Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Mesothelioma Awareness

I was surprised and honored to be approached by a gracious and courageous lady named Heather Von St. James at the beginning of the month, asking that I collaborate with her on a blog entry for Mesothelioma Awareness Day.  As I considered her request, I felt totally unqualified to do such a post.  A little reading and reflection changed my mind.



The information you need to know is out there on the web. Just follow the links in this post for a good start!  What makes it appropriate for L & F is twofold:  my own Pete was screened for mesothelioma a couple of years ago and Veterans have the highest rate of the disease in the U.S.  As a supporter and an advocate for our service men and women, it is only natural for me highlight this disease.

I'm sure many of you are wondering about Pete.  He checked out okay at the time of the screening, although there was diminished lung function.  While getting an all clear was great, that doesn't mean he is forever out of danger.  He worked as a mechanic, a carpenter, a roofer, in the oilfield and in refineries all of his years.  

As part of the screening, he was asked to look through a book with pictures of products known to contain asbestos.  He was to identify any he had worked with and tell to the best of his ability how often and how long he had worked with those products.  Sitting beside him, while he went through this exercise, I was shocked to learn just how many dangerous things he had worked with over the years! Since it can take twenty, thirty, forty years or more after exposure to asbestos for mesothelioma to develop, he is not in the free and clear.

Even people who have never worked in a dangerous industry can be exposed to asbestos in old buildings, in remodeling situations and other instances.  We all need to be aware of our surroundings, aware of safety precautions, and aware of the symptoms associated with this form of cancer.




Please join with us in getting the word out about Mesothelioma Awareness Day 2015 and let's paint the world blue!



#curemeso

12 comments:

  1. A good informative post, think you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'd heard Heather's story, but didn't know much about the disease until this week.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Glad your husband is checking out okay, but I'm sure it was eye opening to see his exposure back in the day. Back east, the company my dad worked for a billion years ago used asbestos. No one realized the dangers back then. He did not personally handle the stuff, but it was around.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Many, many people have been around it. It was very widely used as there were so many applications where it's properties were the most desirable.

      Delete
  4. Great infographic. Important information.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Liz! And yes it is! Please spread the word.

      Delete
  5. A very informative post. I am sure there are many of us who need to be screened!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's really a rather frightening prospect. One could be exposed without even really knowing it.

      Delete
  6. I didn;t know there was such an awareness day, I should be screened. Wonder if my insurance covers it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pete was able to take part in a free screening that a law firm that was taking on cases put on.

      Delete

So glad you stopped by! Come 'round any time. ~ Barbara

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...