Rhio O'Connor was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in October 2001, cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that occurs in the lining of cells or internal organs in the body and given different names accordingly. For example, malignant mesothelioma occurs in the thin layer of cells lining the body's internal organs, known as the mesothelium; pleural mesothelioma, which is the most common form of the disease, and is what O’Connor was diagnosed with, accounts for about 70% of cases, and occurs in the lining of the lung known as the pleura; peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum; and pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart1. He was told he had less than a year to live since surgery was not possible due to where the tumor was located and chemotherapy would basically be of no help.
One word I would use to describe O’Conner is that he persevered. To persevere is to maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement2. He kept the faith, ran the race and finished the course without settling for defeat. Perseverance is more than endurance, it is surviving with absolute assurance and determination that one will live to see the outcome. It is simply refusing to believe in becoming conquered and giving up.
O’Conner took matters into his own hands; he didn’t go by what the doctors’ said and took up his own research to improve his quality of life by over seven years. Honestly, I would have to admit to doing the same thing, quitting and settling is not of my destiny. As for me I know I have a purpose in life and that purpose is to become a pediatrician. Most people enter college undecided about what career they would like to pursue. However, I have always considered becoming a pediatrician since I first thought of careers growing up. Being an African American female studying biomedical science has not been easy, yet, I have struggled through it. I have a great yearning and unexplainable passion for children and this has been the fire inside of me that keeps me going. It motivates me to accomplish this task that may seem difficult now, but will eventually have an outcome of everlasting satisfaction.
If I was faced with a diagnosis of my time on earth being cut short, I would do all in my ability to ensure I prolonged that time and still carry out my goal of being a pediatrician. Therefore, I would have to look into all the medical remedies and supplements that would help provide me with a better quality of life. O’Conner chose to work with professional clinicians in helping to provide him with a healthy regimen which included taking over 100 supplements a day, changing his diet with healthier foods, and partaking in holistic practices.
As of lately, mesothelioma is being discussed with more detail, providing a better awareness of the illness. Therefore I would want to participate in or try to get a clinical study trial started for patients with mesothelioma. It would involve a control in which regular supplements and change in diet and exercise is practiced by one group of people. Another set would be the experimental group in which medicine and cancer treatments are provided to another group of people. With this even if I wasn’t able to benefit from the results, others who may have a better case of surviving may see the study as something of use.
Subsequently, I must also admit I cannot actually say what I would do treatment wise because that would be a family decision. Those who are close will only want what is best and this may involve going through all measure possible including surgery and chemotherapy. On the other hand they may also want me to just let nature take its course and just live life naturally and enjoy. All I can say is that I won’t allow it to just be about me, I would do what it takes to give my family peace of mind as well. These people can range anywhere from family, to close family friends who are medical professionals (doctors, nurses, home aides), or may just have a research background and experience to cancer cases.
1. mesothelioma.com
2. dictionary. com
If you would like to know more information about the mesothelioma or know someone who may need the information please feel free to visit
www.survivingmesothelioma.com -CU-
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