Mesothelioma patients and their loved ones ask mental health counselor Dana Nolan and registered nurse Karen Selby questions about cancer diagnosis, treatment and other topics.

1. February 2015 Online Support Group
Q&A Session
Dana Nolan, MS LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor

2. Question 1
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How Quickly Can a Mesothelioma
Prognosis Change?

3. Answer
 Every person’s diagnosis is unique
and not everyone with this type of
cancer has the same prognosis.
 There are many factors that
determine a person’s individual
prognosis, including the stage and
location of tumors in the body.
 If a tumor grows quickly and
spreads to different areas of the
body, it can have devastating
effects on a prognosis.
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4. Question 2
How Many Times Can I Have Surgery
to Treat This Disease?
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5. Answer
 First, your doctor will make
sure your overall health is
strong enough to combat
any complications and your
cancer has not spread.
 If your overall health is good
after your first surgery, you
may be eligible for a second
or third surgery.
 Some may not be eligible
for any type of surgery.
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6. Question 3
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If I Have “Chemo Brain" or Memory Loss,
Can I Qualify for a Clinical Trial?

7. Answer
 Informed consent ensures
each participant fully
understands all the risks and
benefits of the clinical trail.
 Memory loss may interfere
with informed consent, but
it’s not absolute.
 If you’re not eligible for one
clinical trail, you can always
try another one.
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8. Question 4
How Is Mesothelioma Staged?
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9. Answer
 Cancer is typically labeled stage I, II, III or IV to identify
the severity of the disease.
 Pleural mesothelioma is the only type of asbestos-
related cancer with a formal staging system.
 However, many physicians who treat this disease don’t
agree on which staging method is the most accurate.
 It is easier to determine if this disease is in its early
stages or late stages.
 Early stages offer more treatment options and
warrant a better chance of survival.
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10. Question 5
Is It Common to Have Extreme Leg or Muscle
Weakness?
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11. Answer
 Yes. Chemo drugs can cause nerve
damage, or neuropathy, which may
result in numbness or a tingly
sensation.
 Some people report such severe leg
pain or weakness that they cannot
get up from a chair without help.
 Increasing your protein
consumption and exercise can help
regain muscle strength.
 Try a protein shake from Ensure or
Carnation Breakfast Essentials, but
consult your doctor first.
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12. Contact Information
1-800-615-2270
(800) 615-2270