eliminates a myriad of phone calls. Reading Friends of the notes was a huge morale booster, I would encourage everyone to think about using this easy method of support.
What are the treatment options have you been offered and what you choose to do?
Boston doctors have offered to do lung surgery where they removed the lining of my left lung, and rubbed on the chest cavity, followed by heated chemotherapy that entered chest to cover all possible areas of the disease. The surgery was quite aggressive, and recovery was long, however, I, AOM living with a good quality of life.
Have you traveled in a specialized center?
I went to Houston, Texas, to get a second opinion before proceeding with surgery in Boston. The proposed treatment there was an intravenous chemotherapy, followed by the same operation (removal of the lining of the lung) and radiotherapy. All this will take about 4-6 months time, during which the patient needed to stay in the Houston area. I choose the treatment that seemed to Boston dismantling and aggressive treatment while one shot.
What message would you send to the mesothelioma community? (Newly diagnosed or survivors?)
There are long-term survivors of mesothelioma, and I intend to be one of them! Attitude counts for a lot, and the will to continue treatment recommendations all add up to a better chance of survival.
Do you have any words of encouragement? Want to share your own story of survival? Let us know in the comments below.
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