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About ELSS | Client Profiles
Bruce Slane
Mesothelioma is not a disease for the elderly; Bruce is diagnosed at age twenty-three
Bruce Slane was a healthy 23 years-old before he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. When he was not attended classes at Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, or working at Chase Manhattan Bank, Jericho, New York, he loved going skiing, golfing, and boating. In January 1997, Bruce's health slowly began unraveling; fevers, body aches and fatigue began disrupting his daily routine. Despite a physical exam, his primary doctor found nothing wrong with Bruce's health. Reassured, Bruce tried to resume his active lifestyle despite being continually tired.
In September 1997, Bruce is diagnosed with mesothelioma
In March 1997, subsequent to routine blood tests, he was diagnosed with anemia. Doctors also advised him that they suspected cancer cells. Bruce had chest x-rays taken at BAB Radiology, Hauppauge, New York, and was later told that "something [was] showing up on the x-ray."
After meeting with a pulmonologist, a biopsy was taken of Bruce's right lung at Huntington Hospital, Huntington, New York. The biopsy results revealed he had malignant epthelioid mesothelioma. Doctors explained that mesothelioma was a rare type of cancer which was caused solely by exposure to asbestos. The diagnoses perplexed Bruce's doctors, as well as, his family. Mesothelioma is a slow growing lung cancer that normally develops decades after asbestos exposure. Neither Bruce nor his parents could determine when he may have been exposed to asbestos.
Bruce opts for conventional mesothelioma therapies
Upon his doctors' recommendations, Bruce agreed to chemotherapy and radiation. Treatments, however, left him with chronic nausea, body aches and radiation burns. In October 1997, Bruce underwent a pleural pneumonectomy, removal of his right lung, which was performed by Dr.Valerie Rusch, Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York. Post-operatively, he began thinking how he may have been exposed to asbestos - a painful process involving long discussions with his parents and serious contemplations about his future.
Bruce was exposed to asbestos while playing in the family workroom
Bruce learned that he was exposed to asbestos during his childhood which playing in the family's basement/workroom. Bruce recalled toy cars in this area as a young child. Bruce described the basement as the best part of the house given its cooler temperature and vast space.
Bruce later learned that the basement tiles contained asbestos. His father had used those tiles during an earlier renovation project, unaware of the harmful effects of asbestos. For many years, Bruce would play on these tiles. Bruce would also play nearby the boiler which also contained asbestos.
With the help of mesothelioma lawyers Bruce reclaims his life
Mesothelioma dramatically changed Bruce's lifestyle. He no longer is able to be carefree; he has to rely on the care and support of his family and friends.
Shortly after his pleural pneumonectomy, Bruce was referred by a member of his family's congregation to Early and Strauss. When he met with Attorney Mark Strauss, Bruce was recovering from surgery and radiation. Both Bruce and his family were quite impressed with Mark's extensive knowledge medical and health issues related to mesothelioma. Bruce wrote, "Mark was also extremely knowledgeable about the leading doctors in the field, pathologists and treatment options. He was always very informative and encouraging. Throughout my contact with the law firm of Early and Strauss, the members of the firm have always been very helpful and my litigation has been handled in an extremely expeditious and professional manner. They fought hard on my behalf and I am very pleased with the amount of time and effort that was devoted to my lawsuit and the personal attention that was given to me and my family. They went beyond the duties of the legal profession and I am very grateful."
Despite having mesothelioma, Bruce continues living his life
In September 1991, Bruce began classes Suffolk County Community College. In May 1994, he earned an Associate's Degree in business. He persevered and, in December 1995, he earned his Bachelor of Science in finance from SUNY Old Westbury College, Old Westbury, New York.
Before his diagnosis, Bruce was taking classes at Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York. He was working toward his Master's Degree in finance. His classes, however, were interrupted when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He was determined, though to complete his Master's Degree and, as a testament to his strong will and character, he continued to take classes despite his chromic pain and suffering. He accomplished his goal, amid radiation treatments and countless doctors visits, in December 1998 when he received his Master's Degree.
Bruce remains hopefully and optimistic
Bruce and his family remain optimistic about what the future holds. He battles mesothelioma while continuing to live his life. Bruce hopes to return to school and earn his P.h.D in business finance. Now at age 30, Bruce has been living with mesothelioma for nearly eight years. He is an inspiration of hope, courage and determination.
