"Lean on Me"Cancer through a Carer's EyesWritten by Lorraine Kember
Mesothelioma CancerAsbestos BlueBy 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… In December 1999, my husband and I 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 next day. Chest X-rays revealed fluid on lungs, over two litres of which was drained, giving Brian immediate relief, but it was a tense wait for pathology results. Through Internet I had become aware of several conditions which may have been responsible for fluid on 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 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 lung caused by inhalation of asbestos dust. We found it inconceivable that disease was 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 shock when, without preamble, 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 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, were mortally wounded. We suffered shock, disbelief, anger, helplessness and utter despair; in fact all 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 end of tunnel. Our journey through terminal illness had begun. Throughout 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 Internet for information regarding mesothelioma, all time praying for a miracle, hoping against hope to find a doctor who had successfully operated on or cured someone of it.
| | Leg CrampsWritten by John Russell
Everyone experiences muscle cramps from time-to-time. Perhaps your neck gets cramped after a day at your desk or you get a leg cramp after exercise when you’ve been sedentary for a long time. Some women get leg cramps after wearing high heels. The solution to most of these common cramps is to stretch muscles regularly and, in case of high heels, avoid them.There is another kind of cramp that people often experience: nocturnal leg cramps. Just as you’ve fallen deep asleep, you’re awakened by severe and painful cramping in your calf muscle. Most people jump up and hop around on affected leg until cramp goes away. But, occasionally, it returns. Sometimes cramp is in thigh; sometimes foot. The first thing to check if you have leg cramps is your prescription drugs. Some can cause cramping. Diuretics, taken for high blood pressure or heart disorders, can cause an imbalance of your potassium and magnesium levels. The most common cause of nocturnal leg cramps is calcium deficiency. If you are postmenopausal, trying to lose weight, or don’t consume enough calcium, you are vulnerable to developing leg cramps. To relieve leg cramps and prevent any long-term problems associated with calcium deficiency, start today to increase your calcium consumption. If you’re avoiding fat, try nonfat yogurt and skim milk. Also, you can take a calcium supplement at bedtime.
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