By Bello Kamorudeen
You can find out about good mesothelioma clinical trials in
different ways. You can enter for clinical trials do so after
hearing about them from your doctor. You can also actively look
for clinical trials on the Internet or in other places, hoping
to find more options for treatment. Some clinical trials are
advertised directly to patients.
Information about mesothelioma cancer resources can be obtained
from several resources. These resources can be divided into 2
main types: clinical trials lists and clinical trials matching
services.
1- Clinical trial lists
These sources give you the names and descriptions of clinical
trials of new treatments. If there is a study you are interested
in, you will probably be able to find it in a list. The list
will often include a description of the study, the criteria for
patient eligibility, and a contact person. If you (or your
health care providers) are willing and able to read through
descriptions of all the studies listed for your cancer type,
then a list may be all you need. Some organizations that provide
lists can help you narrow the list a little, according to the
kind of treatment you are looking for (chemotherapy,
immunotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.) and the stage of your
cancer.
2- Clinical trials matching services
Over the past few years, several organizations have developed
computer-based systems to match patients with studies they may
be eligible for. This service is often offered online.
Each may differ somewhat in how it works. Some of the services
allow you to search for clinical trials without registering at
the site. If you have to register, they usually assure you that
your information will be kept confidential. Either way, you will
probably have to enter certain details, such as the type of
cancer, the stage of the disease, and any previous treatments
you may have had. When given this information, these systems can
find clinical trials for which you may be eligible, and save you
the time and effort of reading descriptions of studies that are
not relevant to you. Some groups also allow you to subscribe to
mailing lists so that you are informed as new studies open up.
Although they are usually free to users, most clinical trial
matching services get paid for listing studies or get a finder's
fee from those running the studies when someone enrolls. Because
of this, there may be some differences in the way they rank the
studies, or the order in which they present the studies to you.
Because different services work differently, be sure you
understand how the service you are looking at operates. Ask the
following questions. (Note that the answers do not necessarily
mean that the service is not worth using.)
•Is there a fee for using the service?
•Do I have to register to use the service?
•Does the service keep my information confidential?
•Where does the service get its list of clinical trials?
•Does the service rank the studies in any particular order? Is
this based on fees they get?
•Can I contact the service through the Internet or by
telephone?
Examples of clinical trials matching services are:
1- The American Cancer Society Clinical Trials Matching
Service:
The American Cancer Society helps patients find high quality
care in clinical trials that best match their medical needs and
personal preferences, while helping researchers study more
effective treatments for future patients
The TrialCheck® database, developed and maintained by the
Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups, is a comprehensive
database that includes the Coalition, National Cancer Institute,
and industry trials. To our knowledge, this is the most complete
matching database of cancer clinical trials available.
The clinical trials information provided by the American Cancer
Society is not biased in any way. It is updated every day, as is
the contact information that allows patients to get in touch
with the doctors and nurses at cancer centers running each of
the studies.
You can access the TrialCheck at www.cancer.org (click on "Find
a Clinical Trial") or through a toll-free number,
1-800-303-5691.
2- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) sponsors most
government-funded cancer clinical trials. The NCI has a list of
active studies (those currently enrolling patients), as well as
some privately funded studies. You can find the list on their
Web site at www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials or by calling
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237). You can search the list by the
type and stage of cancer, by the type of study (for example,
treatment or prevention), or by zip code.
3- The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has an even larger
database of clinical trials at www.clinicaltrials.gov, but not
all of these are cancer studies.
4- EmergingMed provides a free and confidential matching and
referral service for cancer patients looking for clinical trials
at www.emergingmed.com, or you can call 1-877-601-8601.
5- CenterWatch (www.centerwatch.com) is a publishing and
information services company that keeps a list of both
industry-sponsored and government-funded clinical trials for
cancer and other diseases.
6- Private companies, such as pharmaceutical or biotechnology
firms, may list the studies they are sponsoring on their Web
sites or offer toll-free numbers so you can call and ask about
them. Some of these firms also offer matching systems for the
studies they sponsor. This can be helpful if you are interested
in research on a particular experimental treatment and know
which company is developing it.
About the Author: Bello kamorudeen.For more information on
Mesothelioma treatment go to
http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=422891&ca=Cancer+Survival
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Long Time Mesothelioma Survivors -What Do They Have in Common?
By Bello Kamorudeen
Paul Kraus is one of the long-term survivors of malignant
mesothelioma, there are many others and one thing they all have
in common to all of them is the fact that they all focused most
of their treatment on steps to improve or enhance their immune
system. Some used alternative or complimentary therapies (with
guidance from licensed clinicians) while others participated in
clinical trials of immune therapy.
So does the immune system play a significant role in the
control malignant mesothelioma? The experience of Paul Kraus and
other long-term malignant mesothelioma survivors gives a lot of
credit to the fact that the immune system is indeed very
important in the management of malignant mesothelioma.
In quite a number of people with pleural mesothelioma that
survived the cancer for a long time, their medical histories
have shown that their immune system may have played a major role
in their extremely long survival.
In 1986, an article appeared in a medical journal that
discussed this very issue of malignant mesothelioma and
immunity.(1) This research focused on the immune responses of
118 healthy people compared to 20 patients with malignant
mesothelioma and 375 long-term asbestos workers who were
cancer-free.
The researchers wanted to know if there were any measurable
differences in the immune responses of the mesothelioma
patients. Their findings demonstrated a relationship between the
immune system and malignant mesothelioma. For example:
• The number of total T (T11+) and T-helper (T4+) cells were
normal in asbestos workers with cancer, but were significantly
reduced in patients with mesothelioma. T cells orchestrate,
regulate and coordinate the overall immune response.
• Most patients with mesothelioma had a profound deficiency
in Natural Killer cell (NK) activity which is suggestive of the
role the immune system plays in the control of malignant
mesothelioma. NK cells are a type of lethal lymphocyte that
target tumor cells and protect against a wide variety of
infectious microbes.
In the discussion section of the report, the researchers
stated:
“These findings led us to speculate that biological phenomena
generally categorized as chronic immunosuppression associated
with the presence of asbestos fibers in the exposed workers may
have caused the eventual breakdown of the host’s surveillance
system and the onset of neoplasm [malignant mesothelioma].”
In other words, the researchers are suggesting that malignant
mesothelioma may result from immune suppression. If this is true
it would provide the biological basis for the role that the
immune system and immune boosting approaches may play in the
management of malignant mesothelioma.
Another example of a long time survivor of mesothelioma is
James O’Connor.In October 2001, sixty-one year old James Rhio
O'Connor ("Rhio") was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma caused
by his exposure to asbestos when he was younger. His was given
less than a year to live.
His tumor was not operable because the tumor was too close to
his spinal cord chemo was also not an option because at the
stage of his tumor chemo would not have been of any major help
to him, it could not give any significant elongation to his life
span. He was basically told to prepare for imminent death in a
polite manner.
To soften this message, the doctor also recommended that Rhio
take his wife on a cruise and then start hospice care upon his
return. Rhio rejected the idea. He was determined to survive
this cancer. Working with professional clinicians, he formulated
a regimen of over 100 supplements a day, changed his diet,
practiced mind-body medicine, most of these treatments were
aimed at boosting the immune system, and he relied on his own
discipline to see him through the difficult times ahead.
Rhio survived for 7 ½ more years through his determination,
knowledge, inexorable spirit, belief in something greater than
himself, and the ability to make tough choices -qualities that
spell success in any endeavor. Rhio passed away on July 11,
2009. He was 69 years old.
Rhio was often asked how he was able to manage his mesothelioma
or "Mr. Meso" as he called it.
To answer these questions and help and inspire others, Rhio
wrote a book called "They Said Months, I Chose Years: A
Mesothelioma Survivor's Story." In this book Rhio discusses what
he did to live his life with "Mr. Meso" and much of the science
behind his decisions. In his book he cites nearly one hundred
medical articles that support the concept of using nutrition to
help manage a chronic disease like cancer. Rhio's inspirational
life and book reminds us that there may be other ways to manage
cancer and extend life beyond the conventional methods of
surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
About the Author: Bello Kamorudeen.For more information about
Mesothelioma prognosis go to
http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blopgspot.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=423736&ca=Cancer+Survival
Paul Kraus is one of the long-term survivors of malignant
mesothelioma, there are many others and one thing they all have
in common to all of them is the fact that they all focused most
of their treatment on steps to improve or enhance their immune
system. Some used alternative or complimentary therapies (with
guidance from licensed clinicians) while others participated in
clinical trials of immune therapy.
So does the immune system play a significant role in the
control malignant mesothelioma? The experience of Paul Kraus and
other long-term malignant mesothelioma survivors gives a lot of
credit to the fact that the immune system is indeed very
important in the management of malignant mesothelioma.
In quite a number of people with pleural mesothelioma that
survived the cancer for a long time, their medical histories
have shown that their immune system may have played a major role
in their extremely long survival.
In 1986, an article appeared in a medical journal that
discussed this very issue of malignant mesothelioma and
immunity.(1) This research focused on the immune responses of
118 healthy people compared to 20 patients with malignant
mesothelioma and 375 long-term asbestos workers who were
cancer-free.
The researchers wanted to know if there were any measurable
differences in the immune responses of the mesothelioma
patients. Their findings demonstrated a relationship between the
immune system and malignant mesothelioma. For example:
• The number of total T (T11+) and T-helper (T4+) cells were
normal in asbestos workers with cancer, but were significantly
reduced in patients with mesothelioma. T cells orchestrate,
regulate and coordinate the overall immune response.
• Most patients with mesothelioma had a profound deficiency
in Natural Killer cell (NK) activity which is suggestive of the
role the immune system plays in the control of malignant
mesothelioma. NK cells are a type of lethal lymphocyte that
target tumor cells and protect against a wide variety of
infectious microbes.
In the discussion section of the report, the researchers
stated:
“These findings led us to speculate that biological phenomena
generally categorized as chronic immunosuppression associated
with the presence of asbestos fibers in the exposed workers may
have caused the eventual breakdown of the host’s surveillance
system and the onset of neoplasm [malignant mesothelioma].”
In other words, the researchers are suggesting that malignant
mesothelioma may result from immune suppression. If this is true
it would provide the biological basis for the role that the
immune system and immune boosting approaches may play in the
management of malignant mesothelioma.
Another example of a long time survivor of mesothelioma is
James O’Connor.In October 2001, sixty-one year old James Rhio
O'Connor ("Rhio") was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma caused
by his exposure to asbestos when he was younger. His was given
less than a year to live.
His tumor was not operable because the tumor was too close to
his spinal cord chemo was also not an option because at the
stage of his tumor chemo would not have been of any major help
to him, it could not give any significant elongation to his life
span. He was basically told to prepare for imminent death in a
polite manner.
To soften this message, the doctor also recommended that Rhio
take his wife on a cruise and then start hospice care upon his
return. Rhio rejected the idea. He was determined to survive
this cancer. Working with professional clinicians, he formulated
a regimen of over 100 supplements a day, changed his diet,
practiced mind-body medicine, most of these treatments were
aimed at boosting the immune system, and he relied on his own
discipline to see him through the difficult times ahead.
Rhio survived for 7 ½ more years through his determination,
knowledge, inexorable spirit, belief in something greater than
himself, and the ability to make tough choices -qualities that
spell success in any endeavor. Rhio passed away on July 11,
2009. He was 69 years old.
Rhio was often asked how he was able to manage his mesothelioma
or "Mr. Meso" as he called it.
To answer these questions and help and inspire others, Rhio
wrote a book called "They Said Months, I Chose Years: A
Mesothelioma Survivor's Story." In this book Rhio discusses what
he did to live his life with "Mr. Meso" and much of the science
behind his decisions. In his book he cites nearly one hundred
medical articles that support the concept of using nutrition to
help manage a chronic disease like cancer. Rhio's inspirational
life and book reminds us that there may be other ways to manage
cancer and extend life beyond the conventional methods of
surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
About the Author: Bello Kamorudeen.For more information about
Mesothelioma prognosis go to
http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blopgspot.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=423736&ca=Cancer+Survival
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Long Time Mesothelioma Survivors -What Do They Have in Common?
By Bello Kamorudeen
Paul Kraus is one of the long-term survivors of malignant
mesothelioma, there are many others and one thing they all have
in common to all of them is the fact that they all focused most
of their treatment on steps to improve or enhance their immune
system. Some used alternative or complimentary therapies (with
guidance from licensed clinicians) while others participated in
clinical trials of immune therapy.
So does the immune system play a significant role in the
control malignant mesothelioma? The experience of Paul Kraus and
other long-term malignant mesothelioma survivors gives a lot of
credit to the fact that the immune system is indeed very
important in the management of malignant mesothelioma.
In quite a number of people with pleural mesothelioma that
survived the cancer for a long time, their medical histories
have shown that their immune system may have played a major role
in their extremely long survival.
In 1986, an article appeared in a medical journal that
discussed this very issue of malignant mesothelioma and
immunity.(1) This research focused on the immune responses of
118 healthy people compared to 20 patients with malignant
mesothelioma and 375 long-term asbestos workers who were
cancer-free.
The researchers wanted to know if there were any measurable
differences in the immune responses of the mesothelioma
patients. Their findings demonstrated a relationship between the
immune system and malignant mesothelioma. For example:
• The number of total T (T11+) and T-helper (T4+) cells were
normal in asbestos workers with cancer, but were significantly
reduced in patients with mesothelioma. T cells orchestrate,
regulate and coordinate the overall immune response.
• Most patients with mesothelioma had a profound deficiency
in Natural Killer cell (NK) activity which is suggestive of the
role the immune system plays in the control of malignant
mesothelioma. NK cells are a type of lethal lymphocyte that
target tumor cells and protect against a wide variety of
infectious microbes.
In the discussion section of the report, the researchers
stated:
“These findings led us to speculate that biological phenomena
generally categorized as chronic immunosuppression associated
with the presence of asbestos fibers in the exposed workers may
have caused the eventual breakdown of the host’s surveillance
system and the onset of neoplasm [malignant mesothelioma].”
In other words, the researchers are suggesting that malignant
mesothelioma may result from immune suppression. If this is true
it would provide the biological basis for the role that the
immune system and immune boosting approaches may play in the
management of malignant mesothelioma.
Another example of a long time survivor of mesothelioma is
James O’Connor.In October 2001, sixty-one year old James Rhio
O'Connor ("Rhio") was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma caused
by his exposure to asbestos when he was younger. His was given
less than a year to live.
His tumor was not operable because the tumor was too close to
his spinal cord chemo was also not an option because at the
stage of his tumor chemo would not have been of any major help
to him, it could not give any significant elongation to his life
span. He was basically told to prepare for imminent death in a
polite manner.
To soften this message, the doctor also recommended that Rhio
take his wife on a cruise and then start hospice care upon his
return. Rhio rejected the idea. He was determined to survive
this cancer. Working with professional clinicians, he formulated
a regimen of over 100 supplements a day, changed his diet,
practiced mind-body medicine, most of these treatments were
aimed at boosting the immune system, and he relied on his own
discipline to see him through the difficult times ahead.
Rhio survived for 7 ½ more years through his determination,
knowledge, inexorable spirit, belief in something greater than
himself, and the ability to make tough choices -qualities that
spell success in any endeavor. Rhio passed away on July 11,
2009. He was 69 years old.
Rhio was often asked how he was able to manage his mesothelioma
or "Mr. Meso" as he called it.
To answer these questions and help and inspire others, Rhio
wrote a book called "They Said Months, I Chose Years: A
Mesothelioma Survivor's Story." In this book Rhio discusses what
he did to live his life with "Mr. Meso" and much of the science
behind his decisions. In his book he cites nearly one hundred
medical articles that support the concept of using nutrition to
help manage a chronic disease like cancer. Rhio's inspirational
life and book reminds us that there may be other ways to manage
cancer and extend life beyond the conventional methods of
surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
About the Author: Bello Kamorudeen.For more information about
Mesothelioma prognosis go to
http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blopgspot.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=423736&ca=Cancer+Survival
Paul Kraus is one of the long-term survivors of malignant
mesothelioma, there are many others and one thing they all have
in common to all of them is the fact that they all focused most
of their treatment on steps to improve or enhance their immune
system. Some used alternative or complimentary therapies (with
guidance from licensed clinicians) while others participated in
clinical trials of immune therapy.
So does the immune system play a significant role in the
control malignant mesothelioma? The experience of Paul Kraus and
other long-term malignant mesothelioma survivors gives a lot of
credit to the fact that the immune system is indeed very
important in the management of malignant mesothelioma.
In quite a number of people with pleural mesothelioma that
survived the cancer for a long time, their medical histories
have shown that their immune system may have played a major role
in their extremely long survival.
In 1986, an article appeared in a medical journal that
discussed this very issue of malignant mesothelioma and
immunity.(1) This research focused on the immune responses of
118 healthy people compared to 20 patients with malignant
mesothelioma and 375 long-term asbestos workers who were
cancer-free.
The researchers wanted to know if there were any measurable
differences in the immune responses of the mesothelioma
patients. Their findings demonstrated a relationship between the
immune system and malignant mesothelioma. For example:
• The number of total T (T11+) and T-helper (T4+) cells were
normal in asbestos workers with cancer, but were significantly
reduced in patients with mesothelioma. T cells orchestrate,
regulate and coordinate the overall immune response.
• Most patients with mesothelioma had a profound deficiency
in Natural Killer cell (NK) activity which is suggestive of the
role the immune system plays in the control of malignant
mesothelioma. NK cells are a type of lethal lymphocyte that
target tumor cells and protect against a wide variety of
infectious microbes.
In the discussion section of the report, the researchers
stated:
“These findings led us to speculate that biological phenomena
generally categorized as chronic immunosuppression associated
with the presence of asbestos fibers in the exposed workers may
have caused the eventual breakdown of the host’s surveillance
system and the onset of neoplasm [malignant mesothelioma].”
In other words, the researchers are suggesting that malignant
mesothelioma may result from immune suppression. If this is true
it would provide the biological basis for the role that the
immune system and immune boosting approaches may play in the
management of malignant mesothelioma.
Another example of a long time survivor of mesothelioma is
James O’Connor.In October 2001, sixty-one year old James Rhio
O'Connor ("Rhio") was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma caused
by his exposure to asbestos when he was younger. His was given
less than a year to live.
His tumor was not operable because the tumor was too close to
his spinal cord chemo was also not an option because at the
stage of his tumor chemo would not have been of any major help
to him, it could not give any significant elongation to his life
span. He was basically told to prepare for imminent death in a
polite manner.
To soften this message, the doctor also recommended that Rhio
take his wife on a cruise and then start hospice care upon his
return. Rhio rejected the idea. He was determined to survive
this cancer. Working with professional clinicians, he formulated
a regimen of over 100 supplements a day, changed his diet,
practiced mind-body medicine, most of these treatments were
aimed at boosting the immune system, and he relied on his own
discipline to see him through the difficult times ahead.
Rhio survived for 7 ½ more years through his determination,
knowledge, inexorable spirit, belief in something greater than
himself, and the ability to make tough choices -qualities that
spell success in any endeavor. Rhio passed away on July 11,
2009. He was 69 years old.
Rhio was often asked how he was able to manage his mesothelioma
or "Mr. Meso" as he called it.
To answer these questions and help and inspire others, Rhio
wrote a book called "They Said Months, I Chose Years: A
Mesothelioma Survivor's Story." In this book Rhio discusses what
he did to live his life with "Mr. Meso" and much of the science
behind his decisions. In his book he cites nearly one hundred
medical articles that support the concept of using nutrition to
help manage a chronic disease like cancer. Rhio's inspirational
life and book reminds us that there may be other ways to manage
cancer and extend life beyond the conventional methods of
surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
About the Author: Bello Kamorudeen.For more information about
Mesothelioma prognosis go to
http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blopgspot.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=423736&ca=Cancer+Survival
Monday, November 1, 2010
Mesothelioma Support Groups-How to Find the Best One For You
By Bello Kamorudeen
When you are faced with a diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer
there are many resources are available for you and your family
to benefit. You can seek for support from family and friends, as
well as from health professionals, support groups, or your place
of worship. Asking for support is one way you can feel in
control of what's going on in your life, your need for support
is not a sign of weakness.
You feel lonely and abandoned. You may loose your desire to
continue living . If your are not getting the much needed
support from your friends and family then find others who can
support you. There are probably others in your community who
need your companionship as much as you need theirs. The mutual
support of others with cancer might also be a source of
comfort.You will probably need the support of different support
groups to help you cope with the diagnosis of mesothelioma
cancer.
What are different types of support groups?
There are different types and formats for support groups, there
are individual, group counseling and support groups. Some
support groups are formal and focus on learning about cancer or
dealing with feelings. There are also less formal and more
social groups. Some groups consist mainly of people with cancers
or only caregivers, while others include spouses, family
members, or friends. Other groups focus on certain types of
cancer or stages of disease like mesothelioma cancer. Some
groups have their meetings over a number of weeks while some
others meet over a longer period of time. Some programs no
longer accept new members while other groups are still open to
new members.
Health professionals (a social worker, nurse, or other licensed
professional), trained facilitators, or a group member may lead
the group. The leader of a group should have some type of
training before taking charge of a support group.
Telephone counseling groups
For those who cannot attend meetings or appointments,
counseling over the telephone is offered by organizations such
as Cancer Care, Inc. Some people may find online support groups
helpful because they like the privacy. It may be comforting to
chat with other people facing situations much like yours. But
keep in mind that chat rooms and message boards are not the best
source of cancer information, especially if they are not
monitored by trained professionals or experts.
No matter what kind of group it is, everyone taking part should
feel comfortable in the group and with the facilitator. If you
have any fears or uncertainties before entering a group, try to
discuss them with the group's facilitator ahead of time.
Along with support programs, other means of support may be
available in your community such as:
•Home health nursing services
•Social services, such as counseling and financial aid
•Nutrition services that provide meals or allow you to talk
with a registered dietitian
•Rehabilitation services provided by physical and occupational
therapists
•Spiritual services from chaplains or religious figures in the
community
Support in any form allows you to talk about your feelings and
develop skills to cope with the changes taking place in your
life. Some studies have found that people who go to support
groups have an improved quality of life, including better sleep
and appetite.
Self-help groups
Self-help groups are most often run by non-professionals who
have been through the same kinds of problems or crises. The
people in these groups can relate to your experience firsthand
and often have treatment-related tips and advice that may help
you. For example, they may offer a home remedy that helped with
their nausea, or know where to get the best prices on wigs and
turbans. If their family members are not in the group, patients
are free to express exactly how they feel. Family members can
also benefit from sharing their feelings, fears, and anxieties
with other families affected by mesothelioma cancer.
Self-help groups also give people recovering or who are long
term survivors of mesothelioma cancer help others with the
cancer. With some training, many people with cancer have found
that helping others makes them feel better about themselves.
They may go on to become group counselors or facilitators.
Choosing when to take part in a support group is important.
Some find it difficult to join a support group when they are
first diagnosed. The stories that other patients may share,
after months or even years of treatment, can be overwhelming and
upsetting. If you try a group and it doesn't feel right, you may
want to try again later or try another group.
Religion
Religion can be a source of strength for some people. Some find
new faith when diagnosed with cancer. Others find their cancer
experience strengthens their existing faith or their faith gives
them newfound strength and hope. Others who have never had
strong religious beliefs may not feel an urge to turn to
religion at this time. A minister, rabbi, other leader of your
faith, or a trained pastoral counselor can help you find
spiritual support. Some members of the clergy are specially
trained to minister to people with cancer and their families.
Some hospitals also have chaplains available.
Ask your health care team about the resources available at your
hospital. You can also contact your American Cancer Society to
find out about sources of support that are available in your
community.
About the Author: Bello Kamorudeen. For more information on
mesothelioma cancer visit
http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=423982&ca=Cancer+Survival
When you are faced with a diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer
there are many resources are available for you and your family
to benefit. You can seek for support from family and friends, as
well as from health professionals, support groups, or your place
of worship. Asking for support is one way you can feel in
control of what's going on in your life, your need for support
is not a sign of weakness.
You feel lonely and abandoned. You may loose your desire to
continue living . If your are not getting the much needed
support from your friends and family then find others who can
support you. There are probably others in your community who
need your companionship as much as you need theirs. The mutual
support of others with cancer might also be a source of
comfort.You will probably need the support of different support
groups to help you cope with the diagnosis of mesothelioma
cancer.
What are different types of support groups?
There are different types and formats for support groups, there
are individual, group counseling and support groups. Some
support groups are formal and focus on learning about cancer or
dealing with feelings. There are also less formal and more
social groups. Some groups consist mainly of people with cancers
or only caregivers, while others include spouses, family
members, or friends. Other groups focus on certain types of
cancer or stages of disease like mesothelioma cancer. Some
groups have their meetings over a number of weeks while some
others meet over a longer period of time. Some programs no
longer accept new members while other groups are still open to
new members.
Health professionals (a social worker, nurse, or other licensed
professional), trained facilitators, or a group member may lead
the group. The leader of a group should have some type of
training before taking charge of a support group.
Telephone counseling groups
For those who cannot attend meetings or appointments,
counseling over the telephone is offered by organizations such
as Cancer Care, Inc. Some people may find online support groups
helpful because they like the privacy. It may be comforting to
chat with other people facing situations much like yours. But
keep in mind that chat rooms and message boards are not the best
source of cancer information, especially if they are not
monitored by trained professionals or experts.
No matter what kind of group it is, everyone taking part should
feel comfortable in the group and with the facilitator. If you
have any fears or uncertainties before entering a group, try to
discuss them with the group's facilitator ahead of time.
Along with support programs, other means of support may be
available in your community such as:
•Home health nursing services
•Social services, such as counseling and financial aid
•Nutrition services that provide meals or allow you to talk
with a registered dietitian
•Rehabilitation services provided by physical and occupational
therapists
•Spiritual services from chaplains or religious figures in the
community
Support in any form allows you to talk about your feelings and
develop skills to cope with the changes taking place in your
life. Some studies have found that people who go to support
groups have an improved quality of life, including better sleep
and appetite.
Self-help groups
Self-help groups are most often run by non-professionals who
have been through the same kinds of problems or crises. The
people in these groups can relate to your experience firsthand
and often have treatment-related tips and advice that may help
you. For example, they may offer a home remedy that helped with
their nausea, or know where to get the best prices on wigs and
turbans. If their family members are not in the group, patients
are free to express exactly how they feel. Family members can
also benefit from sharing their feelings, fears, and anxieties
with other families affected by mesothelioma cancer.
Self-help groups also give people recovering or who are long
term survivors of mesothelioma cancer help others with the
cancer. With some training, many people with cancer have found
that helping others makes them feel better about themselves.
They may go on to become group counselors or facilitators.
Choosing when to take part in a support group is important.
Some find it difficult to join a support group when they are
first diagnosed. The stories that other patients may share,
after months or even years of treatment, can be overwhelming and
upsetting. If you try a group and it doesn't feel right, you may
want to try again later or try another group.
Religion
Religion can be a source of strength for some people. Some find
new faith when diagnosed with cancer. Others find their cancer
experience strengthens their existing faith or their faith gives
them newfound strength and hope. Others who have never had
strong religious beliefs may not feel an urge to turn to
religion at this time. A minister, rabbi, other leader of your
faith, or a trained pastoral counselor can help you find
spiritual support. Some members of the clergy are specially
trained to minister to people with cancer and their families.
Some hospitals also have chaplains available.
Ask your health care team about the resources available at your
hospital. You can also contact your American Cancer Society to
find out about sources of support that are available in your
community.
About the Author: Bello Kamorudeen. For more information on
mesothelioma cancer visit
http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=423982&ca=Cancer+Survival
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