We have been touched by asbestos in individual ways, yet we are joined together by a bond of community. As a testament to the strength of our global family, the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is highlighting the courageous stories of our members with the “Share Your Story” feature on our website.
This week, we would like to honor the story of Vicky who is a part of our ADAO family. We encourage you to submit your personal stories by clicking here and following the simple instructions on the page. In sharing, comes healing. Remember, you are not alone.
“Monster of A Disease” – Vicki’s Story
Name: Vicki
Location: Maryland
Date of Birth:30-OCT-1952
Date of Diagnosis: 17-JULY- 2015
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
Treatment: N/A
How has asbestos changed your life? To all those affected by Asbestos – having this disease is through no fault of your own. As a young 62-year-old woman, I have always been a healthy person, by also growing my own vegetables, and watching the junk food consumption. I quit smoking 34 years ago when carrying my first child, and never went back to the cigarettes. When I went to my doctor with strange symptoms of back pain, and not breathing properly; you might as well had broadsided me in a car accident, when the final diagnosis was revealed to us. No one in the family or my closest friends could believe it. My husband has been a treasure with taking the stress off me by communicating with doctors and trying to find the best treatment for this horrible disease. We cannot find many doctors experienced with this, which in itself is discouraging. Since my symptoms began, it has been non-stop doctor appointments, blood tests, PET scans, CT scans, chest x-rays, and draining fluid around my lungs every day. Our days and nights consumed mentally. In addition to reading articles about Mesothelioma and the limitations of treatments, keeping a positive attitude can be a challenging. Very recently, we had a grandson! It is difficult not to think about not being around to see him grow, and watching my own children build their lives. My only hope is, if there is no distant future for myself, and then I pray that there is enough awareness about Asbestos that governments are forced to band this fiber from use; and more grants and fundraising become a reality for the benefit of science, health advocates, and nutrition experts to develop the best plan to destroy this monster of a disease.
(da; http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/archives/34877
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento