Posted on August 15, 2018
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 Rod, shared by himself, who is 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.
“Chemo Roller Coaster” – Rod’s Story
Name: Rod
Location: Australia
Date of Birth: 08/23/1961
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
Date of Diagnosis: 11/11/2017
Treatment: 2 x 6 Cisplatin/Permextred
LUME Meso Clinical Trial (Phase 3) – Nintedanib
How has asbestos changed your life? (Shared by Rod – unedited)
My mother died from mesothelioma in 2005 from exposure to asbestos at her workplace, a hardware store that specialized in asbestos products. So did 13 of her colleagues. In 2017 I was also diagnosed with mesothelioma, most probably through contact with all the cheap asbestos products she could get from her workplace. My father built so much stuff from that crap.
I watched my mother die within 11 months of her diagnosis. She struggled with the treatment and could take no more. I’m very aware of the path that mesothelioma can take and I’m going to do everything I can to keep it at bay for as long as possible.
I’ve had two rounds of chemo and been on a clinical trial. I achieved moderate shrinkage from the first round of chemo, but the tumours quickly grew back (within a couple of months). This required more chemo and currently the tumours are now back to their smallest size (albeit still quite large). I think I may be on the chemo roller coaster for a while.
I’m a strong believer in that taking the initiative and a positive attitude, but remaining pragmatic about your options. Being on the front foot is essential to achieve the best possible outcomes. You can read more about my story at www.mevmeso.wordpress.com
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