Meso warriors urged to rally around Debbie

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One of our favorite Meso Warriors, Debbie Brewer, was disappointed this week to learn that her mesothelioma had progressed. Many of you have been following Debbie’s story through the past several years, since she originally shared it with us. Debbie has become a leader in the fight for mesothelioma awareness, and is an outspoken advocate both in her home in the U.K. and worldwide.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and sometimes the heart. It is caused by exposure to asbestos. Debbie traces her meso back to the asbestos dust brought home on her father’s work clothes when she was a child. For years, manufacturers covered up or downplayed the dangers of asbestos, resulting in the exposure of workers and their families to this deadly dust for decades. It may take mesothelioma as long as 40-50 years to manifest after exposure.

In April, Debbie was honored at the 2012 Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Asbestos Awareness Conference. She received The Alan Reinstein Award for “her commitment to education, advocacy and support to countless patients and families.” The award is named in honor of ADAO co-founder Linda Reinstein’s husband, who passed away due to mesothelioma. Debbie traveled to Los Angeles, California, for the event, where she also was a featured speaker.

Debbie had much success in the past with an experimental new meso treatment, chemoembolization, which is being pioneered by Dr. Thomas J. Vogl at J.W. Goethe University Hospital at Frankfurt University in Germany. This process introduces chemotherapy directly into a tumor, where it is basically sealed off so that it is concentrated in the area of need.

However, this time Debbie will undergo more traditional treatment with chemotherapy drugs alimta and cisplatin. She writes on her blog, “mesothelioma and me,” that “Germany is not an option, it is too much money and everyone’s lives are turned upside down, not just mine.” You can read a more detailed report of her diagnosis, and follow along with her story by visiting her blog.

We are sending out our thoughts, prayers and positive energy to Debbie as she fights this latest battle, wishing her strength and healing. We love you, Debbie! Kick its ass!

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In memory of Meso Warrior Debbie Brewer

 

I am so sad today to learn that Meso Warrior Debbie Brewer, our friend in the U.K., has passed away. Debbie was a truly wonderful person with the biggest heart. She fought every day not just for herself, but for everyone with mesothelioma, everyone affected by asbestos disease. I will miss her so much.

That may seem strange to some, since I never had the chance to meet Debbie face to face, but I felt as if she was a friend. Debbie was the first person to allow us to share her story here on myMeso. She wrote her own blog, Mesothelioma & Me, talking not only about her fight for meso awareness and her physical battles with the disease, but sharing funny, sad, sometimes angry, and everyday stories about her life. She was an open book and welcomed friends with open arms.

Occasionally I had people email me who had read Debbie’s story here, and wondered if she might be willing for them to contact her to talk. Debbie was always willing.

Debbie traveled to the U.S. and worked with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation), connecting with more people and spreading the message about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the desperate need for a cure.

She traveled to Germany to undergo a new experimental treatment, for a time taming the tumor she – with her trademark sense of humor – nicknamed Theo. Damn Theo. She spoke to members of Parliament, petitioning for relief for asbestos victims. She worked with the Mick Knighton Foundation, helping to raise funds for mesothelioma research and treatment.

I was happy that Debbie accepted my friend request on Facebook. She was a prolific poster, sharing stories and photos of her travels, her beautiful family and children, her shenanigans with friends, her wigs and hats, a new car. All the ups and downs were there. Oh, how I will miss seeing her signature “xx”.

Debbie, I know this post is rambling. Your passing seems so sudden, and the world is a much sadder place without you in it. I hope you are running and laughing and strong now. I know you are bringing joy with your tremendous spirit.

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