By Lorraine Kember

He was only a child when it begun

And he played as children do

In his yard, with his toy cars and tip trucks

But his sand was asbestos blue…

By all accounts, 1999 had been a turbulent year. In March, Tropical Cyclone Vance had shaken my husband and I badly, however with much hard work and determination, we picked up our lives, expanded our business and purchased a new home. Things were starting to look up and we had many plans for the future. In December, we were walking home from a game of lawn bowls when I became aware of his shortness of breath. I was surprised and concerned when he told me that he had experienced this on several occasions. Believing this to be due to chest a infection, I made a doctor’s appointment for him the next day. Chest X-rays revealed fluid on the lungs, over two litres of which was drained, giving Brian immediate relief, but it was a tense wait for the pathology results.

Through the Internet I had become aware of several conditions which may have been responsible for fluid on the lung; these included asbestos- related diseases. Brian had lived in Wittenoom as a child and I was afraid of his diagnosis. Not wanting to worry him unnecessarily, I did not mention my fears to him. I prayed that he had pleurisy or pneumonia but the pathology results revealed that there were cancer cells present.

When Brian finally received his diagnosis, my worst nightmare became reality. He had pleural mesothelioma, a terminal cancer of the lung caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust. We found it inconceivable that the disease was the result of Brian inhaling asbestos dust as a child and that it had lain dormant for forty-five years before become lethal.

We were still reeling from the shock when, without preamble, the young doctor gave his prognosis. His exact words were, “Three to nine months, I reckon”. That he could say this so unfeelingly amazed me. His total lack of compassion did not encourage even the small comfort of tears. I felt as if Brian and I had been shot, and from that moment on, we were waiting to drop.

Undoubtedly, we were mortally wounded. We suffered shock, disbelief, anger, helplessness and utter despair; in fact all the symptoms of grief one feels when a loved one has actually died. Once again we found ourselves with no control over our lives. This time however, there was no light at the end of the tunnel. Our journey through terminal illness had begun.

Throughout the course of our married life, my deep love for Brian and my determination to resolve difficulties had seen us through many trials. I found it hard to believe that nothing could be done to save his life and begun surfing the Internet for information regarding mesothelioma, all the time praying for a miracle, hoping against hope to find a doctor who had successfully operated on or cured someone of it.

It was a sad realization to discover that for Brian there were no miracles; however, I learned a lot and it helped me to accept that he was dying. With my acceptance came a fierce determination to ease his burden. I continued to seek information regarding mesothelioma and the pain and symptoms Brian would experience due to the progression of his disease. In this way, I came to understand the importance of pain management and symptom control and realized that although I could not stop Brian from dying – I could help him to live. My acquired knowledge regarding pain and symptom management enabled me to communicate with Brian and to understand the type of pain he was experiencing and the intensity of that pain. I was then able to work hand in hand with his doctors, to bring his pain and symptoms under control. As my efforts resulted in Brian’s improved quality of life, I lost my sense of helplessness and gained strength.

Together, we achieved for Brian, a quality of life few thought possible, considering the nature of his disease. Testament to this, Brian survived for 2 years despite his prognosis of 3 to 9 months. He remained active and alert, drove his car for eighteen months after diagnosis, and was not bed bound until three short days prior to his death.

Precious Moments

There’s laughter now in our days

For we have grown stronger

We have learned to push the grief away

And to live each moment of every single day

For we know that tomorrow may never come

And that our goodnight may well be our last goodbye…

FURTHER INFORMATION

Lorraine’s husband Brian passed away on the 24th December 2001. Lorraine has written a book called “Lean on Me” Cancer through a Carer’s Eyes, in the hope of helping others. Her book includes; insight and discussion on: pain management, symptom control, chemotherapy, palliative care, quality of life and the benefit of dying at home. Featured also are excerpts and poems from her personal diary which portray the roller coaster of her emotions as she cared for her terminally ill husband.

Further information, recommendations and excerpts, can be found on her website www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com

“Lean on Me” is not available in Book Stores.

Price per copy including postage

Australia $28.50, England 14 Pounds, America 29 Dollars, Euro 23

Orders can be placed by:

Mail: L.Kember Publications - P.O. Box 70 Beechboro, Western Australia 6063

Phone: 61+ 08 9377 0355 Mobile 0400 552814

Email: lorakeet@iinet.net.au

Website www.cancerthroughacarerseyes.jkwh.com

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Part proceeds of books sold will be donated to Cancer Research.