Mesothelioma Stories of Hope: Patients And Survivors

Mesothelioma, a disease caused only by exposure to asbestos, only strikes an estimated 3000 US citizens a year, but it’s effects can be felt by each and every one of us throughout the entire population.
What really hit’s home with the stories of those suffering from Mesothelioma, however, is how much they are just like everybody else; they worked for years to provide for their families, the people we see each morning at the coffee shop, the man who repairs your car with a smile, the elderly wife you see in the aisles of the local grocery store, your next-door neighbors, your friends.

They are no different than anyone of you, and yet they are fighting each and every day for their survival.
Their stories are moving and an inspiration to all of us; heartbreaking in their devastation but uplifting in the rare rays of hope that they project.

Below you will find stories of hope written by patients of this deadly disease. They have been kind enough to provide us with a short story or narrative talking about their experiences with the disease and how they have been able to continue to live and grow once they were diagnosed.

Click on any of the people’s names below to read their stories, in their own words:

Mesothelioma Story Of Hope #1, Jane:
Name: Jane Doe
Age: 58
Occupation: Housewife
Diagnosis Date: May 2004
Current Condition: Alive
Introduction:
"The day started out like any other day. I was planning on going out to lunch with two of my long-time friends and then spending the afternoon with my daughter and my three beautiful grandchildren. I noticed what a beautiful sunny day it was as I drove to my primary care doctor to discuss a reoccurring cough that I had had for the past few months. Previous doctor’s visits had not resulted in any diagnosis; but when my doctor’s office called the previous day, they said I should go in to the office to discuss the next step. When I left the office only 45 minutes later, I realized my life was changed forever.. "
Click Here To Read "Jane's Story" Today

Mesothelioma Story Of Hope #2, John:
Name: John Smith
Age: 64
Occupation: Automotive Plant Manager
Diagnosis Date: April 2004
Current Condition: Alive (But Suffering Greatly)
Introduction:
" I was always taught by my parents that to live a successful life, I should be an honest, hard-working and compassionate person. I lived each and every day of my life like this. I began working in the manufacturing plant of a large auto company once I was finished with school..."
Click Here To Read "John's Story" Today

Mesothelioma And Asbestos Photograph Gallery

Protected Workers In Full Body Suits
Protected workers in full body suits, including gas masks and respirators, removing asbestos from an exposed site within a refinery / manufacturing facility in Cushing, OK. Asbestos subcontractors began asbestos abatement activities after inspection by the DOL on January 10, 2003. Approximately 9,950 ft2 of vessel insulation and 10,397 ft2 of pipe insulation has been abated to date. Asbestos is double bagged prior to shipment to the landfill. Thirteen (13) 30 cy3 , roll-off boxes containing asbestos debris has been transported to the landfill to date. (Source: EPA – Direct Source Link)



Workers testing the soil around a refinery / manufacturing facility
Workers testing the soil around a refinery / manufacturing facility for the presence of
Asbestos Fibers. Over 1,000 samples collected during the EE/CA and subsequent samples collected by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) have identified approximately 12,000 ft2 of vessel insulation and 15,000 ft2 of pipe ACM insulation. Additionally, approximately 13,290 sq. ft. of transite (nonB friable ACM) has been identified at this site. (Source: EPA – Direct Source Link)



Sample of Asbestos
The sample of asbestos in the photograph is from Baie Verte and is owned by the Newfoundland Museum (G-100). Although now a restricted material, asbestos, at one time, was a widely used product because of its fibrous structure, low heat conductivity and high electrical resistance. It was mined for a number of years at Baie Verte, NF. (Source: Geological Survey of Newfoundland and Labrador, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador – Direct Source Link)


Protected Worker in Full Body Suit
Another example of a protected worker in full body suit, including gas mask and respirator, removing asbestos from an exposed site. (Source: EPA – Direct Source Link)







Electron Micrographs of Asbestos-Containing Fireproofing
Electron micrographs of asbestos-containing fireproofing before (left) and after (right) treatment with the W.R. Grace - Brookhaven process. Nearly all the asbestos fibers are digested into amorphous minerals by the process, leaving fireproofing that is less than one percent asbestos, and therefore not regulated, but that still protects building beams and columns from fire damage.(Source: Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory – Direct Source Link )

Mesothelioma Foundations & Charitable Donation

As the number of victims affected by mesothelioma rises, it has become more important than ever to carry out extensive research into this cancer as well as educate others about it. As there is currently no long-term treatment available to mesothelioma sufferers, all that victims can do is hope that some day a breakthrough will be made by researchers and medical experts. However, this research costs vast amounts of time and money, and without appropriate funding can be very difficult.
This is where mesothelioma foundations come in. These organizations exist to help the victims of mesothelioma as well as work towards one day eliminating the disease – or at least making it non-terminal. Government funding for mesothelioma barely scratches the surface – only a few million dollars have been allocated to mesothelioma research over a period of several years. Therefore, many of these organizations rely heavily upon public donations.
So, what sort of things do mesothelioma foundations do? Well, these foundations carry out excellent work, although they clearly have to work within budgetary constraints. They work towards funding trials and research into treatment of this cancer; they help to support and educate patients as well as offering them advice with regards to treatment; and they aim to provide quality information that helps sufferers and their families.
Many breakthroughs have been made thanks to the dedication and hard work of the professionals at mesothelioma foundations. Treatments that offer a life extension of several months have been discovered, blood tests that help to speed up the diagnosis of the cancer have been developed and medication that can help to shrink the tumour is being investigated. With better funding, these foundations could support even more research giving the world a better chance of finding an effective long term treatment or cure for mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma patients do not have the luxury of time. They cannot afford to wait around for appropriate funding. That’s why these foundations work hard to raise funds, so that they can then go on to support research projects which could help to give hope back to the victims of this deadly disease. However, with so much research and testing to be done and such limited funds, these organizations need all the financial help that they can get.

For those interested in helping mesothelioma organizations to reach their goals, there are several ways in which you can help:

The first one is the most obvious, and that’s by making a charitable donation to your local foundation. This can be in the form of a check, in cash, or if you prefer to donate on a regular basis many foundations can set up a direct debit or standing order so that the money goes directly from your account each month.

Perhaps you’d like to do a little fundraising yourself, in which case doing something like a sponsored run – or anything for which people would sponsor you – could prove effective. You could raise a fair amount of money which could ultimately help to change the lives of millions of people.

There is also another way that you could help, and that’s by volunteering to assist the foundations in one of a number of ways, which could include anything from helping with research to providing support and friendship to patients.

Mesothelioma foundations will benefit from all the additional support that they can get, whether it is financial or otherwise. If you feel you can assist in any of these ways, you should contact your local mesothelioma foundation and ask about making a contribution of applying for a volunteer’s position.

Whichever way you decide to show your support, you will be helping in the vital quest to eliminate this deadly cancer.

Mesothelioma Research

Mesothelioma is a disease that is still very hard to recognise, difficult to diagnose and virtually impossible to treat effectively. It is known that the disease is asbestos related and that there is a long latency period before symptoms become apparent. But with more and more cases coming to light each year, it is vital that further research is carried out in order to make this fatal disease more manageable for both patients and doctors.

Many organizations are involved in research in to mesothelioma. This includes the companies that are responsible for the use of asbestos. Many people that have been diagnosed with mesothelioma have now discovered that they can claim compensation for being exposed to hazardous asbestos by companies, which means that these companies have a responsibility to help with this research.

The National Institute of Cancer is also working hard to research mesothelioma, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. The rising number of mesothelioma cases means that it is essential to learn more about this disease in order to look into developing treatments.
With many mesothelioma patients now seeking legal advice, it has become essential for law firms to learn about and research the disease. It is the lawyer’s job to assist the mesothelioma patient and provide advice and resources from which the patient can get help and assistance. Therefore, law firms dealing with these types of cases also have a responsibility to learn about the disease and what can be done to help patients.

A great deal of research into mesothelioma goes into learning about the effects of asbestos upon cells, and how the cells are changed by exposure to this material. By learning how healthy cells and corrupted by asbestos, we hope to learn more about how this cell corruption can be prevented or minimised.
The National Institute of Cancer has also carried out clinical trials into the treatment of mesothelioma. The trials, which are performed with real patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, should help to determine how effective the various treatments are, and hopefully will go some way to helping experts find more effective treatments for the disease.

Mesothelioma trials are based upon treatments that are thought to have some value to patients. But the trials are just that – trials. This means that there are no guarantees and that a great deal more work and research will be required before a conclusive and effective treatment is found. On the upside, many new trials are being carried out on a regular basis, and with the information and technology available to scientists today, the discovery of an effective treatment for mesothelioma patients is just a matter of time.
Medical professionals worldwide are currently involved in clinical trials, and each trial depends upon the extent of spread of the disease. Some trials are performed on those who have been diagnosed reasonably early, others on patients who were not diagnosed until the latter stages of the disease. It is important for scientists to find a treatment that is effective not only on those who are diagnosed early, but on all patients that suffer from this killer disease.

The research carried out into mesothelioma will hopefully mean that future generations of suffers can be saved, even if they are diagnosed with the disease. The research carried out is extremely costly, and is often sponsored by associated companies such as drug companies and research groups as well as by the government. Research into the contraction of the disease, and its subsequent development will ultimately enable professionals to devise the most effective treatment.

Several new methods of treatment have been used following research into mesothelioma. These include:

• Photodynamic therapy, which uses fixed frequency light to target abnormal cells and kill them off by the activation of photosensitizing drugs.
• Immunotherapy, which fights the abnormal cells through the use of the body’s own defence system through enhancement and development of the immune system.
• Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, which is a radiation treatment that targets just the affected area/tumour, thus avoiding contact with healthy cells and tissue.

Although there is no quick-fix answer to the treatment of mesothelioma, ongoing research and dedication from the medical profession means that the chances of finding an effective treatment are continually increasing.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The long latency period attached to mesothelioma means that the symptoms of this disease can take many years to manifest, making both diagnosis and effective treatment very difficult. And even when the symptoms do become evident, which can take several decades, the symptoms are so generalised and non-specific that they could be put down to any number of more common diseases. This makes it hard for even experienced doctors to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with mesothelioma patients. The symptoms of this disease can often be confused with pneumonia during its early stages.
Some of the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (which is the most common form of the disease) are shortness of breath and chest pains. This may be accompanied by a persistent cough, and all of these symptoms stem from the build up of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. This is known as pleural effusion. This type of the disease starts in the chest cavity and can then spread to other parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma sufferers may also begin to display severe breathing difficulty, weight loss and fever as well as trouble swallowing and even swelling of the face and neck. Some patients may also develop a rasping voice and start coughing up blood. However, there are other patients that may not show any significant symptoms at all.

The symptoms for patients who suffer from peritoneal mesothelioma (a rarer form of the disease) are slightly different. This type of the disease starts in the abdomen and can spread form there. Patients of peritoneal mesothelioma can display abdominal pain and swelling, nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. They can also suffer breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These symptoms result from tumours that lean against the abdominal wall. Bowel obstruction, anaemia, fever and problems with blood clotting may also affect peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

The rarest form of this disease is pericardial mesothelioma, which starts in the cavity surrounding the heart. With pericardial mesothelioma, the tumours grow in the tissues that surround the heart and can spread from there. Pericardial mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations.

As the disease moves into the later stages, the symptoms for all types of mesothelioma become more acute and obvious, although they can still often be put down to another illness. It is therefore important for patients to inform their doctor if they have been exposed to asbestos at any point – or even if they suspect they may have been exposed to asbestos. This will enable the doctor to make a more informed diagnosis rather than basing his diagnosis on guess work. It is also important not to ignore any of these symptoms, especially if they are experienced over a long period. Many people can be exposed to asbestos inadvertently (e.g. through the clothes of someone that has worked with asbestos) so it is important to visit your doctor should any of these symptoms manifest.

With pleural mesothelioma being the most common form of the disease, the symptom associated with this form of the cancer are the most common ones that are displayed by patients. However, it is important to be fully aware of the symptoms for all three types of mesothelioma, particularly for those who have worked in high risk professions where they may have been exposed to asbestos.

Most people who have worked with asbestos in the past do not begin to show symptoms of mesothelioma until thirty to forty years later. By this time, the disease is already spreading and with the delay in diagnosis, makes it impossible to treat in many cases before it is too late. However, the cause, effects and symptoms of mesothelioma are now becoming more widely known by professionals and lay people. This awareness, coupled with the current clinical trials that are being carried out by a variety of organizations gives patients the hope that an effective treatment will one day be available for all stages of the disease.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is not always easy. Many doctors are still unfamiliar with the symptoms which could be put down to a number of other, more common diseases. Timely diagnosis of mesothelioma is particularly difficult because of the latency period between contraction and display of symptoms. The symptoms of this cancer may not become evident for decades, which means that by the time it is diagnosed it is in its latter stages and there is little that can be done for the patient.

There are many symptoms that become evident in Pleural mesothelioma patients, many of which are common symptoms in a variety of illnesses and diseases, hence the difficulty in diagnosis. Lower back pain, chest pain and shortness of breath are symptoms of the disease. Some patients also suffer from excessive perspiration, trouble swallowing, weight loss and tiredness. The disease affects the respiratory system, and results from an accumulation of fluid between the lung lining and chest cavity, known as pleural effusion. The other type of mesothelioma, which affects the abdominal lining, is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. The symptoms that may be displayed by patients include nausea, vomiting, weight loss and stomach pains.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma will entail scans and biopsies arranged by your doctor. A CT or MRI scan is often used to detect the possible presence of the disease, and if there is a positive indication of the presence of mesothelioma, the scans are followed up by a biopsy. Doctors often run an examination on the fluid surrounding the lungs, but all too often this is inadequate to make a firm diagnosis. In these circumstances the doctor may perform a small operation in order to remove a tissue sample and run a biopsy on that. This is known as open pleural biopsy. If you are suspected of suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma the biopsy will be performed on tissue taken from the abdominal area, known as a peritoneal biopsy.

Although the open biopsy procedures are considered to be the most effective and conclusive ways of diagnosing mesothelioma according to experts, there are a range of other procedures that doctors may use in order to try and determine whether a patient has the disease.

The testing procedure will start with imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans or MRI scans. This will enable the doctor to view the potentially affected area and make a preliminary diagnosis and decide upon the best course of action. The doctor may then use a needle to remove fluid from the affected area and conduct tests to see whether there are any malignant cells present. However, this test is widely thought of as inconclusive and many doctors prefer to follow it up with a tissue biopsy whether or not malignant cells are present.

There are several ways in which the doctor can perform a tissue biopsy in order to test for mesothelioma. A thoracoscopy or laparoscopy entails making a small incision and using a tiny camera to look at the affected area. At this time a small tissue sample can be taken, which is then examined by a pathologist for signs of mesothelioma. Your doctor may decide to do a needle biopsy, where a hollow needle is inserted through the skin and into the chest cavity. The doctor is able to collect a tissue sample with the needle, and this is then examined by the pathologist.

However, most physicians prefer to use an open biopsy as this allows for the collection of a bigger tissue sample making diagnosis easier and more accurate. Once the tissue samples have been collected, a detailed examination of the cells is performed to check for malignant cells in the tissue. Once a diagnosis has been made, further scans may be required to learn the extent of the disease and prescribe treatment.

If you have worked with or had contact with asbestos at any time in your life, it is important that you let your doctor know. The difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma means that you doctor may put your symptoms down to any number of diseases before testing for mesothelioma. However, if you have already made it known that you have worked with asbestos, it will give the doctor a head start in making a diagnosis. This means that test can be carried out far earlier and the necessary treatment can be prescribed.

if you have worked with or had contact with asbestos at any time in your life, it is important that you let your doctor know. The difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma means that you doctor may put your symptoms down to any number of diseases before testing for mesothelioma. However, if you have already made it known that you have worked with asbestos, it will give the doctor a head start in making a diagnosis. This means that test can be carried out far earlier and the necessary treatment can be prescribed.

The Different Types Of Mesothelioma

The Different Types Of Mesothelioma

A disease that has only started to come to light in recent years, mesothelioma is a cancer that normally presents itself in malignant form and results in tumours in and around vital organs of the body. The definition of the word mesothelioma is literally cancer of the mesothelium (-oma being a medical term for cancer). The mesothelium is the sac that lines and protects vital organs such as the heart and the lungs, and this disease causes the cells of the lining to become abnormal and malignant.

The result of asbestos exposure, mesothelioma comes in three forms: pleural mesothelioma; peritoneal mesothelioma; and pericardial mesothelioma. All three types have a variety of associated symptoms, and there are some symptoms that are common to all three types of the disease. In all cases of the disease, sufferers are unlikely to even realise that there is a problem until many years after they have actually contracted mesothelioma from regular exposure to asbestos.

The symptoms of all types of mesothelioma do not generally manifest for several decades after contraction. This can make the disease difficult to diagnose and all too often is too late to save the patient by the time a diagnosis is made.

Pleural Mesothelioma:
The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. This is where the cancer affects the lungs and the protective lining and cavity of the lungs. The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma result from pleural effusion, which is a build up of fluid between the lung lining and the chest cavity. Sufferers of pleural mesothelioma may experience some or all of the following symptoms: difficulty in breathing, difficulty in swallowing, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, weight loss, fever, coughing up of blood, and rasping. (Click Here For More Information On Pleural Mesothelioma)

Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
A rarer form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma. This is where the cancer affects the stomach and abdomen. The cancer can start in the abdominal area and spread to other parts of the body, but the tumours that press against the wall of the abdomen can cause some or all of the following symptoms: abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, breathing problems, chest pain, bowel obstruction, anaemia, fever, and blood clotting abnormalities. (Click Here For More Information On Peritoneal Mesothelioma)

Pericardial Mesothelioma:
The last and the rarest of the mesothelioma types is pericardial mesothelioma. This is where the cancer affects the heart and the cavity that surrounds the heart. The tumours affecting pericardial mesothelioma patients can cause some or all of these symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, persistent coughing, and palpitations. (Click Here For More Information On Pericardial Mesothelioma)

There are also cases of other asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis and respiratory problems that have stemmed from exposure to this potentially fatal material. Anyone that has worked with asbestos should see their doctor if they have any onset of this type of problem or if they are concerned and have doubts.

As you can see, the symptoms for all three types of mesothelioma are non-specific, which means that they could be the result of a number of more common diseases that are associated with the same symptoms. Many of the symptoms are the same as those displayed by viral pneumonia patients, and the disease if often mistaken for something else.

If your doctor is unaware that you have been exposed to asbestos, he or she is unlikely to assume that you may have mesothelioma and will instead test for a number of other more common diseases that are associated with your symptoms. People who have worked with asbestos or who have close contact with someone that works with asbestos should therefore always be vigilant in looking out for any of these symptoms and seeking medical advice if any or all of the symptoms manifest. They should also make their doctor aware that they have worked with asbestos so that no further time is wasted in testing for other types of disease. Much of the delay in diagnosing mesothelioma comes from lack of information and awareness on both the part of the doctor and the patient.

However, it is up to the patient, who is aware of the asbestos exposure, to increase the chances of a speedy diagnosis by making the doctor aware of the circumstances and keeping an eye out of any tell tale signs that mesothelioma may be present.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a mineral that can occur naturally in the environment, and is also used by man in a range of products. This material was once widely used in many places, but as the dangers of exposure to asbestos began to come to light, this all changed. However, for many people it was too late, as the damage had already been done. This is because asbestos is responsible for a number of side effects, which can cause anything from discomfort to death. Asbestosis and pleural plaques can result from exposure to asbestos, and more notably so can mesothelioma, a deadly cancer that can take many decades to develop but only a matter of months from the onset of symptoms to kill.

Mesothelioma is caused by ingesting or breathing in loose asbestos fibres, which can then cause scarring and ultimately can lead to this cancer. The cancer can affect the lung, chest, or abdominal cavities, but it also has a very long latency period, which means that it could be thirty years or more before the person even realizes that they have contracted the cancer because this is how long it can take to manifest. The onset of symptoms can take up to fifty years or more in some cases, but once the symptoms have manifested the lifespan of the person can be as short as several months.

Between the 1950s and the 1980s, many people – mainly men – worked in industries where they were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis and for long periods of time. This mineral was so widely used because it was cheap and because of its fire resistant properties. Because the effects of the mineral were largely unknown except for in certain circles at the time, workers did not question the lack of protection or concern displayed with regards to working so closely with asbestos.

However, it is thought that many companies and manufacturers were aware of the deadly effects of this mineral from as early as the 1920s. However, their failure to provide oblivious employees with protection against the effects of asbestos resulted in many people contracting this cancer, and only realizing thirty to fifty years down the line just as they were settling down to enjoy their retirement.

Some of the workers mostly likely to come across asbestos on a day to day basis and therefore most at risk included as insulators, plasterers, electricians, mechanics, bricklayers, carpenters, and other tradesmen. This is because these professionals worked closely with materials and products that contained asbestos. Also at risk were the families of these workers, as they could often ingest or breathe in asbestos fibres from the clothes, skin, or hair of the worker, and this could lead to the same effects.

Millions of workers have been exposed to asbestos over the years, and the unlucky ones have discovered several decades later just what an impact their work had on their health. Many of the cases of mesothelioma coming to light today are in men, as it was mainly men that worked with asbestos several decades ago. These workers are now finding out that they have this cancer and other asbestos related disorders, as the symptoms finally manifest.

The dangers of asbestos exposure have now been far more widely recognised. However, millions of people worldwide have been exposed to this mineral. For these people, living life can be like living on borrowed time, and each year, thousands of new cases of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers are diagnosed.

This figure is likely to increase over the next ten years or so, and many more middle-aged and elderly people could find that they have been harbouring this deadly cancer for the past few decades.

Although it is now known that asbestos exposure is responsible for malignant mesothelioma and other forms of cancer, asbestosis, pleural plaques, and other respiratory and health problems, this mineral can still be found in insulation materials in many places worldwide, and therefore continues to hold its deadly reign over mankind.

What Treatment Option Could be Work on Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a Cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs and has a direct link to people who have come into direct contact with asbestos.Some symptoms of this cancer are shortness of breath, pain in the chest or under the ribcage, an abdominal lump or swelling, fever and unexplained weight loss.
The people that are most likely to suffer from mesothelioma are those who were exposed to asbestos fibers at work.Asbestos have been exploited for a variety of purposes, such as industrial products, roof shingles and flooring products.

And Treatment options could be work on Mesothelioma : 1.Radiation is prescribed aggressively for mesothelioma patients and is often given in combination with surgery or in order to control symptoms and uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. 2.Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. The doctor may remove part of the lining of the chest or abdomen and some of the tissue around it. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy.

3.Chemotherapy is the use of anticancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein. Doctors are also studying the effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into the chest or abdomen. People affected by Mesothelioma can file lawsuits against asbestos makers, manufacturers and employers as they have the duty to protect their workers from the negative effects of asbestos including Mesothelioma.

Jack Ford is a Asbestos and Mesothelioma writer & useful information. For more info visit http://www.MesotheliomaClue.Com