Archive for November, 2008

California Mesothelioma Lawyer Reviews Strong Mesothelioma Lawsuit

Thursday, November 27th, 2008
Nick Johnson asked:


Building a strong Mesothelioma case starts with the obvious, a high quality and knowledgeable California mesothelioma attorney. The lawyer is going to need the pertinent records necessary to file a lawsuit. This includes employment records, health records, and various forms that may help to verify how you were placed at risk during the time in question.

A strong lawsuit requires vigilance and endurance. It requires a mindset based on justice, not vengeance. It is perfectly acceptable to be angry about contracting Mesothelioma, normal in fact. However, any decisions that are based on anger and vengeance typically do not carry a person for longer periods of time and supply them with the necessary endurance required to see a lawsuit through to the end.

Just like any other situation that makes a person angry, Mesothelioma victims find their anger tends to subside as more important issues such as quality time with their friends and family members, treatment options, and education come to the forefront.

Anger only lasts a little while. Mesothelioma lawsuits are filed to allow the victim to obtain their dignity and a sense of justice, as well as provide them with the financial resources necessary to continue their treatment.

Your California mesothelioma lawyer is going to require continuous updates to your condition. While we live in a day and age where our medical records are considered as private as our innermost thoughts, your lawyer is going to need access to your medical records.

It is vital to have a quality working relationship with your lawyer. Trust is imperative. However, your Mesothelioma lawyer is not a therapist, and it is not uncommon for people who have never had a previous mental health issue in their life to need some form of counseling after being diagnosed with Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to deal with, and so is the betrayal which led to the asbestos exposure and Mesothelioma. You may be required to testify on your own behalf. Your California mesothelioma lawyer will counsel you on the importance of maintaining your composure while on the witness stand during your case, as well as your demeanor during the settlement meetings.

Too much anger can cloud a person’s judgment. Mesothelioma victims often require some short term counseling to deal with the backlash if being diagnosed and living with Mesothelioma. These records typically are going to need to be available to your lawyer as well.

Your Mesothelioma lawyer may ask you for the names of the individuals who may have also been exposed to asbestos during the time of your employment with the company which you are accusing of causing your Mesothelioma. This may include former coworkers, family members, and anyone else whom you had close personal contact with at the time.

Family members are often at risk of asbestos exposure and asbestos related illnesses through chronic contact with contaminated clothing. Former coworkers may very well have already contracted Mesothelioma or may require testing to determine whether or not they have Mesothelioma.

It is not entirely uncommon for one individual from an asbestos laden company to step forward only to find other people are also being diagnosed with Mesothelioma from the same company. This may lead to the filing of a class action Mesothelioma lawsuit. Whether a class action lawsuit benefits you or detracts from your case can only be determined on a case by case basis.

If you have a solid working relationship with your California mesothelioma lawyer and feel that he or she is truly trustworthy, then you are likely to be able to follow their advice regarding class action lawsuits.

It is vital that your are honest and up front with your Mesothelioma lawyer. Many people feel that if they do nor present themselves as a “good victim” they may not be able to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. This is not accurate.

If the victim has smoked cigarettes for twenty years this does not mean that they are not eligible for Mesothelioma benefits. Poor diet, unhealthy habits, and imperfect people do not cause Mesothelioma. It has been readily proven that the solitary cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos. Misleading your lawyer can only hurt you, not help you. It is okay to be a flawed human being and still be the victim of an unscrupulous business.

You should feel comfortable enough with your Mesothelioma lawyer to be able to convey your wishes to them in writing. Often it is better if your lawyer understand your wishes regarding your state of health in case uncomfortable family decisions need to be made. This is usually a personal choice, but it should be made clear to your attorney that you wish to continue to represent them should you be unable to communicate for yourself.



mesothelioma

what is best treatment for kidney cancer that has spread to liver?

Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
hnybzthms asked:


Hi my mum was diagnosed with kidney cancer in Dec 2007 and had her right kidney removed Jan 08, it was a stage 3 tumor and though they said it was very advanced they did not remove the lymph-nodes as they thought they were ok.

In Nov 08 her ct scan was clear and in March 09 they scan showed a spot on her liver which was 1.5cm, she had a MRI and they referred her back to the oncologist who told us the cancer had spread.

At present she is awaiting to see the surgeon in L’pool regarding having the left half of her liver removed, which we have been told is major op.

My mum is not sure if she wants the op, for a few reasons 1 because she feels removing half the liver will not cure the cancer and as they feel its probably spread through the blood or lymph-nodes and she feels it will only be matter of time before it reappears. 2 because she has been told its a minimum of a 3 month recovery.

Is it true that the cancer is likely to reappear even if the current spot is removed?

And does anyone know about radiofrequeny treatment as she is very keen to try that as compared to major sugery it only takes about a wks recovery.

Which has the best results, and if she had surery how long would the cancer stay away? Are we talking it could stay away years amd years, as the oncologest said kidney cancer is an aggesive cancer.

cancer treatment

Mesothelioma Treatment – Importance and Classifications

Monday, November 24th, 2008
Ramir Sarmiento asked:


If you are a victim of Mesothelioma cancer, how will you get into Mesothelioma treatment?

The best way is to find reliable Mesothelioma cancer information and learn first everything that is relevant to Mesothelioma.

Do you think that Mesothelioma treatments are effective in one or two applications only? It depends to the patient’s body on how we react to the Mesothelioma treatment.

The doctor is the first one who is being aware for applying Mesothelioma treatment. We already know the advantage and disadvantage in taking them.

And most of the time Mesothelioma treatments are being useless in some reason.

Mesothelioma treatments are broken down into two categories:

1.Traditional treatments

Traditional mesothelioma treatments are similar to other standard cancer treatment modalities.

Two or more traditional mesothelioma treatments are often used together to better combat cancerous cells.

Traditional mesothelioma treatments are often used in combination with one-another to best target cancer cells.

2.New treatments.

New mesothelioma treatments are in the process of ongoing research, development and testing.

New mesothelioma treatments are being evaluated in mesothelioma clinical trials in hopes of a mesothelioma cure.

While mesothelioma treatments are slowly inhibiting the victim from being able to enjoy the life they have left, big business is slowly killing the rights of mesothelioma symptoms victims all over the country.

Most of the Mesothelioma treatment options are too high in price that ordinary victims cannot afford to have such treatment.

Various Mesothelioma Treatments

* Bronchoscopy

* Biopsy

* CT scans

* Laparocoscopy

* Mediastinoscopy

* Thorocoscopy

* Peritoneoscopy

* Radiotherapy

* X-ray

* Fluid drainage

* MRI scan

Usually, some medicines and necessary materials are used to function well. With this kind of Mesothelioma treatment, a victim will recover faster.

Having a treatment is necessary because it gives life to the patient or victim in order to survive. Put hope mostly on the family and relative of the patient, and the most important role is to cure everyone with a disease like Mesothelioma cancer.

To be better familiarized with Mesothelioma cancer, join some group or programs relative and concerned with epidemic cancer for the purpose on how to prevent cancer by applying new health technology, healthy lifestyle, diet and nutrition counseling, and alternatives.

Mesothelioma treatments are constantly being developed through clinical trials and research. Mesothelioma treatments are advancing, but the disease still claims far too many lives each year.

Mesothelioma treatments are themselves very aggressive, and invasive, and in many cases not recommended. Treatments are very expensive and usually range -between four hundred thousand and eight hundred thousand dollars.



mesothelioma

California Mesothelioma Laws And California Mesothelioma Lawyers

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008
Nick Johnson asked:


Finding a highly qualified and competent California mesothelioma attorney involves a little investigation. Newly diagnosed victims of Mesothelioma in California often have ample questions involving their health, their future, and their lawful recourses in the event of a mesothelioma diagnosis. The facts of mesothelioma are not easy to hear, nor are they easy to deal with. While a Mesothelioma doctor is equipped to answer medical and health questions as they relate to Mesothelioma, only a qualified Mesothelioma attorney is capable of answering questions that are associated with the legal ramifications of a mesothelioma diagnosis.

California mesothelioma victims are encouraged to make a list of questions that they feel they need answers to, one list for their Mesothelioma physician and another list for their attorney. The top ten questions to ask a California mesothelioma attorney have been suggested here, but there will be many more questions regarding a Mesothelioma case.

1. It is vital to contact a Mesothelioma lawyer as quickly as possible as many states have complicated regulations concerning Mesothelioma lawsuits. The first question to ask a qualified Mesothelioma lawyer is whether or not you qualify to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. This of course will involve divulging all the information possible to allow the Mesothelioma lawyer to determine if you qualify to file a Mesothelioma lawsuit.

2. Some California mesothelioma lawyers are already involved with other Mesothelioma lawsuits or Mesothelioma settlements which may preclude them from taking on any new cases. It is possible that you may qualify for a class action lawsuit or perhaps an individual Mesothelioma lawsuit, depending on the circumstances. Mesothelioma patients need to inquire whether their case would be handled as an individual case or as part of a class action Mesothelioma lawsuit, and which would benefit them the most.

3. Knowing that your potential Mesothelioma lawyer has ample actual courtroom experience is a highly important part of hiring a Mesothelioma lawyer. It is perfectly acceptable to inquire with your potential Mesothelioma lawyer about their prior Mesothelioma and courtroom experience. Mesothelioma lawsuits are not the type of lawsuits you want a newbie cutting their teeth on, there is simply too much at stake.

4. California mesothelioma lawsuits tend to be large cases with a lot of complicated laws and circumstances to navigate. A Mesothelioma attorney needs to have ample support and resources to assist in the research and argument process. You will want to ask the Mesothelioma attorney how many Mesothelioma cases are in the firm, how many Mesothelioma expert lawyers are in the firm, and how much extra support services they can receive from the other California mesothelioma attorneys in the law firm.

5. Mesothelioma victims tend to be victimized by the contraction of the disease and are often very sensitive to other people’s feelings, including their Mesothelioma lawyer’s feelings. Asking questions that validate their experience is a good thing, and is not offensive to a Mesothelioma lawyer. If your potential Mesothelioma attorney reacts to questions with offense, it is not in your best interest to hire them. Asking them about their track record with Mesothelioma cases, how many went to trial versus how many of them were settled, as well as the results of each case is a reasonable line of questioning.

6. It is rarely in the best interest of the Mesothelioma victim for their case to be split between multiple law firms. Asking whether your lawsuit will be handled in house or if there is the possibility of splitting the case between law firms is a question of relative importance.

7. The vast majority of California mesothelioma cases are handled on a contingency basis, which means the attorney gets paid a percentage of what he or she is able to win on the Mesothelioma victim’s behalf. If the case goes nowhere, the Mesothelioma lawyer typically doesn’t get paid. The percentage of the Mesothelioma award or the Mesothelioma settlement which typically goes to the representing Mesothelioma lawyer is between 30 and 40 percent.

8. Asking your California mesothelioma lawyer to describe the process of a lawsuit will enable you to understand the process which you are about to enter as well as inform you of how well your Mesothelioma lawyer communicates..

9. It is important to understand how long the Mesothelioma lawyer will need for research and how much information he or she will need from the Mesothelioma victim and the Mesothelioma doctor. Television has given us the impression that lawsuits and court proceedings happen quickly. They don’t it takes time, and for a Mesothelioma victim, time is very precious.

10. California mesothelioma laws may vary by county. Establishing the jurisdiction that the Mesothelioma case will be tried is vital. Often it is tried in the county which the exposure to asbestos took place. Your Mesothelioma lawyer will have to have access to that region.



Mesothelioma Types and Their Symptoms

Sunday, November 16th, 2008
Laura Russell asked:


Mesothelioma, or the cancer of mesothelium, is a fatal tumor that affects pleura, peritoneum, and pericardium – linings around lungs, abdomen, and heart respectively. It is a fatal disease caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral.

Mesothelioma cancer be benign, i.e. it can be non-cancerous and non-spreading or it can be malignant i.e. cancerous and spread to other parts of the body leading to death. Its primary cause is prolonged exposure to asbestos and it has a latency period of about 30 to 50 years.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can be classified into three types depending on the area of body affected by it. There are 3 common types of mesothelioma:

1. Pleural Mesothelioma

2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma

3. Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma

The most common form of mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma (cancer of pleura) is a tumor of the protective lining around the lungs. It can be either benign or malignant.

The pleura is a sac-like membrane made of two layers between which the pleural fluid is released. This fluid in turn acts like a lubricating agent and helps the lungs to function smoothly during breathing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma are:

* Shortness of breath

* Chest pain

* Back pain

* Pain in the rib cage

Other symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma, for both benign and cancerous forms, include:

* Fluid build-up in the lung lining

* Hoarseness

* Coughing up blood

* Swelling of the face and arms

* Muscle weakness

* Paralysis

* Sensory loss

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Another common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma or cancer of the peritoneum that causes tumor in the abdominal lining. Like pleural it can be benign or malignant.

The peritoneum is the membrane that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity and also includes:

* Tunica Vaginalis Testis (mesothelial tissue lining the male internal reproductive organs)

* Tunica Serosa Uteri (mesothelial tissue lining the female reproductive organs)

Symptoms

The fluid released in the peritoneum helps in the smooth functioning of these organs. When the peritoneum is affected, some common symptoms experienced are:

* Stomach pain

* Weight loss

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Hernia

* Bowel obstruction

* Fluid in the abdominal cavity

If the cancer spreads beyond the abdominal cavity, additional symptoms can be found, such as:

* Anemia

* Blood clotting abnormalities

* Trouble swallowing

* Swelling of neck, face or arms

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma or the cancer of pericardium is a tumor of the protective sac-like lining around the heart.

Pericardium protects the heart by:

* Smoothening its motion against surrounding organs

* Limiting its motion so that it stays in the chest cavity

* Preventing it from over-expansion during excess influx of blood

Symptoms

When pericardium’s function is affected by mesothelioma, the following symptoms may occur:

* Chest pain

* Shortness of breath

* Fluid accumulation in the lining

If the mesothelioma cancer spreads to other organs of the body, it can affect their normal functioning and cause painful symptoms. Thus, it is important that mesothelioma cancer is diagnosed on time and proper treatment is given to save the patient’s life.



Anyone want to send some get-well greetings to my father-in-law, who has cancer?

Saturday, November 15th, 2008
kat85228 asked:


I am compiling a book of well-wishes for my father-in-law, who is going through cancer treatments. I did this when our son was deployed to Iraq, and it gave him such a boost! If you would like to help, please send me your greeting, and don’t forget to add where you are from. Thank you so much for your support!

What is mesothelioma- understanding it to defeat it

Friday, November 14th, 2008

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma victims inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers which then became lodged in the body. Because asbestos fibers are essentially indestructible, the body’s immune system is powerless to break them down. Mesothelioma, like all asbestos-related diseases, is a progressive disorder that, once it takes hold, severely compromises the body’s immune system as well as the particular areas where the malignancy originates from.

The most common site for development of mesothelioma is the pleura, which is the membrane that surrounds and protects the lung. Upwards of three-quarters of all mesothelioma cases are pleural mesotheliomas. Mesothelioma can also develop in other parts of the body, with the abdominal (peritoneal) area of the body the next most common origin site. Mesotheliomas of the pericardium (the protective lining around the heart) and the reproductive organs are also possible, but are quite rare.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can lead to the development of asbestos-related disease.

While a rare disease in the general population, with between two thousand and three thousand new diagnoses every year, mesothelioma is not rare among the workers, and their families, of certain trades and industries, such as the construction or maritime industries. Those at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma include workers handling or installing insulation, roofers, electricians, miners, and others (more about occupational hazards). However, asbestos fibers are so toxic that industrial and trade worker’s families are also at risk for developing mesothelioma through particles that cling to the worker’s clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as para-occupational exposure.

Exposure to asbestos can also occur in the home. Asbestos exposure in the home could have occurred when renovation or repair work was performed. The majority of building products manufactured today do not contain asbestos, however those frequently used prior to 1970 do carry exposure risks. Products such as joint compounds, wallboards, gaskets, fireproofing, pipe covering, cements, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and boiler insulation often contained asbestos. If these products were mixed, grinded, cut, sawed, sprayed, removed or otherwise manipulated, banged or damaged, they could have released significant asbestos fibers into your home. The inhalation of these airborne fibers can create the risk of developing mesothelioma, even 10-70 years later.

How to Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Steve Dimeck asked:


Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, but the deadliest one of all. The victims of mesothelioma are innocent men and women who did not know that they were being poisoned with asbestos as they worked. The manufacturers and even distributors knew for decades that asbestos was hazardous, but they did not warn people of those hazards. As a result, you have the right of recovery against those manufacturers, which on the other hand can help pay the costs of treatment and provide compensation for your pain and suffering.

Although nothing can truly compensate for loss of health or life, mesothelioma lawyers are devoted to getting you the compensation you deserve. If your life has been affected by mesothelioma directly or indirectly, then you may deserve compensation.

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is a long and tedious process. So, it is vital to your case that you find an experienced mesothelioma lawyer, and as soon as you have been diagnosed with the cancer. Most states have a time limit in which you can file your mesothelioma lawsuit. If you miss that deadline, you may find that you are not entitled to make a claim. Earlier you get to a mesothelioma lawyer, the better your chances of success. Here are a few important guidelines in finding a good mesothelioma lawyer.

Mesothelioma Law Firm

There’s no such thing as a mesothelioma law firm because one law firm can deal with a variation of cases, but it is best to select a law firm or an attorney that has past experience of dealing with mesothelioma cases. They have already done the leg work and gained the knowledge and experience with mesothelioma. But, do not disregard any other law firm. A mesothelioma case is just like any other case that requires responsibility and discipline from the attorney to win your case. A law firm with a very good reputation can as well handle your mesothelioma case, if not better, even if they have never been exposed to a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Searching for a mesothelioma lawyer

You can begin your search on the Internet or in the yellow pages. However, your local or state bar association, and Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory (found in most public libraries) will give you narrower search and help you find your mesothelioma lawyer a whole lot faster. The Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network has a database of over a million lawyers and law firms in 160 countries. You could actually find the Martindale-Hubbell Legal Network online as well. Just search for it in your favorite search engine.

How do you select your mesothelioma lawyer?

The Oklahoma Bar Association has put out excellent guidelines regarding choosing an attorney. They state that “Selecting a lawyer is a personal matter. You must judge which particular attorney will be best for you. Before making a decision, however, you may want to contact several lawyers or law firms to gather some comparative information.

When choosing a lawyer, keep practical considerations in mind: the lawyer’s area of expertise, prior experience and reputation, convenience of office location, amount of fees charged and the length of time a case may take. A lawyer’s communication skills are another factor. Willingness and ability to talk to you in language you understand and responsiveness to your questions will influence how well informed you are about the progress of your case.

It is advisable that you select an attorney with whom you feel comfortable. These preferences may guide you in selecting someone with whom you feel most comfortable.

It is important that you trust the lawyer you hire—and that you believe he or she will do the best job possible in protecting your legal rights. But keep in mind that most lawsuits and other legal work are not “sure things.” You should be cautious of an attorney who guarantees results. No lawyer can be expected to win every case, and sometimes the best legal advice may not be exactly what you want to hear.”

When do you seek a mesothelioma lawyer?

The timely process of selecting a mesothelioma lawyer and the proper filing of your mesothelioma lawsuit can make all the difference between a multi-million dollar compensation claim to secure the future of your family (once and if you are gone), and getting nothing at all for your pain, suffering, and loss of life. That means you need to seek a mesothelioma lawyer as soon as you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with this dangerous cancer.

Disclaimer: The author and publisher of this article have done their best to give you useful, informative and accurate information. This article does not represent nor replace the legal advice you need to get from a lawyer, or other professional if the content of the article involves an issue you are facing. Laws vary from state-to-state and change from time-to-time. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions about the issues described in this article. Thank you.



New Drug Study for Abdominal Mesothelioma

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008
Katie Kelley asked:


Researchers recently published the results of a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology detailing a potentially new treatment for patients of abdominal mesothelioma that will likely improve the condition for patients.

The study found that when patients suffering from abdominal mesothelioma were given a combination of two drugs, Alimta (pemetrexed) and Gemzar (gemcitabine), their condition improved. The following are the results of the study:

* Response rate among patients was 15 percent.

* The control rate of the disease for patients while on the medication was 50 percent.

* The median time to disease progression was 10.4 months.

* The median survival time was 26.8 months.

* The mesothelioma study involved 20 patients suffering from the condition.

Each patient also received various vitamins including folic acid, vitamin B12 and dexamethasone. The study was conducted by researchers involved in a multi-center U.S. trial. Researchers expect to continue studying the drug’s effects on abdominal mesothelioma patients to determine if the treatment can be improved.

What is Abdominal Mesothelioma?

Abdominal mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of mesothelioma cancer. Commonly described as peritoneal mesothelioma, the cancer affects the abdominal lining, which is also known as the peritoneum. Within the abdominal cavity is the serous membrane, which is also known as the parietal peritoneum, and this membrane continues on to the visceral peritoneum that lines the organs. With abdominal mesothelioma, the visceral and parietal peritoneum linings are affected with the development of cancerous cells.

Most often, abdominal cancer occurs when an individual first develops pleural mesothelioma, which is when the lining of the lung develops cancerous cells after inhalation of asbestos. Pleural mesothelioma can then spread to the peritoneal cavity and cause peritoneal mesothelioma, which accounts for less than one-third of all mesothelioma diagnoses.

How is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Contracted?

Abdominal, or peritoneal, mesothelioma is caused through the inhalation of asbestos fibers or asbestos dust. Asbestos is a material that is derived from vermiculite, a mineral that was mined heavily in the United States and around the world in the 20th century. Asbestos was most commonly used as an insulation within the construction industry because it was flame resistant and was developed at inexpensive prices.

There are many common symptoms of mesothelioma, including:

* shortness of breath.

* inability to breath.

* fatigue.

* wheezing or severe cough.

However, many of these symptoms are generalized to overall cases of mesothelioma. Specific symptoms exist for those diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. These symptoms are as follows:

* weight loss.

* abdominal swelling, which can be caused by ascites or the buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

* bowel obstruction.

* fever.

* anemia.

* blood clotting.

* trouble swallowing.

* swelling of neck and face.

Abdominal Mesothelioma Treatment

Abdominal mesothelioma treatments commonly consist of surgical procedures to remove the infected cancerous areas. Often, the main surgery involved with peritoneal mesothelioma is known as cytoreductive surgery. This surgery is usually accompanied with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and together the median survival rate for patients has been shown to increase slightly, although, treatment is dependent on a specific case-by-case basis.

Obtaining Peritoneal Mesothelioma Legal Help

Individuals who have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma or any similar form of mesothelioma cancer are advised to locate an experienced mesothelioma attorney. Because mesothelioma is considered a highly preventable disease, individual victims who contract the illness were likely exposed to asbestos fibers or asbestos dust without knowledge of the danger of exposure levels. These individuals may be able to receive monetary compensation for the extremely costly medical bills associated with abdominal mesothelioma.

It is especially important for an individual to seek legal counsel for their mesothelioma lawsuit if they were an employee within the metal, mining, maritime, construction and welding industries.



What’s the difference between being cancer-free and being in remission?

Saturday, November 1st, 2008
Abby asked:


My cousin recently received treatment for ****** cancer, and now she is cancer-free. But she says she’s not in remission yet. What does this mean exactly?