3 Oct, 2009 in
Questions & Answers by
admin
I'm so sorry. It's a terrible as well as scary disease as well as just so hopeless at every turn.
I lost my dad to Mesothelioma back in 2003. His brother died from it a few years earlier, but progress is being made against the disease all the time. It claimed my uncle in only 9 months, but my dad made it almost 3 years – as well as was on medicines that weren't even invented when my uncle was battling it. I imagine that's the case now too.
We were lucky because he was capable to be treated by Dr. Jablons at UCSF who is one of the big researchers in the field. My dad had chemo, followed by an experimental surgery, then radiation, more chemo as well as finally some compassion release chemo drugs that were part of a clinical trial.
My dad was a active as well as physically fit, so he was capable to monitor his health quite well (he'd actually go for 5 mile walks after having his daily radiation). He could really monitor his breathing as well as getting his chest drained would make an short-term improvement. As he got sicker he complained a lot of the big "gorilla" that felt similar it was compressing his chest all the time. He as well as had a lot of pain that got worse as his disease progressed – all of the pain was situated in his chest as well as lungs. He lost quite a bit of weight as he got sicker, as well as eventually was on oxygen as well as couldn't walk across the room without having to sit down as well as catch his breath.
Some of the odd chemo side effects were that all of his not light hair fell out but he kept his gray hair – so he looked older almost over night. It was weird. As well as everything tasted similar metal to him when he was on the chemo (he had Cisplatin as well as I forget what the other one was)…everything that is but hot dogs.
I think some of the best advice we had was to really make each day meaningful as well as be close as a family.
The other thing that was a large piece of advice from Dr. Jablons that probably isn't so obvious was to not be afraid of immature doctors. I remember the subordinate oncologist my dad had was so immature we thought she had to be 17. But, immature doctors are usually very willing to work really rocklike as well as research anything as well as everything to try as well as find a way to help you purchase some time, while the older, more experienced oncologists tend to accept meso as a death sentence. The younger doctors tend to consult for a lot of advice from the experienced oncologists rather than relying on their knowledge, as well as they may possess unfastened options to participate in clinical trials where more seasoned veterans possess used up all their trials. I guess the way a lot of research studies work is that each healthcare professional is allowed 1-2 patients into the trial, so sometimes doctors possess used up all their trials. It typically takes a lot of paperwork as well as effort to get a patient into some of the trials too, but having a healthcare professional who has the tenacity to make sure everything gets done to ensure their patient is included is a relief.
Sorry, this is extended winded but I hope some incase it is helpful.
