My grandad's just been diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma

Hi Gina_x,

If you navigate some of the other groups here I think there are ones dedicated to making things easier in day to day life and also foods that are easier to eat/swallow in terms of diet. Using the search function might help. I'm sure in a few days someone with more experience may pop along and give you some more advice about this. Unfortunately it's not something I can personally help with.

Something I have noticed with my Dad is he gets breathless when he showers, particularly when he dries himself. I know the British Lung Foundation suggest to give people with lung diseases a big fluffy gown so they can 'self dry' while wearing it. He also has a hand held fan to blow in his face when he feels breathless (some suggest it might be a placebo effect but it seems to help).

I think you are in the right place for support for your grandma. Maybe give Macmillan a ring? They should be able to help and point you in the right direction. I know in my area they have meet ups every month for asbestos disease sufferers at our local asbestos support charity that you can attend so it may be a good thing for your grandma to meet other people who have gone through it and experienced it.

Sorry if this isn't much help. I just didn't want this to go unanswered. I hope you at least got something from this that will help.

Hi Gina,

So sorry to see you here. At the beginning when my mum was first diagnosed - there was a period of time where there was a huge lack of communication and my mum was left for a good 4 weeks with no one contacting her or letting her know what the next steps were. It was a lonely time - I contacted Mesothelioma.uk and they were truly wonderful. A dedicated nurse phoned me back almost within minutes and then spoke to my mum at length. 

The nurse took control and arranged meetings and clearly relayed what the next steps would be.

The nurse is still very much a part of my mum’s journey and is ALWAYS on the end of an email or phone if needed.

i would advise to call them too - it’s a ruthless disease which - from what I see- causes much pain and sadness, but we are determined to make as many memories with my mum whilst we can - 

Good luck and hope your Grandad can find the professional care he needs x