This post is written by Cameron Von St. James, he is the husband of Mesothelioma survivor advocate Heather Von St. James, who was diagnosed in 2005 at the age of 36. A seven year survivor of this rare cancer, Heather and Cameron now work with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance to bring awareness to this often neglected disease. They hope that by sharing their story, they can bring hope and inspiration to people with all forms of cancer. They live in Roseville, MN with their daughter Lily. Cameron is now a systems analyst at U.S. Bank.
Please keep in mind as you read posts from guest writers that I do not edit or change anything they have sent me. I ask survivors to write about what simple things most helped them during their illness. I ask friends and family to let us know what one thing were they able to do that helped their friend or loved one most during their illness?
Here is what Cameron has written for you to enjoy:
Determination: The Key to Surviving as a
Caregiver
On November 21, 2005, only three months after the birth of our only child Lily, my wife Heather was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. On that day, I instantly became the caregiver for a cancer patient. Instead of joyfully preparing for Lily’s first Christmas, we were suddenly plunged into a life of chaos.
The responsibilities of a caregiver hit me hard on the very day that my wife received her mesothelioma diagnosis. After the doctor uttered those fateful words, he explained to us a little about mesothelioma and available treatments. No experts in mesothelioma were available locally, although some excellent cancer-care facilities were in the region. In Boston, however, there was a specialist in mesothelioma treatment. My wife, Heather, sat staring at the doctor, her face pleading for someone to help her. I blurted out, “Get us to Boston!”
In the coming weeks, our routines were completely shattered. Heather had to quit working, and I was only able to work part time while also transporting her to treatments, arranging care for Lily and making plans for our trip to Boston. Meanwhile, my fears of facing life without Heather grew. At times, all I could do was lie on the kitchen floor and sob, but I never let Heather see my distress. I needed to be her rock through this ordeal.
When things seemed completely unmanageable, help from family, friends and strangers would come to see us through. During this time, one of the biggest lessons I learned was to accept help whenever it was offered. Without this help, I would never have made it through this difficult time. Take it from me – there is no room for pride in a battle with cancer.
It took years for our lives to return to normal after Heather’s fight with cancer. Despite all odds, after mesothelioma surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, she emerged victorious. Now, seven years later, she is still cancer-free. As a result of this ordeal, I have learned that my stubborn nature can be an advantage to help me get done those things that need to be accomplished.
After having learned a lot about time management and perseverance, I returned to school in information technology to fulfill my dream of earning a college degree. Five years following my wife’s cancer diagnosis, I graduated with high honors. In my speech on graduation day, I encouraged others to never give up hope. With a healthy dose of determination and courage, anything is possible. Now, we hope that by sharing our story, we can help others currently in their own battles with cancer today.
On November 21, 2005, only three months after the birth of our only child Lily, my wife Heather was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma. On that day, I instantly became the caregiver for a cancer patient. Instead of joyfully preparing for Lily’s first Christmas, we were suddenly plunged into a life of chaos.
The responsibilities of a caregiver hit me hard on the very day that my wife received her mesothelioma diagnosis. After the doctor uttered those fateful words, he explained to us a little about mesothelioma and available treatments. No experts in mesothelioma were available locally, although some excellent cancer-care facilities were in the region. In Boston, however, there was a specialist in mesothelioma treatment. My wife, Heather, sat staring at the doctor, her face pleading for someone to help her. I blurted out, “Get us to Boston!”
In the coming weeks, our routines were completely shattered. Heather had to quit working, and I was only able to work part time while also transporting her to treatments, arranging care for Lily and making plans for our trip to Boston. Meanwhile, my fears of facing life without Heather grew. At times, all I could do was lie on the kitchen floor and sob, but I never let Heather see my distress. I needed to be her rock through this ordeal.
When things seemed completely unmanageable, help from family, friends and strangers would come to see us through. During this time, one of the biggest lessons I learned was to accept help whenever it was offered. Without this help, I would never have made it through this difficult time. Take it from me – there is no room for pride in a battle with cancer.
It took years for our lives to return to normal after Heather’s fight with cancer. Despite all odds, after mesothelioma surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, she emerged victorious. Now, seven years later, she is still cancer-free. As a result of this ordeal, I have learned that my stubborn nature can be an advantage to help me get done those things that need to be accomplished.
After having learned a lot about time management and perseverance, I returned to school in information technology to fulfill my dream of earning a college degree. Five years following my wife’s cancer diagnosis, I graduated with high honors. In my speech on graduation day, I encouraged others to never give up hope. With a healthy dose of determination and courage, anything is possible. Now, we hope that by sharing our story, we can help others currently in their own battles with cancer today.
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