Hello Salsrobbo

I'm sorry to hear that your brother is currently waiting for test results to determine if he has mesothelioma. It's natural that you're all anxious and worried about this. 

The information that the nurse has given you about results taking 10-14 days does sound about usual for some test results to be returned. Unfortunately, even when samples are processed urgently, it can still take some time for results to be returned. 

We know that for many people this period of waiting and uncertainty can be difficult. It can sometimes help to talk with someone about how you're feeling and I wonder if you might find it useful to talk things through with one of our nurses ahead of your brother receiving his results. I know they will be happy to offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040.

Hopefully you will have some answers soon Salsrobbo. Do keep in touch and let us know how he gets on. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Thank you Jennifer so much for all of that. Yes, I'll give the number a call as all the family are getting so upset.

Kindest regards Sally 

My husband was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in June last year - it took from April until the middle of June before the diagnosis was confirmed - he had a biopsy following a PET Scan & the results from the biopsy took 4 weeks as they had to be sent elsewhere for further testing.  I hope you get the results soon because the waiting is awful.  

Thank you so much redone71 for you reply and information . Yes I am shocked to hear that it took so long for the diagnosis etc. Thats terrible! We're waiting first to see if the drained fluid contains cancer cells. Of so they say he'll go straight to oncology but if not he'll have a biopsy first. 

Please may I ask what treatment they are giving your husband? My brother at the.moment has been scared by the thought of chemotherapy and said that he won't have it. I'm not sure at the moment if its possible to operate but I think it would be difficult to do?

I also want to say that I hope that he is getting the treatment and that its helping him x

My husband was offered immunotherapy - unfortunately it didn’t work for him - he had 9 sessions & developed  severe colitis which hospitalised him & his   cancer grew so this was stopped.  He then had vhemo which caused severe kidney injury.  He is due a scan on 3 October & his oncologist has told him if the chemo hasn’t worked he can possibly join a clinical trial in Manchester.  I’m sorry I can’t give better news but I am sure there are people who the treatment is being more successful for.

Redone71. I'm so sorry that the treatment has not worked so far and caused further injury.  Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience so far. It must be so hard.  I wish you and you husband and family only the best. Kindest regards 

Thank you for your kind thoughts.  I hope things go well for your brother & the results turn out not to be Mesothelioma.  If you need any information or advice at all don’t hesitate to contact. All the best.

Hello again redone71. I hope things are going as well as they can at the moment?

Unfortunately my brother has been diagnosed with mesothelioma.  Apparently early stages. Had a biopsy and the drain has finally come out after no more fluid for 7 drains. He has had an appointment with the oncologist but wanted to wait to decide on what treatment until after the drain was taken out. I know that he doesn't want to have any because of what he's heard about side effects or the treatment making it worse.  He won't talk to anyone that can give him information on what has or has not worked for them. He won't go to support groups 

He's old school, old fashioned and is shy on talking to people. So I thought that I'd just come back on here,  to see if I can get as much information, evidence as possible, to try to help him decide. His next appointment with the oncologist to make a decision will be soon, hopefully next week sometime.

Any thoughts will be gratefully received. 

Sally

Hi Salsrobbo  - I’m sorry to hear your brother’s diagnosis.  Unfortunately we aren’t a great advert for treatment - my husband had no success with either immuno or chemotherapy but there were lots of people having treatment who it was working for.  He is just about to start on a First Phase Clinical Trial at our local cancer hospital so his care has been transferred there for the time being.  He is relatively well & they say strong enough for the trial. His cancer has grown but is still contained to one area - he does suffer with a lot of pain & has just had his pain medication changed again.  We are keeping our fingers crossed for some success with the trial.  

I wish your brother well & hope he has some success if he decides to go down the treatment route.  Is there a Mesothelioma Nurse at the hospital you go to - they are really good to talk to & will be able to give you information about the treatments being offered.

Wishing you & your family well.

Thank you so much for getting back to me. Your reply isn't showing at the moment on here but i did get your message in my email, but it wouldn't let me reply on there.

Thank you again for your helpful advice. I will keep trying and talk to oncology again.

I'm so so sorry to hear that the treatments haven't so far, helped your husband . I wish him all the best for the trials and that you are having support also.

Kindest regards Sally