My father was working at a processing industry of asbestos. When he was retired, his retirement took place ten years ago, he was a man of sinew who liked to take long walks into the woods nearby our village. One day, after his daily walk, he complained to us for chest pains. We were all scared. After a brief family meeting, we programmed a visit to the cardiologist. In our minds was the thought of an infarct and we were prepared for a by-pass surgery to his heart. No one could imagine what the doctor was about to tell us. My father had been through several tests and some days later the doctor told me, as I was attending medical school, his diagnosis: “Your father suffers from pericardial mesothelioma”. I was as silent as the grave. The words couldn’t get out of my mouth. I gathered myself and I told the news to my mother and my sister. I let the doctor to inform my father for his condition, as I couldn’t stop crying. I did some research and I found out that pericardial mesothelioma – a disease that affects the lining of the heart – is caused by the prior exposure to asbestos. That means that my father’s profession was responsible for this disease. So, what were we supposed to about his treatment and the company he was working for? I discussed with the doctor the options. We discussed all the necessary measures to relief my father’s symptoms, which were not only chest pain, but also heart palpitations and some more. The doctor did not want to perform surgery as the cancer was too large, so he started radiation, as it was easier for my father to handle. Even though the radiation treatment was in progress, many times my father had to admit to the hospital for removing the mesothelial fluid in order to be relieved from pain and pressure. Time was passing by but the tumor wasn’t shrinking with radiation. So, the doctor decided to proceed with chemotherapy. Unfortunately my father suffered from hair loss and extreme nausea. I couldn’t bear this situation any more. If only pericardial mesothelioma was diagnosed earlier, he could have a chance to be operated and live more happy years. Since he was diagnosed with that awful disease, he spent most of his life into the hospital, suffering from pain. I understand that I couldn’t just magically disappear off the cancer. No one could. We all tried to be there for him. But the most amazing thing was that my father wasn’t thinking of himself, but of his family. He prepared us for his “departure” by saying: “I want to thank you all for your support and for everything you did for me. I know that if there was something more that could be done, you would do it. Take care of each other and love one another. I love you.” After one day he passed away.

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