SOMEONE WITH MESOTHELIOMA

hiram
hiram Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Lung Cancer #1
I WAS TOLD IN MARCH OF THIS YEAR THAT I HAVE MESOTHELIOMA. APRIL 23, THEY REMOVED MY RIGHT LUNG, RIGHT CHEST WALL LINING, RIGHT SECTION OF DIAPHRAM, RIGH SECTION OF PARACARDIUM, THREE RIBS AND A SPOT ON THE TUBE GOING TO THE LIVER. THE MARGIN OF THE PARACARDIUM WAS POSITIVE, SO THE CANCER IS IN THE LEFT SECTION OF THE PARACARDIUM, THEY HAVE SUGGESTED RADIATION TREATMENTS TO START THE MIDDLE OF JUNE.
I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE THAT IS GOING THROUGH OR HAS BEEN THROUGH THE SAME SITUATION.

Comments

  • jskinne
    jskinne Member Posts: 1
    #2
    Hello Hiram! I went to the Doctor on March 26 with back pain and some shortness of breath. They admitted me into the hospital with 2/3 of my lung compressed by fluid. On April 6th, I was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

    During the biopsy to confirm the diagnosis a pleurodesis was done. The pleurodesis did not take, and the lung did not smoothly seal against the chest wall. Now there are pockets of fluid around the lung. Subsequent infections have required the administration of blood and eight local radiation treatments.

    Anyway, I just started my projected course of treatment on Wednesday, June 18th. My doctor has started me on a chemotherapy regimen Alimta(an experimental drug) and cisplatin.

    It would be nice to hear from you.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    I just joined this site today so I am not sure what (if any) kind of response I will get. My father has been suffering from pleural meso. for the past 14 months although he didn't formally get diagnosed until mid-Nov. 2002. He is down at Sloan-Kettering in NY to hear about his treatment options as they pertain to his stage of cancer. He is absolutely freaked out at the thought of having his left lung removed if need be, and quite frankly I can't blame him. I would like to hear how you are doing. You sound like an extremely brave soul and would like to know more details about your surgery. I am encouraged by just seeing your posting up on this web site. Please respond if you have the time and energy, I would appreciate it very much because I would like to build up my strength to help my dad get through this. Regards, L.
  • JoanT
    JoanT Member Posts: 2
    #4
    jskinne said:

    Hello Hiram! I went to the Doctor on March 26 with back pain and some shortness of breath. They admitted me into the hospital with 2/3 of my lung compressed by fluid. On April 6th, I was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

    During the biopsy to confirm the diagnosis a pleurodesis was done. The pleurodesis did not take, and the lung did not smoothly seal against the chest wall. Now there are pockets of fluid around the lung. Subsequent infections have required the administration of blood and eight local radiation treatments.

    Anyway, I just started my projected course of treatment on Wednesday, June 18th. My doctor has started me on a chemotherapy regimen Alimta(an experimental drug) and cisplatin.

    It would be nice to hear from you.

    I just found this board, and was interested in your story in that my husband has been undergoing the same treatment since December. Would appreciate hearing how things are with you. We live in New Mexico, and he is the first patient his oncologist has treated with this therapy, so he has not been able to find anyone to talk to about his diagnosis and treatment. He is definitely not a "group" type person, but he would like to have an individual to talk to.
  • rking84062
    rking84062 Member Posts: 1
    #5
    jskinne said:

    Hello Hiram! I went to the Doctor on March 26 with back pain and some shortness of breath. They admitted me into the hospital with 2/3 of my lung compressed by fluid. On April 6th, I was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

    During the biopsy to confirm the diagnosis a pleurodesis was done. The pleurodesis did not take, and the lung did not smoothly seal against the chest wall. Now there are pockets of fluid around the lung. Subsequent infections have required the administration of blood and eight local radiation treatments.

    Anyway, I just started my projected course of treatment on Wednesday, June 18th. My doctor has started me on a chemotherapy regimen Alimta(an experimental drug) and cisplatin.

    It would be nice to hear from you.

    Can you give me any information about how well the alimta seems to be working? Thank you.
  • JoanT
    JoanT Member Posts: 2
    #6
    rking84062 said:

    Can you give me any information about how well the alimta seems to be working? Thank you.

    My husband has had six courses of treatment with Alimta + cisplatin; after the third treatment, his tumor (right pleural cavity) had shrunk significantly. He is scheduled for a second CT scan this week, and we are hoping for good news. The cisplatin has made him very nauseated for about five days after the treatment, but the FDA has just approved a new anti-nausea drug that is apparently effective for chemo (particulary cisplatin) induced nausea, so we are looking forward to being able to use that drug in about 6-8 weeks.

    Are you considering Alimta, or have you started therapy yet? If you would like additional information, you can e-mail me directly at joantmsn@aol.com.

    Good luck!

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