Archive for category Support

When you are in treatment for mesothelioma or lung cancer you will likely have a team of medical providers.  Each provider will have a role in your care.  Having multiple members of your medical team can get confusing.  I encourage you and your loved ones to get to know who is part of your medical provider team and what their responsibilities include.   It may be helpful to keep this information in a notebook and your personal files.  Below is a list of providers you may have on your team depending on your needs.  It’s important for you to ensure good communication between yourself and the members of your team. 

Possible members of your team:

1. General Medical Doctor (MD) or Primary Care Physician (PCP)  (This is usually your local doctor who provides your general medical care and makes the initial diagnosis.)
2. Oncologist (This doctor specializes in cancer and chemotherapy.)
3. Surgeon (The doctor in charge of any surgical procedures.)
4. Physician’s Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practioner (NP)  (The PA or NP typically work closely with the doctors and will often be your point of contact with the doctor.)
5. Radiologist (Oversees your x-rays, CT scans and MRI’s.)
6. Social Worker (The SW may be assigned to help you with support and resources.  The social worker may connect you to support groups, financial assistance, counseling services, life planning services, hospice and other resources depending on your individual needs.  They may assist you in getting organized and communicating with your medical team.  They may also help you to cope with your diagnosis and treatment.)
7. Nurse Case Manager (A case manager may be assigned to assist with coordination of care.  A case manager will often be a point person between medical providers.  He/she may also be able to help with understanding the medical facility and it’s procedures.  They could also help with outside services such as home health or hospice.)
8. Research Nurse (If you are participating in a clinical trial, you may be assigned a research nurse who will ensure the study requirements are met.)

Each facility works differently, so I encourage my clients to ask questions about who is on their medical team and what roles they play.  Your team may also differ depending on your diagnose and treatment needs.

Yesterday the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization issued a press release reaffirming their goal for Congress to pass a bill banning asbestos and in memory of the Legacy of Warren Zevon.  They chose Labor Day to reiterate their message in honor of the American workforce who may have been exposed or may currently be unknowingly exposed to asbestos on the job.  ADAO stresses the fact that asbestos is not banned in the U.S. and we could reduce our workers risk of asbestos-related disease by passing a ban.

They also choose to remember Warren Zevon, a talented musician, who passed away from mesothelioma (an asbestos-related cancer) six years ago.  Warren’s son, Jordan Zevon, has been an active advocate and spokesperson for ADAO and an asbestos ban.

View ADAO’s 2 minute slideshow “Asbestos Kills” featuring Warren Zevon’s song “Keep Me in Your Heart”

Many people that contact me have a history of asbestos exposure through employment, military service or other exposure.  Often they want to know if they may have mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.  These illnesses are difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other serious illnesses.  Only a medical provider can diagnose mesothelioma or asbestos-related diseases, but you can educate yourself about the signs and symptoms.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms you should contact your doctor.  When talking to your doctor you should tell them about your asbestos exposure history and any family history as well.

Signs and symptoms to be aware of:

• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• persistent lower back, shoulder, or chest wall pain
• weight loss (for no apparent reason)
• sputum (mucus and other matter brought up from lungs)
• crackling noise in the lungs
• abdominal swelling
• fluid in the abdominal cavity or in the chest lining
• clubbing of fingers
• discoloration of skin

If you are experiencing symptoms or have questions about your symptoms contact a medical provider.  I also encourage clients to contact a medical provider that has experience working with asbestos-related diseases.