17:00 - 19:30, International Conference Hall
Plenary Session 3
Empowerment of Victims and Their Families
Chairs: Natori Yuji and Annie Debaud-Mony
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Lorraine Kember
Australia
ABSTRACT:
My name is Lorraine Kember. I lost my husband and partner of 37 years to pleural mesothelioma in December 2001.
As a small child, my husband had lived in the asbestos mining town of Wittenoom, for a period of seven months. Forty five years later, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma and given a prognosis of 3 to 9 months. He survived for 2 years.
I have written a book about our experience through his terminal illness, in the hope of bringing strength and inspiration to others. My book is called "Lean on Me" the title taken from a poem I wrote for my husband shortly after his diagnosis.
Through diary excerpts, poems, discussion and insights - my book portrays the devastation and helplessness I experienced upon his diagnosis, and my search for a miracle to save his life. It tells of my acceptance that he was dying, the anticipatory grief I experienced because of it, and my growing strength as I came to realize, that although I could not stop him from dying - I could help him to live.
My acquired knowledge, regarding the progression of his disease and the management of his pain and symptoms, greatly improved the quality of his life. Testament to this, Brian survived for two years, remained active and alert, drove his car for eighteen months after diagnosis, and was not bed bound until three short days prior to his death.
I will discuss with those attending, ways by which they can vastly improve the quality of their loved ones lives. This, through understanding the importance of pain management and symptom control, and demonstrate to them, through my experience, that there is much peace to be gained, in the knowledge, that you can made a difference.
My talk would cover areas of anticipatory grief, pain management, symptom control and palliative care.