Mesothelioma Medical

Five Crucial Things to Know About Asbestos and Mesothelioma

June 9, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you might be eligible to file a legal claim against the party or parties responsible for the asbestos exposure and recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. If the company responsible for the asbestos exposure declared bankruptcy, you may be eligible to file an asbestos trust fund claim. When it comes to asbestos and mesothelioma, there are several crucial things you need to know. This article discusses five of the most vital things you need to know about asbestos and mesothelioma.

Asbestos Has Been Used in Many Industries and Products

Because of its fiber strength and heat resistance, asbestos has been used in several industries. For example, it has been used in the construction and shipbuilding industry. Asbestos has been used in automotive and insulation manufacturing. This naturally-occurring mineral can also be found in, among others, the following materials and products:

Things to Be Positive for as a Mesothelioma Patient

June 5, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you are likely going through a tough time trying to adjust to your new normal. You are likely struggling to remain positive while undergoing treatment. The battle with mesothelioma can make you feel like you have nothing to be thankful for. While it is understandable for mesothelioma patients to feel like there is no reason to be grateful, the truth is that there are several reasons to be thankful. As a mesothelioma patient, the following are some of the things you may be thankful for.

#1: Your Support System

Having a reliable support system is one of the biggest blessings when undergoing mesothelioma treatment. It is one of the best coping mechanisms. On days when you cannot do your usual tasks, like cleaning or going to the grocery store, your support system will be there for you.

How to Care for Mesothelioma Patients Before and After Surgery

May 17, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

There is still no cure for mesothelioma. Fortunately, there are various treatment options. One of the ways to treat mesothelioma is through surgery. Mesothelioma surgery can be conducted to cure cancer. This is achieved by removing the tumor from the tissue lining the abdomen or lung. This type of surgery is called curative surgery. Surgery can also be conducted to relieve pain and other symptoms caused by the tumor. This type of surgery is called palliative surgery. Most patients qualify for surgeries that relieve pain and symptoms.

If your loved one has mesothelioma and is about to undergo surgery, you may be wondering how to care for them before and after surgery. Below, we share some of the ways you can care for your loved one before and after mesothelioma surgery.

Caring for Your Loved One Before Mesothelioma Surgery

Chemotherapy for Mesothelioma

May 13, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Chemotherapy is a common mesothelioma treatment. This form of treatment involves using drugs aimed at killing cancer cells and helping slow tumor growth. Cisplatin and pemetrexed is the most popular mesothelioma drug combination. Other chemo drugs that can be used to treat mesothelioma include carboplatin, vinorelbine, and gemcitabine. And while, often, chemo drugs are given as combinations of two drugs, single drugs can be used in patients who cannot tolerate more than one drug. Read on to learn more about chemotherapy for mesothelioma.

How is Chemotherapy Given?

Usually, chemotherapy is given in cycles, with every treatment period being followed by a rest period. Rest is crucial as it helps the patient’s body to recover. Generally, chemotherapy cycles last about three to four weeks.

Can Teenagers Be Diagnosed With Mesothelioma?

April 21, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma occurs because of asbestos exposure. The people at significant risk of developing mesothelioma are those whose jobs expose them to asbestos, such as construction workers. Also, often such people develop mesothelioma later in life. This is because mesothelioma has a long latency period. Mesothelioma can take decades to develop after asbestos exposure. However, if you are wondering if teenagers can be diagnosed with mesothelioma, the answer is yes, they can. While mesothelioma among teenagers is rare, there have been cases of mesothelioma in teenagers.

It is important not to assume that young people cannot develop mesothelioma. It is crucial to be wary of doctors who refuse to consider the possibility that young people could develop mesothelioma, as that could result in a delayed diagnosis. Below, we discuss some of the main ways children can get exposed to asbestos and the symptoms of mesothelioma in teenagers.

Common Causes of Asbestos Exposure in Children

Mesothelioma and Self-Esteem

April 11, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

A mesothelioma diagnosis can affect the patient in many ways. These effects can either be short-term or long-term. One of the major ways a mesothelioma diagnosis can affect a patient is by lowering their self-esteem. Self-esteem is how a person values and perceives themselves. It is based on what someone believes about themselves. The physical changes that come after a mesothelioma diagnosis or after a patient starts receiving mesothelioma treatment, such as hair loss, weight changes, and surgery scars, can affect how they feel about their appearance and body image. Also, unproductivity and dependency can lead to a mesothelioma patient having low self-esteem. Luckily, there are steps mesothelioma patients can take to maintain their self-esteem at a healthy level.

How Mesothelioma Causes a Decrease in Self-esteem

Coping with mesothelioma presents great challenges, some of which can negatively affect a patient’s self-esteem. A patient dealing with things such as weight loss/gain, hair loss, and scarring may end up with low self-esteem. When patients look at themselves in the mirror, they want to be happy with what they see. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. Some patients do not like how they look without hair, with more/less weight, or with scars.

Do I Need a Specialist to Treat Mesothelioma?

March 24, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Mesothelioma is a rare disease that develops after a person is exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for this rare but fatal illness. However, the good news is there are various treatment options for mesothelioma. If you have a history of asbestos exposure and are experiencing mesothelioma symptoms, you may wonder if any doctor can treat your illness or if you need to find a specialist.

So, do you need a specialist to treat mesothelioma? If you have mesothelioma, you need a specialist to treat you. Not all physicians can treat mesothelioma. A mesothelioma specialist can create a personalized treatment plan for you, depending on your disease type, the stage the disease is in, the cell type, and your characteristics.

Who is a Mesothelioma Doctor?

Mesothelioma Caregivers: Adjusting Holiday Expectations

January 14, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

After someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma, they need someone to care for them. Typically, the role of a mesothelioma caregiver is to help a mesothelioma patient with daily tasks as they progress through treatment. The complications of mesothelioma and mesothelioma treatment can make it challenging for patients to do most things independently. A spouse, parent, child, friend, or neighbor are just a few of the people who can be mesothelioma caregivers.

Being a caregiver to someone with mesothelioma can result in different feelings. It can cause different challenges. According to most caregivers, taking care of someone with mesothelioma during the holidays makes the holidays feel different. This article shares some helpful tips that can help mesothelioma caregivers navigate the holiday season.

Tip #1: Admit That Things Feel Different

Effects of a Mesothelioma Diagnosis on Family and Friends

January 6, 2023 | Throneberry Law Group

Asbestos exposure can cause a type of cancer called mesothelioma. A mesothelioma diagnosis does not only affect the patient. It also affects the patient’s family and friends. This article discusses some of the effects a mesothelioma diagnosis can have on different family members and friends.

How Can a Mesothelioma Diagnosis Affect Spouses?

After learning of a mesothelioma diagnosis, one of the first people a patient may want to discuss the illness with is their spouse. However, the truth is that discussing mesothelioma with a spouse may not be easy. After receiving the news, a spouse may feel the same way their sick spouse feels. A spouse may feel scared. They may also feel sad, anxious, or helpless. Some spouses even go into denial and choose not to talk about the sickness.

Things to Know if You are Considering a Mesothelioma Clinical Trial

December 27, 2022 | Throneberry Law Group

There is still no cure for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an illness that occurs after a person is exposed to asbestos, a dangerous substance that was widely used in the U.S. before the late 19^th century. However, the good news is that several treatment options are available for mesothelioma patients, and more treatments are being researched. Usually, researchers use clinical trials to investigate more effective treatments. A clinical trial can happen at a specific cancer center or in different cancer centers across the U.S. and other countries.

If you are considering enrolling in a mesothelioma clinical trial, you are likely feeling excited and frightened at the same time. While enrolling in a clinical trial might mean receiving the best treatment and helping other mesothelioma patients, the truth is that a clinical trial is not like a regular visit to the doctor. However, if you understand what to expect, it can prepare you.

The following are some crucial things to know if you are considering a mesothelioma clinical trial.