Quite a number of patients afflicted with asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma now-a days use different types of complimentary and alternative therapies in addition to conventional therapies like surgery and drugs.
These alternative therapies are used by patients coping with asbestos related disease as a form of pain management, to improve general health, and also to provide symptomatic relief.
Although these treatments do not offer a cure, they certainly help you to live more comfortable lives by providing relief from pain and stress.
The most commonly used alternative therapies include the following:
1} Acupuncture
This is one of the commonest forms of available alternative therapies today, and there are a lot of insurance companies offering coverage for this type of treatment. Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into pressure points at clearly defined locations in the skin to improve the balance and flow of factors called the Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood in traditional Chinese medicine.
This form of treatment provides relief from chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety and stress and it is one of the most commonly used alternative medicines in the treatment of asbestos related diseases.
2} Aromatherapy
This form of alternative therapy involves the use of fragrances to improve physical and psychological well being. The fragrances are applied in liquids called essential oils, which are distilled and highly concentrated plant based oils. Aromatherapists use these fragrances combined in the oils to provide pain relief and to improve the general well being of the patient.
Aromatherapy is often combined with massage , you receive a massage with carrier oils that have been mixed with small amounts of essential oil fragrances.
3} Massage
Massage therapy has been shown to provide a number of important health benefits. It improves blood and lymphatic flow and it is used to improve blood circulation. It also improves muscle tension.
Massage also stimulates nervous and digestive systems, relieve chronic pain and improve skin function. Many patients find this type of therapy useful in reducing anxiety and stress as well as reducing chronic pain.
4} Meditation
Meditation is a well known way of relieving stress, anxiety and depression. Meditation is now also used to manage pain and other symptoms of diseases. Many cancer patients add meditation to their treatment schedules to help to reduce pain, stress and anxiety. Certain studies have shown that meditation may be able to reduce tumor growth and improve your prognosis.
5} Supplements
Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are all needed by the body to carry out essential life functions, and supplements can help provide necessary chemicals when diet alone cannot. Many herbs can help treat diseases and conditions, as well as provide symptomatic relief. For example, flaxseed, ginseng, and garlic are all known to reduce blood pressure.
When it comes to supplements, it’s very important to let your physician know the kind of supplements you are taking, as they can affect how well your prescription medications work. Some supplements can even have dangerous interactive effects when taken in conjunction with certain prescription medications.
6} TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - commonly known as TENS therapy - is somewhat similar to acupuncture, in that this treatment stimulates certain defined body locations. However, while acupuncture uses fine needles, TENS therapy stimulates body points with the use of electrodes that deliver very mild electrical shocks.
Unlike many other types of complementary and alternative therapy, TENS has actually been approved by the FDA. While this doesn’t automatically mean that TENS can provide a cure when it is used, it does mean that the treatment has been determined to be safe according to FDA regulations, and also means that TENS therapy is covered by insurance.
7} Yoga
The origins of yoga lie in India, where this ancient art is practiced more for spiritual reasons than for health-related reasons. Outside of India, yoga has become a popular form of exercise that is physically and psychologically calming and strengthening. Learning simple yoga techniques can help improve general health by toning and strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and improving general health and one’s state of mind.
8} Pet Therapy
Also known as animal-assisted therapy or animal-assisted activities, this type of therapy aims to improve the general health and well-being of patients by allowing them to interact with a variety of animals. The wonderful effects of animal interaction has long been known - the simple act of stroking a cat or dog can improve the mood, lift the spirits, and even provide some physical benefits (such as the temporary lowering of blood pressure). Pet therapy techniques can be used for a wide variety of medical conditions. For example, a physical therapist working with a person recovering from a stroke might bring a dog to a therapy session and have the patient brush the dog to help improve their motor skills.
Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
Mesothelioma Alternative Therapy - What Are Your Options?
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
Same old, same old ...Cycle 4, Day 9
Steve has now done the 10m sprint between bathroom and bedroom for the third day in a row. Today, it happened at 5.45 am - rather earlier than usual. We're a bit bleary-eyed as a result. Methinks we will both need an early night tonight.
We are trying to stay positive. However, if truth be told, the same old routine of hospital visits and trying to manage the side effects of chemo are making us feel fed up at the moment. If we could be certain that the treatment is working, it would make it all worth while. However, to find that out, we’ll have to hang on in there until 13 October, when Steve will get the results of the assessment at the end of Cycle 4. Keep your fingers crossed for us.
One more dose of Velcade on Friday then a rest from treatment for a whole week (even though we’ll be back in hospital for a scan and X-ray). Let’s hope the side effects of the chemo wear off in the week off.
Mesothelioma Staging - Know the Different Staging Systems
Treatment options are often determined by the stage of mesothelioma a patient is in. There are different staging systems currently in use for pleural mesothelioma with each one measuring different variables, peritoneal mesothelioma is however not staged.
Staging is the term used to describe the extent of a patient’s cancer, based on the primary tumor and its spread in the body. It can help the medical team plan treatment, forecast possible prognosis, and identify clinical trials for which the patient may be eligible.
Staging is based on the knowledge of how the cancer develops, from the primary tumor, to the invasion of nearby organs and tissues, to distant spread or metastasis. Staging systems have evolved over time, and they continue to change as scientists learn more about cancer. Some staging systems cover many different types of cancer, while others focus on more specific cancers. The different staging systems are:
1-Summary staging. This type of staging is used by many cancer registries, make use of this type of staging. Summary staging groups cancer into five main categories:
• In situ - cancer that is present only in the layer of cells in which it began.
• Localized - cancer that is limited to the organ in which it began with no evidence of spread.
• Regional - cancer that has spread from the primary site to nearby lymph nodes or organs.
• Distant - cancer that has spread from the primary site to distant lymph nodes or organs.
• Unknown - cases where not enough information exists to indicate stage.
2-Butchart System - -This is based on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesothelioma into four stages.
• Stage I: Tumor is present in the right or left pleura and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side.
• Stage II: Tumor invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
• Stage III: Tumor has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
• Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis or spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
3-TNM System- -This is the most widely used staging system . It uses variables of T (tumor), N (lymph nodes), M (metastasis)
• Stage I: Tumor involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.
• Stage II: Tumor has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
• Stage III: Tumor is now in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
• Stage IV: Tumor has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this stage.
4-Brigham System: This is the latest system and stages mesothelioma according to resectability (the ability to surgically remove) and lymph node involvement.
• Stage I: Resectable tumor and no lymph node involvement
• Stage II: Resectable tumor but with lymph node involvement
• Stage III: Unresectable tumor extending into chest wall, heart, or through diaphragm, peritoneum; with or without extrathoracic lymph node involvement
• Stage IV: Distant metastatic disease
Knowing the stage of the mesothelioma cancer will then lead to the next step in management which is treatment.
Bello Kamorudeen
http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
The 10m sprint and a window to the future? ... Cycle 4, Day 8
For the second day in a row, Steve woke up feeling fine. Then, without any pre-warning of nausea, he had to do the 10m sprint from bedroom to bathroom, where he was a little sick (but not a lot, thank goodness). For a man assessed as 100% disabled, he can move swiftly when needs be! Also a very effective way of getting up quickly…..
Our hearts sank a little when we arrived at hospital to hear that, once again, the haematology lab’s equipment wasn’t working so all blood samples were being courriered to another hospital for testing, which naturally takes longer. Rather than hang around on the ward after all the other obs were done, Steve had an early lunch and, afterwards, we went out for a walk in the sunshine.
Our ramble was cut short when Steve thought he might have dropped his keys, so we re-traced our steps, eyes on the ground, only to find them safe in the pocket of his jacket which he had left on the ward. Ah! One of those senior moments….However, the walk in the fresh air woke us up a bit, and I managed to do some work before we had the all clear for treatment. It didn’t take long for the Velcade to be administered, and we were back home some five hours after leaving - not bad for a “short” chemo day.
On the way home, we discussed the young man being treated in the next bay to us, on the ward. Although only in his mid-thirties, he appeared to be in a much worse condition than Steve - coughing from time to time, taking pain relief, connected up to the oxygen supply, using a stick to help him stand up and a wheelchair to go any distance. It seems that he had been diagnosed with cancer in mid-August and the chemo wasn’t working (so far, at least).
There was a long, lively discussion with the Occupational Therapy nurses about how to manage breathlessness by changing posture and sitting in front of a fan; aids to make life easier at home; bits of equipment kept appearing and the whole thing seemed very positive. We were both struck by how well he and his partner appeared to be dealing with such a very distressing situation (and mum and sister who arrived while all this was going on). It made us appreciate how lucky we are (relatively speaking). I only hope that if (or should I say when?) Steve is affected in that way, we are able to deal with it likewise.
Steve is now in the final chemo countdown, assuming his remaining treatment goes to plan. So, in the great tradition of news programmes, I thought I should end this blog with the sports results. If you don’t want to know the scores as of today, look away now.
6th October
Monday, 28 September 2009
Mesothelioma Treatment - How Does the Stage of Tumor Affect the Mode of Treatment For Mesothelioma?
The stage (extent) of a mesothelioma is an important factor in determining treatment options. Treatment option used is also based on the patients state of general health and individual preferences. The stage of the tumor most importantly helps to determine whether the tumor is resectable {operable} or not.
Mesotheliomas are very resistant to treatment irrespective of their stage and it is always very important for the patient to know the goal of his or her own treatment before it is commenced, the patient should know whether the aim of the treatment plan is curative or whether it is palliative. The patient must also be informed about the likely side effects and benefits of the treatment. All these will help the patient to make up his/her mind on the preferred mode of treatment.
Early Stage Mesothelioma
Most stage I and some stage II and III mesotheliomas are potentially resectable, but there are exceptions. Resectability is based not only on the size of the tumor, but also on the histological {cellular type} of the cancer with the epitheliod histological type been the most favorable for surgery. Also the location of the tumor and the general state of health of the victim are also considered before surgery is recommended.
Many patients with resectable pleural mesothelioma undergo pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy operations to surgically remove their tumors. Patients with peritoneal mesotheliomas in an early stage might also benefit from surgery. Surgery is more likely to result in long-term benefit in stage I cancers, where there is a better chance that most or all of the cancer can be removed. Some patients can have long remissions after extensive surgery by experts. Surgery may still be helpful for later stage cancers, but the benefits are often temporary.
The use of Chemotherapy and radiotherapy as adjuvant therapy to surgery is also very common, they may also be used as the main therapy in early stage of the tumor if the tumor is not operable due to a poor general state of health.
Other forms of surgery for palliative purposes like thorancentesis can also used to alleviate symptoms in the early stages of the cancer.
Finally a patient can also opt to take part in a clinical trial to help to discover new forms of treatment.
Late Stage Mesothelioma
Stage IV mesotheliomas, as well as many earlier stage mesotheliomas, are not resectable by surgery because of the extent of the disease or because a person may not be able to tolerate an operation. The main treatment options at these stage include chemotherapy and radiotherapy to shrink the tumor mass and relieve some of the symptoms of the diseases. The aim of treatment at this stage is not curative and these modes of treatments have serious side effects which the patient must be aware of. Patient should also consider taking part in available clinical trials as there is little hope of survival using the conventional methods of treatment.
Pain management is another important aspect of the care of terminally ill patients. Some minor operations and types of radiation therapy can help relieve pain if needed. Doctors can also prescribe strong pain-relieving drugs. Some people with cancer may hesitate to use opioid drugs (such as morphine) for fear of being sleepy all the time or becoming addicted to them. But many people get very effective pain relief from these medicines without serious side effects. It’s very important to let your doctor know if you are having pain so that it can be treated effectively.
Recurrent mesotheliomas
Some mesotheliomas may recur (come back) after the initial treatment. If this happens, further treatment options depend on the location of the cancer and the kind of treatment that was previously prescribed for the patient. Most of the time treatment is limited only to palliative treatments. Chemotherapy could be used to shrink the tumor and provide relief for symptoms. Clinical trials should be highly considered as there is very little hope of any improvement with the use of traditional treatments.
Bello Kamorudeen. http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Mesothelioma Lawyers - Three Crucial Questions You Must Ask Your Lawyer
After receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma you have to look for a reputable and qualified mesothelioma Lawyer to litigate your case for you. As a mesothelioma victim you are entitled to receiving substantial monetary compensation from the company that probably exposed you to the harmful effects of asbestos fibers which led to your development of the cancer.
Choosing your mesothelioma lawyer can be daunting task, you just have to choose right or else you stand the chance of loosing out on getting the compensation you deserve. Your Lawyer will determine whether or not you are successful in your mesothelioma Lawsuit
Before you make up your mind on your choice of Lawyer you have to set up a meeting with your prospective Lawyers and make sure you ask them the following questions:
1- Ask about the experience of your Lawyers in handling these type of cases, the number of mesothelioma lawsuits they have handled, how much compensation were they able to get for their clients. Ask for documented evidence if necessary to back up their claims.
2- Ask about the costs of the Lawsuit and the amount of fees they are going to charge, are they going to collect their money upfront or do they charge contingency fees. Contingency fees are a percentage of the compensation you receive. If you do not get compensated the Lawyers do not receive any money. This is the common type of financial arrangement that most mesothelioma Lawyers use. You must make sure you agree with your Lawyer on the percentage of the compensation that the lawyer will get before the case commences, most lawyers ask for 30 -40% of the compensation.
3- Ask your Lawyers whether they are the ones that will actually litigate your case or will they be passing the case to another Law firm to actually litigate for them. If this is the case then the Lawyers are not good enough for you and you must look for other ones.
Although the process of choosing the best Lawyer can be a very challenging one, you will be glad you went through all the stress when they get you the compensation you desire.
Bello Kamorudeen. http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
That sinking feeling and bad taste ...Cycle 4, Days 5 and 6
There is no doubt now that some of the side effects of chemo (fatigue and nausea) are cumulative, whilst the steroid anti-sickness tablets which Steve takes at the start of each cycle seem to make him feel a bit “edgy” (can’t think how else to describe it) for some time afterwards.
Another problem is a strong taste that remains in his mouth long after he has eaten. Rather than getting rid of the taste, mouth rinsing and teeth brushing simply add a mint-flavoured layer. We haven’t figured out a way of dealing with this. I wonder if the lingering bad taste could be one reason why people on chemo sometimes resort to bland food?
The combined side effects of chemotherapy meant that Steve did not feel so good on Saturday. To make matters worse, I woke up with that sinking feeling that I might have developed an infection - slight cough, husky voice and temperature slightly raised.
Due to this less-than-wonderful start to the weekend, I ended up spending a large chunk of the day trying to keep my distance from Steve in the hope that he wouldn’t catch my infection, and we missed Tanya and Diego’s party, which I’m sure was superb on such a wonderful sunny day.
The good news is that things had improved a little by this morning. Steve felt better for his early night. Although the bad taste was still there (in his mouth - in all other respects, his taste is very good…) there was no need for an early morning antiemetic tablet. Plus, my infection hadn’t worsened overnight and Steve shows no sign of coming down with it so far. We have made the most of the fine weather with a longish walk along the river to Port Meadow then home via the canal, so the latter part of the weekend was on a higher note than the beginning.
Must remember that peaks and troughs are par for the course. I think we’re lucky we have many more good days than bad. I hope its the other way round for Leo.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Mesothelioma Prognosis: Knowing Your Chances
Prognosis Data
Where it Comes From - The first thing you should understand is where prognosis data comes from. Real prognosis information is based form statistical data. Researchers look into different mesothelioma cases through clinical studies to get average figures. This may mean that genuine prognosis information may be true for a large number of patients. This does not mean though that the information is always true.
Asbestos cancer cases can be unique. This is because a lot of different factors can affect mesothelioma. Some of these include your overall health, treatments taken, time when treatment began, mesothelioma type and severity of the condition. It is therefore important not to view prognosis information as absolutely true in your case.
Difficulties with Prognosis
It may be difficult to arrive at statistical or personal mesothelioma prognosis. This is because mesothelioma itself is not like many other forms of cancer. The condition is rare. Asbestos exposure, which is the primary risk factor linked to this condition is not always experienced by a lot of people. Those who also have the condition may not immediately seek doctors’ assistance for diagnosis and treatment. The symptoms do not obviously point to the condition and may even mimic the symptoms of other diseases.
Statistical Information
So what do the statistical figures say? Since patients are often diagnosed late, the prognosis for many patients is not good. A lot of patients are told that they can expect to live for only less than a year. Again, there are exceptions to this prognosis. There have been personal accounts of patients who have survived for more than five years. Some even live up to ten years after diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Like other forms of cancer, early mesothelioma diagnosis is important. Early diagnosis means early treatment and higher chances of survival. Since early diagnosis is not often made due to the lack of unique symptoms, you may not even think that a doctor’s visit is necessary. Your only clue that may suggest that you may need medical monitoring is asbestos exposure. This is only true however for individuals who work closely with asbestos. Patients who do not handle asbestos on a regular basis may not even remember or know that they have been exposed to asbestos.
Treatment
Treatment is one factor that can affect individual prognosis. Depending on your overall health, the stage of your disease and your doctor’s evaluation, you may have to undergo one or two cancer treatment methods. Like other forms of cancer, mesothelioma may be treated through chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy.
Mesothelioma prognosis is definitely never definite. Although prognosis information can provide you with valuable insight about the disease, there is no reason to believe that you absolutely have no hope of surviving beyond a year.
Reference:
Rashel Dan
Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a fibrous material which has been in use for a long time mainly for its fire resistant qualities. Asbestos is a preferred building material due to its fire resistant and heat resistant capability coupled with the fact that it is not expensive.
Asbestos was very popular amongst California business owners in the early and mid 20’s and they used it in nearly every way they could. They tried to use asbestos to create safer, and cheaper buildings, but time has proven that these building are not any safer, nor are they more cheaper,as the high cost of treating the mesothelioma disease that they caused, they also lead to loss of lives.
Asbestos was once used in everything from automotive parts, clothing, and blankets. It was a natural choice for fire fighter gear. The asbestos material, looked like it was the absolute safest and most rewarding discovery of the 20th century, with buildings, homes, and businesses less likely to burn to the ground with the use of asbestos. The fact that about 3000 people died annually from Mesothelioma , made people to start to see things differently after some time.
Mesothelioma is a direct and profound consequence of long term exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are in fact the only known cause of Mesothelioma. The great tragedy of Mesothelioma is far more insidious than the fact that thousands of people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma every year, but that the knowledge of what asbestos may very well do to the interior of those who were around it regularly has been well known since the 1920s.
Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest diseases with a virtual 100% mortality rate.Most cases will die within a year or two. The material that was often used to protect buildings from fire damage affected the internal organs of the people who worked with it, sentencing these hard working Californians early and painful deaths.
Asbestos affects slowly the lining of the organs, usually attacking the lining of the lungs. It may take somewhere between 10 and 40 years before the damage from asbestos becomes evident in the form of Mesothelioma. Those who worked with it never felt ill or had any physical warning signs that there was anything wrong.
The mortality rate has decreased slightly, as those who are now aware that they worked with asbestos in the past are receiving medical evaluations prior to having symptoms. Unfortunately, many of these individuals are finding their vigilance was warranted. However, with early detection, the survival rate has increased slightly.
For so many, early detection was never a possibility. So few companies were willing to inform their employees that they had been exposed to asbestos for fear of being compelled to reach reasonable and fair financial settlements with the victims of Mesothelioma and their families. Companies which had saved so much by effectively placing their employees at considerable risk need qualified California mesothelioma lawyers to stand up to them in order to provide financial relief from the devastation caused by asbestos.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are unfortunately the only available method of holding companies responsible for their asbestos negligence. A valid mesothelioma lawsuit will not only assists the victim in covering his astronomical medical expenses, but they also help to create awareness and ethical actions by other companies faced with choices during construction.
California mesothelioma lawyers who have excelled in the representation of Mesothelioma victims have surpassed most attorneys in providing aggressive care and representation for their clients. Mesothelioma has become such a glaring example of lack of company concern for their valuable employees. Big companies are required to examine their practices and their human obligation because of Mesothelioma lawsuits and the vast expense of Mesothelioma settlements.
Most of the companies chose to provide less than adequate protection for their workers but chose to provide good fire protection for their buildings. They did not mind some of their workers falling ill of even dying as long as they were able to preserve their buildings.
California workers have had enough of California bad business practice of placing production and performance over the health of their workers. The public needs to let these exploitative California companies know that they would not allow them to exploit them any longer, they must challenge them in courts through the use of Mesothelioma lawsuits.
Bello Kamorudeen. http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Friday, 25 September 2009
Flying solo, bouquets and best wishes.. ...Cycle 4 Day 4
Steve was a big boy today. He went to hospital all on his own for the second Velcade dose of this cycle, as I had to go to London for a work-related meeting. I’m pleased to report there were no major hiccups this time, just a short wait for a bed on arrival. After the usual couple of hours waiting for the blood test results to come back, Steve was cleared for treatment and was back at home before me. That’s about as smooth as it gets. Perhaps I should leave him to fly solo more often!
Our love and best wishes go out to my cousin Maureen and her husband John, who finished a course of radiotherapy this week. Have a lovely, well deserved break. We’ll catch up with you on your return, all relaxed and recuperated. Also to Debbie in Plymouth, who has had a difficult time recently - enjoy your trip to Jersey, you deserve it!
Whilst I’m giving out bouquets and best wishes, I would also like to say thank you to my employer and work friends for the sympathy and understanding everyone has shown me over the last few months, both in and out of “the office”. Very, very much appreciated. Thanks also to all those who took part in the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning organized by Macmillan Cancer Support to raise money for people affected by cancer. I hope the cakes in Temple Quay House, Bristol went down well!
Last but not least, tomorrow 25 September is Mesothelioma Awareness Day, in the USA which aims to raise the profile of this cancer through a radio campaign and a campaign to make Mesothelioma Awareness Day official in cities and states across America. Good luck to all involved. The equivalent in the UK is Action Mesothelioma Day in February. We’ll have to think about how we can get involved next year……any ideas, anyone?
That's all folks. Dry your eyes and put away the hankie, the awards ceremony is over - for now, anyway!
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Abdominal-Peritoneal Mesothelioma Info
Mesothelioma tumors of the peritoneum include benign, malignant and cystic.
Although peritoneal mesothelioma is the most common of these, it is very rare with an annual incidence of 1-2 cases per million persons. Only 10-20 percent of all mesotheliomas arise in the peritoneum. Peritoneal malignant mesothelioma occurs more commonly in adult males but also occurs rarely in children with equal sex incidence.
Malignant mesothelioma occurs mainly late in the fifth decade of life, the benign type in the fourth decade and the cystic type in the third decade. The non malignant type are common in women.
Cause
The link with asbestos exposure which is well established for pleural mesothelioma is not clear for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Symptoms and Signs
-Abdominal pain which may not be limited to any specific region of the abdomen but may be migratory.
-Abdominal distention and complaints associated with partial bowel obstruction are frequent
-Ascites (fluid in the abdomen,) may be present
-Abdominal mass/swelling may be present
Diagnosis
-CT scans frequently show tumor masses and ascites (fluid in the abdomen)
-Laparatomy and laparoscopy for multiple biopsies {the surgeon opens up the abdomen surgically to look into the peritoneum directly and take samples}
Treatment of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
It is treated with combination therapy:
A. Peritoneal radioactive P32 followed by whole abdomen radiation is used often
B. Chemotherapy:Combination chemotherapy with doxorubicin is a very important secondary component.
C. Surgery:Surgical treatment is done mainly to debulk (reduce the size of the tumor by cutting of parts of the tumor,) and treatment of intestinal obstruction.
Prognosis of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The prognosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is dismal with median survival of about 1 year after presentation. Death usually results from progressive bowel obstruction.
Bello Kamorudeen. http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Wednesday, 23 September 2009
It's up! Cycle 4, Day 2
For more information see blog
“Going Underground”
28 August 2009
Tuesday, 22 September 2009
Mesothelioma Alternative Therapy - What Are Your Options?
Quite a number of patients afflicted with asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma now-a days use different types of complimentary and alternative therapies in addition to conventional therapies like surgery and drugs.
These alternative therapies are used by patients coping with asbestos related disease as a form of pain management, to improve general health, and also to provide symptomatic relief.
Although these treatments do not offer a cure, they certainly help you to live more comfortable lives by providing relief from pain and stress.
The most commonly used alternative therapies include the following:
1} Acupuncture
This is one of the commonest forms of available alternative therapies today, and there are a lot of insurance companies offering coverage for this type of treatment. Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into pressure points at clearly defined locations in the skin to improve the balance and flow of factors called the Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood in traditional Chinese medicine.
This form of treatment provides relief from chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety and stress and it is one of the most commonly used alternative medicines in the treatment of asbestos related diseases.
2} Aromatherapy
This form of alternative therapy involves the use of fragrances to improve physical and psychological well being. The fragrances are applied in liquids called essential oils, which are distilled and highly concentrated plant based oils. Aromatherapists use these fragrances combined in the oils to provide pain relief and to improve the general well being of the patient.
Aromatherapy is often combined with massage , you receive a massage with carrier oils that have been mixed with small amounts of essential oil fragrances.
3} Massage
Massage therapy has been shown to provide a number of important health benefits. It improves blood and lymphatic flow and it is used to improve blood circulation. It also improves muscle tension.
Massage also stimulates nervous and digestive systems, relieve chronic pain and improve skin function. Many patients find this type of therapy useful in reducing anxiety and stress as well as reducing chronic pain.
4} Meditation
Meditation is a well known way of relieving stress, anxiety and depression. Meditation is now also used to manage pain and other symptoms of diseases. Many cancer patients add meditation to their treatment schedules to help to reduce pain, stress and anxiety. Certain studies have shown that meditation may be able to reduce tumor growth and improve your prognosis.
5} Supplements
Dietary supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are all needed by the body to carry out essential life functions, and supplements can help provide necessary chemicals when diet alone cannot. Many herbs can help treat diseases and conditions, as well as provide symptomatic relief. For example, flaxseed, ginseng, and garlic are all known to reduce blood pressure.
When it comes to supplements, it’s very important to let your physician know the kind of supplements you are taking, as they can affect how well your prescription medications work. Some supplements can even have dangerous interactive effects when taken in conjunction with certain prescription medications.
6} TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - commonly known as TENS therapy - is somewhat similar to acupuncture, in that this treatment stimulates certain defined body locations. However, while acupuncture uses fine needles, TENS therapy stimulates body points with the use of electrodes that deliver very mild electrical shocks.
Unlike many other types of complementary and alternative therapy, TENS has actually been approved by the FDA. While this doesn’t automatically mean that TENS can provide a cure when it is used, it does mean that the treatment has been determined to be safe according to FDA regulations, and also means that TENS therapy is covered by insurance.
7} Yoga
The origins of yoga lie in India, where this ancient art is practiced more for spiritual reasons than for health-related reasons. Outside of India, yoga has become a popular form of exercise that is physically and psychologically calming and strengthening. Learning simple yoga techniques can help improve general health by toning and strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and improving general health and one’s state of mind.
8} Pet Therapy
Also known as animal-assisted therapy or animal-assisted activities, this type of therapy aims to improve the general health and well-being of patients by allowing them to interact with a variety of animals. The wonderful effects of animal interaction has long been known - the simple act of stroking a cat or dog can improve the mood, lift the spirits, and even provide some physical benefits (such as the temporary lowering of blood pressure). Pet therapy techniques can be used for a wide variety of medical conditions. For example, a physical therapist working with a person recovering from a stroke might bring a dog to a therapy session and have the patient brush the dog to help improve their motor skills.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Hiccups Cycle 4, Day 1
It’s been a day of hiccups:
- Steve couldn’t find his keys (car, house, garage, cases et al) this morning, even after a quick look round the house - luckily we have spares, so could drive to the hospital for the long chemo day
- We started out later than planned and were then caught up in horrendous traffic congestion on the way to the hospital, arriving about half an hour late (found out later the eastern ring road had been closed due to an accident which took out the traffic lights - everything was diverted through town, which was why all the radial roads were chockablock)
- Others were late arriving at hospital, including the receptionist who inadvertently booked Steve in as a “visitor from abroad” in her rush to catch up (later picked up and corrected)
- The catering order for lunch and tea had already been filled in by someone else by the time we arrived, so Steve had no idea what he would be eating later in the day..not quite what he would have chosen…
- A small cannula was used rather than the larger one usually inserted, so the first dose of saline was set up at half speed and took two hours to be delivered rather the usual one hour (consequently we were getting twitchy about the Velcade going past its sell by date….)
- The last dose of saline was also set up for two hours instead of one (but that was changed quickly, once we pointed it out to the nurses)
- The final dose of glucose went through at the specified speed, but the pump kept playing up as it was too much for a small cannula to handle (we ended up re-setting the machine ourselves, rather than calling for the nurse to do it every few minutes - otherwise we would still be there….)
- The car parking ticket was faulty and wouldn’t let us pay to get out of the hospital car park
Monday, 21 September 2009
Terminal Mesothelioma Cancer-How to Recognise a Dying Mesothelioma Victim
When the mesothelioma victim begins to show signs of imminent death, it is the time to for the relatives and friends to come around to say final goodbyes to their loved one. One after the other, the family members and friends might spend time with the patient, holding hands, talking to the patient, or just sitting quietly by the patient.
It can also be a time to perform any religious rituals and other activities the patient desires before he/she passes on. It is a chance for many families and friends to express their love and appreciation for the patient and for each other.
This also the time to plan for what to do after the death of the patient, so that the family will not be confused about what to during this very emotional time. If the patient is in hospice, the hospice nurse and social worker will help you. If the patient is not in hospice, talk with your doctor about it so that you will know what to do at the time of death.
These are some of the symptoms that will be seen in a dying mesothelioma cancer patient:
1- Changes in body function
• profound weakness,usually the patient cannot get out of bed and has trouble moving around in bed
• needs help with nearly everything he or she does. May be unable to change positions without help
• less and less interest in food, often with very little food and fluid intake for days
• trouble swallowing pills and medicines
• more drowsiness–the patient may doze or sleep much of the time if pain is relieved. May be restless and pick or pull at bed linens. May be hard to rouse or wake. Anxiety, fear, restlessness, and loneliness may worsen at night
• cannot concentrate, has short attention span
• confused about time, place, or people
• limited ability to cooperate with caregivers
• involuntary movement of any muscle, jerking of hands, arms, legs, or face
2- Changes in consciousness
• more sleeping during the day
• hard to wake or rouse from sleep
• confusion about time, place, or people
• restless, may pick or pull at bed linen
• may talk about things unrelated to the events or people present
• may have more anxiety, restlessness, fear, and loneliness at night
• after a period of sleepiness and confusion, may have a short time when he or she is mentally clear before going back into semi-consciousness
3- Changes in metabolism
• less interest in food – the patient has less need for food and drink
• mouth may dry out (see the next section on changes in secretions)
• may no longer need some of his or her medicines, such as vitamins, replacement hormones, blood pressure medicines, and diuretics (unless they help make the patient more comfortable)
4- Changes in secretions
• mucus in the mouth may collect in the back of the throat (This may be a very distressing sound to hear, but doesn’t usually cause discomfort to the patient.)
• secretions may thicken due to less fluid intake and build up because the patient cannot cough
.
5- Changes in circulation and temperature
• • arms and legs may feel cool to the touch as circulation slows down
• skin on arms, legs, hands, and feet may darken in color and look mottled (blotchy dark spots)
• other areas of the body may become either darker or paler
• skin may feel cold and either dry or damp
• heart rate may become fast, faint, or irregular
• blood pressure may get lower and become hard to hear
6-Changes in senses and perception
• vision may become blurry or dim
• hearing may decrease, but most patients are able to hear you even after they can no longer speak
7-Changes in breathing
• breathing may speed up and slow down due to less blood circulation and build up of waste products in the body
• mucus in the back of the throat may cause rattling or gurgling with each breath
• the patient may not breathe for periods of up 10 to 30 seconds
8-Changes in excretion
• urine may become darker and decrease in amount
• when death is near, the patient may lose control of urine and stool
Signs of irreversible death also known as “brain death”
-Cessation of breathing as the patients chest becomes still, not showing normal respiratory movements.
-Blood pressure becomes unrecordable
-Nil pulse in the blood vessels as the pulse stops
-Still immovable eyes with fixed wide gaze
-Open fixed pupils of the eyes, even in bright light
-Loss of control of bowels or bladder function as the muscles relax
After death it is all right if you sit with your loved one for a while. There is no rush to get anything done right away. Many families find this is an important time to pray or talk together and reconfirm their love for each other, as well as for the person who has passed away.
If the patient dies at home, caregivers are responsible for calling the appropriate people. Regulations or laws about who must be notified and how the body should be moved differ from one community to another. Your doctor or nurse can get this information for you. If you have a hospice or home care agency involved, call them. If you have completed funeral arrangements, calling the funeral director and doctor are usually all that you have to do.
Bello kamorudeen. http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Mesothelioma Staging - Know the Different Staging Systems
Treatment options are often determined by the stage of mesothelioma a patient is in. There are different staging systems currently in use for pleural mesothelioma with each one measuring different variables, peritoneal mesothelioma is however not staged.
Staging is the term used to describe the extent of a patient’s cancer, based on the primary tumor and its spread in the body. It can help the medical team plan treatment, forecast possible prognosis, and identify clinical trials for which the patient may be eligible.
Staging is based on the knowledge of how the cancer develops, from the primary tumor, to the invasion of nearby organs and tissues, to distant spread or metastasis. Staging systems have evolved over time, and they continue to change as scientists learn more about cancer. Some staging systems cover many different types of cancer, while others focus on more specific cancers. The different staging systems are:
1-Summary staging. This type of staging is used by many cancer registries, make use of this type of staging. Summary staging groups cancer into five main categories:
• In situ - cancer that is present only in the layer of cells in which it began.
• Localized - cancer that is limited to the organ in which it began with no evidence of spread.
• Regional - cancer that has spread from the primary site to nearby lymph nodes or organs.
• Distant - cancer that has spread from the primary site to distant lymph nodes or organs.
• Unknown - cases where not enough information exists to indicate stage.
2-Butchart System - -This is based on the extent of primary tumor mass and divides mesothelioma into four stages.
• Stage I: Tumor is present in the right or left pleura and may also involve the diaphragm on the same side.
• Stage II: Tumor invades the chest wall or involves the esophagus, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved.
• Stage III: Tumor has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be involved.
• Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis or spread through the bloodstream to other organs.
3-TNM System- -This is the most widely used staging system . It uses variables of T (tumor), N (lymph nodes), M (metastasis)
• Stage I: Tumor involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not involved.
• Stage II: Tumor has spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
• Stage III: Tumor is now in the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side with or without spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
• Stage IV: Tumor has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastases is included in this stage.
4-Brigham System: This is the latest system and stages mesothelioma according to resectability (the ability to surgically remove) and lymph node involvement.
• Stage I: Resectable tumor and no lymph node involvement
• Stage II: Resectable tumor but with lymph node involvement
• Stage III: Unresectable tumor extending into chest wall, heart, or through diaphragm, peritoneum; with or without extrathoracic lymph node involvement
• Stage IV: Distant metastatic disease
Knowing the stage of the mesothelioma cancer will then lead to the next step in management which is treatment.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Reality check ...Cycle 3, day 21
The joys of the past weekend and a visit from Murray this evening which helped take our mind off things are now being crowded out by thoughts of going back to hospital tomorrow to start Cycle 4 of chemotherapy.
As the side effects of chemo seem to be getting more noticeable and lasting longer with each cycle, the thought of resuming treatment does not fill us with enthusiasm. Plus, it will be a long, hard, and probably very boring day tomorrow with both Cisplatin and Velcade due to be given, assuming of course that all the tests come back clear. Must remember to pack the bag with plenty of reading material..
If the chemo is having a positive effect, that would make it all worth while. However, we won’t know that until the end of cycle 4. Very frustrating….
Sunday, 20 September 2009
Mesothelioma Treatment - How Does the Stage of Tumor Affect the Mode of Treatment For Mesothelioma?
The stage (extent) of a mesothelioma is an important factor in determining treatment options. Treatment option used is also based on the patients state of general health and individual preferences. The stage of the tumor most importantly helps to determine whether the tumor is resectable {operable} or not.
Mesotheliomas are very resistant to treatment irrespective of their stage and it is always very important for the patient to know the goal of his or her own treatment before it is commenced, the patient should know whether the aim of the treatment plan is curative or whether it is palliative. The patient must also be informed about the likely side effects and benefits of the treatment. All these will help the patient to make up his/her mind on the preferred mode of treatment.
Early Stage Mesothelioma
Most stage I and some stage II and III mesotheliomas are potentially resectable, but there are exceptions. Resectability is based not only on the size of the tumor, but also on the histological {cellular type} of the cancer with the epitheliod histological type been the most favorable for surgery. Also the location of the tumor and the general state of health of the victim are also considered before surgery is recommended.
Many patients with resectable pleural mesothelioma undergo pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy operations to surgically remove their tumors. Patients with peritoneal mesotheliomas in an early stage might also benefit from surgery. Surgery is more likely to result in long-term benefit in stage I cancers, where there is a better chance that most or all of the cancer can be removed. Some patients can have long remissions after extensive surgery by experts. Surgery may still be helpful for later stage cancers, but the benefits are often temporary.
The use of Chemotherapy and radiotherapy as adjuvant therapy to surgery is also very common, they may also be used as the main therapy in early stage of the tumor if the tumor is not operable due to a poor general state of health.
Other forms of surgery for palliative purposes like thorancentesis can also used to alleviate symptoms in the early stages of the cancer.
Finally a patient can also opt to take part in a clinical trial to help to discover new forms of treatment.
Late Stage Mesothelioma
Stage IV mesotheliomas, as well as many earlier stage mesotheliomas, are not resectable by surgery because of the extent of the disease or because a person may not be able to tolerate an operation. The main treatment options at these stage include chemotherapy and radiotherapy to shrink the tumor mass and relieve some of the symptoms of the diseases. The aim of treatment at this stage is not curative and these modes of treatments have serious side effects which the patient must be aware of. Patient should also consider taking part in available clinical trials as there is little hope of survival using the conventional methods of treatment.
Pain management is another important aspect of the care of terminally ill patients. Some minor operations and types of radiation therapy can help relieve pain if needed. Doctors can also prescribe strong pain-relieving drugs. Some people with cancer may hesitate to use opioid drugs (such as morphine) for fear of being sleepy all the time or becoming addicted to them. But many people get very effective pain relief from these medicines without serious side effects. It’s very important to let your doctor know if you are having pain so that it can be treated effectively.
Recurrent mesotheliomas
Some mesotheliomas may recur (come back) after the initial treatment. If this happens, further treatment options depend on the location of the cancer and the kind of treatment that was previously prescribed for the patient. Most of the time treatment is limited only to palliative treatments. Chemotherapy could be used to shrink the tumor and provide relief for symptoms. Clinical trials should be highly considered as there is very little hope of any improvement with the use of traditional treatments.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Recipe for Revival... Cycle 3, Days 18, 19, 20
Start with a good journey to Chichester and fine weather (cutting out the slow moving traffic on the motorway following an earlier accident). Then take two excellent hosts, wonderful food and wine, lots of news to catch up on, and very comfortable accommodation within walking distance of the event venue. Mix well and leave to marinade overnight.
Stir in some nice surprises, including bumping into the neighbours from next-door-but one from home, and the chance to wave at Stirling Moss, driving laps of honour to celebrate his 80th birthday.
What do you have? The recipe for a perfect trip away visiting friends and enjoying yourself at the “Goodwood Revival” meeting. Best served on a warm September weekend, at the end of a rest week in the chemo cycle.
It was a long day at the races, however, Steve managed to pace himself well and keep going. Although he felt tired and nauseous from time to time, taking rests and antiemetic tablets as and when necessary seemed to do the trick.
Saturday, 19 September 2009
Mesothelioma Lawyers - Three Crucial Questions You Must Ask Your Lawyer
After receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma you have to look for a reputable and qualified mesothelioma Lawyer to litigate your case for you. As a mesothelioma victim you are entitled to receiving substantial monetary compensation from the company that probably exposed you to the harmful effects of asbestos fibers which led to your development of the cancer.
Choosing your mesothelioma lawyer can be daunting task, you just have to choose right or else you stand the chance of loosing out on getting the compensation you deserve. Your Lawyer will determine whether or not you are successful in your mesothelioma Lawsuit
Before you make up your mind on your choice of Lawyer you have to set up a meeting with your prospective Lawyers and make sure you ask them the following questions:
1- Ask about the experience of your Lawyers in handling these type of cases, the number of mesothelioma lawsuits they have handled, how much compensation were they able to get for their clients. Ask for documented evidence if necessary to back up their claims.
2- Ask about the costs of the Lawsuit and the amount of fees they are going to charge, are they going to collect their money upfront or do they charge contingency fees. Contingency fees are a percentage of the compensation you receive. If you do not get compensated the Lawyers do not receive any money. This is the common type of financial arrangement that most mesothelioma Lawyers use. You must make sure you agree with your Lawyer on the percentage of the compensation that the lawyer will get before the case commences, most lawyers ask for 30 -40% of the compensation.
3- Ask your Lawyers whether they are the ones that will actually litigate your case or will they be passing the case to another Law firm to actually litigate for them. If this is the case then the Lawyers are not good enough for you and you must look for other ones.
Although the process of choosing the best Lawyer can be a very challenging one, you will be glad you went through all the stress when they get you the compensation you desire.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Friday, 18 September 2009
Mesothelioma and Asbestos
Asbestos is a fibrous material which has been in use for a long time mainly for its fire resistant qualities. Asbestos is a preferred building material due to its fire resistant and heat resistant capability coupled with the fact that it is not expensive.
Asbestos was very popular amongst California business owners in the early and mid 20’s and they used it in nearly every way they could. They tried to use asbestos to create safer, and cheaper buildings, but time has proven that these building are not any safer, nor are they more cheaper,as the high cost of treating the mesothelioma disease that they caused, they also lead to loss of lives.
Asbestos was once used in everything from automotive parts, clothing, and blankets. It was a natural choice for fire fighter gear. The asbestos material, looked like it was the absolute safest and most rewarding discovery of the 20th century, with buildings, homes, and businesses less likely to burn to the ground with the use of asbestos. The fact that about 3000 people died annually from Mesothelioma , made people to start to see things differently after some time.
Mesothelioma is a direct and profound consequence of long term exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are in fact the only known cause of Mesothelioma. The great tragedy of Mesothelioma is far more insidious than the fact that thousands of people are diagnosed with Mesothelioma every year, but that the knowledge of what asbestos may very well do to the interior of those who were around it regularly has been well known since the 1920s.
Mesothelioma is one of the deadliest diseases with a virtual 100% mortality rate.Most cases will die within a year or two. The material that was often used to protect buildings from fire damage affected the internal organs of the people who worked with it, sentencing these hard working Californians early and painful deaths.
Asbestos affects slowly the lining of the organs, usually attacking the lining of the lungs. It may take somewhere between 10 and 40 years before the damage from asbestos becomes evident in the form of Mesothelioma. Those who worked with it never felt ill or had any physical warning signs that there was anything wrong.
The mortality rate has decreased slightly, as those who are now aware that they worked with asbestos in the past are receiving medical evaluations prior to having symptoms. Unfortunately, many of these individuals are finding their vigilance was warranted. However, with early detection, the survival rate has increased slightly.
For so many, early detection was never a possibility. So few companies were willing to inform their employees that they had been exposed to asbestos for fear of being compelled to reach reasonable and fair financial settlements with the victims of Mesothelioma and their families. Companies which had saved so much by effectively placing their employees at considerable risk need qualified California mesothelioma lawyers to stand up to them in order to provide financial relief from the devastation caused by asbestos.
Mesothelioma lawsuits are unfortunately the only available method of holding companies responsible for their asbestos negligence. A valid mesothelioma lawsuit will not only assists the victim in covering his astronomical medical expenses, but they also help to create awareness and ethical actions by other companies faced with choices during construction.
California mesothelioma lawyers who have excelled in the representation of Mesothelioma victims have surpassed most attorneys in providing aggressive care and representation for their clients. Mesothelioma has become such a glaring example of lack of company concern for their valuable employees. Big companies are required to examine their practices and their human obligation because of Mesothelioma lawsuits and the vast expense of Mesothelioma settlements.
Most of the companies chose to provide less than adequate protection for their workers but chose to provide good fire protection for their buildings. They did not mind some of their workers falling ill of even dying as long as they were able to preserve their buildings.
California workers have had enough of California bad business practice of placing production and performance over the health of their workers. The public needs to let these exploitative Carlifornia companies know that they would not allow them to exploit them any longer, they must challenge them in courts through the use of Mesothelioma lawsuits.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Thursday, 17 September 2009
Fashionistas go forth ...Cycle 3, Day 17
Picture this (and try to keep a straight face!):
Steve will be wearing a dark blue polo shirt tucked into high-waisted trousers, with turn-ups and creases, topped off by a smart sports jacket. A spotted cravat tucked into the neckline and a pale silk hankie peeping cheekily out of the top pocket, along with brown brogues, a canvas “game-keepers” bag and sunglasses with metal frames will complete this vision of male fashion from the 1950s.
I will be harking back to the early 1960s in a very vaguely Quant/Courrege inspired ensemble, with 50s undertones: black top; white linen trousers with a polka dot silk scarf as a belt; a black and white polka dot, belted coat dress with three quarter length sleeves; white peep-toe sandals; black straw “bucket” bag, white sunglasses and a chunky 3 string pearl necklace with matching bracelet.
Have we gone mad? Probably! (I can almost hear Katie and Jack groaning in embarrassment). However, we will be joining others looking equally daft in 40s, 50s and 60s outfits at the Goodwood Revival event this weekend, to watch cars and bikes from those eras race around the circuit and to take lots of photos. And if we wear our dark glasses, no one will recognize us……
It’s also an opportunity to get-together at long last with Anne and Colin in Chichester and catch up on their news, having missed each other earlier in the year due to the risk of passing on swine flu.
It will be a long and exhausting day, so Steve will have to pace himself (so will I, for that matter). However, with plenty of refueling/resting stops, an emergency supply of antiemetic tablets and staying with sympathetic, sensitive hosts, we should OK. It’s certainly a great way to make the most of this end-of-cycle weekend, before chemo is scheduled to re-start next week.
The only annoying thing is that we will miss Jan’s very special birthday party. Have a lovely day, Jan - hope to catch up with you soon!
Abdominal-Peritoneal Mesothelioma Info
Mesothelioma tumors of the peritoneum include benign, malignant and cystic.
Although peritoneal mesothelioma is the most common of these, it is very rare with an annual incidence of 1-2 cases per million persons. Only 10-20 percent of all mesotheliomas arise in the peritoneum. Peritoneal malignant mesothelioma occurs more commonly in adult males but also occurs rarely in children with equal sex incidence.
Malignant mesothelioma occurs mainly late in the fifth decade of life, the benign type in the fourth decade and the cystic type in the third decade. The non malignant type are common in women.
Cause
The link with asbestos exposure which is well established for pleural mesothelioma is not clear for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Symptoms and Signs
-Abdominal pain which may not be limited to any specific region of the abdomen but may be migratory.
-Abdominal distention and complaints associated with partial bowel obstruction are frequent
-Ascites (fluid in the abdomen,) may be present
-Abdominal mass/swelling may be present
Diagnosis
-CT scans frequently show tumor masses and ascites (fluid in the abdomen)
-Laparatomy and laparoscopy for multiple biopsies {the surgeon opens up the abdomen surgically to look into the peritoneum directly and take samples}
Treatment of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
It is treated with combination therapy:
A. Peritoneal radioactive P32 followed by whole abdomen radiation is used often
B. Chemotherapy:Combination chemotherapy with doxorubicin is a very important secondary component.
C. Surgery:Surgical treatment is done mainly to debulk (reduce the size of the tumor by cutting of parts of the tumor,) and treatment of intestinal obstruction.
Prognosis of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The prognosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is dismal with median survival of about 1 year after presentation. Death usually results from progressive bowel obstruction.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Mesothelioma Compensation-Halliburton Co. to pay $30 million compensation
On February four, 2005, the Halliburton Company was ordered to pay thirty million dollars in compensation to about 120 families of people who worked for shipyards, construction sites and industrial plants in the Pacific Northwest or served on naval ships serviced in Seattle.
Halliburton Company actually set up 4.3 billion dollars as part of a national settlement program to wrap up asbestos claims and liabilities. This settlement will cater for people who are ailing, people who have died, and people who will still die from asbestos exposure in the upcoming years. The company agreed to pay 2.78 million dollars and put up 59.5 million shares of its stock to form a trust for future victims of asbestos related diseases.
Halliburton acquired Dresser Industries Inc. in 1998 and inherited the asbestos and silica claims, filed against the company. The workers of the company had been wrongly exposed to the toxic effects of asbestos fibers at their place of work and most of them had carried the asbestos fibers home on their work clothes to also expose their family members to this toxic substance. Dresser officials knew about the harmful effects of the asbestos fibers, but they were only concerned about the profits they were making form sale of their products.
All mesothelioma victims should file lawsuits against the people that wrongfully and deliberately exposed them to asbestos, so they need to get as much information they can get about mesothelioma lawyers and mesothelioma lawsuits.
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Three months and a lifetime Cycle 3, Day 15
Time is elastic. It’s three months to the day since Steve was diagnosed with mesothelioma - not a long time in terms of hours and days, but for us it feels like a life time. So, where are we in this new era?
The treatment
Steve is halfway through his course of six cycles of chemotherapy on the Cisplatin/Velcade drug trail. The review at the end of Cycle 2 showed Leo the tumour to be stable - not larger, but not significantly smaller either. The next review will be at the end of Cycle 4 in early October. If all goes to plan, treatment will be completed by late November. However, we know from experience that things do not always go to plan, so we shall see…
The body
Although Steve had lost weight prior to diagnosis, he’s regained some and has remained stable since chemo started. He has no pain, although is sometimes aware of his chest - the chemo working we hope, rather than Leo flexing his muscles. Steve’s breathing is good - he can get a little breathless after major exertion (walking a long distance, or fast, or on steep gradients) but not enough to stop him being active.
He has not needed to take advantage of the mobility support facilities at the places we have visited over the last few months. In fact, when requested, he recently gave up his “priority” seat on a bus to a large lady with obvious walking difficulties. You can’t tell simply by looking at him that he has a terminal illness. However, it has made us more aware of how deceptive appearances can be (you really can’t tell what’s going on inside)
The side effects of chemo - primarily fatigue and nausea - are not pleasant and do impact on us quite noticeably during the fortnight when Steve receives treatment. Things ease off a little in the third week of the 21 day cycle, so that’s when we are at our most sociable. Apologies if that means we haven’t got round to seeing you yet. We will.
Mind and emotions
The overwhelming feelings of anger, grief, fear and helplessness we felt initially on diagnosis are still there and surface from time to time. But these feelings are now overlaid by a determination to be positive, stay active and make the most of things.
The regime of frequent hospital visits is a double-edged sword - on the one hand, we are often frustrated by the both the time taken up and the side effects of the chemo, which impact on what we can do whilst treatment is in progress. On the other hand, it’s reassuring to know that action is being taken which should help improve Steve’s quality of life and life expectancy compared to what he could expect with no treatment.
That said, in “rest” weeks when there are no hospital visits and the side effects of chemo reduce, the fact that Steve has an incurable cancer can feel almost unreal. At such times, I occasionally wonder whether the diagnosis was correct - then quickly put such thoughts out of my mind as wishful thinking, which won’t help either of us.
Support
I know that Steve's experience may not be typical, but after the initial slog of filling in forms, we have both been favourably impressed by the speed with which allowances and financial benefits have been put in place. It is also reassuring to know that other financial and related help is available if/when we need it. Let’s hope that time is a long way off…
Although hospital visits have not always gone off without a hitch, Steve’s medical team is great. Friendly, patient, ready to answer our questions and informative.
The support given by family and friends, as well as people we have come into contact with through the blog or other websites have been wonderful. I really don’t know what we would have done without you. Thank you, again and again.
Random thoughts about the future
When I started the blog, I couldn’t think about the future - it was just a gaping black hole of nothingness, a pit of unfulfilled dreams and an overwhelming sense of loss of things that might have been.
However, I find myself looking forward now - not at the far distant horizon, but to things in the foreseeable future: what we might do in Steve’s next “rest week”; the results of the next treatment review; enjoying the autumn; social events we have been invited to; the end of chemotherapy later this year; Christmas 2009 and the new year 2010, when I will adjust the work-life balance so we can spend more time together to enjoy the little things as well as the more important occasions, including Steve’s birthday and Jack’s half marathon in March, and our anniversary and Katie’s 21st birthday in May.
In the meantime, it’s not always easy to be positive. However, we try never to give up hope and to make the most of each day, like many others trying to do the same.
Mesothelioma: The human face of an asbestos epidemic (link top right).
Mesothelioma Settlement-Ford Motor Company ordered to pay $10 million Compensation
On May 29, 2004, a Texas court found Ford Motor Company guilty of negligence and ordered the company to pay the sum of $ 10 million to the family of Carolyn Miller.
The plaintiff from Dearborn, Michigan, died from mesothelioma in the year 2000 at age of 54 years as result of the asbestos she was exposed to when as child she was dusting and washing the work clothes of her father, John Roland, who worked at a Ford plant in Michigan from 1953-1964.
John Roland used to work in the blast furnaces where he was constantly exposed to asbestos fibers which stuck to his work clothes which he took home for his daughter to wash for him after closing everyday. He developed pleural plaques, and asbestosis which is also caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. This lung disease could transform to a full blown mesothelioma cancer later.
After a protracted Legal battle the following compensation was awarded to the Miller family, not as form of punishment to the company but to compensate the Miller Family for all the loss and pain that their unlawful exposure to asbestos caused them:-
-$4.5 million was awarded to the Millers estate
-$500,000 was awarded to John Roland
-$750,000 was awarded to Millers daughter
-$1.5 million to Millers daughter
-$2.75 million to Millers husband Glen
Mesothelioma victims should learn as much as they can about mesothelioma lawsuits so that they will be able to file successful lawsuits to get the compensation they deserve
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen.http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside .........Cycle 3, Day 15
Steve reminded me this morning that it's been five long weeks since we had a Tuesday free of hospital visits. To make the most of this rare event, we were back on the road again today to resume our tour of NT properties within striking distance of home.
Today we visited Tyntesfield - a Victorian country house and estate in Somerset where you can witness the restoration in progress, including climbing up to roof level on scaffold stairs. Spectacular! Decided that we must go back to see the finished works in 2012 - another target, Steve!
On the way home, we called into Bristol to deliver a (belated) birthday present to Jack, via a short detour to Clevedon - our first visit to the British coast this year. No brass band to greet us, but a bandstand, a prom and a little gem of a grade I listed pier, swathed in sunlight as the clouds cleared. Not to mention a very friendly group of locals taking their daily dip in the Bristol channel! Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside….
We indulged in cakes with our morning coffee and afternoon tea to help Steve stave off nausea. Not quite the protein-rich diet we are trying to aim for (sorry, Maralyn!) However, we decided to treat ourselves on this rather extraordinary Tuesday, bearing in mind that this time next week we’ll be back on our heads with another very LONG day at hospital.
Tomorrow is another milestone - three months since diagnosis. How’s it been for us? Watch this space…..
Monday, 14 September 2009
How are asbestos related diseases detected early?
If you have been exposed to asbestos before and you are suspecting that you have developed asbestos related disease your doctor may recommend these tests for you:
Chest x-ray
This is the most common test used to detect sustained exposure to asbestos. The x-ray cannot detect the asbestos fibers themselves, but it can detect early signs of lung changes caused by asbestos. The chest x-ray may shows spots on the lungs, these may or may not be asbestos-related. They may be normal variations or related to infections and different types of diseases. Also in the latter stages of lung cancer and mesothelioma, chest x -ray may reveal certain features that are highly suggestive of these diseases.
Lung Function Tests
A lung function test also known as a pulmonary function test (PFT) is a simple breathing test to see how well your lungs are working. In this test, a person blows big breaths into a machine. The results obtained from this test will show how well your lung is functioning and the lung function is usually decreased in asbestos related diseases.
A computerized tomography scan (CT)
This is a type of x-ray machine that usually delivers a higher resolution picture of the lungs than plain x-ray. CT scan gives three dimensional view of the lung and so is able to detect early changes better than x-ray. It is usually recommended when the results of a chest x -ray is inconclusive.
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL)
This involves the passage of a small flexible tube inserted through the nose and down the airway. A small amount of saline solution is injected into the tube and then sucked back up. The fluid obtained contains saline plus material from the lung. This fluid is then subjected to various analysis. The results from this test however can be inconclusive and this test is performed only under special circumstances.
Lung biopsy
This involves the taking of samples of lung tissue through a needle while the patient is sedated. This tissue is examined under a microscope. Lung biopsies are rarely performed. Lung biopsies are rarely performed because diagnosis is usually based on findings from the medical evaluation and other tests. A lung biopsy is not usually needed for the diagnosis of most asbestos-related diseases.
Urine and sputum tests Sputum is the material that is brought up from the lungs by coughing. Urine and sputum tests are not reliable for determining how much asbestos may be in the lungs. Nearly everyone has low levels of asbestos in these materials. These tests cannot predict the risk of illness. More research may improve the reliability and predictability of these tests
Reference:Bello Kamorudeen. http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
