“The Value of My Life in Dollars and Tears” – Heather’s Story

We have been touched by asbestos in individual ways, yet we are joined together by a common bond of community. As a testament to the strength of our global family, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is highlighting the courageous stories of our members with the new “Share Your Story” feature on our website.

This week, we would like to honor the courageous story of Heather. We are pleased that Heather will be presenting at our 7th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference on April 1-3 in Atlanta. She will be sharing her full story, “The Value of My Life in Dollars and Tears.”

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.

HEATHER’S STORY

Name: Heather

Age: 42

State: Minnesota

Date of 1st Symptoms: 30-SEP-2005

Date of Diagnosis: 21-NOV-2005

Diagnosis:Mesothelioma

Treatment: Extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) with intrathoracic/intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy; four sessions of chemotherapy, Alimta, and cisplatin; six weeks of radiation.

How has Asbestos changed your life? (unedited): I was diagnosed 3 1/2 months after the birth of my first and only child. Needless to say, what was supposed to be a joyous time in our lives was now overshadowed with a mesothelioma diagnosis. I was exposed to asbestos as a child through my father’s work clothes; little did we know that 30 years later I would be in the fight for my life because of this dust. My life was changed forever that day and now, almost five years later, I’m very thankful for all the research done to help save lives and find a cure. I am currently cancer free, and will remain so.

Heather’s Story is also online at the International Mesothelioma Program