Best treatment Mesothelioma Diagnosis

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Good evening all 

My dad, 73 has had recent pleural biopsy surgery and he has been told it is Pleural Mesothelioma. He is awaiting to see cancer centre to discuss stage and what treatments he can be given. We don't know if it is advanced yet or more early than this. We are praying for the latter of course. Can anyone give any advise regarding treatment they have been told is best for treating this i.e chemo with immunotherapy or any particular new drugs which are working for you or been told is the latest fighter in this awful aggressive cancer. What stage were you and could they do surgery. I read surgery offers the best hope but of course not suited if beyond stage 1/2? Just looking for some ahead answers for my poor dad in the midst of this devastating news. He is my everything. I have 2 young children under 5 years and I am struggling to mentally cope. Thank you 

  • Hi it’s really devastating. My dad was diagnosed 2 years ago next week, he was given immunotherapy for about 7 months and then he had a bad reaction to it so it was stopped- 2 years later he’s well just finished painted his windows, takes the dog 2 times a day. He’s d had a really good 2 years which was thanks to the immunotherapy just hoping it continues to give him quality time.

    sending you a big hug.

    xx

  • Hi Hope 23

    I was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma back in Sept 23 at Liverpool after a biopsy. I have been treated with immunotherapy which I believe is fairly standard in the UK. So far so good with the cancer remaining stable. I also feel pretty good with only minor side effects of itching and dry mouth. 

    As regards to surgery, there is little or no evidence that surgery is any better  than chemotherapy or immunotherapy. From my research surgery is a huge operation with significant risks. Check out  Mars 2 trials. It is used more in the USA than in the UK

    Hope all goes well with the treatment.

    Best wishes 

    Mike,365

  • hi Bluexxx thank you for your reply, I am so sorry to read about your dad's diagnosis too but great to read he's living daily life well for over 2 years. I am sorry immunotherapy ultimety wasn't a good match but on a positive it may have given him more time. Let's hope this relatively new treatment pathway continues to provide people longer time with their families.

    Are you part of any support groups?

    Does your dad have yearly / 6 monthly checkups to check on things. Do you recommend any supplements to support the immune system in general or things to be doing to support the body during treatment?

    I wish your dad the best going forward. Best wishes. Liz 

  • Hi Liz, no my dad doesn’t take any supplements, but because of the reaction he had to immunotherapy he has to take hydrocortisone and is diabetic brought on by the immunotherapy. He eats like a horse and believe it or not is high on life.  He’s got a very positive attitude, I just worry and dread the day it all comes to an end. My dad was having a scan and seeing the oncologist every 3 months but as there is nothing more that can be done once it starts growing it’s been decided to have the CTscan and see the oncologist every 9 months as the anxiety the appointments cause. I have a very supportive husband and just try not to think about it. It’s so hard the devastation this awful disease causes . Try to stay positive…big hug on its way xxxx

  • Aw thank you you come across like a lovely family and supportive dayghter. Yes staying positive is so important your dad sounds a strong man. Hugs back to you too take care