Mesothelioma Help Cancer News

Time is one of our greatest assets. According to Miriam Webster the meaning is “the thing that is measured as seconds, minutes, hours , days, years, etc.” Time is something we all have, we just don’t know how much. 

Many illnesses threaten our timeline and sometimes force us to look at how we spend our time.  Malignant mesothelioma is bad news, with some options, but still with no cure. Researchers, doctors and scientists continue to push science for more information. When diagnosed with this disease or any other serious illness, looking for a timeline is natural. The question often asked is “how much time do I have?” Although no one can say with certainty, there are averages of time that are based on previous patients. When faced with the knowledge that you have a serious illness and your time may be limited, most want the best of what time is left. The best for one, can be different for the next. 

I met a woman a few months ago, she had undergone a pleural biopsy. She was pretty convinced that she had pleural malignant mesothelioma. Prior to confirmation she told me she would choose wisely what type of treatment she would opt in for – which was ultimately immunotherapy. She has responded positively but has been left with some side effects. Her goal is to move out of her present housing situation and live somewhere easier. Physically, emotionally, and financially she has had to make some tough decisions. She feels as if these changes will give her a better quality of whatever time she has. Fortunately, she has a support system and a plan.

Dealing with terminal illness forces us to ask ourselves, how will we live out our remaining days? Some, if allowed, “live like they are dying.” Receiving a terminal illness as a diagnosis almost always forces one to reflect upon their life, and where and what they would like to do with whatever time remains. 

We all measure time with different clocks. Some mark time by births, weddings, deaths, current events. However you choose to measure time, don’t forget to live it and enjoy it. We know when one is diagnosed with a terminal illness it feels as if time is standing still. Despite whatever time you have left, you are given the opportunity to have many conversations with people . These illnesses allow one to say “I love you”, make amends or share some intimate conversations. 

All of us need to cherish our time  and relationships for time is promised to no one.

Today is the 18th Annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day. This day is set aside to raise awareness of malignant mesothelioma and the need for research.

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare disease that affects around 3,000 people a year in the United States. A disease is considered rare if it affects less than 200,000 Americans a year.

The leading cause of malignant mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. The exposure can happen as far as 50 years in the past. A lot of Americans assume that this is a disease that does not happen anymore because they think asbestos is banned. Neither of these premises are true.

Through awareness and research progress has been made. Research has given patients options that were not in play in the past. We have seen the direct role that research has played in moving the survivability of patients with mesothelioma from months to living with mesothelioma as a chronic disease.

The mesothelioma community is an active community. Organizing a group to successfully spread awareness is a challenge.

The main group behind the Mesothelioma Awareness Day is the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. They raise awareness and fund research that hopefully will lead to a cure. The Foundation was instrumental in starting and growing this annual day.

Some of the ways that we can all spread the word about malignant mesothelioma is to wear blue on Sunday, support local efforts like walks, and support social media efforts to share the message. Individually we can talk with people about the disease and the devastation that it inflicts on families and help spread facts of this disease.

With the pandemic we have seen what awareness and sense of urgency can do. Making scientific research a focus and a national priority can help further the search for a cure. Research and support of research is the key to curing mesothelioma.

On Sunday, September 26, 2021 spend some time spreading the word!