AboutMesothelioma.Net

The Holistic Approach to Fighting Mesothelioma

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

By Nancy Meredith
Mesothelioma is a serious and rare cancer that occurs in individuals that have either inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers. The fibers then travel through the body becoming lodged, resulting in cancer typically decades later.

Often called “asbestos cancer,” mesothelioma is highly aggressive and is resistant to many current treatments. The medical community has had difficulty comparing the values and benefits of the different options, and patients are often referred to specialists who work with them and their doctors to determine the best treatment for their case. Currently there is no known cure for mesothelioma, and the average survival time varies from 4 – 18 months after diagnosis.

With such a grim prognosis, mesothelioma patients are not only faced with months of overwhelming medical treatments, but their emotional state becomes fragile as they face the realities of death. Looking for ways to live longer than the typical survival time of people with mesothelioma and to improve their quality of life, many patients are turning to alternative treatments.

Paul Kraus and James Rhio O’Connor (“Rhio”), both mesothelioma patients, broke new ground by taking control of their treatments and have led the way towards holistic medicine for mesothelioma cancer.

Discipline and Focus Key to Rhio’s Longevity
Mr. O’Connor, who just passed away in July, 2009, lived 7 ½ years beyond his mesothelioma diagnosis. Told by his oncologist that any form of ‘standard’ treatment, i.e., chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, would make him feel worse, and would not alter his prognosis, Rhio began researching his alternatives.

Following Hippocrates’ wisdom “let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food,” Rhio discovered that the Eastern philosophy to healing (the holistic approach) made sense to him, and he began eagerly researching the therapies that could best work for him. Rhio changed his diet, began taking close to 100 vitamins and supplements daily, practiced mind-body exercises, and turned inward for his strength and to become self-sufficient. Rhio stayed disciplined and focused with his daily regimen and realized a satisfying life.

Finding his course of therapy successful, Rhio penned “They Said Months. I Chose Years! A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story” to provide other mesothelioma patients with the benefit of his research and philosophy. Rhio took the time to talk to newly diagnosed patients, and he shared his thoughts and experience along with a little humor.

Empowerment Moves Paul Kraus To Survive Mesothelioma
Mr. Kraus, still alive today 12 years after his mesothelioma diagnosis, has also not had any of the standard treatments and is enjoying his life in Australia with his family. Kraus wrote “Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient’s Guide,” detailing his journey and holistic approach to healing.

After receiving the shocking news that he had peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma and had less than one year to live, Mr. Kraus was faced with the prospect of major surgery with no cure and with a reduced quality of life. Immediately he began reading everything he could find on the disease as well as researching alternative treatments.

Kraus began making radical lifestyle changes by altering his diet, starting a regimen of intravenous and oral vitamins, herbs, amino acids and other immune boosting therapies and supplements, and focusing on the power of the mind-body connection and positive thinking. After attending a retreat for cancer patients, Kraus embraced the philosophy that one can “accept the diagnosis, but reject the prognosis” to empower himself to take control of the illness and his life.

While stressing that each case of cancer is unique, Kraus is a firm believer that each patient should look for that glimmer of hope and to build on that to reaffirm a focus in life and the reason for wanting to live. Through the process of emotional healing, begins the process of physical healing.

What Is Holistic Medicine?
Holistic medicine is an alternative care approach that treats a patient as a “whole” person as opposed to simply treating the symptoms and illness. Holistic care looks at an individual’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in an attempt to improve the health and prevent further illness. The concept follows Aristotle’s theory that “the whole is more than the sum of its parts.”

Holistic practitioners believe that there is no limit to the range of diseases that can be treated, although alternative medicine does not specifically focus on a disease. For example, cancer is not treated; rather the body and immune system are strengthened allowing the body’s defense mechanisms to heal the cancer. The approach works on balancing the body, mind, spirit, and emotions while improving the immune system as the entire being begins functioning smoothly. An illness, disease, or disorder is seen as an imbalance in the body’s systems.

Alternative medicine and holistic practice have been around for centuries, but only relatively recently has the modern medical field begun to accept it and begin to integrate it into the health care system and treatment for patients. Holistic therapies tend to emphasize proper nutrition, avoidance of chemical substances, use of homeopathic remedies, and meditation techniques. Holistic care techniques are non-invasive.

Some of the major holistic therapies include ayurveda, chiropractic, homeopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathy, Unani, stress reduction, and reflexology.

Sloan-Kettering Takes Holistic Approach for Mesothelioma Patients
Located in New York, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) is the world’s oldest and largest private cancer center. Sloan-Kettering’s website indicates they have “devoted more than a century to patient care as well as to innovative research, making significant contributions to new and better therapies for the treatment of cancer.”

Following the mind-body connection philosophy, MSKCC has employed a program, introduced by psychiatrist Dr.William Breitbart that focuses on helping men and women with a terminal diagnosis of mesothelioma focus on the spiritual, emotional, and psychological aspects of cancer. Psycho-oncology is an effort to help cancer patients learn to live their lives in the time between their diagnosis and eventual death. Participants are encouraged to develop a legacy project to pass on to their friends and loved ones.

While individual and group therapy sessions are regular components of cancer treatment at most cancer centers throughout the United States and the world, Dr. Breitbart’s program has found that meaning-centered psychotherapy can elevate the emotional well-being and reduce the levels of anxiety for the patients.

Cancer centers and other medical facilities abroad, encouraged by the positive results at MSKCC, have begun similar programs. Medical professionals worldwide are recognizing the role of meaning-centered programs in cancer treatment and in mesothelioma therapy.

The Future of Holistic Care
According to the Health Education Alliance for Life and Longevity alternative approaches to health and medicine are among the fastest growing aspects of health care. By the year 2010 at least two-thirds of the U.S. population will use some form of alternative approach to health care.

The Institute for Alternative Futures projects that patients will soon experience the customizing or personalization of health care, integrating several approaches based on the unique needs of each individual. The Institute believes these trends will utilize health care professionals far more effectively, leading to “self-managed care.” Consumers will seek prevention and wellness services that go far beyond what today we consider health care.

Resources:
Surviving Mesothelioma: A Patient’s Guide
Support Group for Mesothelioma and Other Cancers at Sloan-Kettering Aims to Help Patients Cope with their Cancer
Mesothelioma Patient Lives Seven Years Longer Than Predicted
London Man Defies Odds and Bets He Can Live With His Mesothelioma Diagnosis
“They Said Months. I Chose Years! A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story”, James Rhio O’Connor
“Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient’s Guide”, Paul Kraus

Labels: Featured Story

posted by Nancy Meredith at 4:35 PM
Link to this article

Specialized Treatment Offers Hope for Mesothelioma Prognoses

By Jennifer Glatt

Seeking treatment at a major medical center that specializes in treating mesothelioma may improve survival odds, according to leading oncologist and mesothelioma specialist Anne Tsao, M.D. As assistant professor and director of the Mesothelioma Program in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Dr. Tsao says that nonspecializing centers may miss some of the symptoms of mesothelioma when the disease is in its earliest stages and focused care can add years to some patients’ lives.

In an interview on “Patient Power,” an Internet radio series, Dr. Tsao said that specialization is crucial in certain types of treatment, such as extrapleural pneumonectomy. Specialized care can be essential in improving symptoms and prolonging survival. “We know that with the grim prognosis with our current treatment modalities, we need to make a breakthrough… and I do believe that systemic therapy with targeted agents is the way to go,” says Dr. Tsao.

Major medical centers are often the hub of emerging technologies, research, diagnostic procedures and treatments, and often are involved in new drug therapies, as well.

According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center’s Web site , “since mesothelioma is such a complex disease, it’s important for patients to receive multidisciplinary care from a team of specialists, possibly including thoracic oncologic surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists and pulmonologists.

For a number of reasons, mesothelioma has not been researched very much. A major cancer center that treats hundreds of mesothelioma patients a year will most likely be conducting research that may help patients and eventually lead to a cure.”

To listen to the entire Patient Power episode with Dr. Tsao, visit the Publications section. An informative question-and-answer session with Dr. Tsao can also be found on the MD Anderson Web site.

Labels: mesothelioma, Treatment News, treatments

posted by Nancy Meredith at 2:34 PM
Link to this article

Mesothelioma Patient Lives Seven Years Longer Than Predicted

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

James Rhio, a mesothelioma patient, died on July 11, 2009 at the age of 69. According to Surviving Mesothelioma: A Patient’s Guide, Rhio lived seven plus years longer than his prognosis.

When Rhio was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2001, he was told to go on a cruise and then start hospice care when he returned. His only chance of living a few extra months was chemotherapy, since neither surgery nor radiation were an option in his case. Rhio rejected chemotherapy and found his own way to live with his disease which gave him the additional years to live the life he so loved.

Rhio emphasized there is no right or wrong treatment for everyone. Surviving mesothelioma required an individual approach with the help of trained clinicians, he said.

Not only did Rhio enjoy his family and friends during these extra years, he also mentored others and was a consistent motivation and support to other cancer patients. He talked to newly diagnosed patients and shared his thoughts and experience along with a little humor when appropriate.

The details of his journey with mesothelioma can be found in his book “They Said Months. I Chose Years! A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story,” published by Cancer Monthly.

Labels: For Your Family

posted by Your Attorney at 10:12 AM
Link to this article

London Man Defies Odds and Bets He Can Live With His Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Thursday, July 16, 2009

By Jennifer Glatt
Jon Matthews is a betting man. Turns out, he’s also a lucky one. After lung surgery in June 2006, doctors told Matthews he had only a few months left to live. Instead of giving up, in early 2007 he took his odds to his bookie and asked to place a $300 bet that he would outlive his doctors’ predictions. Surprisingly, bookmakers William Hill accepted his request, noting Matthews was adamant that it would give him an additional incentive to battle his illness.

It turns out that his bet is paying off — literally. Matthews has already collected nearly $7,300 as of June 2008, could pocket an additional $14,500 this summer and stands to collect the final $29,000 in the summer of 2010.

Clearly not one to resign himself to the odds, Matthews says his survival is due to an Indian doctor of homeopathy. “All the mainstream doctors could prescribe for me was morphine, but this healer put me on a course of herbal medicines that have not only changed, but prolonged my life,” he says.

“In a way it’s a shame the bet is only valid for three years, because the way I feel right now I’m indestructible,” he says. “These wins are a huge incentive to stay alive.”

U.K. writer David Wilkes, in his article that appeared on MailOnline in April 2009, notes that Matthews plans to give some of his winnings to cancer charity Macmillan and “spend the rest enjoying himself and indulging his passion for white-knuckle rides at theme parks.”

“Just because I’m dying, it doesn’t mean I can’t have fun, Matthews said.

You can read more about Jon on his Web site and read Wilkes’ articles here.

Labels: Featured Story

posted by Your Attorney at 9:44 PM
Link to this article

Refund for Toys Containing Asbestos

Toys based on the hit TV series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” have been found to contain asbestos and consumers are eligible for a refund, reports The Wall Street Journal. However, the refunds won’t be coming from the manufacturer, Planet Toys Inc. — they filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in March. The retailers who sold the toys, such a Toys ‘R Us, CBS Broadcasting Inc. and Kmart, will be the ones who pay the refunds.

A class action lawsuit was filed against the company in May 2008, by parents who claimed the CSI toys contained the deadly asbestos. It’s the special fingerprint powder included in the $30 Fingerprint Examination Kit and the $30 Forensic Lab Kit that contains asbestos. It’s not known how many kits are still being used by children, exposing them to serious health problems in the future.

A spokesman representing the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization states it is very important to get these toys out of the house immediately. Since asbestos related diseases take time to manifest, there is no way to know what damage has been done to those who have come in contact with these toys. The ADAO commissioned the original study that found asbestos in the toys.

Asbestos is a mineral that causes lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma (commonly called asbestos cancer).

Asbestos Toy Refund

Labels: Featured Story

posted by Your Attorney at 1:46 PM
Link to this article

Cancer Drug Trial to Include Mesothelioma Patients

According to Pharmaceutical Business Review, patient enrollment in Peregrine Pharmaceutical, Inc. US Phase I clinical trial to evaluate the drug Bavituxmab as monotherapy for patients with advanced refractory cancers is complete.

The study’s objectives include determining the safety and tolerability in patients with advanced cancer, Bavituximab’s toxicity levels plus the maximum tolerated dose and/or maximum effective dose. So far, a maximum tolerated dose has not been reached even at the highest dosage planned.

The trial includes mesothelioma patients as well as breast, colorectal, pancreatic, liver, prostate, melanoma, and head and neck. Peregrine has begun designing additional bavituximab cancer trials based on Phase I findings and Phase II combination therapy trials in breast and lung cancers.

To date there is no available cure for mesothelioma.

New Cancer Therapy Trials for Mesothelioma

Labels: Research News

posted by Your Attorney at 1:44 PM
Link to this article

Family Flees Home After Furnace Replacement Spreads Asbestos

The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports a family with a two-year old son had to flee their home in fear of asbestos contamination after a furnace replacement in which the old furnace was improperly removed. The pipe insulation from the old furnace contained asbestos and the state’s stringent guidelines for asbestos removal which are designed to prevent the spread of the fibers were not followed.

The landlord hired the furnace to be replaced, but the subcontractor had no permit to remove the asbestos. Cancer causing asbestos from old pipe insulation contaminated the basement and possible the ground floor unit where the family lived. Not wanting to risk asbestos fibers clinging to bedding, clothing, or soft toys, they sent half of their possessions to the hazardous waste landfill.

The duplex did have an emergency asbestos cleanup and an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health paid for by the landlord and the plumbing company. It is not clear if the family will be reimbursed for their belongings. They had no renter’s insurance, the landlord’s insurance had denied liability, and the owner of Ryan Plumbing and Heating, the company who did the joy, accused the family of overreacting.

“Any time asbestos is disturbed, then there’s a potential health risk,” said a spokesman for the Minnesota Department of Health.

Faulty Furnace Removal Leads to Asbestos Scare

Labels: For Your Family

posted by Your Attorney at 1:40 PM
Link to this article

Committee Formed to Ban Asbestos From America

Deaths from mesothelioma have increased every year since tracking began in 1980. Asbestos kills more than 10,000 men, women, and children every year, reports Business Wire.

In an effort to end exposure to asbestos and to end this deadly disease, public health advocates led by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization and The John McNamara Foundation have formed the Committee to Ban Asbestos in America. In 1976, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended the only way to prevent asbestos-related diseases is to ban its use. The CBAA is bringing this recommendation before Congress and the President to see that asbestos is banned and to fund critical medical programs.

Doctors and scientists agree asbestos is a carcinogen and there is no safe level of exposure. Preventing exposure is the only way to insure safety. Recent testing confirmed asbestos is still found in consumer products, including toys.

Committee to Ban Asbestos

Labels: For Your Family

posted by Your Attorney at 1:36 PM
Link to this article