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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Tokuo Kato
Japan Association of Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Disease Victims and their Families, Japan
ABSTRACT:
Two years have passed since I started suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma. As the disease progressed, I grew upset in many ways. At first, when I was diagnosed as mesothelioma, I was just confused. Later, my mind felt blank when my doctor informed me that there basically was no treatment and I had many sleepless nights. It was just like being kicked when I was already down.
About 40 years ago, I worked as a welder at a boiler manufacturing company. The reason for my illness was asbestos exposure in those days. It contracted this disease through no fault of my own. I feel very sorry that I will die of mesothelioma with no cure in sight.
Before, I had no information about this sickness and knew no one to whom I should talk about disease. But, one day I learned about the existence of an "asbestos hotline" while watching TV. I called in and learned that it was possible to apply for worker's compensation. A half year later, thanks to the help of the hotline members, I qualified for worker's compensation. The notification letter was quite simple but it gave me a great sense of relief.
Until then, I was given anticancer drugs and visited hospitals repeatedly. I really feel it in my body that my condition is getting worse day by day and would like to take effective medicines as soon as possible. This is a natural desire, as a patient.
In the past, we didn't know about the dangers of asbestos and inhaled it. But, now we know that asbestos is a carcinogen. No more victims like myself. This is another one of my wishes.