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My mother was not feeling well and was experiencing difficulty breathing and occasional chest pains.  I was very concerned and took her to the doctor myself (I didn’t think she would go otherwise).  The doctors ran extensive tests over the weeks that followed, and when all was said and done they determined that she had Pleural Mesothelioma.

I had heard the word a few times, but really was not sure what this illness was.  The doctor explained to us that it was a form of cancer that was in the lining of my mom’s lungs.  I didn’t really understand then that it was from prolonged exposure to asbestos, which by the way is the only known cause of this disease.  I asked how this could possibly be, and was told that although this disease is more commonly found in white males over the age of 50, there is also a known risk for women who have worked in schools for many years.  Well, my mom had been a teacher at a local school.  Years after she had been working there, apparently they did have an issue with asbestos and that is mostly likely what had put her at risk. 

The doctor told us that my mom’s chances of survival at this advanced stage were not good.  We asked how long and were told that he would estimate a year or so was the amount of time she had left.  We both sobbed and hugged each other.  Devastated that this was happening, and still partly in total disbelief we went home.  Needless to say I withdrew from my classes to stay home and take care of Mom.  She tried to stay strong, and did pretty well right up until the end.  I prayed every night to God to let my mom be with me just a few more years, hoping that she would live long enough to see me married, or to see her first grandchild.  Unfortunately, that was too much to ask for.  By the end, I was praying for God to end her suffering.  Well, my mom passed only 8 months and 4 days following the initial diagnosis.

If this blog serves any purpose, please if you have any chance of having had prolonged exposure to asbestos, tell your physician and get him to check you out.  Even if you feel fine, by the time Mesothelioma symptoms appear, it may be too late.