Create Your Own Box

     There are events in all of our lives that provide proof that there is something inside all of us that cannot be explained by science.  That something is the human spirit.  The human spirit is intangible, immaterial, but all the more real.  Upon reading the story of Rhio O'Connor, I was greatly reassured that the human spirit was alive and well, even in such tumultuous times as these.  He was given a grave diagnosis of mesothelioma.  Despite the cancer inside of his body, something inside of him said "No" I will not accept this.  The fought a courageous battle to survive.  He was interactive in his treatment, sought out non-traditional means to treat mesothelioma.  He engaged in research and developed his own regiment that allowed him to survive 7 and 1/2 years past his original death sentence.  To anyone who has a terminal illness, that is an incredible amount of time.  

    Rhio O'Connor's story is an inspiration.   However, this is not just a distant, aloof notion.  I have lived this first hand.  My Mother was diagnosed with 4th stage breast cancer back in 2002.  This was devastating to us all.  I loved my Mother dearly and considered her my best friend in life.  When I heard the news, it could not have been more devastating if I had heard such news myself.  We were vigorous in our efforts, and she too survived five years past her original survival prognosis.  Those extra years were precious to us, we appreciated every day, every minute.  The cancer eventually took her life in 2007.  We did all we could with our means and our efforts through traditional medicine.  If I had it to do over again, I would have pursued other avenues of treatment for her.  I cannot bring her back, but I can promise that I will do things differently.   I will give honor and dignity to her memory by becoming an integrated part of a solution to cancer, and eventually even a cure.  I want to live in world someday where cancer is no longer deadly.

After reading Rhio O'Connor's story, I know now more than ever what I would do if I ever received such a diagnosis.  There is never a better time to think "outside the box" as Rhio O'Connor said,  then when one receives such a terminal diagnosis.  What is there to lose?  I will never accept the first opinion.  I will be enthusiastic and interactive in my treatment from day one.  I will explore any and all options of treatment.  A holistic approach is the best, because the medicines that kill the cancer, also harm healthy cells that could keep the cancer in check.  I would say that Rhio O'connor "created his own box," when it came to his innovative ways which he developed to fight this deadly disease.  For more information about mesothelioma go to www.survivingmesothelioma.com

Drawing upon the details of Rhio O'Connor 's experience as a model, I will devise a team of specialists who can offer their specific areas of expertise to the illness, whatever that may be.  There is a cancer vaccine that can provide the immune system with the boost that it needs.  However, if my illness has a known protocol, I will follow that to the letter. However, even with known protocols, it is important to treat the whole person, not just the cancer.    If and when that has been said ineffective, then I will pursue other avenues.  Much of what makes Rhio O'Connor's story inspirational is his attitude that followed him through to the end.  He had a tenacity  that cannot be explained by science alone.  His ability to survive defied science and scientific understanding.  He was a living testament to the human spirit.