3. Did you face any obstacles during your treatment? If so, how did you overcome them?
After my surgery, my kidneys shut down… and were not functioning correctly. I was going to have to do dialysis, but overnight, my kidneys started working again. I call it my miracle. Then they started working too well, I was not hanging on to any potassium or magnesium, so I ended up staying in the hospital for an extra week while it worked itself out. I had a pretty easy time of chemo and radiation, all things considered. I was sick, which was to be expected, and needed a blood transfusion and some platelets, but anyone going through cancer treatment knows this sort of thing happens. I had severe dehydration during radiation but thanks to an excellent medical team, I was very well taken care of.
4. Were there any particular experiences that helped you cope?
Just simply being with my daughter. I can’t pinpoint any one single moment… She was, and still is my reason to fight.
5. What do you think was the secret behind your success?
First, excellent medical care. The world’s leading specialist in pleural mesothelioma was my surgeon; Dr. David Sugarbaker. He oversaw every step of my care. Second, when I was first diagnosed, I worked with a law firm to help pinpoint where and when I was exposed to asbestos. When you are diagnosed with this disease, you are making so many decisions and everything seems so out of control… Being able to seek legal action helped me feel somewhat back in control of things. Third, having a positive attitude. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. My spirituality played a big part in my attitude.
6. Are there any positives that have come from you having cancer?
Too many to count. It is all at once the worst thing and best thing that has ever happened to me. I’ve been so fortunate to meet so many amazing people and had some incredible experiences. I can’t say this would have happened had I not gotten sick, and this is just the beginning. Simply put, my life is what it is because of what happened to me, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Facts and Stats on Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer caused only by asbestos exposure.
- Asbestos was widely used up through the 1970’s in building materials.
- Asbestos is still not banned in the US and Canada.
- Mesothelioma affects the lining of the organs, most commonly, the lungs.
Thanks Heather for sharing your story. Moms, remember you not alone and if you want to share your story, please email me [email protected].
Important links for you:
www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-cancer
www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/diagnosis
www.mesothelioma.com/mesothelioma/statistics
58 comments
She sounds like an amazing woman. Thank you so much for sharing her story with us today.
This woman is inspiring! I am SO glad she was willing to share her story with everyone. Maybe others like her will not feel as lonely as she did this way.
I’m so glad she decided to share her story. It’s such an inspiration to see someone who faced something so heinous and came out the other side.
I can’t believe that asbestos is still not banned in the U.S. when it is a known carcinogen. Thank you for taking the time to share this cancer survivor story. I think we need to focus on the possibility that comes out of a difficult journey and it appears that she has done that very well.
Thank you for sharing. One day, hopefully all forms of cancer will be treatable. I hope I am around to see that day.
Thank you for sharing your story and inspiration! I have survived cancer twice to date and know that is now how I am going to depart this Earth when I do!
Thank you for sharing your story! I love hearing survivor stories, especially when the survivors are younger!!
I can only imagine how it must have felt to hear the diagnosis and then finally be free and clear. This is so good to hear!
What an amazing story! I am so thankful medicine has come so far to help so many women battling breast cancer.
No one wants to hear that they have the dreaded “C.” Two of my cousins are breast cancer survivors and I have seen what they and their families went through. It is difficult, but they need all the support they can get. Glad to see that Heather is back in the pink of health.
Thanks for sharing this story with us. So inspiring. I am sure your story can help others get through.
She would help a lot of people by spreading this awareness about the mesothelioma. Very inspiring story.
Such an amazing story! My father has a friend that just recently passed from the same kind of cancer. Heartbreaking.
What a story. So glad it was shared. My mom passed away from cancer back in 2001. I was 16, she 48. I’ve lost so many to cancer it’s just the worst.
Wow what an inspirational story! I cannot imagine going through this, let alone with a baby!
This is such a heart-warming story. I admire her for sharing her story and for dedicating her life to raise awareness.
Such an inspirational story! I could never imagine what someone goes through with cancer. I love to hear stories like this. Very heartwarming.
What an amazing story! I can’t even imagine what that’s like! Thank you for sharing!
This is an amazing story. I can relate to being sick all the time. It’s never fun.
This is such an amazing story. I can not imagine trying to fight for your life and taking care of a newborn. Thank you for sharing her story.
What an amazing story!! She is so courageous and so inspiring!
What a wonderful, inspirational story. Cancer is such a horrible disease and it has taken many people close to me. I have some health issues which puts me at high risk, along with family genetics, for cancer. Inspiring stories like these show me that no matter what the diagnoses, their is always hope.
I had no idea about mesothelioma. This was eye opening. It is awesome to see someone go on to share her story to help others!
It’s always wonderful to hear when someone beats this horrible disease! This goes to show that there is always hope.
I really appreciate reading about people who have turned a tragedy or near tragedy into an opportunity to be an advocate.
Glad to hear that you beat cancer. My ex husband had mesotheiloma and lost one of his lungs a few years ago. Thanks for sharing your personal story.
Her battle with cancer is inspiring to people who have health issues and have to fight every day for their lives. She is a very strong lady.
This is an amazing story! I am so glad when I get to read such inspiring words and see all the inspiring people. So much strength and determination!
She is beautiful and her story is amazing! God bless her for beating such a terrible illness and for being a voice of encouragement for others in similar situations.
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