Asbestos Killed My Husband

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's courageous battle with mesothelioma came to an end on the 24th December 2001, he passed away at home surrounded by his loved ones. He was 54 years old.

Article written by: Lorraine Kember ? Author of "Lean on Me" Cancer through a Carer's Eyes. Lorraine's book is written from her experience of caring for her dying husband in the hope of helping others. It includes insight and discussion on: Anticipatory Grief, Understanding and identifying pain, Pain Management and Symptom Control, Chemotherapy, Palliative Care, Quality of Life and Dying at home. It also features excerpts and poems from her personal diary. Highly recommended by the Cancer Council. "Lean on Me" is not available in bookstores - For detailed information, Doctor's recommendations, Reviews, Book Excerpts and Ordering Facility - visit her website http://www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com .

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Lung Cancer-Non-Smokers at Risk!

Most of us non-smokers feel we've got little to worry... Read More

Mesothelioma

Tragically the word mesothelioma is becoming more and more well... Read More

Mesothelioma Information Help

Depending on the stage of the disease, the most common... Read More

L&S Announce Steps to Protect Against Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Lewis and Sholnick have announced the publication of some simple... Read More

How to Tell if You Have Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma - Symptoms and SolutionsSymptoms of Mesothelioma can be latent... Read More

Does It Pay to Get a Mesothelioma Attorney?

Mesothelioma is a serious form of rare cancer. There is... Read More

Mesothelioma Help

According to the National Cancer Institute, mesothelioma is a malignant... Read More

Is Replacing the Lungs the Answer to Lung Cancer?

Late stage lung cancers are some of the hardest to... Read More

How to Treat Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

There are many forms of treatment for Mesothelioma. Their effectiveness... Read More

Mesothelioma or Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma: What is it?Mesothelioma is a malignant cancerous disease of... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer involving mesothelial tissues of... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer and Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which occurs in thin... Read More

Lung Cancer Discoveries

There is a new way to treat lung cancer with... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer Diagnosed- Questions to ask

Following diagnosis, uppermost amongst a patient's thoughts will be these..."Am... Read More

Mesothelioma Cancer - What to Tell Children

The amount of information you should give them depends on... Read More

Mesothelioma in the UK

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the external... Read More

Mesothelioma - an Asbestos Related Lung Cancer

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer located in the lining... Read More

Knee Deep in Asbestos

When I was 17 old I started working at an... Read More

Lung Cancer 101 What You Need to Know About

Accounting about for 14% of all cancers and 28% of... Read More

Lung Cancer: The Bad and the Worse

In terms of deaths caused by various forms of cancer,... Read More

Gene Therapy for Mesothelioma

An exciting new treatment that has given hope to mesothelioma... Read More

Asbestos - The Silent Killer

Asbestos is the single biggest work place killer today. People... Read More

What You Need To Know About Lung Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells don't... Read More

Asbestos and Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a dangerous and potentially deadly substance that was... Read More

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is an extremely nasty and permanent cancer that infects... Read More

Mesothelioma Book - Review

"Lean on Me" Cancer through a carer's eyes Lorraine Kember... Read More

How to Sense Low Levels of Asbestos in Your Daily Environment

My discovery came to me by accidentally removing an asbestos... Read More

The Asbestos Disaster - Who Is To Blame

The ancient Greeks, Romans and Egyptians were all aware of... Read More

Coping With Cancer-A Family View

An often forgotten feature of dealing with cancer is what... Read More

Mesothelioma - The Largest Man Made Epidemic

It is documented that Australia had the highest per capita... Read More

Asbestos Litigation ? Some Basic Facts About The Process

When Should I Consult an Asbestos Attorney?If asbestos diseases have... Read More

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare disease. The tissue lining the... Read More

Asbestos - Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral found in the... Read More