Posted on September 9, 2014
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 Selina, as shared by her daughter, Pamela, 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.
“A Story No One Should Ever Have to Tell” – Selina’s Story
Name: Selina
Location: California
Date of Diagnosis: 1984
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
1929 – 1986
How has asbestos changed your life? (Shared by her daughter, Pamela)
This is Selina’s story of asbestos. No matter how many years pass it will always be a very difficult story to tell. We lost a sweet and loving spirit. She looked for the good in everything and everyone. And had a way of finding happiness from even the simplest of things in life. The details may fade, but the pain always feels as strong as if it were yesterday.
Ironically, when asbestos came for my mother she had really just begun her life anew. She had worked hard her whole life and her life had been hard, but she was strong and never gave up. After raising 8 children, she was finally starting to do things for herself. She had experienced some health problems, but all were attributed to age or stress. Then one day she bent over and was overcome by extreme chest pain. Pleurisy was the initial diagnosis. But, when the pleurisy wouldn’t relent, it quickly became evident that there was something underlying. It wasn’t long before we heard “Mesothelioma” for the first time. Our father worked in a shipyard; late50’s-mid-60’s. His clothing was covered with the white dust and she did the wash.
The gravity of her situation led her to UCLA for surgery to remove the lining around the lungs and heart. Sadly, in less than a year the cancer began to spread even more rapidly. Tumors on her tongue, making it difficult to speak, and near her ear. She was in extreme and unbearable pain. She chose to stay at home with her family for her final days. She fought hard and held on for one last family Thanksgiving.
This is a story no daughter should ever have to tell. It is a story no one should ever have to tell.
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