Cancer. The very word can be enough to make even the bravest of adults tremble and the most innocent of children grow pale. For many, cancer sounds not unlike the knell of death. Once the prognosis has been given, few people believe that there is any real hope of coming out of such a terrible ordeal alive. Mesothelioma in particular, “a rare cancer in which malignant (cancerous cells) are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs,” is a devastating disease (“James Rhio”). It causes the cells within these coverings to multiply abnormally at an aggressive rate, invading and damaging nearby organs. The cancer may unfortunately then metastasize — spread — at an alarming speed to harm other parts of the body, including the vital heart and lungs.
Yet it is important to remember that even in the face of such a deadly foe, there is always hope. Mesothelioma does not hold sway or ultimately dictate fate, as seen when one chooses to not simply stand by and let cancer consume him. One such courageous individual was a man known as James “Rhio” O’Connor, or Rhio. Having been diagnosed with the fatal disease at the relatively young age of 61, Rhio was given no more than a year to live by sympathetic doctors. But Rhio did not elect to enjoy his remaining days peacefully and succumbing without a word — he was determined to fight against this cancer, to fight for his life. Through an awe-inspiring act of defiance, Rhio transformed himself through an effective combination of “working with professional clinicians… chang[ing] his diet… and relying on his own self-discipline” for his health (“James Rhio”). Not only did Rhio survive another 7 ½ years and live until the age of 69, but he proved to himself and to the world that impossibility can become reality through willpower and options other than surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
With “over 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma being diagnosed in the United States each year”, it is not a stretch to say that this particular cancer is widespread (“James Rhio”). Indeed, the disease can affect both men and women, even those who have not been readily exposed to asbestos, a potentially dangerous mineral fiber, as Rhio had. Rhio’s story is one that has made me consider what it might be like if I, as a young adult studying in college, was given a prognosis of mesothelioma. Initially, I might have certainly been one to capitulate to the disease, to give up all hope on recovery or life. Yet after reading about a tale like Mr. O’Connor’s, I suddenly realized that doing so would be a disgrace to myself, to my family, and to his and countless others’ sacrifice to combat cancer. Just as knowledge begets power in the mind of a student, so too does the educational process and preparation against mesothelioma serve as an ideal way to resist it as well.
In light of the challenges that Rhio faced, there are several steps I would follow and resources I might take advantage of to overcome a dire diagnosis. As history tells us, oftentimes the greatest way to stand against an enemy is to learn about it — to making the most of my time and conducting valuable research. Consulting with a variety of doctors and medical professionals, including a cooperative and “specialized health care team”, might serve as a solid way to first verify what cancer I have and what are the most common and effectual methods of treating it (“Making Informed Decisions”). A second significant step would be for me to perform some independent research. Like Rhio, I would take it upon myself to examine library catalogues, investigate academic online databases, and familiarize myself with potential survivor cases to discover all I can about the cancer itself. This information would provide me with both realistic answers and realistic hope in my pursuit of not just prolonging, but sustaining, my life.
Next, I believe it would be a solid choice to meet frequently with close friends and family for the emotional support I need on my journey. From the encouragement of loved ones to the advice of those who have my best interests at heart, knowing that I have so many people in life that are precious to me — that need me in their own lives, too — might serve as the greatest source of inspiration in a quest to endure cancer. As evidenced in Rhio’s remarkable case, the notion of informed consult is of utmost consequence as well. Had Rhio let others make his decisions for him or simply be told that chemotherapy or radiation were the only options, his additional 7 ½ years might have never existed. While such practices are no doubt effective, it was Rhio’s independent spirit to survive, willingness to adhere to new therapies, and participation in emerging theories that contributed most to his longevity. I might similarly attempt to use the information I obtain from my studies to make those conscious choices and live with a self-driven purpose.
In a more scientific sense, it is equally important to “ask questions… that lead patients to find the best information for [their] situation”, including treatment options that provide me with an active role in my own healing (“Making Informed Decisions”). Through these well-researched questions and exploratory process, I might develop a more positive mindset and optimistic outlook. It could be of great benefit to me and to others diagnosed with cancer to do their best to make a positive out of such a negative situation. For example, the looming threat of mesothelioma might very well serve as the impetus needed for me to begin living a healthier lifestyle. From choosing smarter food options to exercising daily, I would at last have a firm and powerful reminder to keep both my mind and body in the greatest shape I can. As Rhio modeled, a fact-based background and openness to work with others while staying hopeful are the secret keys to success against cancer.
Mr. O’Connor’s inspirational story reminded me of another form of cancer that unexpectedly materialized in my own experience — in my grandfather’s life. My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer over ten years ago. For ten long years he fought against it. I watched helplessly as the once-strong man I knew lost his hair from the chemotherapy, grew feeble and sallow-skinned from the treatments, and turned into little more than a shell of his former self. Yet I will never forget what he always told me. My grandfather reminded me in his letters and phone calls and talks that he could not die, not until he watched his beloved grandson grow up and see all that I would accomplish. He passed away last summer, losing his battle to the disease at last, but his resolve to see my own life unfold is something that I will forever remember. Perhaps if others were to not mentally give up against cancer and instead choose to implement an informed, consistent, and focused regimen — like my grandfather and Rhio did — there would be a greater number of success stories, longer lives, and more birthdays to celebrate with those we love.
People throughout the United States can come to look at Mr. O’Connor’s inspiring experience as not just a story, but as an event that can connect to their very own lives, as it did to mine. Mr. O’Connor’s choice to fight against this seemingly insurmountable disease — the legacy he left behind — will continue to live on in our memories today. Just like Rhio, so too can individuals affected with cancer today concentrate on the importance of informed decision-making and a positive perspective, particularly when combating mesothelioma. “Mr. Meso”, as Rhio sometimes called the deadly disease, was not something he simply managed, but strove to overcome. In honor of his memory and sacrifice, we can let his valiant struggle serve as the model for others — one that kindles the future flame of hope for others diagnosed with mesothelioma and other cancers until a cure is someday found.
Works Cited
"James Rhio O'Connor." Surviving Mesothelioma: A Patient's Survival of Mesothelioma Cancer. 2005. Web. 11 Apr. 2012.
"Making Informed Treatment Decisions." American Cancer Society. 20 Oct. 2011. Web. 11 Apr. 2012.
