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

Menu

1-888-568-1177

Monthly Archives: January 2019

What Does the Super Bowl Have to do With Mesothelioma?

Eleanor Ericson Mesothelioma NurseOn Sunday February 3, 2019, an estimated 100 million people will watch the Super Bowl.  Some are fans, some are watching for the commercials or half-time show, and others are just watching to be sociable at a party or gathering. The Super Bowl is a game between one team from the American Football Conference and one team from the National Football Conference that have won the honor through a playoff system to go to the Super Bowl. Fans and players alike have superstitions they think can influence the game results. For the teams involved, it is an accomplishment just to have the opportunity to make it to the game.

Football is a team sport. At first glance, it may just seem like one team tackling the other team. It is, however, an intricate game with strategies and assignments for everyone under every possible variable. It has plays, schemes and strategies. It is practiced, studied, analyzed and dissected. It has been called a game of inches. Anyone that has played can also tell you it is hard physically and mentally.

What does the Super Bowl have to do with malignant mesothelioma?

Treating your mesothelioma may be looked at as a team sport, with your teammates fighting for you. Fighting any disease is best done with a team at your side. Mesothelioma Centers support you and your caregivers with experienced teams that include doctors, nurses and social workers. Your doctor is your Head Coach and will guide you through this journey. You may think of your friends and family as your teammates and fans. Just like football teams, your team is unique and special, making plays based on your needs.

Remember, your team is there for you and will help as you need it. You are not alone. Your team will make adjustments for you and switch plays when needed. Your team will learn along the way and get better and better at fighting for you.

P.S.  GO PATS!!!!

2019 Resolutions

Eleanor Ericson Mesothelioma NurseAs the New Year begins, we often look upon this time to make a positive change in our lives. For patients and families dealing with a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma and any other life-threatening diagnosis this time of year can be difficult. Often patients and families would be happy to make New Year’s resolutions like the ones they might have done in the past but this year they do not seem important or meaningful.

New Year’s Resolutions are usually made to accomplish something that we have been putting off, or to make a positive change in our lives. According to a poll on YouGov.com, the top three resolutions are to eat healthier, get more exercise, and save money. Unfortunately, up to 80% of people surveyed drop their resolutions by the middle of February.

As we approach the end of January perhaps we should shift our resolutions from the top three to promoting good health for ourselves and our families. When a patient is diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma it impacts the entire family. Navigating through the medical system might be extremely difficult and stressful. Our resolutions could include taking care of ourselves and staying positive.

According to Family Caregiver Alliance National Center a caregiving web site, Caregiver.org, the mental and emotional effects on the caregiver have been measured and the statistics are impressive: 40-70% of family caregivers have clinically significant symptoms of depression. 17% of caregivers feel their health in general has gotten worse as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. The toll chronic stress can take on the human body can include a weaken immune system.

How can you manage stress during this very stressful time? For many this is the most stressful time of their lives. Regardless if you are the patient or the caregiver – take care of yourself. Simple things can make a difference. We all know most of these strategies and they can be started at any point to help you relax. Eat well. A healthy diet will give you more energy and be better able to cope with the ups and downs of this journey. Get enough rest, exercise regularly, take a walk outside, do things you enjoy. Take care of yourself, join a support group or take the time to write down your feelings and experiences in a journal. Do what works for you.

We all have our own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, styles of communication, not one size fits all. Whatever works for you and your loved ones is the right way for you. Make a resolution to take care of yourself for the entire year!

Mesothelioma is a “Rare Disease”

Lisa Hyde-Barrett, RN Mesothelioma NurseA rare disease, by definition, must affect only a small percentage of the population.  In the United States a rare disease is defined as a disease that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the country. Worldwide, there are over 6,000 rare diseases that affect over 300 million people. Each disease is unique in its effects and treatment, and due to the rare nature of these diseases, they often lack the same resources and treatment options as more common health problems. People suffering from rare diseases, along with their caretakers, often have difficulty finding experienced doctors. Often it requires multiple appointments and experimental medications to determine a health care path. Managing a rare disease can be physically, emotionally, and financially challenging. It is extremely stressful without support systems of others who suffer from the disease.

Every year there is a specific day that is set aside to recognize these diseases, usually the last day of February each year. This year, it will be February 28, 2019. This year’s theme is “Bridging Health and Social Care”. What exactly does this mean?  It is focusing on the challenges of coordinating care between the medical field and social and support services. If you have been fortunate enough not to be affected by one of these diseases, you would be astounded by the amount of time and energy that a patient or a caregiver expend daily to fight their “rare disease.”

Mesothelioma falls under the “rare disease” category. Approximately 3,000 people are diagnosed with this disease annually. While there are many treatment options available at Mesothelioma Centers and larger health centers, these facilities are not always easily accessible.

As patients and families struggle with this disease, we know there are options: there are numerous support services for this disease, as well as travel assistance programs which may be available to you. Every week, we see patients from all over the world come through our doors with hope. Many patients need to travel far and wide to arrive at the doorsteps of a Mesothelioma Center. However, by travelling to a major Mesothelioma Center, patients are giving themselves the best opportunity to fight this disease. The healthcare teams at Mesothelioma Centers understand travelling is not easy. Centers are usually set up with social and support services to help during these challenging times. Experience from treating others has taught us what helps. Although mesothelioma can be frightening as a “rare disease,” the medical community is making great strides to fight it. We are extending lives, and working towards a cure.

As you educate yourself about the options in front of you, know that many others have been in your shoes and followed this path. When feeling overwhelmed by it all, reach out to a Mesothelioma Center, ask questions, and become connected with our supportive and tight-knit community.

New Year – 2019

Eleanor Ericson Mesothelioma NurseAs we welcome 2019 and all the promise a new year might bring, we recognize the progress made in mesothelioma research in 2018. Progress often comes through a series of small steps, not headlines announcing an overnight cure. Each step brings us closer to a cure.
As we make our wishes for 2019, we pray for research that will cure mesothelioma. We hope you all know we are here to help guide you and we pray along with you for a cure. Researchers, Mesothelioma Programs, Mesothelioma centers, doctors and nurses are all working together towards the common goal of a cure.

As we look forward, we know that working together is so important. In January of 2018, an article was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. “Treatment of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline” was written by a group of distinguished leaders in the mesothelioma community and demonstrates how working together will help us move forward. The article provides “evidence-based recommendations to practicing physicians and others on the management of pleural mesothelioma.”

We wish you all peace, love and health in 2019.

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