Man not myth

Having referred twice now to PETAL in the blog, I thought it about time to find out more about the author of this inspirational philosophy for living with mesothelioma. Is he a fictional character, or for real? Someone from history or a contemporary? Based in the UK, or somewhere else in the world?

I am delighted to report that GSB is a real person, very much alive and kicking, and living somewhere at the end of a link to a computer in the UK. He was kind enough to respond to a exploratory e-mail sent on the off-chance that there aren’t too many philosphers in the world who share his name. Seven years on, Graham now lives his life now without thinking about mesothelioma - what a wonderful place to be. The PETAL philosophy has clearly been a great success. Please write that book, Graham - others will be inspired your story!

This extended gap between Steve’s chemo cycles has give us the chance to get on with life almost as normal, unencumbered by hospital visits, and associated fatigue and nausea. Out and about again today, making the most of the blue skies and sunshine, with a visit to see Stanley Spencer’s moving paintings in the Sandham Memorial Chapel en route to another NT property, The Vyne, a 16th century house in Hampshire set in wonderful parkland, with a good walled garden and borders full of butterflies. And that other essential, a tea room! No photography inside the house, but plenty of scope outside.

I say almost as normal, as we seem to be doing more this August than would otherwise be the case. Steve is taking all this exertion and physical activity in his stride. It was me who flopped for a rest when we got home late this afternoon…

More good news on the creative front; some of my images will be exhibited at this year’s Art in Woodstock Festival in October, following on nicely from Steve’s foray into the underground in September. And we have also been offered an exhibition in the new Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre here in Oxford, June-July 2010. Something to work towards over the winter months…

Going underground

Having mesothelioma doesn’t stop Steve creating beautiful artwork; he’s exhibited in conventional galleries and online, but now he’s going underground….

Title: Tulip Sky

Artist: Stephen Wride

When: 21-23 September for 12-14 days

Where: Euston Tube Station

Northern Line - Platform 6 Southbound (City Branch)

Put the dates in your diary if you live in, or are traveling to, London during that fortnight. I do hope that you can track down Steve’s first underground poster and will enjoy looking through the “windows” into the sky from deep down in the tube.

This image will also help brighten any traveler’s day, IMHO. Lucky commuters on the northern line!

Second childhood

The last time we went to Didcot Railway Centre to look at steam trains on GWR, Katie was a toddler and Thomas the Tank Engine was visiting. We paid a return trip today, ostensibly to take photos of the locos and see Tornado in steam. But actually, it was just an excuse to get down and dirty, walk the tracks and play at being engine drivers like a couple of kids…

The second childhood theme recurred later in the afternoon, when we visited Basildon House for a bit of grown up culture, then envied the kids enjoying some sort of treasure hunt/trail, which involved peering into dark corners with torches provided by the NT and posting answers in special boxes, secreted around the grounds. They were having a fantastic time; we were SO tempted to join in…

The sun shone, the home-made cakes were delicious, we had plenty of fresh air and exercise - a good boost to Steve’s immune system, fingers crossed!

Light at the end of the tunnel

It goes without saying that the internet can be a double-edged sword - some of the information you access in the quest for knowledge on a particular topic tells you things which, in retrospect, you really would prefer not to know. Which is where I found myself at the beginning of the week, after going round and round in online circles. However, it can also bring you into contact with strangers bearing heart-warming news - which is where I find myself today.

One such person is H, whose husband was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2006. He has had two courses of chemotherapy; his meso substantially reduced in size following the most recent treatment and they are both now enjoying the summer and life in general, some three years post-diagnosis.

The other is S, whose father was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March. Since completing his course of chemotherapy, he has had nine weeks free of hospital visits and is enjoying his life to the full, by the sound of it!

Hearing about these positive experiences reminds me that there is light at the end of the chemo tunnel, even if it feels like a long way off at the moment and isn’t getting any closer whilst Steve’s treatment is on hold. However, I know we’ll get there eventually, as others have before us. Thanks to H and S for the inspiration to help us along the way.

In the meantime, a certain song keeps popping unbidden into my mind. In normal circumstances, it would make me wince - not my taste at all (with apologies to any fans). But looking out of the window at the wind and rain, it seems rather apt for today’s blog. If you hate 60s musicals look away now! Otherwise, wear a smile and start humming….

Gray skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face;
Brush off the clouds and cheer up, put on a happy face.
Take off the gloomy mask of tragedy, it’s not your style;
You’ll look so good that you’ll be glad ya’ decide to smile!
Pick out a pleasant outlook, stick out that noble chin;
Wipe off that “full of doubt” look, slap on a happy grin!
And spread sunshine all over the place. Just put on a happy face!

Lee Adams & Charles Strouse

Learning to expect the unexpected

We had hoped that after an extra week’s rest from chemo, Steve’s immune system would be strong enough to take on another round of treatment today. But to everyone’s surprise (including the doctor who remarked how well Steve is looking) whilst the white blood cell count was better than last week, it’s still not up to the level required by the drug trial protocol before Velcade can be administered.

So - no treatment today or Friday; try again next week….

Where does that leave us?

• the revised treatment dates I finally got round to putting on the calendar will have to be updated again (good job they’re in pencil this time)
• plans to do things during future “weeks off” chemo are still on hold (a bit frustrating)
• the revised earliest date for the end of the treatment is now pushed back to the last week in November
• I’ll need to sort out some clashes between my work commitments and Steve’s “new” hospital days

On the bright side

• all the other tests results were normal
• Steve’s immune system will be fighting fit before the next dose of Velcade is administered
• we’re learning to expect the unexpected, getting better at being flexible and adaptable and making the best of how things turn out
• there’s an unexpected “window of opportunity” to do things now this week is free of hospital visits and the need to allow for post-chemo recovery

Time to have a cup of tea and think about some enjoyable things to do (once the remains of ex-hurricane Bill have passed over us…)

The circle game

…We’re captive on the carousel of time

We can’t return, we can only look behind

From where we came

And go round and round and round

In the circle game

Joni Mitchel

I promised myself that today I would get on and do things like finish cutting the front hedge, abandoned when the hedge cutter ran out of juice; posting back files from working last week; updating the calendar with next week’s blood doning session and Katie’s visit home, and revised dates for Steve’s treatment which have changed following a week off chemo to help his immune system recover.

But there I got stuck - I couldn’t bring myself to write in a whole new set of chemo dates until tomorrow, when we will know for sure that he is clear for treatment. Even then, the new dates will only be pencilled in; although we had treated it almost as a formality before, we now know from recent experience that there’s no guarantee that blood tests (or other tests for that matter) will come back “normal.”

Those thoughts set me off on yet another foray on the web, looking for the latest news on mesothelioma, trials and treatments, and I’ve ended up going round and round in circles - at least that’s what it feels like. Much of what I’ve read is horribly depressing in many ways, but mixed with awe and admiration at how meso sufferers and their families deal with the challenge of living with a terminal disease and the physical and emotional pain that entails.

Blogs like http://www.jansmeso.blogspot.com/ throw into relief how lucky we have been so far in some respects - if you can ever say that when you or your loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness. However, it also fans the memories of anger, grief and helplessness which engulfed us only two months ago, but feels like another lifetime. Not very positive. It’s time I stopped playing the circle game and got on with the rest of the things that need doing today. Here we go….

Good weekend

Yesterday, we had a good day out at Claydon House, famous for its connection to Florence Nightingale, amongst other things (how medicine and the care of the sick has moved on since those times…) and visiting the magical windmill at Brill on the way home.

Today, a trip to Buscot for a lovely long walk around the park and Peto’s water garden, and a chance to see the art collection, including works by pre-Raphaelite artists, Burne-Jones and Rossetti (and yes, we have become fans of Desperate Romantics…such good rollicking fun!)

Home in time to see England win the last Test Match and The Ashes. Result! What a great way to finish the weekend….

Oh, it’s such a perfect day,

I’m glad I spent it with you.

Oh, such a perfect day,

You just keep me hanging on,

you just keep me hanging on.

Lou Reed

PETAL revisited whilst in limbo

In June, I said that Graham Sherlock Brown’s philosophy for living with mesothelioma sounded good to me. Two months on, how are we doing?

P = Positive attitude

We’re trying to have a positive attitude and in the main, succeeding. Need to work on having realistic expectations!

E = Eating and exercising well

If anything, I think our diet has improved; Steve has a good appetite, in spite of the nausea. Although not jogging at the moment, he’s done a lot of walking and hasn’t used his bus pass once

T = Targets

There isn’t a list of “10 things to do before I die” (as far as I know). However, Steve has set his long term sights on being one of the 10% who are still alive five years after diagnosis, with milestones along the way like his millionth birthday (in binary) and our 40th wedding anniversary. I know he is aiming to get at least one more distinction from the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), may be two. But the main target is to make the most of every day

A = Adapting to change

We have had to adapt to a new regime based on the 21-day chemo cycle, rather than the standard working week and weekends, and to acknowledge that Steve will need to rest when he feels tired after treatment. There is the morning and evening ritual of rubbing cream into the two circles of skin affected by radiotherapy, which were fading nicely, only to be inflamed recently by the last round of X-Rays/CT scan. And we (try to) never leave the house without anti-nausea tablets and a supply of emergency nibbles….

L = Living your life

We’re certainly doing that…out and about whenever possible, visiting family and friends towards the end of each treatment cycle, when not tied into hospital visits or plagued by fatigue. The cameras are being out to good use, as is the NT membership card. Housework takes second place to being sociable and creative (nice to have a good excuse) but the essentials are getting done.

I think we’re getting our priorities just about right……

Reasons to be cheerful

What better way to try to pull yourself up after feeling a bit down hearted than to think of reasons to be cheerful. So that’s what we’ve been doing, and here they are:

1. Leo the tumour has NOT increased in size in nearly three months
2. The fluid on Steve’s right lung has not come back; the pleurodesis has worked
3. Four more cycles of chemotherapy are bound to be more effective than the two cycles Steve has had already
4. Steve is feeling well in himself - no pain, no breathlessness - and is staying active (well, almost as active as he was before all this started - I do miss our gentle jogs round West Oxford…time to have another go?)
5. His hair isn’t falling out; no unexplained bruising; no mouth sores; no ringing in the ears more than usual; no tingling in the fingers or toes
6. With care, he can managed the nausea using a combination of antiemetic tablets and eating little and often
7. Fatigue is a pain, but so far its not so extreme as to stop us doing the things we really set our hearts on, like visiting family and friends
8. Steve’s appetite is good and he has maintained (and slightly increased) his weight
9. We are fortunate to have a very excellent support system of family and friends who rally round at the first hint of trouble, and a kind, caring medical team including the receptionist, nursing staff, doctors, consultants and GP
10. If all else fails, we can always explore chemoembolization in Frankfurt: it’s worked for others, including Debbie Brewer (see http://www.mesothelioma-and-me.com/). It’s a comfort to have a fall back if this treatment doesn’t deliver the desired results

But why speculate about the worst case scenario when there at least 10 good reasons to be cheerful, and probably many more!

Mesothelioma Lawsuits-What are factors that will determine the verdict

Depending on the case, a verdict in an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit can be reached relatively quickly, while others may take more time. Typically, a suit that is settled out of court will attain resolution faster than one that winds its way through the legal process. The two factors that determine the kind of verdict that will be given in are:

1} the level of damages to be compensated for and 2} liability.

1-The level of damages to be compensated for is another vital factor in determining a verdict. The lawyer of the plaintiff must give the jury or judge a yardstick to determining the amount of compensation to be awarded. The amount of compensation is determined by two factors-a} the level of compensatory damages and b} the level of punitive damages.

2-Liability is one of the major factors in reaching a verdict. It is the job of the plaintiff’s attorney to prove the entity being sued is responsible for the damage to the plaintiff, and this will weigh heavily upon a verdict.

A} Compensatory damage is money paid to compensate the plaintiff for the loss or harm that was suffered. While compensatory damages may be capped in some instances, most states do not have caps on punitive damages.

B}Punitive damages do not take the plaintiff’s condition into account at all, but are used as a preventative measure to deter against the defendant (and other entities that have caused similar harm to people) from performing such injurious actions again. Typically, the more deliberate the jury perceives the action of the defendant, the larger the punitive damages. With no limit on punitive damages, it is not unusual for an asbestos compensation to reach millions of dollars. In many cases this is due to the knowledge that asbestos companies were aware of the dangers of their product and did nothing to protect or warn workers of the associated hazards.

However one has to realize that while the trial option may result in a large punitive damage award, there is no guarantee. Juries can be surprising, and many attorneys can attest that there are no sure bets in a trial. If the amount of compensation awarded offered by the defendant as attempt to settle out of court is substantial {even though it will not be as much as you would get in a successful trial} the victim and their family should consider taking the settlement as there are no guaranteed compensations. Before you agree for an out of court settlement however you must make sure that the insurance company of the defendants is involved.

To get the best compensation you have to hire the services of an experienced mesothelioma attorney who is well versed in the complex asbestos mesothelioma laws.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Mesothelioma Lawsuits-What are factors that will determine the verdict?

Depending on the case, a verdict in an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit can be reached relatively quickly, while others may take more time. Typically, a suit that is settled out of court will attain resolution faster than one that winds its way through the legal process. The two factors that determine the kind of verdict that will be given in are:

1} the level of damages to be compensated for and 2} liability.

1-The level of damages to be compensated for is another vital factor in determining a verdict. The lawyer of the plaintiff must give the jury or judge a yardstick to determining the amount of compensation to be awarded. The amount of compensation is determined by two factors-a} the level of compensatory damages and b} the level of punitive damages.

2-Liability is one of the major factors in reaching a verdict. It is the job of the plaintiff’s attorney to prove the entity being sued is responsible for the damage to the plaintiff, and this will weigh heavily upon a verdict.

A} Compensatory damage is money paid to compensate the plaintiff for the loss or harm that was suffered. While compensatory damages may be capped in some instances, most states do not have caps on punitive damages.

B}Punitive damages do not take the plaintiff’s condition into account at all, but are used as a preventative measure to deter against the defendant (and other entities that have caused similar harm to people) from performing such injurious actions again. Typically, the more deliberate the jury perceives the action of the defendant, the larger the punitive damages. With no limit on punitive damages, it is not unusual for an asbestos compensation to reach millions of dollars. In many cases this is due to the knowledge that asbestos companies were aware of the dangers of their product and did nothing to protect or warn workers of the associated hazards.

However one has to realize that while the trial option may result in a large punitive damage award, there is no guarantee. Juries can be surprising, and many attorneys can attest that there are no sure bets in a trial. If the amount of compensation awarded offered by the defendant as attempt to settle out of court is substantial {even though it will not be as much as you would get in a successful trial} the victim and their family should consider taking the settlement as there are no guaranteed compensations. Before you agree for an out of court settlement however you must make sure that the insurance company of the defendants is involved.

To get the best compensation you have to hire the services of an experienced mesothelioma attorney who is well versed in the complex asbestos mesothelioma laws.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Back to life, back to reality .......stopped cycling; in limbo

The Fantasy

In the red corner: Steve; Velcade and Cisplatin; the medical team; the family, friends and well wishers support network. In the blue corner, Leo the mesothelioma tumour and a long gestation period. It’s got to be a fair fight, no cheating, six rounds, go for it! ….And the winner is Steve, by a knockout in Round 2.

The Reality

Dreams can come true, but our wild hopes that Leo would succumb and shrivel away after two cycles of chemo were a fantasy too far. The reality this morning was more mundane. The tumour has not grown since the first scan on 23 June, eleven weeks ago, and may even have shrunk just a little - although it’s difficult to measure, being more like a wispy cobweb that a solid mass. However, there has been no assessment based on the second scan taken just before chemo began on 8 July. Consequently, this morning, the doctor couldn’t pin down with absolute confidence any changes directly attributable to the drug trial treatment.

The doctor pointed out (again, as she had at the outset) that chemotherapy is not a cure, but a means of improving the quality of life for people with mesothelioma. The scan results were what she would expect to see after only two cycles of treatment (such assessments are usually made after three cycles). Given that Steve is well in other respects and managing the side effects, she was happy to continue chemotherapy using Velcade.

For reasons it’s difficult to explain, neither of us felt overjoyed by the result - in fact, we both felt rather disappointed, deflated and dispirited at the time - we had such high hopes. We really must learn to think positively AND to manage our expectations a bit more realistically.

The Unexpected

Things didn’t get any better as the morning drew on. Steve’s blood samples (tested on the ward) showed a decline in his white blood cells/platelets - a sign that the chemo is affecting his immune system. The drug trial protocol requires a blood count figure of 1.5, whereas Steve’s count came back as 1.3. Because the result was marginal, we agreed to stay on the ward whilst the samples were sent to the haematology lab for more accurate testing. News came back and hour or so later that the result was 1.36, still below the threshold necessary to proceed with treatment today. So that’s it. The cycle’s brakes are on for the time being. All being well, his blood count will rise with more time off chemo and we’ll be back on track to start Cycle 3 next week.

Sadly, we’re unable to make the most of this extra week off treatment as I’m committed to going back to work tomorrow for three days. However, the break will give Steve a chance to relax and build up his strength ready for battle to re-commence in a week’s time. We just need to go through our diaries and the calendar now and revise the treatment dates. Although it will only extend the overall chemotherapy course by a week, shunting everything back impacts on the timing of future “weeks off” treatment and day visits to the hospital. Thank goodness we haven’t made too many plans and I have some flexibility around only a few fixed dates when organizing my working time.

The legal stuff

When we arrived home some five and a half hours later, with nothing to show for it, there was a letter waiting for us from the solicitor advising about a possible claim for compensation. Reading between the lines, it looks like more hard evidence about when, where and how Steve was exposed to asbestos is needed before matters can be taken any further. Steve will have to dig deep into the memory banks, again…..So, if any one out there knows of someone who worked with Steve at PSA in the 1970s, or helped create the open plan studio by knocking down walls on the architect’s floor of Oxford Poly in the late 1960s, please get in touch with us (in confidence, if necessary).

The future

Looking back on today’s events, I can understand why we have felt a bit down. However, we really should be celebrating the good news that Leo has not grown in the last three months or so, and may even have been knocked back a teeny bit. Extending the overall treatment period by a week isn’t the end of the world - certainly not as bad as having to start all over again. It’s not as though Steve is in pain, having problems breathing or mobility difficulties. Those who have seen him recently have remarked how well he is looking. Time to go away and count our blessings. Limbo isn’t such a bad place to be just for a week…..

Mesothelioma Victim- Hope for the mesothelioma victim

Do not let mesothelioma make a victim of you.

A mesothelioma victim must never give up hope. Hope gives strength, and this is needed when dealing with an affliction as insidious and pervasive as mesothelioma. Coping with a mesothelioma diagnosis requires an incredible amount of strength. Many people draw strength from their families, or in their spiritual convictions, and others take stock of a life of accomplishments and resolve to persevere in their struggle. As long as those unfortunate victims still have hope, then their struggle against mesothelioma is never in vain.

Even the best medical treatments are useless if the victim is not committed to surviving through the pain and adversity of the procedures. It is true that mesothelioma treatment can involve unpleasant surgery, radiation, and chemotherapies, but when hope is lost, everything is. The belief that mesothelioma, like an obstacle, can be surmounted and conquered is sometimes more effective than the latest medical breakthrough, and such positive attitude in the face of adversity often inspires those around you, even if they are not afflicted with such a condition.

New technology for treating mesothelioma provides hope for the victims of this condition, treatments like angiogenesis, gene therapy, and photodynamic therapy provide are looking promising and they provide hope for victims of mesothelioma who have failed to respond to conventional treatments. Also celebrex which is a COX-2 inhibitor and pain reliever has been shown to halt the growth of mesothelioma cells in a Petri dish in recent study carried out by Dr Alfonso Catalano of the University of Marche Italy. Lab animals with mesothelioma showed significant improvement and human tests might soon commence. Hope can also take the form of justice. You can seek for Justice against the asbestos companies that chose to ignore or conceal the risks their product would inflict on innocent people. Justice that will prevent them from hurting other people and justice to know that you will be compensated for all the pain you have had to endure.

If you want to strike back at those that caused you so much undeserved pain and misery, you should seek for the necessary information on mesothelioma lawyers and mesothelioma lawsuits.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Out for lunch ......the end of Cycle 2

Our lovely long weekend was extended today by lunch out with Jon and Sally. Can’t think of a better way of finishing Cycle 2 of Steve’s treatment and getting us in a positive frame of mind for tomorrow. Thank you!

Photodynamic Therapy for Mesothelioma-4 commonly asked questions

One of the newest and most exciting types of therapy for mesothelioma is called photodynamic therapy (PDT). These are 4 commonly asked questions about this form of treatment.

1. How does photodynamic therapy work?

A drug called Photofrin is injected into a patient, this drug specifically targets and bonds to mesothelioma cells. When the patient is exposed to laser or high intensity light, the photofrin on the cancer cells become active and kill the tumor cells. Doctors insert a fiber optic cable into the patient’s chest, and turn on the light on the chest area.

2. How does the light work?

The light interacts with the drug, creating a special kind of oxygen that eats away the cancerous cells. Timing and aim are critical in PDT, it takes some time for the drug to actually concentrate in the cancer cells and leave the normal cells. When applied at the right time the light only affects the cancerous cells without disturbing the normal cells.

3. What are the drawbacks of photodynamic therapy?

The main drawbacks of this therapy are that the laser light is not very strong, typically only penetrating three centimeters or so, so PDT is best used against tumors that are close to the skin or on the surface of the internal organs, for tumors that have penetrated deep into the organs it might not be of significant help. The drugs used in this type of therapy are often absorbed by healthy cells as well, but usually dissipates very quickly, allowing them to regenerate where the cancerous cells had taken over.

4.What are the side effects of photodynamic therapy ?

There are also significant side effects. The major side effect is photosensitivity to sunlight {increased sensitivity to sunlight}, so a patient must avoid the sun for up to six weeks or risk sun damage. Furthermore, many patients report a metallic taste in their mouths accompanied by severe nausea. Nevertheless, this radical new treatment has demonstrated a marked improvement in many of the clinical trials, but is yet to be approved for general use.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Go West ....Cycle 2, Days 18, 19 and 20

To mark (almost) the end of Steve’s second cycle of chemo and a whole two months since diagnosis, we decided to follow the advice of the Pet Shop Boys and Go West of home to Bristol, base of some of the wider Family Wride. Sadly, not enough time to queue for the Bansky Exhibition in the Bristol Museum, but lots of meeting, greeting, eating, talking, sleeping, and bit of drinking, some shopping, bird spotting and an unexpected drive in a vintage Jag.

We stayed with our son, Jack, for the weekend, and were well looked after (as always). The three of us had a wonderful meal out at The Thali Cafe on Friday night with Nick (nephew) and Kate (his partner) to celebrate the news of their baby due in early 2010. We visited Steve’s mum on Saturday and did a bit of shopping for her. She was delighted to see Steve looking so well, as was Di (ex) sister-in-law, when we called by to see her late on Sunday morning. On the way home, we dropped in on Geoff and Irene in Marshfield, and were treated to home-made cake and a spin in Geoff’s 1948 Jag to Biddestone where we watched “ratty” swimming in the village pond and were enthralled by the sight of a kingfisher fishing.

Steve paced himself well over what would have been quite a tiring weekend at the best of times; the frequent doses of food worked wonders at fighting the build-up of side effects from the chemo. All in all, we had a a lovely time catching up with family and friends. It was an excellent way to take our minds off the results of Steve’s X-ray and CT scan, which we’ll find out on Tuesday. Watch this space…

We continue to be delighted by the phone calls, e-mails and messages of support. We are also touched by those who have taken the trouble to comment on the blog (friends and strangers alike). Many, many thanks for all your good wishes - it really does lift our spirits; I hope that reading this will lift yours too.

Mesothelioma Treatment -What is the role of Diet in the treatment of mesothelioma?

For victims of diseases like cancer, proper eating can make the difference between life and death, they must eat a very balanced diet. Cancer and the anti cancer drugs used to treat it can destroy the appetite and drain the body of vital nutrients so that it can no longer fight the drugs. Nausea, vomiting, and constipation, and even loss of smell and taste are common side effects of Chemotherapy which tend to reduce the desire to eat a balanced diet and ensure sound health.

The type of diet recommended for mesothelioma patients include foods from four food groups namely protein, fat, water and carbohydrates. Protein is the most essential part of a good mesothelioma diet as protein helps repair cells damaged by chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. The prestigious National Cancer institute recommends that people with this cancer take foods such as cheese, milk, eggs, yogurt, nuts, peanut butter, fish, meat, and ice cream.

Fats are also a very important component of a good cancer diet as fat help store energy which the body can make use of later to provide a much needed boost during chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Although fat intake depends on the size and body type of the person, but the National Cancer Institute believes that high calorie foods such as butter, cheese, milk, honey, sugar, dried fruits, and granola can provide adequate fat stores to be used by the body during the mesothelioma recovery process.

Water is also important because it helps to improve the state of hydration in the body especially during radiotherapy and chemotherapy when the body tends to loose some water.

Carbohydrates should also be part of their diet as they also help to provide the much needed energy to be able to cope with the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Some patients prefer to throw caution to the wind, and eat whatever they desire, believing that food is a simple pleasure in life and the joy experienced from eating their favorite dishes has a more positive effect than a menu of “approved” foods.

A balanced diet can help victims of mesothelioma maintain their overall health and improve their quality of life even though they will still likely succumb to the devastating effects of the disease Every mesothelioma victim should take steps to get compensated for the terrible pain and hardship that they pass through when they are diagnosed. They must learn as much as they can about the disease and how to get compensated.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Potential Mesothelioma Treatment Uncovered

Recent studies have shown that Lovastatin which is a cholesterol lowering drug may be useful in the treatment of pleural mesothelioma. Lovastatin is part of a group of drugs known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). The drugs decrease the production of bad cholesterol within the body. It is often prescribed to patients as an oral pill that is taken in low doses, once every four weeks.

Nearly 20 to 30 years ago, the drug’s effects were known as killing cancerous cells, however, at that time it was too powerful to test on cancer patients. At that time, however, the anti-cancer effect was considered too risky to continue studying because of the extremely high doses that were needed to be given to a cancer patient. Researchers put the study on hold, according to news reports, until recently when scientists at a Nashville, Tenn clinic started providing the drug to pleural mesothelioma patients.

A stage-four melanoma patient had received treatments of Lovastatin in 2000 and currently remains cancer-free, nearly nine years later. Medical professionals aren’t sure that Lovastatin can as do as much for pleural mesothelioma patients as it did for the melanoma patient, but it is being heavily researched.

Lovostatin is thought to carry out its anti cancer effect by a process known as apoptosis. Apoptosis is also described as programmed cell death, according to the Reproductive and Cardiovascular Disease Research Group, Apoptosis occurs when a stimuli is introduced to a variety of cells in which the cells begin to? commit suicide.

Mesothelioma patients should seek to know the available clinical trails for new drugs like lovastatin that they can participate in.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma-4 commonly asked questions

Immunotherapy is one of the exciting new methods of treating mesothelioma that is currently being studied. Immunotherapy works by boosting the immune system to fight off the cancer. The main problem in cancers like mesothelioma is they have deceived the body into thinking that they are normal cells, and because of this the immune system is not able to attack them. This form of therapy helps the immune system to rightly recognize these alien cancer cells and fight them accordingly. Commonly asked questions about immunotherapy are:

1. What does immunotherapy do?

The chemicals that doctors use to provoke the immune system response are known as biological response modifiers, or BRMs. These chemicals make the immune system to recognize mesothelioma cells as bad and begin to attack them. The body produces many BRMS, but in the case of cancers with prolonged malignancy like mesothelioma, scientists replicate and enhance the natural defense of the body to make it easier to kill off the cancer.

2. What are the different types of immunotherapy?

There are a number of different immunotherapies for mesothelioma. They include: -Interferons: one of the original immunotherapies, Interferon stops the growth of cancer cells and boosts the immune systems to fight the disease. -Antiangiogenics: These drugs inhibit the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors with the blood they need to survive. -Monoclonal antibodies: These proteins seek out and kill foreign bodies, and can be programmed to discern abnormal proteins that exist on the exterior of cancer cells. -Interleukin2: This bodily protein which is a part of the natural immune system can also be used to prime the normal process.

3. How does immunotherapy work?

By stimulating the immune system, immunotherapy can prevent the cancer from spreading into other tissue systems, and regulate and suppress the body’s ability to grow new cancer. Hopefully, as research progresses it will be found that immunotherapy can even reverse the ability of cancerous cells to make other cells cancerous, and perhaps without significant side effects.

4. What is the future of immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy is still a relatively new method of cancer treatment. It is still in the stage of various clinical trials and there is yet no guarantee of success, though it has been effective in some animal tests. Some challenges are still being posed by the nature of mesothelioma itself.

Some immunotherapy require samples of the tumor to understand what kinds of antibodies it contains. Unfortunately, because mesothelioma is such a complicated cancer, there are sometimes not enough distinguishable antibodies within the tumor to make a custom designed drug. Using this kind of drug could actually kill healthy cells because it will not be able to distinguish between the normal healthy tissue and the cancerous cells. This can lead to catastrophic results.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Important Nutritional Tips For Mesothelioma Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is one of the main treatments that cancer patients can to treat the disease. It involves the use of anticancer drugs to kill the cancer cells, however normal cells are also destroyed in the process.

This destruction of cancer cells leaves the body in a weak state. In addition, chemotherapy has a number of side effects, such as nausea. If cancer patients do not eat properly, they can become malnourished and pass away not from cancer, but from an infection or other illness in their weakened state. These are some tips to improve the nutrition of patients undergoing chemotherapy:

1-. Chemotherapy can cause anorexia{poor appetite} so choose foods that really pack a nutritional punch, so when you do eat, even if it is just a small amount, you are consuming nutritional foods high in protein and calories. Keep healthy snacks with you at all times. You should also consider adding daily multivitamin to boost your diet, but you must discuss this with your doctor before you add them.

2-Unfortunately, chemotherapy can also cause constipation and diarrhea - sometimes both in the same patient. To avoid these problems, drink plenty of fluids and avoid anything with caffeine. You may also want to cut most of the dairy out of your diet. Foods with good soluble fiber, such as mashed potatoes and bananas, can also be added to your diet to help with constipation and diarrhea.

3-One of the best ways to boost your diet during chemotherapy is to add as much protein to your diet as possible. Proteins, such as those found in meat, nuts and beans, can help you feel better during treatment, and can help fight cancer more effectively. Even if you do not care for meat or are dealing with anorexia, there are many ways to add protein to your diet. Here are some great tips for integrating protein whenever possible:

• When making pasta, add a beaten egg at the last second. As you stir, the heat will cook the egg, adding a great source of protein.

• Eat peanut butter with fruit.

• Add extra beans to soups and other dishes.

• Add powdered milk to recipes like muffins, mashed potatoes, and meatloaf.

• Prepare protein drinks and keep them with you all day, so you can get protein even just a sip at a time.

• Nuts are a great protein-enriched snack to carry with you throughout the day.

You can talk to a dietician about more ways to add protein to your diet.

4-In addition, if you’re dealing with anorexia, your should add many calories to your diet to keep up strength. Some of the best ways to do this include:

• Spread butter or margarine on crackers.

• Stir unsweetened whipped cream into mashed potatoes.

• Add honey to cereal or desserts.

• Sprinkle granola into yogurt.

• Choose dried fruits as a healthy snack, and add them to meals or baked goods when possible.



A mesothelioma patient should seek to know as much as possible about the different methods of treating the disease so that they can cooperate maximally with treatment.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

When you wish upon a star...Cycle 2, Day 17

No chemo this week, but a trip to the hospital this morning for Steve’s CT scan and an X-ray to assess the effectiveness of the treatment to date. Joy of joy! No hitches today - a smooth operation from start to finish.

We arrived early for the CT scan appointment in the hope that Steve could be fitted in for the un-timed X-ray beforehand. It turned out to be a good tactic. He was X-rayed within a few minutes of arrival before the queues built up, and in good time for the CT scan, which happened on schedule.

10-15 minutes over coffee in the cafe before leaving hospital, just to make sure there was no adverse reaction to this morning’s procedures, then home. Now we wait for the assessment, fingers crossed that all will be well when we get the results next week.

Steve calculates that this is his 3rd CT scan and 7th X-ray since the first exploratory visit to the hospital back in May. It’s a wonder he isn’t twinkling like a star!

Which reminds me, watch out for the Perseid shooting stars tonight and make a wish for a positive outcome for Steve, if you are lucky enough to see one….

Today’s quote is courtesy of Glyn. It seems very apt. Thanks, Glyn!

“Things turn out best for people who make the best of the way things turn out”

John Wooden

American

b.1910

20 Questions Every Mesothelioma Victim Should Ask Their Doctor

Every mesothelioma patient should have an open discussion with their oncologist. They should ask their doctor the following questions:

1-What is the type of mesothelioma that I have?

3-Has my cancer spread beyond the primary site?

2-What is the stage (extent) of my cancer, and what exactly does its stage signify?

5-Is my cancer likely to be resectable{surgically removable}?

4-Do I still need to do some other tests before I can commence treatment?

6-How much experience do you have treating this type of cancer? 7-Should I get a second opinion?

8-What are the different treatment options available to me?

9-What is the aim of my treatment?

10-What type of treatment do you recommend and why?

11-What risks or side effects of the type of treatment you are recommending?

12-What should I do to be ready for treatment?

13-How long will treatment last?

14-What will it involve?

15- Where will it be done?

16- Will the treatment affect my daily activities?

17-What should I do if there is a re occurrence of the cancer?

18-Will I need follow up after treatment? If so what type of follow up will I need?

19-What are the available clinical trials that I may participate in?

20-What is my likely prognosis {lifespan}?

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

OBG....OPS.....testing, testing... Cycle 2, Day 16

Today was a test of Steve’s stamina…and mine, for that matter.

We walked to the Oxford Botanic Gardens (OBG) this morning fully loaded with all our photographic kit: cameras, lenses, spare batteries and battery pack, monopod, lens cleaning papers and such like and spent a happy couple of hours experimenting with the new telephoto and macro lenses with mixed results, as expected. However, enough good stuff to encourage us to persevere…..

Lunch in town, followed by a bit of shopping for dressing up clothes - things to help us look the part when we go to the Goodwood Revival event in September, trying to dress for the 50s era - then the walk home mid-afternoon, carrying even more than we started out with. But we made it.

Time to catch our breath at home, shower, hair wash, then out again early evening to the private view of the Oxford Photographic Society’s (OPS) Annual Exhibition in The Gallery, Oxford Town Hall. Jolly good it was too. Do go if you are down this way - details on this link http://www.oxfordphotosociety.co.uk/home.htm

It’s early evening now and we are both whacked. But Steve has done remarkably well for someone in his condition and passed the test with flying colours. Long may it last!

6 Types of Asbestos

According to the U.S. Bureau of Mines there are about 100 mineral fibers that are “asbestos-like” fibers but only six of them are recognized and regulated by the US government. When mentioning asbestos, most of the time these 6 fibrous minerals are being referred to.

The six asbestos minerals recognized by the government are:

- tremolite asbestos

- actinolite asbestos,

- anthophyllite asbestos,

- chrysotile asbestos,

- amosite asbestos,

- crocidolite asbestos.

These six types are broadly classified into two groups: 1}Serpentine group consisting only of the chrysolite asbestos , 2} Amphibole group consisting of the remaining five different asbestos.

The difference between these two main groups is in their physical structure, the serpentine group is made up of minerals that have a layered form and curly fibers while the amphibole group contains minerals that have straight fibers with a chain-like structure.

1-Chrysotile asbestos

These are also known as white asbestos and they are made up of fine, silky, flexible white fibers. Chrysotile consists of minerals crystallized in a serpentine pattern that means it consists of crystals that are formed in sheets. It is the commonest type of asbestos accounting for approximately 95 percent of all asbestos commercially used in the United States. Due to the widespread use of this fiber, chrysotile accounts for the majority of asbestos-related health problems throughout the world.

2-Tremolite

This type of asbestos is found commonly in most metamorphic rocks. Its color ranges from a creamy white to dark green. Tremolite asbestos has been used for industrial purposes (though not as much as chrysotile) and has been identified as an ingredient in some household products, primarily talcum powder (which is also a known carcinogen). This form of asbestos is the main asbestos type found in the infamous vermiculite mine in Libby, Montana.

3-Actinolite asbestos

This is a relatively common mineral also found in metamorphic rocks. The colour of this type of asbestos is usually green, white, or gray and it is closely related to the tremolite mineral (actinolite contains a greater presence of iron over magnesium than tremolite). Actinolite does not have a strong history of commercial or industrial use, but it may be a contaminant in asbestos products. There are non-fibrous variants of actinolite that do not pose the same health threats associated with exposure to commercially exploited forms of asbestos.

4-Anthophyllite asbestos

This type of asbestos fibers is commonly identified by its brittle white fibers that are made of crystals and have a chain-like appearance. This type of asbestos is a common contaminant of talc. Although anthophyllite asbestos is not often used for industrial purposes, the fibers can occasionally be found among natural minerals that expand with the application of heat, such as vermiculite (which is commonly added to gardening soil).

5-Amosite asbestos

This type of asbestos is identified by its straight, brittle fibers that are light gray to brown in color. Amosite is also known as brown asbestos. In years past, amosite was often used as an insulating material and at one time it was the second-most commonly used type of asbestos. Throughout recent decades, commercial production of amosite has decreased and its use as an insulating material has been banned in many countries.

6-Crocidolite asbestos

These are commonly known as blue asbestos, and it is identified by its straight blue fibers. This form is believed to be the most dangerous form of asbestos. Crocidolite asbestos occurs naturally in locations such as Australia, South Africa, Bolivia, the former Soviet Union, and Canada.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Paranoia ......Cycle 2 , Day 15

The young man greeted us this afternoon with a smile and a firm handshake each as he invited us to sit down to discuss opening a new account. Seconds later, he cupped his hands over his mouth and gave a nasty, chesty cough, an action he repeated several times in the course of the next few minutes.

Steve and I swapped knowing glances, then Steve diplomatically withdrew to a safe distance whilst I explained that his immune system was compromised due to chemotherapy, and he needed to avoid infections. I felt like adding, why on earth don’t you use tissue to catch your germs, not your hands? But ended up holding my tongue for fear of sounding like an old fuss-pot….

Nevertheless, rather than take the leaflet the advisor had been handling, I discretely pulled a fresh one from the rack when he left me alone to check something with a colleague. Sadly, efforts to avoid physical contact with this bug-carrier were to no avail; he shook hands enthusiastically with me when saying goodbye and only just stopped himself doing the same to Steve.

If we come down with a dose of the dreaded swine flu or some other nasty illness in the next few days I shall be very, very annoyed. Or have I just developed a severe case of paranoia? Now where did I put the antiseptic hand gel???

Paranoia strikes deep

Into your life it will creep

It starts when your always afraid

You step out of line, the man come and take you away…

Buffalo Springfield

For What Its Worth

What Are The Two Main Types Of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure usually occurs in two main ways. Once the body is exposed to asbestos the fibers can be inhaled in the air. Upon inhalation, the asbestos fibers are very difficult to eliminate and they body experiences extreme difficulty in expelling these fibers and they become lodged in the lungs leading to inflammation and irritation, but the symptoms of the mesothelioma especially may not be seen for 20 years or more. Asbestos fibers are very difficult to break down and remain a constant source of irritation in the lung, which can result in asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. There are two main types of asbestos exposure:

1- Occupational exposure

This type of exposure occurs while working around asbestos. It is the most common form of asbestos exposure. Many occupations have faced asbestos exposure in the past, including miners and manufacturers of asbestos products, shipbuilders, brake mechanics, and a variety of other industrial workers.

2-Contact with naturally occurring asbestos is another form of exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that is found in many places throughout the United States. While naturally occurring asbestos poses little threat to human health if left undisturbed, there are locations throughout the U.S. that have experienced a veritable threat of hazardous exposure. Particularly in California, much of the naturally occurring asbestos is close enough to the surface of the soil that it is easily disturbed. When disturbed by wind, landscaping, construction, or other forms of human activity, asbestos particles become airborne and present a health hazard.

Another location where naturally occurring asbestos has been a serious problem is Libby, Montana, where vermiculite that was mined from the area was contaminated with asbestos. The mining process not only released asbestos fibers into the air, but the vermiculite that was sold around the world was heavily contaminated with this toxic mineral.

Since most asbestos exposure occurs at the place of work, most victims of asbestos related diseases are entitled to compensation from the companies that wrongfully exposed them.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen. http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Mesothelioma Settlements-Out Of Court Settlements

From 1929 when the first asbestos related lawsuit was filed in the US up till now more than 700,000 asbestos related lawsuits have been filed. Most often victims of asbestos related diseases come down with symptoms of the diseases 20-30 years after the initial exposure {the disease has a very long incubation period}, thus most of the cases of mesothelioma are just showing up in the nineties and after the year 2000.

The victims of asbestos related diseases usually initiate legal procedures to claim damages and compensation and there are different ways of collecting compensation.

One of the ways to collect compensations that the victim can use is to get an out of court settlement An out of court settlement is a common way of settling an asbestos mesothelioma lawsuit. The victim will first file an asbestos lawsuit , after which if the defendant agrees an out of court settlement it will save time and the expenses that will have arisen from the process of a trial.

Some companies opt for this type of settlement so as to avoid been slammed with a hefty compensation. Sometimes however the amount of money offered by the company is far below what will be regarded as been fair by the victim and in such cases it is advisable to continue with the pursuit of the lawsuit. If the trail does go to court it does not completely rule out the possibility of an out of court settlement as the company might reconsider their proposal after some time.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Good Day Sunshine... Cycle 2, Day 12

We picked up my new monitor from Surbiton this morning and went on to Ham House by the Thames for lunch and to explore. Green parakeets flitted in the trees, the gardens looked great, and the house was fascinating - a 17th century time warp.

The anti-nausea tablets are working, and Steve enjoyed his lunch in the Orangery cafe.

On the return journey, I couldn’t help noticing that a large advertising hoarding outside the entrance to Gunnersbury Park which I had dismissed on appeal, had been removed. Result!

All round, it was good day and the sun shone. Cue a song……….

I need to laugh, and when the sun is out
I’ve got something I can laugh about
I feel good, in a special way
I’m in love and it’s a sunny day

The Beatles 1966

Mesothelioma Settlements- Class Action Law Suits and Settlement Trust

Mesothelioma is most times caused by exposure to asbestos fibers usually at the work place. Most asbestos companies despite knowing the dangers of exposure to this harmful substance exposed their innocent workers to the substance. These companies can be made to pay for their negligence if the victim seeks for compensation through the means of a lawsuit. Two ways through which a victim can receive compensation are a} through a class action lawsuit and b} through a settlement trust.

Class Action Lawsuit

This is a large suit filed on behalf of a group or class of people. If you are involved in this type of lawsuit without your prior knowledge, you might be notified by the lawyer in charge of the class action lawsuit of your involvement in your involvement in the lawsuit. When you receive this type of notification you should read it carefully and if you do not wish to be included in the lawsuit you should inform the lawyer to remove your name from the list of people involved in the lawsuit.

This type of lawsuit has its advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is that with the large number of claimants involved an out of court settlement is likely saving you all the stress of passing through a trial.

The disadvantages of such a mass action lawsuit are:

1-You will have no control over the direction of the case, the lawyer will not be reporting to you alone but will be working for the interest of a large number of different plaintiffs.

2-Once you are partaking in a class action lawsuit you are not allowed by the law to take any other legal action against the company so you would not be able to collect any additional compensation later in future.

Settlement Trust

Sometimes by the time you file for compensation from an asbestos related company the company might have been declared bankrupt and to get a compensation you will have to file a claim with the company’s established settlement trust. With this type of settlement there are neither court visits nor trial. You must hire an experienced mesothelioma attorney to fill a claim form and submit it to the settlement trust, your claim will be reviewed by the trustees of the fund who will approve for the payment of an amount of money to you. What you will get from this type of settlement is usually between 5-15% of the actual amount of your claim.

Every mesothelioma victim must be fully aware of all the legal options available to him/her and seek for expert legal representation.

Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com

Appearances can be deceptive ....Cycle 2, Day 11

Unlike the mayhem of last Friday, the Oncology Ward at the hospital appeared quiet, calm and orderly when we arrived this morning shortly before 11 am. The receptionist greeted Steve by name - he’s now one of the regulars - and before long, we were ensconced in a side room ready for the normal round of observations and taking of blood samples that precedes chemo. A “new” nurse, Charlie, has been assigned to look after Steve now that Alana is on maternity leave, although she is not a stranger to us, having helped out on previous occasions.

As everything seemed under control, Steve tempted fate by declining the invitation to order lunch on the assumption that we would be home a couple of hours later. Perhaps, not the best plan with the benefit of hindsight…..Everything seemed to be going well, until Charlie reappeared to say there was a problem. The ward’s blood sample testing machine was misbehaving and would not produce a complete set of test results, and the lab machine was also playing up, so Steve’s bloods would have to be sent away for testing. We had no option but to sit and look at the papers, do a crossword, a sudoko or two, read a bit more of our respective books and watch the lunch trolley come and go….

By 1.30 p.m. we accepted the inevitable - we were in for the long haul. I was dispatched to buy sandwiches and cookies to keep us going. Eventually Charlie reappeared with good news - all blood test results had come back “normal”, so cleared to proceed.

Steve was given a form for an X-ray next week as well as the scan which will be used to help assess what effect the treatment is having. However, Charlie was concerned that the results of the tests might not be back in time to be assessed before the next dose of chemo is due, in which event the rest of Steve’s treatment would have to be put on hold.

I think she must have seen the look of panic on our faces - we have just started to make plans around the rest of Steve’s 21-day treatment cycles, and all my annual leave and “not-available’ time off work has been arranged so that I can be there with him for future sessions. Whilst preparations were made to administer the Velcade, Charlie disappeared and eventually came back with a new appointment a day earlier than originally planned. All being well, this should leave enough time for the results to be assessed before Cycle 3 is due to start. Thank you, Charlie!

We eventually arrived home from today’s session some five hours after setting out this morning. Good job we had nothing arranged or urgent jobs planned for this afternoon…

After today’s session, Steve is a third of the way through his chemo doses. No treatment next week. Nevertheless, we’ll be back at hospital again for the CT scan and X-ray. In the meantime there’s a long weekend to look forward to, including a trip to Surrey to pick up a new monitor for me and a visit to Ham House on the way back where we will sample another National Trust tea room and try out our new camera lens.

In case you’re wondering why there is an image of a flower at the start of today’s blog, our niece Heather thinks that our botanical pictures are far prettier than those of Steve. This is especially for you, Heather and Zac. Enjoy!

Asbestos exposure-What Are The 4 Diseases That Are Commonly Associated With Asbestos Exposure?

Asbestos exposure results from breathing in asbestos fibers. If rocks, soil, or products containing asbestos are disturbed, they can release asbestos fibers into the air. These fibers can be breathed into your lungs and could remain there for a lifetime. Most people don’t show any signs or symptoms of asbestos-related disease for 10 to 20 years or more after exposure. When symptoms do appear, they can be similar to those of other diseases. Asbestos-related diseases can be divided into 1}cancerous and 2}non cancerous diseases:

Non-cancerous diseases

Asbestosis

This disease is characterized by scarring of the lungs. It is commonly occurs as result of exposure to high levels of asbestos over a long period of time, as seen in work-related asbestos exposure. Smoking increases the risk of developing asbestosis. Initially there are no symptoms but latter some symptoms which show up include difficulty in breathing, chronic cough and chest pain.

Pleural changes or pleural plaques

This disease is characterized by thickening and hardening of the pleura (the pleura is the lining that covers the lungs and chest cavity). Most time the disease is asymptomatic {the people will have no symptoms}, but sometimes the affected victims may have decreased lung function. This might lead to the development of difficulty in breathing with exertion or sometimes at rest if the degree of lung dysfunction is severe.

Cancerous diseases

Lung cancer

This is cancer of the lungs and lung passages. Cigarette smoking combined with asbestos exposure greatly increases the likelihood of lung cancer. Lung cancer caused by smoking or asbestos looks the same. Symptoms for lung cancer can vary. Some late stage symptoms can include chronic cough, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood.

Mesothelioma

This is a rare cancer mostly associated with asbestos exposure. It affects the lining of the lungs and sometimes the lining of the abdomen. Occasionally it affects the lining of the heart and the lining of the testis. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss, abdominal swelling and abdominal pain in case of abdominal mesothelioma. Other less common symptoms include haemoptysis {coughing up of blood} and excessive sweating.

These asbestos-related disease can be serious, though not everyone exposed to asbestos gets health problems. These diseases range form those that are mild and manageable to those that are very dangerous and very difficult to manage, leading ultimately to death.

Reference:Bello kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com