take care Helen x

Hi Jules since my post my dad got took into hospital as his oxygen levels fell and he took poorly, he is still in hospital on oxygen and they are now going to look at him tomorro (thurs) to see what else they can do.  I spoke to McMillan nurse and she said his methosiloma is extensive and around the pericardial (around heart) she says they can't say how long the dreaded time will be as she has known some people be diagnosed 6mths and gone on 12mths she says its down to individual.  

My dad is getting dizzy when coughing and passed out in A & E as they didn't have his notes and asked him  to take a deep breadth which he tried 

He  passed out. His blood pressure keeps going low and the returning to normal.       Will know more friday.

Sound like you still have a lot on yourself with your poor mum.  I suppose work keeps you occupied whether it's full or part time.  Sounds like you really are keeping it more together and I agree talKing to people whether friend family of virtual buddies does help I'm finding it so helpful being on here talking to people who understand.

Hi again Helen

Sorry to read that your Dad is back in hospital but suspect at the moment its better that he can be monitored fully and get the care/pain relief as its needed. How is your mam doing.  Do you have far to travel far to see him? Such a worrying time for you and the family . Hope Friday will bring clearer understanding for you all. Sadly its not easy watching a loved one struggling with any cancer and I shall always be grateful to have the understanding of others on the forum..  Keeping in touch with MacMillan (or Marie Curie nurses) would certainly help them realise you want to be kept fully informed (I found this was the only way I managed to cope with what we were facing as without that contact/information, I was too frustrated to think straight!).My thoughts are with you all. Hugs  Jules  

So sorry to hear about your situation, it is so difficult. My father was also diagnosed with Mesothelioma last month and has since been given a terminal prognosis. As a plumbing and heating engineer he was exposed to asbestos countless times throughout his life, unfortunately due to the nature of asbestos lying dormant in the body many others will be affected in the years to come. However, early detection of Mesothelioma before symptoms begin to show can increase life expectancy substantially. My family have started a petition appealing for anyone who feels they may have been exposed to Mesothelioma throughout the 90’s to be given regular screenings by the Government. Due to their refusal to acknowledge the dangers of asbestos throughout the 90’s, the Government now have a duty of care to those individuals who have been affected.

It may be too late for my father, but if we can help other families avoid the situation we are in and give them more time to enjoy life with their loved ones it would be a huge achievement.

Please click here to support the petition.

Hi sean

Happy to add my signature to this petition.  Mesothelioma is nearly always terminal although with various treatments (if the patient is well enough) some patients have been known to survive longer than ten years if caught early enough so screening would certainly help in some cases.  In my husband's case he was not immediately aware that he had been exposed until it was tracked back to contact through his father being in the roofing trade and  bringing asbestos home for him and his siblings to play with as homemade toys! (his  siblings are not affected).  He was 60 at diagnosis  and almost 63 when he passed away.

I hope you and the family have a good medical team and support network as you travel this difficult road together.  Regards Jules