Posted on January 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 Randy, as shared by his widow Wendy, 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.
“Handed a Death Sentence” – Randy’s Story
Name: Randy
Location: Tennessee
Date of Diagnosis: 11-NOV-2008
Diagnosis: Mesothelioma
Treatment: Chemotherapy – Alimta &Cisplatin, Radiation, Clinical Trials
1955 – 2011
How has asbestos changed your life?
On 11-11-08 we didn’t realize that we were being handed a death sentence. When the doctor told me Randy had Mesothelioma, I was in shock. I couldn’t even pronounce it let alone know what it was. So our journey begins.. All of our hopes, plans, and dreams were now on hold. Randy was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma at the age of 53. He had been exposed to asbestos at his job 30 years ago. On December 3, 2008 he had surgery to remove his right lung, pericardium and diaphragm at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta ,GA. He then underwent chemotherapy and radiation. Randy’s recovery time was amazing. He faced it with faith, courage, strength and fight! Never complained once!! We were told that he had 9 to 12 months to live. Randy beat the odds! Faith and lots of prayer and an excellent doctor allowed us to have Randy for 3 years. We were blessed!
I watched this disease zap the life out of my young, strong healthy, hard working, golf loving, best friend, soulmate, faith filled man, and daddy. His final days were so mean to him. He was in excruciating pain, gasping for air, wheezing and coughing uncontrollably. No one should have to struggle like that. I prayed to God to make the pain and suffering stop. On September 7, 2011 @5.55am Randy was called home to be with his Lord and Savior. For that I am thankful. I miss him so much. I pray for God to give me strength to get through each day and raise our 16 year old son and
instill in him all the things that his dad was. Thank you for allowing me to share our story.
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