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Dad with mesothelioma

Vicstix
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Hi,

My dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma last October. He was having pleural effusions (I think that's the right term) to drain the fluid build up but since January, the fluid has stopped coming. My dad hasn't asked for his prognosis as hes doesn't want to know, and at his meeting with the consultant this week he was told he has moved on to the next stage of the condition.  My dad did try  one dose of chemo but it left him feeling so ill he didn't want any more. He sleeps a fair amount of time and is experiencing some pain in the lung area, but refuses to give in and tries to do what he can when he can bless him.

I guess my question really is why do you think the fluid stopped like that? Could it be he is quite advanced with the disease? I don't  like to ask these questions to the doctor as my dad doesn't want to know etc but I want to have an idea of what's going on. I've never heard of it just stopping like that.

 

Thank you.

  • Offline in reply to albert08

    Hi Albert08,

    My dad was diagnosed in March lst year and since that time, has been taking cannabis oil and also Chinese herbal mushroom tablets (100 years of use in China).  He has also has the 6 rounds of chemo (Pemextred and Cisplatin) between June and August last year - which he tolerated relatively well.  His cancer was stable until a scan in March this year showed growth and due to the current situation we were just advised to sit tight until his next scan in July.

    Unlike in London, Northern Ireland does not have any Mesothelioma specialist Oncologists or Nurses - and we were pretty much left to find our own help/advice.

    There are a number of clinical trails for Immunotherapy drugs which have helped some Meso patients and this is a road we wish to explore - when we can, given the current situation.

    But in answer to your query - dad thinks the Cannabis oil really helps him and helps combat the cancer..

    Hope the above helps,

    Paula

  • in reply to PaulaB41

    Hi Paula and welcome to the forum.

    I'm sorry about your dad's diagnosis although I'm glad to see that he tolerated his chemo well.

    I noticed that your dad has been taking some complementary therapies alongside this. I know it is really tempting when dealing with cancer to research alternative treatments but some of these therapies can actually be dangerous or interfere with your dad's treatment. Although research is on-going, there is still no substantial evidence that cannabis oil can combat cancer and any treatment should be discussed with his doctor to make sure it won't cause any harm.

    You mentioned also that you would like to get more information about any clinical trials that might be available so I thought I would point you in the direction of our clinical trials database which will give you useful information on this. I hope all goes well with his scan next month and in the meantime please feel free to call our specialist nurses for advice on clinical trials. They are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Steph

    Hi Steph, 

    Thanks for your message. I completely understand the stance on alternative therapies. 

    I have been on the clinical trial database quite a few times since last year. Unfortunately very very few are available in NI, we have had info on just one in Belfast. NHS options are very limited in Northern Ireland, and given the current epidemic, we don't want him to have to travel for treatment as that may put him at risk. 

    Thanks for the info above

    Paula 

    Paula

     

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