Heather is a mom just like most of us... except she has a story. Her story is one that is inspirational, and scary. She came to me a few months ago asking if she could guest post on my blog. At first I felt shy that someone I didn't know was interested in writing for me to tell her story... and then I wasn't sure if it was legit. I e-mailed her back and learned that she was a real peson behind her e-mail. Not just another scam. So then I got excited! Anyway, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post this!
I hope you all read closely... and maybe we all can make sure we're taking care of our little ones the best way we can. By taking care of ourselves first.
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My Shocking DiagnosisThree and a half months after I had my first child, I heard words that I never expected to hear. I will never forget the shock that I felt when my doctor walked into the room and said just three words, "You have cancer."
As a new mom, I was supposed to be enjoying one of the happiest times of my life. After the initial shock of my diagnosis wore off, I wanted to know everything that I could about my disease. I found out that my type of cancer was called malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma cancer is normally a result of asbestos exposure. When I found out this information, I was even more confused. I thought asbestos was banned, and how could I have been exposed?
It turns out that I was unwittingly exposed to asbestos as a child. My father worked as a construction worker, mainly with drywall. The dust from these messy construction projects came home with him every day on his clothes. At that time, we had no idea that millions of small asbestos particles were being spread throughout our car and home on his clothes. I inhaled those fibers day after day. Many years later, this inhalation would result in a very serious form of cancer.
I received my diagnosis when I was just 36 years old. At that time, the Mayo Clinic only knew of one other person my age who had contracted malignant pleural mesothelioma. The typical mesothelioma patient does not look a lot like me. Most patients are males who are older than I am. They typically have worked either in the military or in a trade, such as electricians, construction workers, plumbers and mechanics.
However, doctors started to see a new influx of mesothelioma sufferers. Many women started getting sick, and most of these women were wives of men who worked in these areas. These women were being exposed to asbestos every day as they washed their husband's clothes and cleaned their homes. When a woman would shake the dust out of her husband's shirt, she was inhaling these deadly particles. Some women were also exposed to asbestos as they entered the worked force. Secretaries who worked in office buildings with asbestos in the tiles were exposed on a daily basis.
Sadly, the extent of mesothelioma patients does not end with middle-aged men and women. My case was one of the first of many among younger mesothelioma sufferers. Many of us were exposed to asbestos as young children. I have heard hundreds of tragic stories. Children played in attics that were filled with asbestos, or went to schools that were affected. Others were exposed when they hugged their dads at the end of his workday. Since the asbestos dust was still on his clothing, they were inhaling a poison that would come back to haunt them.
It is sad to see so many other young adults suffering from mesothelioma, but it is comforting to know that I am not alone in my journey. I continue to share my story so that others will know there is hope after cancer. No one expects to spend the best years of their life surrounded by doctors and hospitals, but there is beauty among the ashes.
As this cancer becomes more common, mesothelioma treatments are advancing. More patients are surviving and going on to lead healthy, normal lives.
I would never have chosen a mesothelioma diagnosis for myself, but I refuse to live in fear of this disease. When I share my story with others, I want them to know that there is life on the other side of cancer. When you are very sick, it is easy to feel isolated and lonely. Each time I talk with another young mesothelioma patient, we are able to support each other.
Cancer changed my life, but not all of the changes have been negative. I know that I appreciate the little things in life more now than I did before I was sick. I do not take my friends and family members for granted, and I have learned how strong I can be in the face of tremendous adversity. To learn more about mesothelioma, watch this short video: What is Mesothelioma?
