If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you probably feel shocked or overwhelmed to a degree you never thought possible. Even if you have plenty of friends and family to lean on, it might occasionally feel like you don’t have anyone who quite understands what you’re going through. This connection – this commiseration you need – is what support groups are for.

During the many years we’ve helped mesothelioma patients at Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood and Harley, we’ve learned that there’s almost always a support service out there for you.

If you’ve never visited a support group (most people haven’t), here are some things to know about them, including their benefits, their limitations and where to find them.

Benefits of Mesothelioma Support Groups

Support groups are often as simple as you’d think. In-person groups usually meet weekly or monthly, often in a church, school or community center. Many support meetings will have very little in the way of structure. Instead, they’ll focus mainly on helping you express your emotions, voice your fears and meet other people like you. We’ve often had mesothelioma patients tell us that in a support group, they met people whose situations we’re almost exactly like theirs. Knowing that there are others out there sharing your experience can really help you cope with having mesothelioma.

Types of Mesothelioma Support Groups

Support groups come in a plethora of different varieties. You can take advantage of this to find one (or several!) that feel like a good fit. Some groups are for people with any kind of cancer, while others are intended solely for people with mesothelioma. While some are organized by counselors or doctors, others are patient- or survivor-led. Support groups can be just for men, women, children, the elderly, or for people with specific health complications.

Support Group Venues

Not all services are in-person. Phone-based support lines can let you talk to someone whenever you need to hear a friendly voice. Plenty of e-groups, chat rooms, internet forums exist online, too. These can help you get in touch with people from all over, especially if you live in the countryside or don’t have easy access to face-to-face services.

Limitations of Mesothelioma Support Groups

It may take a few tries to find a group or service that is a good fit for you. Don’t be discouraged! If using the internet is not your thing, try finding an in-person meeting at a local community center. If you feel like you don’t have much in common with the people in your group, consider looking for meetings and services that focus only on helping patients with mesothelioma. Finally, even though you’ll likely make some life-long friends in your support groups, be sure to only follow medical and legal advice given to you by your physicians and legal counsel. Be cautious of contacting groups via attorney websites, especially fake “.org” sites where attorney sponsorship is hidden, since these are often nothing more than disguised client solicitation devices.

Related articles:

The Stages of Mesothelioma: What Can I Expect After My Diagnosis?

Strategies for Coping with a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Asbestos victims and their families have plenty to worry about. From testing and treatments to worrying about the future, the last thing these people need when attempting to gain asbestos compensation is an unscrupulous lawyer but sadly, such individuals exist.

These just-concerned-with-profit lawyers will now be able to buy high-ranking asbestos- and mesothelioma-related websites from Stephanie Torain, who says she created the sites to give victims free case evaluations.

Free-wheeling attorneys can purchase Asbestoslawsuitshelp.com, AsbestosLawyerinfo.com and MesotheliomaLawsuitinfo.org from Torain, reports Legal Newsline.

According to Torain, the purchaser will have his law firm name and number put on one of the sites, which rank on the first page of Google for the terms “Asbestos Lawsuit” and “Mesothelioma Lawsuit.”

Unscrupulous lawyers prey on asbestos victims

A great many people struggling with asbestos-related diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma are blue collar workers who contracted the illness on the job, where the naturally occurring mineral was widely used as a flame retardant and insulator.

Such individuals are not typically wealthy and are hoping to get asbestos compensation to ensure that their family is taken care of after they are gone. However, this does not stop some lawyers from taking advantage of people in such vulnerable situations.

Real attorneys fight for the rights of victims

While there are some lawyers out there who are only involved in the field to make a buck, there are still upstanding asbestos attorneys who will go to the mat for their clients to get them the compensation they deserve.

These asbestos lawyers will work with their clients to determine when and where the asbestos exposure that caused their illness took place to ensure that the party responsible is held accountable for their actions.

By contacting earnest lawyers, asbestos victims can work to ensure not only that their families will be taken care of but that justice will be done.

Eternit trial chief prosecutor Raffaele Guariniello with "Eternit and The Great Asbestos Trial" editor Laurie Kazan-Allen

The verdict to conclude the Eternit asbestos disaster trial in Italy has finally been handed down, with former company owner Stephan Schmidheiny and major shareholder Jean-Louis Marie Ghislain de Cartier de Marchienne each receiving 16-year prison sentences.

Coinciding with the announcement of the verdict in the groundbreaking asbestos case, “Eternit and The Great Asbestos Trial,” compiled and edited by David Allen and Laurie Kazan-Allen, has been released and is now available at WorldAsbestosReport.org.

Detailing the Eternit scandal from the beginning with in-depth coverage of the corporation’s activities in Casale Monferrato, the book offers a rare glimpse into one of the most devastating environmental disasters in recent memory.

Eternit, a manufacturer of fiber cement, built its factory in Casale Monferrato in 1906, but it wasn’t until decades later that it become widely known that thousands of workers and people in the area had been exposed to asbestos, leaving a vast number of victims. The effects of this disaster are still being felt today.

From the factories to the courtroom, Eternit’s rise and fall documented

As it has been proven for decades that exposure to asbestos can have serious consequences for individuals – including the development of lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma – Eternit ultimately declared bankruptcy in 1986. It would be another six years before asbestos use was banned in Italy.

In the book, David Allen and Laurie Kazan-Allen include a number of interviews offering unique perspectives on the Eternit trial, including one with prosecutors Raffaele Guariniello and Andrea Prandstraller.

These conversations give insight into the various twists and turns throughout the trial, particularly the attempts by Schmidheiny to settle claims with various cities, including Casale Monferrato. Though it was reported weeks before the verdict that Casale’s mayor was considering a deal, the town ultimately decided against it, paving the way for the Swiss billionaire’s sentencing earlier this week.

Despite verdict, asbestos fight not nearly over

In addition to the Eternit trial in Italy, “Eternit and The Great Asbestos Trial” details the wide-ranging impact that the asbestos disaster had on victims in other countries, including France, the Netherlands and Brazil, among others.

The lasting impact on these number of countries serves as a poignant reminder to the rest of the world that as the use of asbestos continues – particularly in developing countries – the Eternit verdict is only one step in the process of eliminating diseases that the World Health Organization estimates kill approximately 107,000 people across the globe each year.

Related article:

Former Eternit Executive, Shareholder Sentenced to Prison in Groundbreaking Asbestos Trial

A verdict in the groundbreaking trial over the Eternit asbestos disaster in Italy has been handed down, with a former executive and a shareholder each receiving 16-year prison sentences for their roles in the incident.

Swiss billionaire Stephan Schmidheiny, the former owner of the Eternit fiber cement company, and major shareholder Jean-Louis Marie Ghislain de Cartier de Marchienne were sentenced in absentia after they were found guilty of violating safety regulations and creating an environmental disaster.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports the disaster was responsible for more than 3,000 asbestos-related deaths. The families of these victims had waited anxiously for the trial for years.

“This trial will go down in history… but it will not bring my dad back,” Piero Ferraris, whose father died of lung cancer in 1988 after working in a local Eternit factory from 1946 to 1979, said following the verdict.

Sentence longer than usual due to continued fall-out

The crimes committed by Schmidheiny and de Cartier typically carry a maximum 12-year sentence, but prosecutors successfully argued that the effects of the asbestos disaster continue to affect victims in Italy, according to the news source.

The trial began in 2009 following a five-year investigation into the matter, and it represents the largest such case against a multinational company for its role in asbestos-related deaths. Eternit went bankrupt prior to asbestos being banned in Italy, AFP reports.

“I have never seen such a tragedy. It affects workers and inhabitants… it continues to cause deaths and will continue to do so for who knows how long,” prosecutor Raffaele Guariniello said during his closing speech in November.

Defense attorneys had argued the two men were not responsible for the asbestos disaster, according to Reuters.

Trial, verdict shed light on deadly effects of asbestos exposure

The Eternit trial was monitored carefully around the world by the asbestos community, particularly as the carcinogenic substance is still widely used in developing countries.

Exposure to asbestos, which was once prized for its resistance to fire and utility as an insulator has been known for decades to cause a number of serious illnesses, including lung cancer, asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer.

The effects of these illnesses can be seen across the globe, as the World Health Organization estimates approximately 107,000 people succumb to these diseases each year.

If you’ve read about malignant pleural mesothelioma online, then at first glance, it may have seemed as though there are just a few treatment options for MPM patients. However, researchers in dozens of U.S. laboratories are working diligently to develop new and more effective diagnostic tests, chemotherapies, surgeries and biological tools for attacking the disease.

After nearly four decades of helping patients make informed legal and medical choices, we at Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood and Harley have learned to keep this principle in mind: Every time you think that you’ve exhausted all available mesothelioma treatments, a new one might just appear on the horizon.

Here are a few good examples of recent mesothelioma medical breakthroughs, many of which are in the later stages of clinical trial.

Using CT scanning for surgery-free tumor tracking

In this case, there was no need for a trial, since computed tomographic (CT) scans are already routinely used as part of the MPM diagnostic process. In a recent study supported by our Foundation, a team of radiologists from the University of Chicago found that CT scanning may be used to non-invasively track the size of mesothelioma tumors.

Published in the journal Medical Physics, the group’s results indicated that this 3D imaging method may be as accurate as surgical biopsies in estimating the extent of MPM growth.

And what’s more, the technique might act as a stepping stone for the development of new treatments for MPM!

“[This] computerized method will be implemented in future studies to help evaluate novel therapies,” researchers concluded. “Further, we believe that these methods will be invaluable to researchers who attempt to create novel treatments for pleural-based diseases.”

What other advances in mesothelioma treatment are currently in development?

Plenty! Consider a report recently released by the Mayo Clinic, which explained that a drug used for kidney cancer may double as a chemotherapy for MPM.

Called pazopanib, the substance is typically administered to treat advanced renal carcinomas. However, as Dr. Julian Molina discovered, it may have other exciting applications.

“We…added it to mesothelioma cells that we had in the lab, and we noticed that pazopanib was very effective at killing these cancer cells,” he explained, quoted by the clinic’s magazine, Discovery’s Edge. “At the time, we were doing a Phase I study here in which we were testing pazopanib for patients who had all tumor types.”

In the same edition of the periodical, researchers from the University of Minnesota described their own cutting-edge, “biologic” treatment for MPM: a modified measles virus that can deliver radioactive iodine to mesothelioma tumors without actually infecting the patient.

Lab tests were encouraging. Compared to MPM-diagnosed mice given traditional therapies, those that were treated with this new approach lived twice as long on average. The team told the news source that some of the animals even appeared to have been cured!

Having mesothelioma or lung cancer can be exhausting at times, and so is caring for a family member who has either one. Still, you can rest easy knowing that you have untiring patient advocates waiting for you at Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood and Harley.

In our nearly 40 years of experience helping people make informed legal and medical choices, we have learned that there are many ways to approach cancer care. Whether you’re a patient or a concerned caretaker, one thing that can help keep your body strong and your spirits high is good nutrition.

When someone is diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer, it is easy to let their (and your) diet go out the window. Here are some of the things we’ve learned over the years about keeping up the nutritional end of care.

For caretakers:

If you’re going to care for a friend or loved one, you’ll need to take care of yourself too. Eat three square meals a day. You may want to eat slightly more than usual (especially extra fruits, vegetables, whole grains or protein) since you’re probably burning more energy now. If you spend long hours in the hospital, skip the snack machines in favor of a good half-hour in the cafeteria. You might be surprised how refreshing it is to eat a real meal.

For patients:

In a way, our advice for you is almost no different. Dealing with illness is taxing on your body and mind, so eating wholesome foods can help you stay optimistic and energetic.

However, keep in mind that having mesothelioma or lung cancer can change your body’s needs.

To start, being diagnosed with the condition may leave you feeling sad or stunned. For a while, your appetite may drop off. During this time, lean on your friends a little. They may bring you hot meals or casseroles to show you that they love you. Try eating some. You’ll probably find that you’re hungrier than you thought.

Mesothelioma and lung cancer can also hit your appetite hard even before your diagnosis. These illnesses sometimes cause what’s called “cachexia,” which is loss of appetite, thinness and exhaustion, all rolled up into one. Cachexia can be a early sign of mesothelioma or lung cancer.

While you’re being treated for your illness, your appetite will probably stay low for a while. This is because chemotherapy, radiation treatment and recuperation from surgery can all make it hard to want to eat anything.

Tips for getting nutrition during treatment

• Eat many small meals instead of three big ones.
• Take little bites. This can help you digest food and keep it down.
• If you’re nauseated, wait a while before trying to eat.
• Drink plenty of water, but don’t overdo it. If you fill up on fluids, you’ll have little room for any food.

Related articles:

Strategies for Coping with a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma and Pain: What to Expect and How to Manage It

Length: 2:07

“When workers complained they could see the fibers in the air, it was remedied by darkening the windows so the sunlight would not hit the fibers.”

Watch this 2-minute trailer of Canary in the Mine, a short documentary that reveals the personal and political ramifications of one of Canada’s most controversial industries: the mining and exportation of Chrysotile asbestos.

The documentary in its entirety will be released and sent to film festivals soon.

Bud Stillman (right)

“I will live till I die and then I will be dead for a hell of a long time.”

–Retired U.S. Army soldier Haskell “Bud” Stillman in his memoirs, He Bleeds Olive Drab

Bud Stillman, 82, spent 20 years as a decorated soldier. During his first tour of duty in the U.S. Army, he served in Japan where he met his future wife, Kay. In order to return to Japan to find her, he re-enlisted to serve in Korea during the Korean War. He went on to marry Kay and continue his service to our country. He later served in the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star.

Bud and Shizue Stillman

Exposure to asbestos-containing brakes and clutches

While in the Army, Mr. Stillman oversaw and performed maintenance on hundreds of vehicles which had asbestos-containing brakes and clutches. After retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer, he became a mechanic and then maintenance supervisor for several fleets of heavy duty rental trucks. He regularly breathed dust from the asbestos brakes and clutches on these trucks.

Mesothelioma diagnosis

Mr. Stillman was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July 2010. Kazan Law filed suit on his behalf in August 2010 against the manufacturers and suppliers of the asbestos products he used in his work. [Haskell “Bud” Stillman and Shizue “Kay” Stillman v. Eaton Corporation, et al. (2011) Alameda County Superior Court Case No. RG10528222]

He began trial against several defendants in July 2011, but by opening statements only Eaton Corporation remained. Eaton manufactured many of the heavy duty brakes Mr. Stillman used and encountered during his career.

Manufacturers were aware of asbestos hazards

The evidence at trial showed that Eaton received information about the hazards of asbestos from the manufacturers of the brake linings it used in making the brake systems it supplied, but never passed those warnings on to end users like Mr. Stillman.

Mr. Stillman resolved his case with Eaton during jury deliberations in October 2011.

He enjoys spending time with his wife of many years, Kay, and his children, Mike and Grace, and his grandchildren, although he is no longer able to go on his weekly fishing trips. He looks forward to welcoming his first great-grandchild in May 2012.

Bud and Shizue Stillman

Mr. Stillman sums it up in the closing pages of his book–

“My life-long partner, my friend, my lover and wife and I, head down the down-hill side of our journey arm-in-arm. Each time I look at her, the one thing that comes to mind is the words of this song: The only dream that matters has come true. In this life, I was loved by you.”

If you recently learned that you have mesothelioma, you have probably been feeling lots of different emotions, like anxiety, sadness, anger, guilt, confusion or loneliness. You may even feel numb, like your brain has shut off your emotions. This is totally normal; most people with mesothelioma react this way.

In our almost 40 years of experience helping people make informed legal and medical choices, we at Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood and Harley have learned that it’s important to address your emotions early and often.

Something to keep in mind as you go through treatments is that there is no “right” way to react to having mesothelioma. How you feel is how you feel. Here are some strategies that we recommend:

1. Don’t bottle your feelings or censor yourself around friends, family and doctors. It will only make you feel helpless or isolated. Instead, be candid and honest about your emotions. You might be surprised at how good it can feel to simply say out loud that you are scared, angry or stressed out.
2. Don’t feel you have to be the strong one. It is easy to fall into a cycle in which you end up comforting everyone else and forget (or refuse to acknowledge) that you also need support. Remember that comfort and communication are two-way streets.
3. It can be helpful to see a counselor, someone who specializes in talking with patients who have advanced cancers, chronic diseases or mesothelioma itself. Usually, taking your loved ones to these meetings is good for everyone, as it can help you and those caring for you learn to ride out the emotional roller coaster.
4. Don’t worry if you feel like a different person every day, or even every hour. This is a natural part of the mesothelioma journey. It happens because your mind, just like your body, needs time to cope with the stress and change that come with having mesothelioma.

You can expect to feel all sorts of emotions, including denial, anger, fear, depression, sadness, loneliness, guilt and confusion. Don’t try to ignore them. Go ahead and feel bad. You have every right. Be sure to talk about it, though. There are lots of peer support groups and one-on-one counselors where you can meet people who are in the same boat.

Be sure to seek help if you find that emotions like denial or depression are getting in the way of your desire to follow your treatment plan.

Also, keep in mind that with the bad feelings come good ones: hope, optimism, humor and acceptance. Making plans for the future, focusing on relationships with loved ones and acknowledging the positives of your situation can help you feel strong, whole and happy.

Related articles:

The Stages of Mesothelioma: What Can I Expect After My Diagnosis?

Mesothelioma and Pain: What to Expect and How to Manage It

Despite the fact that Canada is one of the few developed countries to still attempt to be active in the asbestos trade, its citizenry has largely been a vocal opponent of the industry.

A variety of Conservative politicians – including Prime Minister Stephen Harper – and industry executives have been working hard to reinvigorate the flagging industry through loan guarantees and the like. Despite their efforts, there are currently no asbestos mining operations taking place in Canada, and part of this can likely be attributed to the prominent protests of many of the country’s residents.

And the citizens’ outcries are only getting louder, as more and more people join the ranks of people decrying the mining of the substance that has been proven to cause asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma for five decades.

Descendant of prominent asbestos miner joins protests

Vancouver’s Susan Henry is related to Andrew Stuart Johnson, who founded the Johnson Mine Company in Thetford Mines, which was the first operational asbestos mine in Canada, according to the Montreal Gazette.

Henry has now joined people who are trying to end asbestos operations in Canada.

“Although my great-great uncle, Andrew S. Johnson, founded his mine… in good faith, the intervening years have revealed the very dangerous nature of asbestos,” Henry wrote to members of the David Suzuki Foundation recently. “It is deeply disturbing to me that we are now poised to ramp up exports to developing countries, when we are fully aware of how lethal this mineral can be.”

Opposition to asbestos policy growing louder

The David Suzuki Foundation has a goal of sending 10,000 messages to Prime Minister Harper and Quebec Premier Jean Charest to get them to stop trying to reopen the Jeffrey asbestos mine.

Quebec had promised developers that it would guarantee a $58 million loan to Westmount-based Balcorp Ltd. so that the company could expand the mine. The government and asbestos industry backers have argued that such an operation would put people back to work and help revitalize the area’s economy.

However, anti-asbestos advocates, along with the global medical community, have correctly pointed out that the toll that asbestos takes on a population isn’t worth any amount of jobs or money.

Asbestos-related illnesses are responsible for killing 107,000 people each year around the world, according to the World Health Organization.