Tragically, John lost his mesothelioma battle September 2013.

Posted on September 6, 2013 

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 John, 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.

“Living the Nightmare of Mesothelioma” – John’s Story

Name: John

Location: Arizona

Date of Diagnosis: 10-AUG-2012

Treatment: Surgery on 9/24/12, Chemo began 11/26/12

1946 – 2013

How has asbestos changed your life?

I learned that I had mesothelioma on August 10, 2012.  I had always been in excellent shape and taken care of myself. In fact, I had just had a physical in May and the doctor told me I was in excellent health. My diagnosis has changed everything about my future life.  On July 5, 2010, I had remarried the girl I let get away in 1972 and we had our lives planned out with many years of marriage and fun ahead of us. Suddenly, I find out my life could be over in a year, my retirement turned into a leave from my job, and I now spend endless hours going to doctor appointments and treatments trying to keep the cancer somewhat controlled.

To find out that working in a steel foundry in 1965 was the cause of this disease, made me extremely angry.  If I had known the dangers of asbestos, I would have worn protective breathing devices.  All the years of taking care of myself now doesn’t mean a thing. In 2010, I became the happiest man alive, reuniting with someone in my life that I had loved since 1972.  We had so many hopes and dreams.  We built a retirement home in Arizona and we planned to travel.  We looked forward to spending each day together for the rest of our lives.

Asbestos has robbed me of my dreams.  I spend my time now wondering how long I have and how hard my life will be at the end.  If manufacturers of asbestos had been honest when they learned that their products were harmful and could kill people, I wouldn’t be living this nightmare of mesothelioma. At this point in my life, I treasure every minutes I have with my wife and pray for a miracle.

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