AboutMesothelioma.Net

Mesothelioma Patient, a Nurse, Will Be Honored At Asbestos Disease Awareness Conference

Thursday, August 20, 2009

A nurse who is a seven year survivor of mesothelioma will be honored at the 6th Annual Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) Asbestos Disease Awareness Conference in Chicago, Illinois in April, 2010, according to the ADAO website.

After her diagnosis of plural mesothelioma in 2002, June Breit, RN, went into action on behalf of making people aware of this deadly asbestos related disease and encouraged the governor of Pennsylvania to implement Mesothelioma Awareness Day in the state.

At first Breit thought she had the flu when she had trouble breathing. When receiving the diagnosis of plural mesothelioma Breit was shocked and bewildered as she had no known occupational exposure to asbestos. Breit was well aware of the prognosis of mesothelioma after having been a nurse for 30 years.

Her treatment included surgery to remove part of her lung, the lining of her lung, and her diaphragm, chemotherapy, and radiation. Breit is an avid swimmer and one of her biggest surprises after her treatment was finding she needed two lungs to float after sinking the first time she tried. That did not stop her, however, as she now uses her granddaughter's noodle when she goes to the pool.

Breit continues her battle to ban asbestos use and devotes time to increase funding for the creation of additional treatment options for patients of mesothelioma.

Labels: Mesothelioma, Patients

posted by Nancy Meredith at 8:10 AM
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New York School Board Hires Environmental Firms to Test Schools for Asbestos

Saturday, May 30, 2009

The Patchogue-Medford school board in Long Island, New York agreed to hire three environmental firms to test air quality in district schools in response to allegations of asbestos contamination which has caused a drop in school enrollment, Newsday reports. The school board also authorized an investigation of a resident who acknowledged taking samples of insulation possibly containing asbestos from heating pipes in the district’s Eagle Elementary School.

More Information

Labels: Asbestos, Mesothelioma, News, Patients

posted by Aaron Phelps at 12:03 AM
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International Symposium on Mesothelioma Draws Near

Friday, May 29, 2009

The annual International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma is now less than a month away. An annual symposium organized by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, a charitable organization, will bring together international experts in asbestos-related cancers. patients and caregivers June 25-27 in Washington, D.C. to discuss the latest advances in mesothelioma research.

For more information on reserving your spot for one of the largest events concerning mesothelioma, its treatment, and the people involved, please visit the MARF website for
more information.

Labels: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, National News, Patients, Treatments

posted by Aaron Phelps at 11:50 PM
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New Mesothelioma Treatment Shows Promise

Friday, May 22, 2009

NeoPlas Innovation, a clinical cancer treatment and research firm located in Nashville, Tennessee, has announced that a combination of the cholesterol medicine lovastatin and a low-dose of interferon has shown favorable results in fighting mesothelioma.

The patient was a woman who was exposed to asbestos in childhood. When she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, it had already filled most of the chest space where her right lung had been. According to NeoPlast, two months after starting treatments, a CT scan showed that the cancer had stabilized and the largest of the tumors had regressed significantly in size.

It's still too early to draw full conclusions on the treatment because the testing is still in the early phases with only one patient so far.

NeoPlas is still accepting patients for the combination treatment.

For more breaking news on mesothelioma treatment, general information, and forum discussions, please visit Mesotheliomahelp.net.

Labels: Asbestos, Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients, Treatments

posted by Aaron Phelps at 9:41 AM
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Eli Lilly to Reveal Study Data on Mesothelioma Drug Treatments

Monday, May 18, 2009

Eli Lilly and Company will reveal the data from their latest research findings involving their mesothelioma and cancer treatment drugs, Alimta, Gemzar, and enzastaurin, an investigational drug. These studies are among more than 50 to be unveiled at the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Orlando, FL. The results will reveal the effectiveness of these drugs in treating mesothelioma, especially in patients who cannot undergo surgery.

Alimta has been approved the FDA in combination for cisplatin (chemotherapy drug) for the initial treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Gemzar is used along with cisplatin for first-line treatment for patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC for whom surgery isn't possible. It is also used to treat patients with pancreatic cancer, metastatic breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

The studies will be presented at ASCO from May 29th to June 2nd 2009.

For more information on mesothelioma, please visit Mesothelioma Help.net.

Labels: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients, Treatments

posted by Aaron Phelps at 11:07 AM
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Swine Flu and Mesothelioma Patients

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

With all the buzz in the media about the recent Swine Flu (H1N1) pandemic, it's easy to think that the disease is right around every corner.

While that may not be the case, it is still very important for mesothelioma patients to take precautions and to monitor their health closely. Radiation and chemotherapy that many cancer patients receive can weaken the immune system and make them more susceptible to diseases such as the H1N1 virus.

If you are a mesothelioma patient, like all other cancer patients, one thing that you've learned is survival. You have most likely been told by doctors that the number one step to fighting a disease is prevention and with the H1N1 virus, the rules are no different. While you're undergoing treatments, make sure to avoid large crowds of people and attempt to stay away from anyone with a fever or other flu symptoms. Remember that good hygiene is very important. Washing your hands before eating or touching your mouth, nose, or eyes can help to prevent the spread of the disease. If you have to come in contact with someone who has symptoms, make sure that they take precations such as a respirator or facemask.

For caregivers, if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms or if you believe you have come in contact with the H1N1 virus, it is best to avoid contact with your patient. If possible, find another trusted caregiver or friend to help you with your role of care. If it is absolutely necessary for you to come in contact with your patient, make sure to use a respirator, not a cheap face mask, as they do not provide the same amount of protection. Also, make sure your hands are sanitized and that you limit the amount of close contact to the minimum amount of time needed to perform your duties.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. If you believe that you have been exposed or are showing any of flu-like symptoms, contact your doctor.

Visit our website for more information on mesothelioma and patient care.

Labels: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients

posted by Aaron Phelps at 11:49 PM
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Over $10 Billion to Fund National Institutes of Health

Thursday, May 7, 2009

President Barack Obama has proposed nearly a 30% increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). $10.4 billion of the $787 billion stimulus fund can find its way to different medical research scientists across the country.

The prospect of this increase in spending has members of the medical research community scrambling to apply for to the NIH for funding for everything from new facilities to increased man power. The NIH is the largest provider of grant money for colleges, universities, and medical research companies in the U.S.

The University of Chicago alone has filed nearly 200 individual applications for increased research funding. Martha O'Connel, a university spokesperson said that the amount requested by the university is almost five times their yearly submission. The university is requesting funds that would be used to study lung tumors, breast cancer, and mesothelioma.

Other organizations are seeking funding to increase research ways to safely test HIV vaccines before they are given to humans.

This increase in spending for the NIH keeps in line with President Obama's desire for health reform. In the past he has announced to seek out a cure for cancer in our time and he officially declared April as National Cancer Control Month. If this trend continues, funding for cancer cures and prevention may continue to see an increase.

For more information on mesothelioma and treatment research, please visit Mesothelioma Help.net.

Labels: Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients, Treatments

posted by Aaron Phelps at 11:01 PM
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Gene Test Predicts Mesothelioma Survival

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

According to the May 6th Journal of the National Cancer institute, a 4-gene expression ratio test accurately predicts survival in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma.

The study performed by researchers from the Brigham and Women's Hospital, involved 120 patients undergoing surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Multiple samples were gathered either during surgery or through pleural biopsy. Researchers evaluated the test on multiple tumor samples from each patient and used two different gene samples and two different biopsy techniques.

The results were adjusted for other clinical factors and coupled with other mesothelioma prognosis information and patients were categorized into two groups. Patients assigned by the test to the good outcome group had significantly better median overall survival, 31.9 months, compared to the poor outcome group, 6.9 months.

It is hoped that this test will help doctors better determine a prognosis for patients. Patients who have a shorter life-expectancy can be counseled away from surgeries that would not benefit them or their families and allow them time seek hospice or other supportive care. For patients with a higher expectancy, doctors could help them to arrange for more long term treatments and surgeries.

Additional information about mesothelioma research and ongoing studies may be found at Mesothelioma Help.net.

Labels: Asbestos, Cancer, Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients, Treatments

posted by Aaron Phelps at 5:49 PM
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New Legislation Supports Early Detection

Saturday, April 11, 2009

On Mar 26, 2009, a new Senate bill was introduced that is intended to "modernize cancer research, increase access to preventative cancer services" and "provide cancer treatment and survivorship initiatives."

The 21st Century Cancer ALERT Act/Senate Bill 717 was sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy, and the full text of the proposed legislation can be found here: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=s111-717.

The bill is already attracting strong support from high profile groups and individuals across the country, including Lance Armstrong's LIVESTRONG Foundation.

The legislation outlines the following purposes:

(1) To reauthorize the National Cancer Institute and National Cancer Program in order to enhance and improve the cancer research conducted and supported by the National Cancer Institute and the National Cancer Program in order to benefit cancer patients.

(2) To recognize that with an increased understanding of cancer as more than 200 different diseases with genetic and molecular variations, there is a need for increased coordination and greater flexibility in how cancer research is conducted and coordinated in order to maximize the return the United States receives on its investment in such research.

(3) To prepare for the looming impact of an aging population of the United States and the anticipated financial burden associated with medical treatment and lost productivity, along with the toll of human suffering that accompanies a cancer diagnosis.

(4) To support the National Cancer Institute in establishing relationships and scientific consortia with an emphasis on public-private partnership development, which will further the development of advanced technologies that will improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

To read the legislation, contact your congressman, and stay updated on the status of the bill, visit: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s111-717.

You may also download a PDF of the bill in its current format here: http://www.mesotheliomahelp.net/mesothelioma-cancer-research-legislation.pdf

Labels: Cancer, Mesothelioma, Patients

posted by Your Attorney at 10:02 AM
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Long-term Mesothelioma Survivor Named Volunteer of the Year

Friday, April 3, 2009

Diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1998, Craig Kozicki and his wife have received the Volunteer of the Year award from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation for their continued efforts to raise investment for research and their promotion at the legislative level.

"Craig and Shelly have been a beacon of hope, and of direct action," says the Meso Foundation Executive Director, Chris Hahn. "They have inspired countless patients and caregivers. They have inspired me personally and all of the Meso Foundation staff and volunteers as we work every day to find a cure for this cruel disease."

Featured recently by FOX Business, click here to read more about Craig's successful fight, treatment regimen, and support of other mesothelioma patients.

Labels: Family, Mesothelioma, News, Patients

posted by Your Attorney at 9:31 AM
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