Bob Treggett knows what it means to prepare for battle. In the US Navy, Bob served aboard a nuclear submarine whose mission was to deter attacks on our country. Bob took his duties very seriously, and rose to a high level of responsibility. He viewed his naval service as a privilege, and constantly strove for perfection, making the defense of America and the welfare of his fellow sailors his top priorities.

After an honorable discharge in 1972, Bob looked eagerly forward to the next stage in his life. He anticipated smooth sailing, unaware that he had a deadly “stowaway” on board. Like so many of his fellows who served in the Navy or worked in shipyards, Bob had been exposed to signi. cant amounts of asbestos.

In 2003, Bob was working, and attending Northwest College in his home state of Washington with the goal of obtaining a degree in Ministry. He began experiencing respiratory symptoms, and sought advice from his physician, who felt it was bronchitis. But his symptoms worsened significantly, including breathing diffculty and a fever. Worried that he had pneumonia, he went to the local Emergency Room. Fluid was discovered to be filling his right chest cavity. He was admitted to the hospital, and the fluid drained off through a needle inserted into his chest (thoracentesis). Examination of the fluid resulted in a verdict of malignancy, exact type unknown.

Stunned, Bob and his wife Linda consulted a local oncologist. Bob underwent a thoracoscopy – inspection of his pleural space using an endoscope. His pleural membranes were sealed to prevent fluid accumulation (pleurodesis), and biopsy specimens were obtained. The biopsy report was indecisive – Bob had either malignant mesothelioma or a benign mesothelial inflammation and fibrosis. An expert pathologist determined that Bob was indeed faced with meso, epithelioid type.

Bob Treggett suddenly found himself in a battle for his very life, with an enemy he had never even heard of. Determined to fight, he consulted a thoracic surgical oncologist with expertise in meso, who recommended aggressive tri-modality treatment involving chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

Bob’s treatment began with several rounds of Alimta and Cisplatin, which he completed in January 2004. He then underwent extrapleural pneumonectomy on February 23.

Bob’s right chest was emptied of lung, pleural membranes, diaphragm, and pericardium, and the surgical defects patched with Gortex grafts. Finally, he had high dose radiation to try to kill off any remaining meso cells in his right chest. This radical treatment carries the risk of numerous complications, and Bob had his share. He had problems with the function of his right arm, a rapid heart rate, and a recurrent left pleural effusion, among other things. Later, he developed an infection in his chest cavity that required repeated surgical drainage. Some inevitable scatter of the hi-dose radiation scarred areas of his remaining lung (radiation pneumonitis), further reducing his breathing capacity. Bob’s recovery was a gradual process of finding ways to increase his activity tolerance, while minimizing pain and discomfort. He worked with a physical trainer to help regain some muscle strength and tone, and sought ways to modify his favorite activities to fit his new limitations. He managed his pain with medication, and his fatigue with rests.

Considering all he has endured as a consequence of serving his country, Bob Treggett would be justified in griping, but that’s just not his way. His optimism, bolstered by a deep and abiding faith, helps him to find the positive aspects of every experience, and sustains him in his ongoing battle with meso.

Bob feels very strongly that maintaining a positive attitude is essential to supporting his body’s e. orts to heal itself and keep its malignant enemy at bay. He and Linda maintain their optimistic viewpoint by keeping themselves informed of advances in meso treatment. They have been proactive in making progress happen, donating generously to the Meso Foundation to fund new research.

“Things are progressing rapidly with meso,” Bob says, “and as progress increases, so does hope.” He points to new treatments that “didn’t exist a year ago,” and to his having access to the best experts in the field.

Bob’s faith and optimism extend to every aspect of his life. Once an avid sailor and skier, he has found new ways to stay active by golfing, painting, and model making. He guards his resources and energy, and protects his remaining lung, but balances prudent caution with openness to exploring new paths for his life. Having completed his degree in Ministry Leadership (and graduating with honors), Bob now participates in international Christian Leadership conferences. He’s been to South Africa, Kenya, and Colombia, with a trip planned to Argentina this fall. He plans to speak nationally as well, and to include asbestos awareness in his presentations. Bob hopes that spreading the word about meso will help others obtain early diagnosis and treatment.

For himself, Bob knows that there’s no guarantee of smooth sailing, but then there never is in life. Bob is optimistic and determined to face future hurdles as they come. With hope in his heart, and Linda at his side, he’s determined to keep on moving!