There is no easy way to cope with mesothelioma. Even before the diagnosis, the disease is undeniably devastating. As if the disease itself is not bad enough, it frequently occurs on top of asbestosis and other asbestos related diseases. Any man or woman living with the disease should rightfully be considered a hero.
But even amongst this group, some stand out as pioneers. Some fight for the rights of workers harmed by companies who put profits above human life, pushing to expand their bottom line by hiding the damage asbestos exposure can have on health. Others are helping people survive and live as happy a life as possible through summer camps for children and support groups. Many are pushing for mesothelioma treatments and a cure, testing the limits of life lived with the disease. This article is dedicated to all those who inspire and all those who seek newer and better mesothelioma treatments.
Devastating Disease
The first signs may seem innocuous, nothing more sinister than a cough and shortness of breath. But over time, an uncomfortable pain and pressure will develop in the chest, leading to further complications that eventually turn fatal. These symptoms may seem like a lung disorder, but are actually the result of peritoneal mesothelioma, a type of cancer whose tumors grow in the mesothelium, the lining around vital organs. Peritoneal occurs in the mesothelium surrounding the lungs, by far the most common.
So far, treatment options for this disease are very limited. Drugs have only a slight effect and cannot cure it. Operations have been more successful, but the mesothelium can be difficult to reach and can be difficult to determine if all tumors have been removed. Even if all are successfully excised, the cancer may still return, infecting other parts of the body and spreading further. Yet there is hope, as is proven by those who live with the disease. Mesothelioma treatment can work, prolonging life and increasing precious time.
Strong Fighter: Steven Jay Gould
In July 1982, prominent paleontologist and outspoken civil advocate Steven Jay Gould was diagnosed with mesothelioma of the stomach lining and given eight months to live. But Mr. Gould refused to accept the terminal sentence and instead started writing a column entitled "The Median Isn't the Message." He noted that eight months was only an average, the lifespan of 50% of patients after diagnosis. Treatment could make that number vary, he argued. Determination, age, and early detection would also be factors. He could live longer -- much longer -- than the eight months his doctor had originally given him.
Ultimately, Mr. Gould was correct. Through an aggressive mesothelioma treatment regimen, he was able to drive the cancer back. His column also became a source of hope for many undergoing cancer treatment. Mr. Gould ultimately lived another 20 years before finally passing away as a result of metastatic adenocarcenoma of the lung. The lung cancer had spread to his brain, eventually becoming terminal. He died on May 20, 2002 and the cause of death was completely unrelated to mesothelioma .
Paul Kraus: No Treatment, but a Strong Will
Born in Austria, Mr. Kraus migrated to Australia while very young. He took a factory job cutting asbestos sheets, exposing himself to the dangerous fibers over a period of years. He was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 1997 and given eight months to live.
But Mr. Kraus did not accept the short term. Yet, neither did he accept the treatment options: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. He feared they would simply impact the quality of his remaining time without adding significantly to the number of days he had left. Mr. Kraus denied conventional medical treatment and instead began his own regimen consisting of numerous vitamins, traditional Chinese medicine, and a strict diet.
Mr. Kraus continues his regimen to this day and enjoys a good life with no major signs of his illness. He has written several books, including one based on his experiences dealing with the cancer.
Fighting On
Although Mr. Kraus chose not to have conventional medical treatment, he reviewed all his options. Mr. Gould is living a long, happy life thanks to lifesaving care with radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. If you suspect that you may have mesothelioma, treatment should be mandatory - not optional - unless you are certain that you understand the risks. Don't delay, ask a physician about mesothelioma treatment first and make choices later.
