Mesothelioma: A Grandfather's Heartbreaking Story

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News Summary

Chris Debnam, a 68-year-old grandfather from Sproughton, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer linked to asbestos exposure. After a misdiagnosis of asthma, Chris learned about his lung condition and the urgent need for treatment. With a long career at ABT Plastic Designs, Chris is investigating possible asbestos exposure that may have occurred during his employment. Despite a grim prognosis, he remains focused on family and advocates for awareness about asbestos-related diseases.

Shock Diagnosis: Grandfather’s Battle with Mesothelioma

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Chris Debnam, a 68-year-old grandfather from Sproughton, near Ipswich, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer associated with asbestos exposure. This devastating news came just after Chris was vacationing with his wife, Karen, when he began to experience severe breathlessness.

From Asthma Treatment to Lung Crisis

Before receiving his mesothelioma diagnosis in September, Chris had been misdiagnosed and treated for asthma. However, doctors soon discovered a more alarming issue: his lung had collapsed, leading to the urgent need to drain a staggering seven liters of fluid from it. The ordeal left Chris bewildered but not defeated, reigniting his urge to delve into the circumstances surrounding his illness.

Long Career at ABT Plastic Designs

Chris dedicated an impressive 31 years of his life to ABT Plastic Designs, a now-defunct printing company. He joined the firm as a fresh-faced 16-year-old in 1972 and devoted nearly four decades working with various materials, including paper, glass, and plastic. Although he retired in 2019, health issues pulled him away from the active lifestyle he cherished, having once cycled to work daily and embarked on weekend rides totaling about 100 miles.

Questionable Asbestos Exposure

As he grapples with his diagnosis, Chris is on a quest to connect with former colleagues from ABT Plastic Designs, hoping to uncover more about the working conditions of the past. Critical to his investigation is the concern that he may have encountered asbestos while carrying out repairs on the roof of the company’s building, as materials containing asbestos were prevalent before the UK banned its use in 1999.

A Terminal Prognosis

Chris’s prognosis remains troubling: doctors have informed him that he has between one to three years left to live. Paradoxically, after completing chemotherapy treatment, he reported no side effects, which only fuels his determination to remain active despite the challenging circumstances. Currently, he manages his health with a chest drain to aid in fluid buildup in his lungs.

Focusing on Family and Advocacy

Amid his struggles, Chris finds solace in spending quality time with his family. He is a father to two children: Laura, 37, and Matthew, 35, and proudly embraces his role as a grandfather. Chris has maintained a surprisingly stoic demeanor regarding his diagnosis, as he refuses to be overwhelmed by the emotional weight of his situation. Instead, he has channeled his energy into finding answers about the conditions he faced while working.

Ongoing Impact of Asbestos

Serious concerns linger regarding the legacy of asbestos exposure. His situation exemplifies the broader public health crisis. Mesothelioma, while relatively rare, claims approximately 2,400 lives each year in the UK, often stemming from occupational exposure. Chris’s case is further supported by Natalia Rushworth-White, an expert in asbestos-related disease who recognizes the lasting impact of historical industrial practices.

Seeking Answers

Chris’s determination to learn more about his asbestos exposure underscores the need for broader awareness about such hazardous materials, particularly for those who may have unknowingly been at risk during their employment. From a confusing diagnosis to a race against time, his journey reflects the reality many face regarding the challenges of life after an asbestos exposure diagnosis.