When Debbie “Muvmuv” Brewer was diagnosed in 2006 with pleural mesothelioma, it was a tough year. She’d also lost her beloved Dad, Phillip Northmore, who succumbed to his own asbestos-related disease. After meeting Muvmuv a few weeks ago at the 8th Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference, I wrote that she named the tumor inside her chest wall “Theo,” and she was hoping that he would remain dormant. Muvmuv, a native of Plymouth UK, was due to undergo a CT scan:
“to find out if Theo had moved at all, or if he has been a typical lazy man and sat on the sofa watching TV. He must be the only male I want to stay as a couch potato.”
Debbie “Muvmuv” Brewer, 53, is the mother of three children, a daughter and two sons, including one with special needs. Her dad worked as a lagger for the Ministry of Defense, and her exposure to asbestos likely came from her father’s work clothes. As I noted in my previous post about Muvmuv, she’s as far from a couch potato as one could get. She’s one of the thousands of “Meso Warriors” around the globe, who are waging personal battles against mesothelioma and fighting for a global ban on the mining and use of all forms of asbestos.
Before Muvmuv received the news that her Theo was waging a new battle, she was honored with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization’s (ADAO) Alan Reinstein Tribute award. Her acceptance speech shows her firecracker spirit:
I’m calling on all readers of The Pump Handle to close their eyes for just 30 seconds, and send waves of positive energy across the pond to Meso Warrior Muvmuv.
What sad news! Wishing all the best to Muvmuv Brewer and her family.
Celeste, what a lovely blog. My children will be so proud that you called me Muvmuv, this is what they call me instead of mum.
Theo is back but hopefully not for long, I am waging war as we speak, feeding him all the bad, fattening foods, beer and chocolate that will enlarge his sorry backside and get him back on the couch. Thanks again for writing this blog, Theo will be quaking in his boots !!! : )
You are loved!
We wish Debbie a sucessful battle and hope that once again she puts Thor into a deep slumber
What a fool this theo is if he think’s he is tough enough to take you on,a bigger fool i have yet to meet.My very best wish’s to you and your’s .ps no capital for theo does not deserve one.
A prayer I found helpful when dealing with Clyde (what I nicknamed my tumor). My prayers are with you, Kathy
This is another day, O Lord, I know not what it will bring forth,
but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be.
If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.
If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.
If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.
And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly.
Make these words more than words, and give me the spirit of Jesus.
Amen
A beautiful prayer. Thanks Kathy
Wishing you victory with your personal battle Debbie! Terrible to hear Theo’s back. Make sure he gets back on that couch and stays there. From across the pond (Australia.)