Tragically, Debbie lost her courageous battle with mesothelioma in June 2013

Posted in February 2011

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 Debbie. Her courageous story is one of many stories in our international community. These stories are important as we approach our GLOBAL Asbestos Awareness Week on April 1–7.

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.

DEBBIE’S STORY

Name: Debbie

Location: United Kingdom

Date of 1st Symptoms: 01-JAN-1994

Date of Diagnosis: 13-NOV-2006

Diagnosis: Mesothelioma

Treatment: Chemoembolisation

1959 – 2013

How has Asbestos changed your life? (unedited):

I was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in November 2006, it was a complete shock. I was given 6-9 months to live. I wouldn’t accept this and decided that this could not be the end of my life. In 2007 I created a website. This enabled me to be intouch with others going through the same as me. I went to Harley Street and met a Dr who told me about Professor Thomas Vogl in Germany who was having some success with Mesothelioma. I had nothing to lose and as I decided I needed to find out if this would work. In May 2008 I had my first appointment with the Prof. He told about the treatment, chemoembolisation, and that it wasn’t a cure. I went back to Germany for my second treatment and found that my meso had shrunk by 10%. After 6 treatments it had shrunk by 53%. My last treatment was in December 2008. I have three wonderful children and felt I could not leave them. I am so pleased to be able to share my story and hopefully help others in my position.

 

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