13 Months That Shortened My Life - Mike's Story

After nearly 30 years as a Police Officer I retired in 1992 having really enjoyed my working life, I looked forward to a long and happy retirement which I have had so far.

In January 2007 I started with a bad cough and after hospital investigations was declared to have pneumonia. In May that same year a few days before a long awaited holiday in Malta, to celebrate my 65th birthday, I had problems with coughing blood and was advised not to travel.

In October after a series of tests and a Thorascopy (VATS) procedure and talc pleurodesis, my surgeon at Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital (NGH) informed me that I had malignant diffused mesothelioma. I was asked if I had ever worked with asbestos. My mind immediately went back to the 13 months that I had worked in a chemical laboratory in the steel works in the late 50’s and early 60’s. The air was full of asbestos particles easily seen as the sun shone through the windows.

The surgeon offered me a number of options, outlining each one and the pros and cons, I cannot fault the NHS in the way that I have been dealt with so far. After listening and praying about what I should do, I decided that I was going for quality of life not quantity, so I declined the radical surgery and also chemotherapy.

I have been very much helped by the Oncologist from Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield, also the Macmillan lung support Sister at the NGH who led me through the financial aspects of a new mesothelioma sufferer, and by a recent visit to the Macmillan Mesothelioma Patient and Carers Day held in Leeds (October 2008). I continue to meet up with the Oncologist and Macmillan Nurse, 3 monthly.

Nothing can prepare you for being told that ‘you are terminally ill’.

After the initial shock, a determination set in that I was going to enjoy what time I had left. Being a Christian I believe that my life is in God’s hands and only He knows the time and day.

I was determined to try and learn as much about this disease as I could. I have learned that asbestos is found in many buildings built prior to 2000, and that the disease is not only a male disease but more and more women are finding they have mesothelioma. I have contacted my MP and signed petitions at Downing Street urging the government to take more proactive action against the use and abuse of asbestos. It is a fact that more people die each year from Mesothelioma than are killed on our roads. I understand that 20 tradesmen die each week from asbestos related disease (Health and Safety Executive statistic). I will continue my crusade against asbestos as long as I have breath to do so.

Now to get off my soap box and return to me, I am very fortunate that I am supported by a loving wife and family and surrounded by prayer from many friends and acquaintances. Yes I have pain but most of the time it is controlled. I have a heart condition brought on by the disease which is reasonably well managed, and a persistent cough. I have decided to live each day as it comes and try to achieve something with each and every day. Some days it is not easy, but I am very positive that the days I have left will be filled in the best possible way.

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