Marian, a former social worker who lives in Birmingham, shares her thoughts and feelings about being diagnosed with mesothelioma.
In October last year my life changed. A brief telephone call, from one of the medical registrars from the Hospital where I had undergone investigation, told me that I had a rare form of cancer and there was no cure. I asked about chemotherapy and was told it would give me possibly a few more months
I was completely devastated by the news of my impending death and the way in which it was delivered. Neither myself nor my family knew if I would actually be around for Christmas! It’s not surprising that I still have to cope with depression, which no amount of tablets can cure. Since my diagnosis I have lost over a stone in weight, I cannot stand for any length of time and I do become very tired.
But… I can still walk for about 20 minutes, I enjoy my food and eat three meals a day – a balanced diet. I have improved physically after my hospital discharge home. I have made personal links with a Hospice Nurse, a named GP, the District Nursing Team, and – of course – Asbestos Support Central England. On a day to day basis my adult son cares for me – and I have continuous contact with my other son, courtesy of Zoom.
I think the link between physical and emotional health is extremely important. Personal contact with caring professionals has given me some form of hope – which all of us need.
Hear more stories about the impact of mesothelioma. Join us on Zoom on Friday at 11am. Email info@asbestossupportce.org for the link.