Asbestos Exposure

[Emberxx]

I have no idea if I'm posting this in the right place; it's been a while since I've been on this forum and things have changed quite a bit.

During my regular physical a few weeks ago it came out that I had an abnormal chest X-ray. They sent me back for another one and that led to a follow up CT scan. The results are in and it seems I've got pleural plaque on both lungs and 'coarse thickening' of the base of my right lung. I was told that this means that I was exposed to asbestos. I won't know the extent of the damage until I see the specialist later this month and a lung biopsy is performed.

I have no idea how this is going to change my career in the fire service or my ability to breath in the coming years. I had already been dealing with some right lower lung pain and in my ignorance assumed it was merely a cold that was developing - I'm now realizing that this may be a permanent issue.

While waiting to see the doctor isn't easy the one thing I've been able to find out is that firefighters are more susceptible to this. Which leads me to the point of this post - to hopefully find someone...anyone...who has been through this already. Someone who can maybe help me understand what the implications are in the real world we live in and not just what Google can tell me.

So is there anyone out there on Firehouse.com who is dealing with this or who's been stationed with someone who has?

[Emberxx]

So no one here either? I keep seeing articles about firefighters who have this but they all seem to be from England!

[BKDRAFT]

I had lung cancer with a portion of that involved lung removed. Through a rigorous physical fitness schedule I have been able to regain my lung capacity I had prior. My diffusion has decreased due to chemotherapy and that is something that will never return. I know this is far different than what you are speaking to but everything can be overcome with the right mindset, family, and friends behind you.

Good luck brother.

[Emberxx]

Cancer is a very real possibility for me so hearing that you're doing so well is a very welcome positive story.

Were you able to keep working?

[BKDRAFT]

I was off for some time but am back to full duty. Keep us updated.

[Emberxx]

That is, excuse the French, but effing incredible and totally inspiring. I have a lung biopsy coming up this month so I'll know more then but I think you just totally wiped out about 80% of my stress.

[StevenKazan]

I am an attorney who has been representing victims of asbestos diseases for almost 40 years. Unfortunately many firefighters have been exposed to asbestos. You are doing the right thing by going to the doctor. I've helped hundreds of asbestos victims and their families, so please feel free to contact me to learn more the health and legal implications of asbestos diseases.

Steven Kazan
Founding Partner, Kazan Law
www.kazanlaw.com
skazan@kazanlaw.com

[Miller337]

I am an attorney who has been representing victims of asbestos diseases for almost 40 years. Unfortunately many firefighters have been exposed to asbestos. You are doing the right thing by going to the doctor. I've helped hundreds of asbestos victims and their families, so please feel free to contact me to learn more the health and legal implications of asbestos diseases.

Steven Kazan
Founding Partner, Kazan Law
www.kazanlaw.com
skazan@kazanlaw.com

Isn't this sweet, bad enough we had child molester scum sliming the place up now this.
A brother asks for info from his group of peers concerning his situation and is subjected to scum like this.
You better scurry there Mr. Skuzzan I think an ambulance is getting tones right now.

[StevenKazan]

I'm sorry Miller337 that you were offended by my response to your brother who was asking for information. Asbestos exposure can be life threatening and having worked with hundreds of people who have suffered from asbestos diseases, I was thinking your brother could benefit from my experience.

[jaharsta]

My uncle is going through it right now he was diagnosed in Dec and the doctors said that it was partialy due to firefighting. I know he would be more then willing to talk to you if you have questions.

https://www.facebook.com/jharstad#!/...?id=1423556670

just leave him a message