Mesothelioma Help Cancer News
Make Thanksgiving Special In Honor of Your Loved Ones Lost to Mesothelioma
The holidays are a time to be with those you love. A time to laugh, reminisce about old memories, and create new ones that will be added to the collection. My family continues to do this, but with the realization that the group present has changed drastically over the past few years.
Now, there are empty seats at our table; not only my Dad’s, but also those of both of my Grandmothers. We lost all three of them in the last four years. Adjusting to their loss has been challenging on both sides of my family, who are intensely close. There is no division, only one group united in love.
Looking at a Thanksgiving turkey or a beautifully decorated Christmas tree still brings me joy, but it also makes me a bit sad knowing that some loved ones who would always play a hand in them aren’t here to make their usual contributions. There are songs and customs that lack something… someone.
It is never easy to lose a person that you love, someone who has played a pivotal part in your family, and therefore, a vital part in holiday traditions. Even as you carry on, it’s important to honor their memory by doing just that. Continue those things that they introduced you to; what a beautiful way to make their legacy last! Even though the framework may look a bit different at times, the meaning remains the same.
Do them with the same love and fervor that you did together. It will pass on to the next generation as well. Most of all, enjoy this special time with those you love; don’t forget those who are no longer there, but remember them with a grateful, joyful heart.
Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2017 Introduced in Senate
Linda Reinstein, co-founder and President/CEO of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, scored a victory in her fight for an asbestos ban when a group of senators introduced the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN) of 2017 early this month. Named for Reinstein’s husband who lost his life in 2006 to mesothelioma, an asbestos-caused cancer, the bill aims to have asbestos “taken off the market once and for all.”
Asbestos is a human carcinogen and exposure to the mineral is known to cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by inhaling or swallowing asbestos fibers. There is as yet no known cure and researchers are seeking more effective treatments to manage the disease. Approximately 2,500 to 3,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
“It’s outrageous that in the year 2017, asbestos is still allowed in the United States,” said Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), one of the sponsors. “It’s time for us to catch up to the rest of the developed world, and ban this dangerous public health threat once and for all.”
Many people erroneously believe asbestos use has been banned in the U.S., but a ruling in 1989 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was overruled. Initially, the EPA issued a final rule included in Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) banning most asbestos-containing products. However, in 1991, most of the original ban on the manufacture, importation, processing, or distribution in commerce for the majority of the asbestos-containing products originally covered in the 1989 rule was overturned, according to the EPA.
Expert Insight
Linda Reinstein, ADAO
“It’s time to make asbestos a thing of the past in this nation once and for all.”
“ADAO is extremely thankful to Senator Merkley for championing the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (ARBAN) of 2017,” said Reinstein in the Nov. 2 press release from Senator Diane Feinstein announcing the bill.
Reinstein has been a tireless advocate for the mesothelioma community, spending countless hours talking to government officials pleading for changes to the antiquated asbestos laws in the U.S. The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization is a non-profit organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and community, with an end goal of banning asbestos in the U.S. ADAO is the largest independent organization dedicated to preventing asbestos-related diseases.
See a PSA video about the hazards of asbestos released by ADAO earlier this year.
According to the press release, the highlights of ARBAN include:
- Amend TSCA to require the EPA to identify and assess known uses of, and exposures to all forms of asbestos.
- Require that, within 18 months of enactment, the EPA must impose restrictions on the use of asbestos necessary to eliminate human or environmental exposure to all forms of asbestos.
- Within one year, disallow the manufacturing, processing, use or distribution of commerce asbestos other than described in EPA’s rule.
“We can no longer afford to wait, Congress must ban asbestos now,” said Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)
Visit the ADAO website for more information and to find out how you can support the effort to ban asbestos.
Sources:
- EPA
http://www2.epa.gov/asbestos - ADAO website
http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/archives/19485 - Senator Diane Feinstein
https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A3B14AFF-7679-4CAA-84EE-D5B26914E956
Experience Counts When Treating Mesothelioma Patients
When you are familiar with a situation and work closely with people working on the same problem, sometimes you assume things are further along. Like with mesothelioma. I see breakthroughs in treatments for mesothelioma patients every day, yet I still see patients who are told their disease is too far along for any care other than palliative chemotherapy.
Their local doctor is telling them something they truly believe, and from their own experience it appears to be accurate. Possibly that doctor’s experience is limited by the lack of mesothelioma patients he or she has treated. With only 2,500-3,000 patients diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, only doctors at specialty centers can build their knowledge and experience through treating numerous patients.
This past week, I saw a man who was told by his local doctor to have chemotherapy because that was his only choice to extend what little time they had to offer. The patient was overwhelmed and frightened by this prognosis. He chose to seek another opinion. Through research, he found a mesothelioma center that was close to him, and decided to travel to see a specialist.
Here he was told something very different. He was told he was operable, and his disease was not advanced and he had a good chance in resuming his life as he knows it. Well, that was music to his ears. He would endure a 6-8 hour surgery and a recovery that could be difficult and painful.
He traveled alone and took on this surgery that was a gamble. He followed his medical instructions to the letter, and 10 days later is out of the hospital and is recovering from his surgery.
He is now joined by a family member. During our visit he was so pleased that he chose this option. He was planning on weaning himself off the pain medicine and was making plans to return home. His appetite and spirits are good. He is anxious to return home, but he is patient and will continue with the discharge plan.
I urge anyone reading this, who has not seen a mesothelioma specialist, to please get a second opinion about this disease. Hopefully, you will find an expert. There is a lot of information on the internet and there are many experts listed. Ask your primary care physician for the name of an expert. This is your life and you need to find the best options possible.
Medicine and science are evolving every day. There is still is no cure, there are more options than ever before. Sometimes we all need to remember that mesothelioma is a rare aggressive disease, and seeking out a second opinion at a mesothelioma center might give you and your loved ones peace of mind and a longer life.
Mesothelioma Researchers Urged To Apply For Fellowship Award For The Early Detection Of Lung Cancer
Many of the articles from MesotheliomaHelp report on the latest breakthroughs in research. But each breakthrough takes a lot of time and a lot of money. Last month, two organizations focused on bringing effective treatments to lung cancer patients announced a partnership for a fellowship award for the early detection of lung cancer. Lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, and all cancers, detected in the early stages brings increased survival to patients.
Free ME From Lung Cancer (FMFLC) and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) joined forces in offering the first-ever $200,000 Joint Fellowship Award for the Early Detection of Lung Cancer. According to an Oct. 10 press release, the award supports novel, innovative and translational research with the potential of having a high clinical impact on the early detection of lung cancer.
“This first joint award between FMFLC and the IASLC funds research that will positively impact lung cancer patients,” said Deb Violette, President and Founder of FMFLC. “We are thrilled to be working with the IASLC to help change the lives of lung cancer patients.”
The treatment protocol for pleural mesothelioma, an asbestos-caused cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, is nearly identical to lung cancer. Funding offered to bring a new, effective treatment to lung cancer patients is a benefit to pleural mesothelioma patients as well. A focus on early detection brings even more hope to the mesothelioma community that future patients will enjoy a longer survival.
Patients with pleural mesothelioma do not exhibit many symptoms until the disease is at an advanced, incurable stage. Currently, there are no screening tests for lung cancer or mesothelioma like those available for breast and prostate cancer.
Pleural mesothelioma is highly aggressive and is resistant to many cancer treatments, leading researchers throughout the world to spend countless hours searching for better ways to treat the incurable cancer. They rely on funding from public and private sources to run their clinical trials and to ensure continuous funding throughout the projects.
“Fellowships like this foster groundbreaking and collaborative research worldwide,” said IASLC Foundation Director, AnnMarie Estrada.
The National Cancer Institute reports that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in men and women with an estimated 222,500 new diagnoses and 155,870 deaths in the U.S. in 2017. Nearly 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year.
Free ME from Lung Cancer is the only nonprofit based in Maine dedicated solely to raising money for lung cancer research and offering early lung cancer screening for high risk patients who do not have insurance.
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies.
The money is awarded over two years with $100,000 given each year. Applications will be accepted until December 31. The award winner will be notified on March 15, 2018.
Visit the IASLC website to learn more.
Reflecting on Five Years of Writing About Mesothelioma
I remember the first time I saw the tribute page to my father, Donnie Smitley, on this site. The pride that I felt, the emotions that barreled through my heart, were immense. It is such a beautiful tribute to this man who was so simple, yet so influential. It was amazing to see this influence, even after his passing.
This is a great time to thank everyone at MesotheliomaHelp for their support and help over these years. It’s hard to believe that I submitted my first blog in October 2012, five years ago! What an honor to have been able to share my family’s story with you for this long. Through my writings, I have had the honor to hear from others in the mesothelioma community who have been through similar situations. I have gotten to be a sounding board, friend, and even an “expert” (although I wouldn’t call myself that), to many.
From the bottom of my heart, please know that the gratitude I feel for this opportunity is sincere. I hope to continue to share for many years to come… until we find a cure for this awful disease.
Visit Don Smitley’s tribute page on MesotheliomaHelp.
Free Mesothelioma Patient & Treatment Guide
We’d like to offer you our in-depth guide, “A Patient’s Guide to Mesothelioma,” absolutely free of charge.
It contains a wealth of information and resources to help you better understand the condition, choose (and afford) appropriate treatment, and exercise your legal right to compensation.
Download Now