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
Sunday, October 31, 2010
How to Cope With the Stress of Mesothelioma Chemotherapy
By Bello Kamorudeen
Chemotherapy can be a grueling experience for most mesothelioma patients, most of the anti cancer drugs have terrible side effects that you will experience during the course of the therapy. These following steps will help you cope with the stress of chemotherapy:
-Focus on the goals of your treatment in your mind. This will help you keep a positive attitude on days when the going gets rough.
-Try and eat good food, though in little and moderate quantities, your body needs all the necessary food nutrients to rebuild tissues and remain strong
-Learn as much as you want to know about mesothelioma cancer and its treatment. This will help you to cope better with the fear of the unknown and increase your feeling of control.
-Keep a journal or diary while you're being treated. A record of your activities and thoughts can help you understand the feelings you have as you go through treatment. It can also help you highlight questions you need to ask your doctor or nurse. You also can use your journal to record the side effects. This will help you when you talk about them with your doctor and nurse. You can write down the steps you take to cope with side effects and how well those steps work, too. That way, you’ll know which methods worked best for you in case you have the same side effects again.
-Do not over exert yourself physically; you need to take things easy as your strength will be depleted by the effects of the powerful drugs that you are taking, so try to get as much rest as you can. Let the small stuff slide and only do the things that are most important to you.
-Try new hobbies and learn new skills.
-Exercise if you can and if your doctor says you can. Exercise helps to make you feel better about yourself, help you get rid of tension or anger, and build your appetite.
-Devise means of coping with stress and relaxing. There are simple techniques that you can practice that can help you cope with stress and help you relax. You should discuss with your doctor before you start using these techniques, especially if you have lung problems.
These are some of the technique that can help you deal with stress and relax:
•Lie down in a quiet room.
•Take a slow, deep breath.
•As you breathe in, tense a muscle or group of muscles. For example, clench your teeth or stiffen your arms or legs.
•Keep your muscles tense for a second or 2 while holding your breath.
•Then breathe out, release the tension, and let your body relax completely.
•Repeat the process with another muscle or muscle group.
Another way to do this is called progressive relaxation. You work your way up your body starting with the toes of one foot. Contract then relax all the muscles of one leg. Do the same with the other leg. Work your way up your body, contracting then relaxing each of the muscle groups in your body, including those in your neck and face. Remember to hold your breath while briefly contracting your muscles and to breathe out when releasing the tension.
Rhythmic breathing:
•Get into a comfortable position and relax all your muscles.
•Close your eyes or focus on a distant object if you prefer to keep them open.
•Breathe in and out slowly and comfortably through your nose. If you like, keep the rhythm steady by saying to yourself, "In, one, two. Out, one, two."
•Feel yourself relax and go limp each time you breathe out.
•You can continue this for just a few seconds or for up to 10 minutes.
Other forms of relaxation techniques that you can use include biofeedback, distraction, mental imagery, visualization and hypnosis.
About the Author: Bello Kamorudeen.For more information on Mesothelioma Chemotherapy go to http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=423872&ca=Cancer+Survival
Chemotherapy can be a grueling experience for most mesothelioma patients, most of the anti cancer drugs have terrible side effects that you will experience during the course of the therapy. These following steps will help you cope with the stress of chemotherapy:
-Focus on the goals of your treatment in your mind. This will help you keep a positive attitude on days when the going gets rough.
-Try and eat good food, though in little and moderate quantities, your body needs all the necessary food nutrients to rebuild tissues and remain strong
-Learn as much as you want to know about mesothelioma cancer and its treatment. This will help you to cope better with the fear of the unknown and increase your feeling of control.
-Keep a journal or diary while you're being treated. A record of your activities and thoughts can help you understand the feelings you have as you go through treatment. It can also help you highlight questions you need to ask your doctor or nurse. You also can use your journal to record the side effects. This will help you when you talk about them with your doctor and nurse. You can write down the steps you take to cope with side effects and how well those steps work, too. That way, you’ll know which methods worked best for you in case you have the same side effects again.
-Do not over exert yourself physically; you need to take things easy as your strength will be depleted by the effects of the powerful drugs that you are taking, so try to get as much rest as you can. Let the small stuff slide and only do the things that are most important to you.
-Try new hobbies and learn new skills.
-Exercise if you can and if your doctor says you can. Exercise helps to make you feel better about yourself, help you get rid of tension or anger, and build your appetite.
-Devise means of coping with stress and relaxing. There are simple techniques that you can practice that can help you cope with stress and help you relax. You should discuss with your doctor before you start using these techniques, especially if you have lung problems.
These are some of the technique that can help you deal with stress and relax:
•Lie down in a quiet room.
•Take a slow, deep breath.
•As you breathe in, tense a muscle or group of muscles. For example, clench your teeth or stiffen your arms or legs.
•Keep your muscles tense for a second or 2 while holding your breath.
•Then breathe out, release the tension, and let your body relax completely.
•Repeat the process with another muscle or muscle group.
Another way to do this is called progressive relaxation. You work your way up your body starting with the toes of one foot. Contract then relax all the muscles of one leg. Do the same with the other leg. Work your way up your body, contracting then relaxing each of the muscle groups in your body, including those in your neck and face. Remember to hold your breath while briefly contracting your muscles and to breathe out when releasing the tension.
Rhythmic breathing:
•Get into a comfortable position and relax all your muscles.
•Close your eyes or focus on a distant object if you prefer to keep them open.
•Breathe in and out slowly and comfortably through your nose. If you like, keep the rhythm steady by saying to yourself, "In, one, two. Out, one, two."
•Feel yourself relax and go limp each time you breathe out.
•You can continue this for just a few seconds or for up to 10 minutes.
Other forms of relaxation techniques that you can use include biofeedback, distraction, mental imagery, visualization and hypnosis.
About the Author: Bello Kamorudeen.For more information on Mesothelioma Chemotherapy go to http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
Source: www.isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=423872&ca=Cancer+Survival
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Influenza | Pleural Mesothelioma-symptoms, Diagnosis, And Treatment-basic
By: Bello kamorudeen
Pleural mesothelioma is the commonest type of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that attacks the mesothelial cells in the mesothelium, the tissue that forms the membranous lining of the body’s major internal organs and cavities.
Pleural mesothelioma develops when the cancer affects the pleura {the membranous lining of the lungs}.This form of cancer is commonest in the UK, followed by South Africa, then Australia, then USA, then Eastern Europe.
The pleura has two layers which gives support and protection to the lungs and chest cavity:
-The outer layer, or parietal layer, lines the entire chest cavity and the diaphragm.
-The inner layer or the visceral layer which applies directly over the lungs.
Pleural mesothelioma can start from any of these two layers then spread to the other layer. Exposure to asbestos has been strongly linked to the development of this type of cancer. The toxic fibers get trapped in the spaces between the mesothelial cells of the pleura.
Symptoms
The asbestos fibers trapped in the body cause cancerous cells to multiply and divide haphazardly without control. These results in the thickening of the pleural membrane and mesothelial cells, leading to fluid build up in the pleura {pleural effusion}. This accumulated fluid will gradually start pressing on the lungs and the respiratory system leading abnormal and difficult breathing.
These developments eventually form the basis of most of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. These symptoms include:
A} Persistent dry or raspy cough
B} Haemoptysis, the coughing up of blood in the sputum
C} Difficulty in swallowing {dysphagia}
D} Difficulty in breathing, labored breathing known as dyspnoea
E} Pleurisy, pain in the chest during breathing
F} Development of lumps under the skin of the chest wall
G} Night sweats or fever
H} Unexplained weight loss
I} Fatigue
Diagnosis
Just like in other forms of mesothelioma, the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma show up many years after the initial exposure to asbestos and these symptoms are not specific to pleural mesothelioma, they also occur in some other less serious lung diseases like pneumonia and influenza.
All these factors make the diagnosis of pleura mesothelioma very difficult.
Once there is a strong clinical suspicion of pleural mesothelioma, diagnosis is then confirmed by imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scan, to confirm the location of the cancer. The patient is also subjected to fluid and tissue analysis known as biopsy to confirm the type of cancer involved.
Treatment
Newly developed drugs and detection techniques have improved the outlook for patients with pleural mesothelioma.
In general there are three main modes of treatment: a} Surgery b} Chemotherapy c} Radiotherapy. Most patients receive a combination of two or more of the different modes of treatment.
The earlier the cancer is detected, the better the prognosis and the wider the range of treatment options. When the tumor is detected early, curative surgery is done to remove the cancer, this is followed by chemotherapy or and radiotherapy to kill off any remnant cancerous cells. Curative surgeries is only carried out in patients that have good general state of health and whose cancers have not spread beyond localized sections of the lungs.
The level of progression of the tumor is classified in terms of the stage of the cancer. The stages range from stage 1 to stage 4 depending on the level of spread of the tumor.
Stage 1 and Stage 2 pleural mesothelioma have better prognosis and better treatment options.
The latter stages of the cancer, namely stage 3 and stage 4 are mostly limited to palliative modes of treatment to improve the quality of life and not their prognosis. These palliative treatments include the draining of excessive fluids in the pleural spaces and surgical removal of tumors to relieve pressure on the lungs.
According to current studies, approximately 10% of all pleural mesothelioma patients will survive for three to five years after diagnosis and 5% will survive for 5 years and above.
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Bello Kamorudeen.For more information on mesothelioma go to www.mesotheliomaconer.blogspot.com
Friday, October 29, 2010
Stage 4 Mesothelioma-Important Points For You To know
Author: Bello Gbenga
By the time mesothelioma has reached Stage 4 classification, the tumor has advanced and spread to different sites far away from the primary location. Most times mesothelioma spreads to vital organs like the brain, other areas in the chest cavity and into vital organs situated in the abdominal cavity.The TNM SystemThe TNM system categorizes cancer based on three factors:1} the size of the tumor, 2}whether the cancer has spread from its point of origin to nearby lymph nodes, and 3}whether the cancer has metastasized. This system may be used to stage pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. The T stands for the size of the tumor, the N stands for the extent of lymph node involvement, and the M for the extent of distant metastases. This is the commonest staging system used for most cancers.The Butchart SystemThe Butchart System categorizes the different stages of the cancer based mainly on the size and spread of the primary tumor. This system has four stages. In Stage 4 of the Butchart system, mesothelioma has metastasized, spreading through the bloodstream to organs and tissues that are distant from the primary tumor site.The Brigham SystemThe Brigham system is a relatively new system of staging mesothelioma. This system classify mesothelioma into different stages based on whether or not tumors can be removed via surgery {resectability of the tumor mass}, and whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The Brigham system includes four stages. In Stage 4 of the Brigham system, mesothelioma is inoperable due to the large size of tumors and it has penetrated into vital organs. In addition, mesothelioma has metastasized to other locations, meaning cancer is more than likely to recur even if primary tumors are removed.How is Stage 4 Mesothelioma Treated?Patients with stage 4 have few treatment options. With Stage 4 mesothelioma, the prognosis is generally very poor due to the spread of cancer to multiple locations. Additionally, primary tumors have often penetrated too deeply into organs and tissues to be removed. The general health of stage 4 patients would have also declined to a level where the patient is too weak to withstand the physical stress of surgery.Stage 4 treatments are therefore limited to palliative treatments that are used to relieve symptoms of the disease. These may include procedures such as thoracentesis or paracentesis, where built-up fluid is removed from the lungs or abdomen to relieve pain and pressure on internal organs. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be used to shrink tumors to provide symptomatic relief. As these treatments often have serious side effects, patients should carefully consider whether or not they wish to endure such treatments at this final stage.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/stage-4-mesotheliomaimportant-points-for-you-to-know-1112292.html
About the AuthorBello kamorudeen.For more information on mesothelioma staging go to http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
By the time mesothelioma has reached Stage 4 classification, the tumor has advanced and spread to different sites far away from the primary location. Most times mesothelioma spreads to vital organs like the brain, other areas in the chest cavity and into vital organs situated in the abdominal cavity.The TNM SystemThe TNM system categorizes cancer based on three factors:1} the size of the tumor, 2}whether the cancer has spread from its point of origin to nearby lymph nodes, and 3}whether the cancer has metastasized. This system may be used to stage pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. The T stands for the size of the tumor, the N stands for the extent of lymph node involvement, and the M for the extent of distant metastases. This is the commonest staging system used for most cancers.The Butchart SystemThe Butchart System categorizes the different stages of the cancer based mainly on the size and spread of the primary tumor. This system has four stages. In Stage 4 of the Butchart system, mesothelioma has metastasized, spreading through the bloodstream to organs and tissues that are distant from the primary tumor site.The Brigham SystemThe Brigham system is a relatively new system of staging mesothelioma. This system classify mesothelioma into different stages based on whether or not tumors can be removed via surgery {resectability of the tumor mass}, and whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The Brigham system includes four stages. In Stage 4 of the Brigham system, mesothelioma is inoperable due to the large size of tumors and it has penetrated into vital organs. In addition, mesothelioma has metastasized to other locations, meaning cancer is more than likely to recur even if primary tumors are removed.How is Stage 4 Mesothelioma Treated?Patients with stage 4 have few treatment options. With Stage 4 mesothelioma, the prognosis is generally very poor due to the spread of cancer to multiple locations. Additionally, primary tumors have often penetrated too deeply into organs and tissues to be removed. The general health of stage 4 patients would have also declined to a level where the patient is too weak to withstand the physical stress of surgery.Stage 4 treatments are therefore limited to palliative treatments that are used to relieve symptoms of the disease. These may include procedures such as thoracentesis or paracentesis, where built-up fluid is removed from the lungs or abdomen to relieve pain and pressure on internal organs. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be used to shrink tumors to provide symptomatic relief. As these treatments often have serious side effects, patients should carefully consider whether or not they wish to endure such treatments at this final stage.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/stage-4-mesotheliomaimportant-points-for-you-to-know-1112292.html
About the AuthorBello kamorudeen.For more information on mesothelioma staging go to http://www.mesotheliomacorner.blogspot.com
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