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Kelli
Goodkowsky November
8, 2009 Written for the James “Rhio” O’Connor Memorial Scholarship Essay Contest
As the dream of becoming an Oncology Social Worker slowly comes to
fruition, I am increasingly aware of the influences that surround me
daily, inspiring me with hope, admiration and sheer joy for the privilege
of being alive. Having lost
my father to a fatal disease in 1997 my world was turned upside down.
Shortly thereafter my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and
thankfully remains in remission today.
Inspired by the strength both my parents displayed during their
illnesses, I couldn’t help but wonder myself what I would do if I were
faced with a deadly disease. Reading
James “Rhio” O’Connor’s story about his challenges with
mesothelioma
brought to the forefront the power in positive thinking, and how a blend
of conventional and holistic therapies when faced with disease can only
lead to one pathway, a pathway of hope. Mesothelioma
is a cancer of the mesothelium (the membrane that covers and protects the
internal organs). Pleural
mesothelioma (or cancer of the lining of the lung) is the most common form
of mesothelioma and causes symptoms that include difficulty with breathing
and chest pain. Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for developing
this disease. Asbestos
is a silicate mineral that contains long fibrous fibers. It was commonly used in many industrial products for its heat
resistant, flame retardant and insulating properties. Inhalation of the asbestos in such products can cause serious
illness, including malignant mesothelioma. I
am a firm believer that dis-ease in the body occurs when the body is out
of balance. As an imbalance
can manifest in a variety of ways, it is important when treating one’s
physical body to treat the emotional and spiritual self as well.
Western medicine typically looks to treat the physical body while
Eastern medicine typically looks at alternative ways of treating the whole
self which will hopefully, in turn, heal the physical body.
I like to think of it as a full circle that once completed, one is
whole. Of course, how one
approaches their full circle requires gaining insight into one’s own
body, the strength to make decisions that are very personal to the self
and the knowledge of one’s own agenda for managing illness. James
“Rhio” O’Connor inspires one to approach a serious illness with
“gusto” and to relish in the enormity of options that are available
when one maintains an open mind. As
one who is pro-active in my own healthcare and one who reveres life, there
are three avenues I would pursue if ever faced with a serious illness. The
first would be prayer. The
belief in an absolute or higher power to guide in one’s healing, in my
opinion, is tantamount to achieving wellness. I believe that prayer serves
many purposes and although those purposes are personal to the one praying,
one can always attain guidance when making important decisions. Being part of an organized religion is not a pre-requisite to
prayer. Prayer can simply
connect one with the universe in ways that are often not explainable. After
speaking with “trusted” healthcare providers (confidence in one’s
team of practitioners is critical) about treatment options, I might pursue
clinical trials specific to my disease and my staging status.
The internet can provide an abundance of information relative to
clinical trials that might be happening in one’s geographical area.
As one of the purposes of a clinical trial might be to test a new
treatment, having one’s healthcare team involved in this decision makes
sense. Medical journals will
also provide information on an abundance of diseases and research that is
performed for treating such diseases.
As medical journals may be difficult for the lay person to
interpret, having an advocate who understands the language of healthcare
can be very beneficial. Access
to medical journals can be found on the internet, medical and college
libraries and even as a part of some support groups. Support groups can
not only provide a venue for sharing feelings, they may also provide links
to other treatment modalities that have been successful. I am a firm believer that everyone we meet in life, we meet
for a reason and the purposes are endless.
We just need to be open to the endless possibilities our networks
may provide; no encounter is a useless encounter. The
third avenue I would pursue would be a search for holistic practitioners,
specifically practitioners who specialize in nutrition and stress
management. As
allopathic (traditional) therapies may be appropriate, it is vital that
the physical body and the systems that support it work as efficiently as
possible. Often times this
includes support holistically through proper nutrition and exercise. The proven benefits of exercise are numerous and well
supported. As the side
effects of treatments may suppress the immune system, it is vital that
one’s strength be preserved not only to fight one’s illness but to
heal the body as well. After
all, illness stresses the whole self, body, mind and spirit.
Managing one’s
stress is vital to keeping the body in balance.
As one who has received massage therapy and Reiki (balancing
one’s energy) I am well aware of the value and support both can provide
particularly in times of crisis. Keeping
the entire self grounded and open will provide the support needed for
healing to take place, whatever that healing may be.
How one manages their stress is a personal choice that is based on
interests and at times, money that is available.
I have found that in times of crisis, volunteering one’s time to
an area that one feels passionate about is a great stress reliever and a
win-win situation for all involved.
The diagnosis of cancer can be frightening and overwhelming.
The uncertainty of what the future holds coupled with the confusion
of where to begin can be distressing and stressful.
Being supported emotionally, physically and spiritually can provide
an abundance of strength and hope for a future that might seem dim.
It is important to keep in mind that we as human beings are
resilient and those facing dire illnesses will often “beat the odds”
and do so every day! Journeys
are presented to us often and sometimes the journey is not one we would
have chosen. Nonetheless, we
do have a choice in how we face our adversities.
James “Rhio” O’Connor chose to approach his illness with
“gusto” and in doing so provided his own pathway, the pathway of hope
and in turn the treasure of life.
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