I have met so many wonderful people through this blog. During the past year or two, I have
corresponded through email with several other cancer survivors and new
mommies. I feel so blessed to have
met these people online, since they are from all over the country and
world. A few weeks ago, I actually
got to experience the excitement of meeting a blog reader (and fellow breast
cancer survivor) in real life!
During our last trip to Florida, I met J, her two adorable
children, and their two dogs. Our
stories are very similar so we had plenty to talk about, just as if we were old
friends. It felt comfortable and
almost therapeutic to spend time with somebody who really understands what it feels
like to go through chemo, double mastectomy surgeries, and reconstruction, all while
being a young mother and wanting to be there for your babies.
We had such a fun visit, playing on
their swings and slide, exploring the sandbox, and chasing the dogs around
their huge yard. Ryan is going
through a “non-sharing" stage these days, but J’s kids were so sweet and
welcoming by letting him play with all of their toys. Thanks so much for having us over, J! We will definitely have to get together again sometime!
I also recently received an email from Heather, a survivor
of mesothelioma cancer and mommy to a beautiful 7-year-old named Lily. Heather’s goal is to spread awareness
for this type of cancer, which is caused by asbestos exposure. She is strong, funny, and
super-optimistic, and she asked to write a guest post for my blog. Be sure to check her out and read the rest of her
inspiring story at her blog.
Heather’s Story ~ How Mesothelioma Affects People of All Ages
“You have cancer…” Those are the three words you hope to never hear in your
lifetime. The words evoke fear and shatter dreams at a time when you most think
you’re invincible. For me, I had a baby three and a half months before prior to
being diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. Now, I have pleural mesothelioma.
This cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos.
When I tell them, most people think, “Isn’t asbestos banned?
Where were you exposed?” Unfortunately, asbestos is not banned. I came into
contact with asbestos when I came into contact with my father’s work clothes.
He worked in construction, and he came into contact with asbestos through
drywall taping, sanding and mudding. The dust contained asbestos. When he came
home from work, it was on his clothes, his jacket and in his car. The dust seemed
innocent but contained microscopic asbestos fibers.
It was a rare occurrence that I was diagnosed at the early
age of 36. In general, mesothelioma affects older males who work in plumbing,
heating, the military or as mechanics or electricians. Wives of the military
began getting sick as a result or doing their husband’s laundry. The clothing
was full or asbestos, and women would shake the clothes before putting them in
the washer. Women who worked as secretaries in schools were also exposed to
asbestos.
Because of the exposure, the next generation of mesothelioma
patients is emerging. As more young people are diagnosed with this cancer, it
is the beginning of an alarming trend.
The more I am involved with the mesothelioma community, the more young
patients I meet. These men and women are in their late twenties and early
thirties, and they are just starting their marriages, new jobs and are having
babies. Their lives have been interrupted to concentrate on overcoming
mesothelioma.
The good news is that there are many advances being made in
treating this disease. With advancements, more people survive at all ages.
Hearing you have cancer is devastating, but I continue to
remain hopeful, as do many other mesothelioma patients. As mesothelioma
sufferers, we come together to share experiences and to support each other. We
cry when things are not working and celebrate victories when the treatment
works.
Many people ask me, “Why do you do what you do?” I share my
mesothelioma story to bring awareness to the situation. Without awareness,
nothing will change. With my story, I can offer hope to someone who was
diagnosed. It can help someone stop from living in fear of mesothelioma. If I
can help one person overcome their fear of living with mesothelioma, I have done
the right thing.
Thank you for sharing your story, Heather. You are an inspiration!
You put into words what I shared with my family about how powerful and validating it is to meet someone who truly understands. So wonderful to have met you all and looking forward to getting together again. <3
ReplyDelete@Jessica- I'm so glad that we had the opportunity to meet up! Can't wait to plan the next one! Happy Holidays to you and your beautiful family!
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