Joey Barna was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2018, a rare cancer he believes was caused by over a decade of asbestos exposure while working in the HVAC industry and other jobs. His story reflects the dangers faced by HVAC workers who encounter asbestos in older buildings.
A Career in HVAC and Asbestos Exposure
A Massachusetts native, Joey worked as an HVAC mechanic from 1981 to 1991. HVAC professionals are at heightened risk of asbestos exposure, especially in buildings constructed before 1980 when asbestos was commonly used for insulation. Over time, parts containing asbestos can become brittle, and if disturbed, they can release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.
Joey recalls his exposure to asbestos while handling sheet metal and old boilers.
“In 1981, I graduated and started working at Northeast Sheet Metal in Lawrence, Massachusetts,” Joey said. “Back then, they were renovating a lot of old mills, converting them into condos. They’d gut these buildings, sandblast them, and we’d be right in the middle of it. I also worked on old boilers encased in asbestos, which was considered top-notch insulation at the time because it was fireproof.”
Facing Mesothelioma and the Aftermath of Surgery
After decades of working in the HVAC industry and other asbestos-related jobs, Joey was diagnosed with mesothelioma. In 2018, he underwent pleurectomy and decortication surgery, which significantly impacted his physical abilities, eventually leading him to retire.
“I have this grand staircase in my house, and sometimes I have to stop halfway up to catch my breath. I get winded so quickly,” Joey shared. Despite his health challenges, Joey remains committed to light exercise and healthy eating, which he credits for helping him stay active.
Staying Active: Walking and Adjusting to Life Post-Diagnosis
Since his diagnosis and surgery, Joey has taken up walking as a primary form of exercise. However, he’s cautious about other activities like bicycling and rollerblading, avoiding them to reduce the risk of injury.
“I walk a lot, but I don’t bike as much as I used to. I used to rollerblade, but after my diagnosis, I’m afraid of falling and injuring myself after surgery,” Joey explained.
Struggling with Weight Gain and Maintaining a Healthy Diet
Maintaining a healthy weight has been one of Joey’s biggest challenges since his diagnosis. Many mesothelioma patients struggle with unintentional weight loss due to the cancer and its treatments, which can affect appetite and make it difficult to eat comfortably.
“I have a great appetite, but I just can’t seem to put on weight,” Joey said. “I’ve even tried eating late at night, but it doesn’t help.”
Nutritionists recommend that mesothelioma patients eat frequently, focus on protein, and avoid empty calories to maintain their weight and stay nourished during treatment. Joey has focused on improving his diet and plans to make further changes after his upcoming surgery to remove tumors from his liver and repair a hernia.
“I’m eating healthier now, but I’ve been cheating a bit with sugar,” Joey admitted. “After my next surgery, I’ll be back to being a good boy again.”
A Positive Outlook Amidst Challenges
Joey’s story is one of resilience, as he continues to live an active life and focus on his health despite the ongoing challenges of mesothelioma. Through diet, exercise, and his determination, Joey shows how mesothelioma patients can manage their condition and maintain a sense of normalcy.