Holger Lochheed is a 70 year-old retired hotel restaurant manager who lives with his wife
Lynne in Mesquite, Texas. Holger was diagnosed with malignant pleural
mesothelioma two years ago during a routine physical.
Holger recently reviewed a copy of the
Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute’s “Patients Road Map”, a brochure written to help mesothelioma
patients navigate the many roads before them on their journey to proper
diagnosis, treatment and coping with their disease. Here it Holger’s enthusiastic
response.
Dear Mr. Caron,
Thank you for your letter and the "
Patients Roadmap" brochure.
While the brochure is informative, short and to the point, it lacks the
strong emphasis to seek out a specialist as early as possible.
My personal scenario is a case in point. After diagnosis, I was referred
to a local Oncologist (a charming gentleman) who gave me 9 months to live
and with treatment 3 years. His referral to a Thoracic Surgeon was even
bleaker: an immediate operation followed by heavy
radiation. Outlook: 2 years and "I'll try to save part of your lung".
Thank God
your office referred me to Dr. Cameron. He clarified my options in lay terms.
I chose to do nothing.
So far this decision had stood me in good stead. I feel well and live
the good life. Naturally I am under no illusions and know this could change
at a moments notice.
Therefore, it is my humble opinion that the publication needs to put a
MUCH STRONGER emphasis on the importance of seeking out meso specialists
as early as possible.