Hamilton Jordan, the former White House Chief of Staff under President Jimmy Carter, has died at the age of 63 of malignant mesothelioma.
According to an article in The New York Times, Jordan battled four different types of cancer during the past 24 years but was not able to conquer mesothelioma, which is generally diagnosed in its late stages and is difficult to treat. Jordan had overcome non-Hodgkins lymphoma, prostate cancer, and skin cancer, the article explained.
“Mr. Jordan often speculated that his lymphoma may have resulted from exposure to the chemical Agent Orange while serving as a volunteer during the Vietnam War,” the article notes. The development of mesothelioma has also been linked to the chemical though the majority of cases are caused by exposure to asbestos.
In his 2001 memoir, “No Such Thing as a Bad Day,” Mr. Jordan outlined his “Top 10 Tips for Cancer Patients”, which he said helped him get through nearly a quarter-century of struggles with the disease. His tips include:
- Be an active partner in the medical decisions that are made about your life.
- Seek and know the truth about your illness, and prognosis.
- Get a second opinion.
- Determine upfront how broad or narrow your physicians’ experience is.
- If you have a poor prognosis, or a rare form of cancer, try to get to a center of excellence.
- Do not allow your caregivers to project their values, goals and expectations onto you.
- Understand the economics of cancer care.
- Ultimately, find a doctor that you trust and believe in.
- Treat your mind as well as your body.
- Your attitude and beliefs are your most powerful weapon against cancer.
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