Mesothelioma
Jan 7-I have some sad information to share
with you. Today, Ron Empfield, a BT who was aboard from '65-'69, called me
to tell me he has inoperable cancer. Ron has contracted mesothelioma, a
form of lung cancer that is related with asbestos, a common element aboard
Navy ships of old, including the DeHaven.
In an engineering rate such as BT, EN, MM, and others, it is a common
material that many of us have worked with. During our days in the Navy,
little was known about this threat. Consequently, little precaution, if
any, was taken to prevent the ingestion of asbestos fibers from insulation
in the fire rooms, engine rooms, and throughout the ship.
Recently, Ron reported to the emergency room complaining of chest
pains. He thought he might be having a heart attack. The doctors reported
his that heart was fine. Further tests indicated that he had an advanced
case of mesothelioma. Unfortunately, they feel that it has not been caught
in time. There is no known cure. The only treatment is surgery. In
advanced stages, even this is not possible. Ron was not a smoker so the
cause is most likely related to his Navy activities.
Ron has asked that I inform the DeHaven group of his tragedy so that
they may schedule a chest examination as soon as possible. If discovered
early, there is a chance that mesothelioma can be removed. He urged all,
especially those that worked in the engineering rates (snipes), to not
delay. He wishes that someone had given him this warning.
I'm deeply saddened by this news. Ron is a sailor from my era that has
done much to help find other shipmates and is an active member of our
Association. I urge all of you to send Ron words of encouragement. He can
be reached at:
Ron Empfield
604 E Spaulding St.
Riverton, IL 62561-9671
Phone: (217) 629-9450
Ron does not have e-mail, but if you wish to send a greeting by e-mail
I will send it to him via regular mail. Please send all e-mail
correspondence to ron@ussdehaven.org
In addition to Ron's request that all possibly effected sailors get a
chest examination, there are the following sources on the Internet that
you should check out:
http://www.mesothelioma-online.com/
http://www.mesothel.com/
http://www.mesoth.com/
http://www.mesothelioma-center.com/
http://www.mirg.org/
http://www.mesorfa.org
http://www.maacenter.org/
http://www.asbestos.com
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