Mesothelioma Cancer Awareness

A message from our friends at http://www.asbestos.com/


Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer. One of the primary mesothelioma causes is asbestos exposure. The cancer develops in the mesothelium, a protective membrane that lines three body cavities: the thoracic cavity (pleura), abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and the heart sac (pericardium).

A mesothelioma patient’s prognosis, or the probable course and outcome of a disease’s influence on the body, is influenced by numerous factors. Since a mesothelioma diagnosis often occurs once the cancer has progressed to later stages of development, prognosis is typically poor. However if a patient is diagnosed before the cancer has spread or elects to undergo treatment to combat the cancer, their prognosis may improve.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring toxic mineral that was commonly used throughout the 20th century in thousands of products and many industries. Asbestos is naturally resistant to heat and fire, making it ideal for use in insulation. The mineral was often used in insulation and the fine, flexible fibers were frequently mixed with cement and woven into fabrics. Exposure to asbestos can result in the development of serious illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.







Thursday, March 26, 2009

Day 1

So here I am. End of day 1 after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

I woke up this morning feeling great. Last night I was up talking to B. until 4:00 am! It was the best talk we've ever had! I'm so lucky to have him. He's so supportive and strong. I really love the guy!

I felt really blessed this morning. I was full of energy and I almost felt happy! Weird, I know. It helps me to know that I have so many people thinking about me and praying for me. I guess it does give strength after all.

I got up at 7:00 am, yes after only 3 hours of sleep. I helped the kids get ready for school and sat down in the office. Time to break the news to my family in Greece.

I had already told Sally the day before. She sent an e-mail out to everyone in the family to let them know. Emily e-mailed me and then called. She always knows how to make people laugh. It was great.

It was already late to call my folks the day before, but I knew that I should do it today.

I was able to get a hold of my brother first. He's so great to talk to about things like this. He really made me feel a lot better. Thanks Antoni mou!:-)

Then I talked to my sister. Mikie already knew that I was going in for a biopsy. Too bad I didn't have good news to share. We had a nice talk. She was a little bit shocked at first, concerned, but she too was able to encourage me. I felt so much better after talking to them. I really miss them both.

Brian had to go to Dayton today. It was hard for me during the day. It's always harder when he's not around. I was in a daze for the rest of the day. I have this tight feeling in my stomach, like somebody gave me a big kick in the gut (not butt, Mr. Smarty Pants.)

I cooked dinner for the kids and when Brian got home around 6:40 I was already feeling tired and ever more scared, if that could ever be possible.

We watched that video game show we had recorded on the DVR and then sent the kids to bed. The 2 of us then went to bed and spent some time talking again. It was comforting. Some times listening to his voice while laying on his chest gives me the most incredible feeling. I'm safe there. Protected. Nothing can go wrong when I'm in his arms listening to his deep soothing voice.

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