Brenda's Story
A St. Louis- area resident, Brenda Ward became a client of Simmons Hanly Conroy after being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Brenda had been a victim of take-home asbestos exposure as a child, meaning her father unknowingly brought asbestos fibers home on his work clothes. Later in life, she was again exposed to take-home asbestos exposure through her ex-husband, a mechanic.
In 2004, after experiencing symptoms of swelling in her abdomen and trouble breathing, Brenda consulted a doctor. A CT scan revealed a dark mass on her abdomen, and the doctor told her she may have peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare asbestos cancer of the abdomen.
Brenda had never heard of peritoneal mesothelioma before her diagnosis. After a period of shock and devastation, she began to research asbestos cancer and resolved to face her disease head on. She found a mesothelioma specialist who was able to help her combat the disease with a treatment plan including multiple surgeries and chemotherapy.
Through Brenda's mesothelioma stories, it quickly becomes apparent that her faith, family and positive attitude have pushed her to survive and make the most of her life. After experiencing multiple difficult surgeries and treatment plans, Brenda stresses to other mesothelioma victims the importance of finding a qualified specialist.
Why File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis
After a series of preliminary tests, Brenda finds out she has peritoneal mesothelioma.
Brenda shares her first reaction to a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Brenda learns all she can about mesothelioma in preparation for telling her family.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Surgery
Brenda shares the doctors' plan to try and eradicate mesothelioma from her abdomen.
Brenda describes the process for her debulking surgery.
After debulking surgery, Brenda spends six more weeks in the hospital.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Chemotherapy
Brenda starts chemotherapy.
Brenda describes her complications with surgery and chemotherapy.
Brenda recounts the effects of chemotherapy.
Brenda's Advice for Mesothelioma Patients
"Get the right oncologist," Brenda says as she stresses the importance of finding a doctor you feel comfortable with.
Keeping yourself busy and staying positive are Brenda's most important pieces of advice for other mesothelioma patients.
"Next for me is to keep on pushing forward," says Brenda as she shares her hopes for the future.
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"I appreciate the hard work of the Simmons firm. This outfit is something else. I did not expect to hear from them after everything was done, but they still call to check up on me."