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Mesothelioma Cancer
Asbestos BlueBy Lorraine Kember
He was only a child when it begun
And he played as children do
In his yard, with his toy cars and tip trucks
But his sand was asbestos blue.
In December 1999, my husband and I were walking home from a game of lawn
bowls when I became aware of his shortness of breath. I was surprised
and concerned when he told me that he had experienced this on several
occasions. Believing this to be due to chest a infection, I made a
doctor's appointment for him the next day. Chest X-rays revealed fluid
on the lungs, over two litres of which was drained, giving Brian
immediate relief, but it was a tense wait for the pathology results.
Through the Internet I had become aware of several conditions which may
have been responsible for fluid on the lung; these included asbestos-
related diseases. Brian had lived in Wittenoom as a child and I was
afraid of his diagnosis. Not wanting to worry him unnecessarily, I did
not mention my fears to him. I prayed that he had pleurisy or pneumonia
but the pathology results revealed that there were cancer cells present.
When Brian finally received his diagnosis, my worst nightmare became
reality. He had pleural mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lung
caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust. We found it inconceivable
that the disease was the result of Brian inhaling asbestos dust as a
child and that it had lain dormant for forty-five years before become
lethal.
We were still reeling from the shock when, without preamble, the young
doctor gave his prognosis. His exact words were, "Three to nine months,
I reckon". That he could say this so unfeelingly amazed me. His total
lack of compassion did not encourage even the small comfort of tears. I
felt as if Brian and I had been shot and from that moment on we were
waiting to drop.
Undoubtedly, were mortally wounded. We suffered shock, disbelief, anger,
helplessness and utter despair; in fact all the symptoms of grief one
feels when a loved one has actually died. Once again we found ourselves
with no control over our lives. This time however, there was no light at
the end of the tunnel. Our journey through terminal illness had begun.
Throughout the course of our married life my deep love for Brian and my
determination to resolve difficulties had seen us through many trials. I
found it hard to believe that nothing could be done to save his life and
begun surfing the Internet for information regarding mesothelioma, all
the time praying for a miracle, hoping against hope to find a doctor who
had successfully operated on or cured someone of it.
It was a sad realization to discover that for Brian there were no
miracles; however, I learned a lot and it helped me to accept that he
was dying. With my acceptance came a fierce determination to ease his
burden. I continued to seek information regarding mesothelioma and the
pain and symptoms Brian would experience, due to the progression of his
disease. In this way, I came to understand the importance of pain
management and symptom control and realized that although I could not
stop Brian from dying � I could help him to live. My acquired knowledge
regarding pain and symptom management enabled me to communicate with
Brian and to understand the type of pain he was experiencing and the
intensity of that pain. I was then able to work hand in hand with his
doctors, to bring his pain and symptoms under control. As my efforts
resulted in his improved quality of life, I lost my sense of
helplessness and gained strength.
Together, we achieved for Brian, a quality of life few thought possible,
considering the nature of his disease. Testament to this, Brian survived
for 2 years despite his prognosis of 3 to 9 months. Remained active and
alert, drove his car for eighteen months after diagnosis and was not bed
bound until three short days prior to his death.
Brian passed away on the 24th December 2001, he was 54 years old. I have
written a book called "Lean on Me" Cancer through a Carer's Eyes, in the
hope of helping others. My book includes; insight and discussion on:
Pain Management, Symptom Control, Chemotherapy, Palliative Care, Quality
of Life and the benefit of dying at home. Featured also are excerpts and
poems from my personal diary which portray the roller coaster of my
emotions as I cared for my terminally ill husband.
For further information, recommendations, reviews, book excerpts and
ordering facility please visit my website.
www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com
About the Author
Self published Author. Living in Perth Western Australia.
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