Mesothelioma Support Group

Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated with previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, cancerous cells develop in the mesothelium. Its most common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds the heart).

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/ Mesothelioma Support Group

what do I expect

deleted_user
deleted_user
My husband, 71, has just recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma. a year ago he had a plural build up in wall of lung. It was drained. Two weeks later it was full again and drained again. He had five biopsies, all coming back non conclusive. Last month we were referred to a specialist in thoatic cancer. Two days after he did a biopsy we were told he has pleural mesothelioma. It is in early stages. we are scheduled for surgery to scrape the lining of lungs (a 10 - 14 hour surgery) in a week. We are told he will follow up 5 weeks after surgery with 5 weeks of radiation. Then scans and different treatments when it comes back. I have spoken to the Dr. in detail and have tried to search the internet but I am unable to find exactly what will happen...how much strength he will have...will he get any quality life back.....what will he go through? I have severe COPD and fibromyalgia and a problem with my back. Will I be able to do all the caregiving and to what extent will that be needed? We know this is terminal, we just do not know what to expect. Can anyone help with my questions??
candy36
candy36
My dad is also 71 , with mesothelioma , miricules do happen i will tell u that as far as time goes , ive seen it with my dad. he was diagnosed at 70 and is now 71. My dad never smoked tho which may have helped alot. but he has went thru alot . when he first got diagnosed , his lungs were filing with fluid , he had to have surgery for that i forget what it was caled but something so it would help them from filling up, it helped from that then he had to have a major surgery they said or he wouldnt have made it a yr , so he had to get a seriousley huge cut from his back to side , so they could remove as much aspestoes they could find as possible the docters explained to my mom it looked like cottage chesse almost .... well that surgery was the best choice he made tho being his age he was in tons of pain for quite awhile after for awhile. then he actually seemed better he was up and about doing things for a bit there , but has slowed down since , he can only do a little now gets tired and has to rest. sadley he came down with anomia 3 months ago and a cough and the cough has gotton worse , and tommrow to be exact will be going to a pulmanary docter about it again , just praying for the best but what scares me is now hes eating less , tho hes still walking but as i said tires very easily.
The best advise i have for u is surgery is a good thing it means its not too late for surgery and keep him active as if all possible my mom does for my dad , sometimes i think she may over to it but to give up and lay down is no good , keep a moveing is a good thing, tell him to fight this afual disease just keep a fighting my dad was so scared when he first got diagnosed he didnt think hed survive a month and its been a little over a year now and my dad is still here.
I will keep u in my thoughts and prayers if u pray pray and pray alot it helps ive seen it with my dad im blessed to still have him today ... big hugs !