Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-568-1177

Menu

1-888-568-1177

Monthly Archives: February 2018

Yoga – A Successful Treatment

Eleanor Ericson Mesothelioma NurseOne of the side effects that patients undergoing treatment for cancer often notice is fatigue. Doctors that study fatigue related to cancer treatment have found that the interventions that are prescribed fall into three categories. The first is treatment of a physiological problem like anemia, the second is drugs to stimulate the patient such as amphetamines. The third, and most successful is to suggest an exercise program such as yoga. Research is showing that yoga can help with pain and fatigue for patients undergoing cancer treatments. Used in conjunction with standard medical therapy, yoga is included as the third most popular complementary treatment used in the United States.

Yoga Cancer MesotheliomaYoga is an ancient practice of at least 5000 years, there are more than 100 different forms of yoga varying from fast paced to relaxing. The practice of yoga can help increase strength, endurance, and flexibility. Hatha is the form of yoga that most people think of when they think of yoga. The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word “yuji,” meaning yoke or union. Yoga is an ancient practice that brings together mind and body. One of the premises being that mental and physical health are not just closely tied together they are equivalent. For many yoga is a low risk, high yield approach to improving overall health. Yoga has been described as a total mind -body workout that combines strengthening and stretching poses called asanas, with breathing exercises known as pranayama, and meditation or relaxing.

The past few years have shown an increase in the number of people who practice yoga. It is estimated that approximately 7.5% of U.S. adults have tried yoga at least once- nearly 4% in the previous year. A survey conducted by Yoga Alliance and The Yoga Journal, the results noted in an article in Forbes March 15,2016, stated yoga is being practiced by 37 million people in the United States up from 20 million, 3 years ago. Of that number 72% are women and 28% are men. The coasts of the United States are where yoga is most popular rather than in the middle of the country. One study identified some of the reasons people are trying yoga is 61% for flexibility, 56% stress relief, 49% general fitness, 49% overall health, 44% physical fitness, 86% experience a strong sense of mental clarity and 90% yoga is a form of meditation.

What are some of the effects of yoga on your health?

– Yoga can reduce the impact of exaggerated stress responses and may be helpful with both anxiety and depression.

– University of Utah study showed that people that have a poorly regulated response to stress are also more sensitive to pain.

– Techniques such as yoga, can help a person regulate their stress and pain responses.

– Can decrease the levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone- helps lower levels of stress, anxiety, fatigue and depression

– Studies have shown that practicing yoga can lead to a decrease in symptoms of anxiety

– May reduce inflammatory markers in the body and help prevent pro-inflammatory diseases

– Could improve heart health- alone or with other therapies

– Improves quality of life

– Fights depression by decreasing symptoms of depression by influencing the production of stress hormones

– Reduce chronic pain increasers the secretion of melatonin a hormone that regulates sleep and wakefulness

– Improves balance and mobility in older adults

– Yoga may stimulate the vagus nerve and reduce migraine intensity and frequency- alone or with conventional therapy

– Mindful eating- yoga encourages mindfulness which may be used to help promote mindful eating and healthy eating habits

Yoga has many health benefits, is affordable, and open to people of all ages. It may help in your journey with mesothelioma.

Post-traumatic Stress Syndrome, PTSD

Eleanor Ericson Mesothelioma NursePost-traumatic stress syndrome, PTSD, is something that a lot of people associate with seeing or being involved in a traumatic event such as service in the military, it can also extend to being diagnosed with cancer. PTSD can develop at any age, and not everyone diagnosed with PTSD has been through a traumatic event. A friend or family member may experience a trauma, or a sudden unexpected death can lead a loved one to experience PTSD.

The United States National Library of Medicine defines post-traumatic stress syndrome as, “an anxiety disorder that develops in reaction to physical injury or severe mental or emotional distress, such as military combat, violent assault, natural disaster, or other life-threatening events.”

Often when a person is diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma it is after eliminating other more common diseases. This time can be an emotional roller coaster. For many it is mentally going from their usual excellent health to maybe a common condition like pneumonia, or an infection, to a diagnosis of a rare deadly cancer. The symptoms might have started as annoying, through the work up and elimination of other diseases it becomes a process that indicates a life altering diagnosis.

A recent article in the journal Cancer in November 2017, found that approximately one in five cancer patients reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder within six months of diagnosis. After four years, about 6% of patients had PTSD.

In general PTSD affects approximately 3.5% or about 8 million, of the people in the United States. Not everyone that has experienced a traumatic event develops PTSD. Consisting of ongoing- chronic -or short term -acute- PTSD the symptoms can develop within one month of the traumatic event or years after. PTSD affects more women than men. Generally, the symptoms are divided into four different groups: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, changes in physical and emotional reactions. The diagnosis is made for adults they must have these symptoms for at least one month, at least one re-experiencing symptom. These symptoms can cause issues in everyday life. They can include flashbacks- reliving the traumatic event over and over and experiencing it physically. Avoidance symptoms which include staying away from places, events, or objects, that remind the person of the traumatic event and avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event. The 3rd symptom includes arousal and reactivity symptoms that include being easily startled, feeling tense, difficulty sleeping, angry outbursts. These symptoms are constant, leaving the person angry and stresses and with difficulty doing activities of daily living. The fourth category of symptoms are cognition and mood symptoms which include trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event, negative thoughts, distorted feelings of guilt or blame and loss of interest in enjoyable activities. When symptoms last more than a month, interfere with your ability to function and cannot be attributed to other mental health issues, substance abuse, medical issues it might be PTSD.

Treatment for PTSD includes medications, commonly an anti-depressant and psychotherapy – talking with a competent mental health professional who is knowledgeable in PTSD. Talk therapy with a competent professional can last 6- 12 weeks but for many people it can last a lot longer. With help the symptoms can improve gradually. Support of friends and relatives is also important, letting them into what triggers your symptoms also can help.

Post – traumatic stress disorder is a very serious condition, it can upset your relationships, livelihood, and your health. It is vital that the symptoms be recognized and to seek help. PTSD can be treated and managed but not cured. Reach out get help, improve your life and the lives of those who love you!

Comprehensive Mesothelioma Centers

Lisa Hyde-Barrett, RN Mesothelioma NurseOne may ask what happens when you arrive at a comprehensive mesothelioma center. What is the difference between a local doctor and a doctor with years of experience? First of all, a comprehensive mesothelioma center offers customized treatment for each individual. This is not a cookie cutter package where everyone has the same treatment method. Every diagnosis is unique and treated individually. A person will have a battery of tests that will tell exactly where the mesothelioma is and what condition the body is in. There are a variety of options that may be presented to you. While treatments may appear similar to another person’s, I assure you no two treatment plans are the same.

Most often the hardest question asked is what do you want? As we sit in a generalized orientation meeting it is explained that this factor is just as important as any other medical decision. Some people despite how minimal or advanced their disease, want everything done. Other patients may take a different route and choose to take a more passive option. Emotionally this can be difficult. This question requires reflection and conversations with your loved ones. Most people who enter our center have decided they want some treatment but have no idea what their options are. There is no right or wrong answer, and everyone is entitled to make their own decision.

Everyone’s body is different, with its own strengths and weaknesses. This is another reason for all the tests that must be done. Each organ needs to be evaluated for the treatment plan. Some people feel that all of these tests are overkill. However, it is important to remember knowledge is power. Think of your body as a machine with its own assets. While nothing is one hundred percent guaranteed, the more information we have about your body the better we can devise a treatment plan. The other factor involves one’s mental state, what has this diagnosis done to you mentally? If your diagnosis has caused anxiety, restless nights, fear and worry, you are not alone. These emotions are real and can make you feel overwhelmed. Most comprehensive centers offer social workers, chaplaincy and psychiatrists. A serious illness like this can cause emotional issues and you are not alone. Researchers at Baylor University Medical Center have found that 77 percent of people with a terminal illness experience depression. Remember there is no right way to feel about your illness, but it is good to identify these emotions and share with people how you are feeling. Another feature of a comprehensive mesothelioma center is support groups. These centers often provide support groups related to your illness. There are other people who are going through what you are currently experiencing or have been through something similar.

At the end of the day one needs to know they made the best choices possible about their health. It really is about being comfortable about your decisions. Not everyone chooses to travel to a mesothelioma center and that is fine. Often people prefer to stay close to home because that is what works. As research and treatment options continue to progress hopefully the ingredients to a successful treatment plan will be shared and will be available to other areas of the medical community.

How Much is My Case Worth? Three Important Factors.

Mesothelioma Case ValueWhen patients and families contact MesoLawyersCare, one of the most common questions asked of us is: How much is my case worth?

The answer to these questions is that “it depends” on many factors. Based on the decades of experience of the the four firms that comprise MesoLawyersCare, three important factors that affect the value of your mesothelioma case are:

1. The Identification of Asbestos-Containing Products Made or Sold by Specific Companies in Your Case:

Many people have been led to believe that if someone has mesothelioma, then they automatically will be paid a large amount of money. This is not true. One of the most important factors that will influence how much a mesothelioma case is worth is whether there is solid evidence of exposure to asbestos-containing products manufactured or sold by specific companies. The identification of a product manufacturer or seller is known as “Product I.D.” in asbestos litigation. This evidence usually takes the form of eyewitness testimony by the person who used the asbestos-containing products or other eyewitnesses (such as co-workers). For example, if a person who developed mesothelioma worked as an auto mechanic and was exposed to asbestos from performing brake repairs, this does not necessarily mean that any company that made asbestos-containing brakes will agree to pay or be required to by a jury. The case would require “Product I.D.” evidence that the person diagnosed with mesothelioma was exposed to dust from brakes manufactured or sold by a particular company or companies.

2. The Location Where Your Case Can be Filed:

Another important factor that will impact the value of a mesothelioma case is the places in which the particular case is able to be filed. There are certain locations or courts (known as “jurisdictions”) where the value of cases typically is higher. However, there are rules regarding what cases are allowed to be filed in which jurisdictions. A mesothelioma case can usually be fled in a jurisdiction where some of the asbestos exposure occurred. However, the case can also be filed in other jurisdictions, including the place where the defendants are headquartered or committed wrongful acts relating to the case. If the case can only be filed in “lower value” jurisdictions, then the case is more likely to have a lower value. On the other hand, if the case can be properly file in a “higher value” jurisdiction, then the chances of obtaining a higher case valued are increased. Factors influencing whether a jurisdiction is “higher value” versus “lower value” include: whether punitive damages are available, whether there is a history of high jury verdicts and the legal claims that are available to pursue in the particular jurisdiction.

3. The Lawyers You Choose For Your Case:

All mesothelioma lawyers are not equally qualified or experienced. The value of your mesothelioma case in the hands of one firm can have a much different value as compared to the value of the same case in the hands of another firm. The most important reasons for choosing MesoLawyersCare and for the success of our firms in representing families affected by mesothelioma are: Experience, Resources, Proven Track Record and Commitment. The Experience comes from a group of more than 70 attorneys who have been doing this work for more than 3 generations. We have seen essentially every different type of asbestos exposure in mesothelioma cases. The Resources comes from the combination of 4 successful law firms with offices, attorneys and investigators located throughout the United States. The Proven Track Record comes from decades of verdicts and settlements for our clients. For more information on this, see our verdicts and settlements page. Our Commitment is shown by our willingness to take on the most challenging mesothelioma cases, the close relationships we have with our clients, and our continuing contributions to mesothelioma research, which is part of the mission of MesoLawyersCare.

The three factors discussed above are important to consider in determining what your mesothelioma case may be worth. Keep in mind, that the most important first step is verifying that the diagnosis of mesothelioma exists in a particular case and that the case can be filed by the applicable statute of limitations. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact us now (using the phone number, live chat or form on this website), so we can see if we can help you with your case.

Financial Toxicity

Eleanor Ericson Mesothelioma NurseA diagnosis of cancer can affect every aspect of a person’s life. We know that receiving a diagnosis of a rare, life threatening cancer such as malignant mesothelioma, can cause stress for both the patient and the patient’s family. Stress can be caused by many factors, physical, emotional and social. One of the goals of the patient, family and medical team when deciding on treatment is the effect on the person’s quality of life. Is the treatment going to maintain their quality of life? The stress can be significantly increased when the patient and the patient’s family also is worried about money. There are costs associated with treatment that are covered and not covered by private insurance or Medicare. These out of pocket expenses, co-pays for medications, co-pays for doctors’ visits, parking, eating at the facility, hotel rooms, are some of the examples that patients and families have to pay for when being treated for cancer. For some the effect on their personal finances can affect their choice of treatment options and their quality of life.

The cost to a patient’s health, due to the stress of financial problems created during cancer treatments is not something that is being ignored by the health care team. The impact of finances on a patient’s cancer journey is now being studied by many health care researchers. A few facts are listed below:

– The term “financial toxicity” refers to insured out of pocket expenses related to treatment- costs. It has been found that these expenses can diminish quality of life and impede delivery of the highest quality of care. Research has identified both objective financial burden and subjective financial distress as key components of financial toxicity

– The cost of cancer care in the United States for the year 2015 was 107 billion dollars.

– Keytruda – Pembrolizumab is $14,500 per month

– In 2014 cancer patients paid nearly 4 billion out of pocket for cancer treatments- total spending on cancer-related health care 87.8 billion in 2014

– In 2015 Americans spent 284 billion on prescriptions -about 9%- 32.6 billion spent on oncology drugs- another 11.1 billion spent on supportive care treatments which help with the side effects of strong chemotherapy drugs

– Newly approved cancer drugs cost an average of 10,000 dollars per month with some therapies topping 30,000 dollars per month- patients typically pay 20 to 30% out of pocket for drugs-average years supply would cost 24,000 thousand-to 36,000 thousand in addition to health insurance premiums

– Patients report lower quality of life who have financial toxicity- studies show that patients with cancer who file for bankruptcy may be more likely to die than those who do not file

– Financial difficulties that stem from dealing with cancer have an effect on people avoiding or delaying treatments, care or drugs- can lead to stress that can lead to mental and physical health problems

– 2013 study in the Oncologist found nearly half of cancer patients with insurance cut back on their spending on food and clothing or dipped into savings to pay for treatment

– Patients that have financial difficulty also have increased mental health issues

– A report commissioned by the American Society of Clinical Oncology found 27% of cancer survivors or close relatives of a cancer patient said they skipped doctor visits or had taken other steps to reduce health costs

Some of the ways that the medical system is attempting to help patients deal with this reality is trying to identify patients and screen cancer patients for financial stress. There are navigators in most hospitals that specialize in health insurance plans, and are knowledgeable about resources available. Social workers that know the community resources available are included in the health care team. General awareness has also increased to the importance of knowing the patient and his financial concerns.

Mesothelioma patients who have financial issues need to reach out for the resources that are available to them. It is vital that they use their energy to deal with their serious health challenge, and not be drained by financial concerns.

 

 

Sources:
  • U.S. News and World Report-by LacieGlover www.usnews.com/topics- July 1,2015
  • www.nerdwallet.com/blog/health/2015/06/23/behind-health-insurance- premiums-continue-pay-claims
  • www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles Financial Toxicity, Part I: A New Name for a Growing Problem S.Yousuf Zafar, MD. MHS and Amy Abenathy MD- financial toxicity the patient level impact on the cost of cancer care
  • National Cancer Institute- Financial Toxicity (Financial Distress) and Cancer Treatment www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/managing-care/track-care-costs/financial-toxicity
  • Web MD- www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20171024/many-cancer-patients-skip-treatments-due-to-cost
More - Experience, Resources, Offices, Success

The call and consultation are free.

Let us help you.

Call Now for a Free Consultation: 1-888-568-1177