diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in October 2011, Mike T. knew immediately where he had been exposed to asbestos.
While working for Telecom in 1977, he spent many hours in installation pits, drilling holes in the asbestos sheet for the cables to pass through.
symptom prompting Mike's doctor visit that fateful day was a lump in her breast that appears to be growing.
Mike had been aware of the lump for over a year, but was not concerned because of his belief that the piece was a coagulated cyst caused by two procedures that pleurodesis it suffered in 09 after breaking a rib and punctured a lung in combat martial arts.
remarkable outcome
Mike, 59, and his family live in the beautiful Australian city of Cairns on the northeast coast of Australia in the state of Queensland. They have been in the region for over 20 years and love the lifestyle. His last name is withheld on privacy.
A passionate fisherman when he has the chance, Mike also loves a good supply of mud crabs and believes that these are about as good as it gets.
After the diagnosis of mesothelioma Mike, he was informed by his doctor that he could expect 10 to 12 years. (Many pleural patients are 10 to 12 months.)
The treatment of mesothelioma Mike started with the course of radiation week to stop the growth of cancer, which had spread track of after needle biopsy. This was followed by 18 sessions of Alimta and cisplatin chemotherapy, which ended in May 2012.
Since then, Mike had no other medical treatment for his mesothelioma. Despite this, its regular CT analyzes indicate that the tumor continues to shrink, which is wonderful news ?? and, as the doctor Mike, quite remarkable.
The warm and fuzzy feelings
asked how his wife and her family faced his illness, Mike said that for the first months after his diagnosis, he was an emotional roller coaster for them all, and was a pretty hard time.
things have improved considerably since, and the good news on tumor shrinkage gave up hope.
"My wife and family are an amazing support for me," Mike said. "Even my extended family remains in regular contact by phone or e-mail to see if I'm OK."
Mike's friends were pretty amazing, too. He was carried away by the Cruise Benefit a his friends held in his honor. Nearly 150 people came to the cruise, which generated $ 12,500 for Mike and his family.
"the love of family and friends is what really matters, "Mike said. "That's what gives me the warm and fuzzy feelings that keep me."
Mike pets also contribute to the warm and ferrets. His two dogs are still waiting to greet him, and their noisy antics make you laugh. Attention is given to them must be shared with Mike chook animals (chicken), Penny, a Chinese Silkie who loves to be petted and made at the ripe age of 12.
Living with Mesothelioma
"I am confident of beating this insidious intrusion into my body by the enthusiasm of self-produced and always thoughts positive," Mike said.
He been retired for many years, but believes it is busier now than ever he was when he was working full time -. and this is just the way he likes it
is involved in a commercial enterprise in the Torres Strait, involving the export of portable machines mobile masonry blocks, which allow to make bricks on site. other ongoing projects include the export of jute (jute) bags and live mud crabs.
These projects are not the only thing that keeps Mike busy. He is a keen gardener and also a dab hand at home -. Make the most of shopping, cooking, washing and cleaning around the house to help his wife, who is a teacher from the school full time
One could be forgiven for thinking that n 'there would be no time for anything else in the busy life of Mike, but he also manages to hold two sessions in martial arts and vascular training session (cardio) each week without fail.
Not surprisingly, Mike's body is in excellent shape.
he said that although he rarely thinks about his illness, he is aware, due to a slight feeling of discomfort in his chest. When this becomes annoying, it takes a painkiller.
Happier than most
Aware that he is happier than most when it comes to life with mesothelioma, Mike believes his excellent health and a positive attitude played a big role in how the body fights disease.
healthy Mike does not come by chance. Apart from his physical system, it is very strict regarding the diet and resists anything that contains sugar.
Eating mostly fish and organic chicken with lots of fresh vegetables from its own garden, Mike eats red meat once a week for its iron value.
He also swears by his super Juice ?? a mixture of fruit and vegetables takes it religiously everyday.
Super Juice
The amount used depends on the amount of juice you want to do at the time.
- fresh carrots (orange and purple)
- Celery
- Beet
- Red and green apples
- lemon with rind and pith
- fresh ginger
Mike points out that lemons are very important for this mixture, because they contain high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids.
also recommends relaxation through complementary therapies, including meditation and spiritual healing.
"I tried just about everything," he said. "I even had a prayer meeting was held just for me; it was pretty powerful. "
Mike's attitude toward his mesothelioma is ??" I refuse to let this disease control my mind. " He has the following advice for other people living with mesothelioma.
- Be careful with your diet
- Do not think about cancer ?? focus on something else.
- Search for things that bring, fuzzy warm feelings in your life.
Mike's story is truly inspirational. He is determined to live until at least 75 or 80 and has the following message for cancer in his body:
"Get out and walk, you filthy beast; I have too much people to see and too many places to go to let you control my life. "
