Confronting Death
Essay By: Kimberly A. Kershner
Death can be viewed as the global neutralizer—every organism, no matter their physical characteristics, personality qualities, or mental capacity, will eventually die. Although everything will experience death, it will also forever seem unfair, unjust, and unwarranted. People are struck with freak accidents and infected with life-threatening diseases that turn their world upside down. For James O’Connor, this disassembling of reality came when he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a cancer that can cause significant damage to tissues and internal organs. James “Rhio” was given one year to live with insufficient healthcare options, but instead, developed his own treatment and extended his life over six years. His story is inspiring and encouraging to all who are currently facing the prospects of death and who will one day confront death themselves. If I were to be in a similar situation, I would try to take notes from O’Connor. He certainly took initiative to educate himself and enhance his personal well-being, even in the face of opposition.
Rhio faced several challenges throughout his battle with cancer. Because of the position of his cancerous mesothelioma, doctors were unable to perform surgery, and chemotherapy would not produce efficient results. Immediately, doctors told him to “take his wife on a cruise and then start hospice care upon his return,” but Rhio rejected this idea and determinedly began developing his own therapy (“James Rhio O’Connor”). If I were faced with these challenges, I would have sought out several other opinions and begun research as well. Education is key to making informed decisions, and when these decisions can determine your fate, it is best to get the facts straight. Understanding the biological basis for the cancer would be of utmost importance, and therefore, research would include time from the rapid cell division through the deterioration of membranes, tissues, and organs. By obtaining a sturdy foundation of knowledge, I would not be swayed by the opinions of others I seek help from.
Similar to James O’Connor, I would seek advice from a variety of medical doctors who could give me additional healthcare options and timelines. I would do some investigating with doctors who had previously worked with mesothelioma patients and develop a close relationship with those physicians who had patients that survived past their own prospective deadlines. Lab technicians would also be contacted in order to discuss my cancer on a cellular level. Experience would be the most important aspect of any person in the medical field I would seek advice from. Others that could provide less informed opinions, but give strong encouragement would be relatives, friends, pastors, teachers, and people who would have a personal interest in my personal health. I would enjoy hearing the thoughts of the people closest in my life who understand my medical situation as well as my determined spirit and outgoing personality. Growing up in a tight-knit family has had such a positive impact on my life, and my parents and sisters would serve as my main source of encouragement. Dealing with a life-threatening disease could potentially put a dent in your mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and therefore, I would work closely with a trusted Christian confidant. Many people have experienced doubt in their religious walks when faced with an overwhelming situation, and in order to keep a strong faith, I would be honest with this person, spend time in prayer with them, and read Biblical scripture for inspiration. As a young Christian woman, it would be foolish for me to refuse God in my weakest moments.
Emotional and mental health can be negatively influenced by the stress of such an illness. Rhio understood that you must manage your level of stress which is why he “practiced mind-body medicine” in addition to his other medicinal regiments (“James Rhio O’Connor”). I, too, would incorporate stress-relieving practices into my daily life including yoga, deep-breathing exercises, and meditation. The concept of focusing more on something outside your physical pain or suffering into a deeper realm intrigues me, and I would hope to use these practices to clear my mind and renew my strength. Other short-term relaxation methods might include massages, manicures and pedicures, or acupuncture techniques. A clear mind and focus on my ambitions would be vital to overcoming the harsh effects of cancer.
James Rhio O’Connor’s story is an account of hope, perseverance, and encouragement that will continue to inspire the lives of many. If I were in this situation, I would hope that my situation would not only inspire those that I am closest to, but would reach beyond, to other cancer patients, medical physicians, and people who are facing an assortment of thorny situations in their lives. O’Connor wrote a book called They Said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story to inspire those far and wide (“James Rhio O’Connor”). I would enjoy inspiring those also struggling with diseases, the elderly living in nursing homes, or those considering becoming Christian believers. Because I enjoy public speaking and working with people, I would go out into my community and help others cope with their struggles while using my own example as proof that the impossible is possible. James O’Connor’s confrontation with death inspired me, and in the future, I will remember his message when I am dealing with my own struggles so that I might pass along some inspiration to others.
Citations
"James Rhio O'Connor." Surviving Mesothelioma: A Patient's Guide. 2009. Cancer Monthly, Inc., Web. 9 Dec 2009. <">http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com/rhiooconnor.cfm>.
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