With mesothelioma cancer, a diagnosis often comes after a long latency period. The average length of latency for malignant mesothelioma is 35 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. Often times, younger members of the family, such as children or grandchildren, have to step in to become caregivers for their parents or grandparents who are battling mesothelioma in the late stages of their life.

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance spoke to Tory Zellick, massage therapist, author and Huffington Post blogger, who became a caregiver to her mother with breast cancer at age 18. Below, Tory shares her advice about how to care for a loved one with cancer and what she wishes she knew starting out.

Although my days of caring for my mother are long over, I can’t help but observe those in my life who are beginning down the road of caregiving and see their personal struggles. There are over 65 million informal caregivers in the United States; caregivers with little or no formal training who are being catapulted into the world of caregiving. If only I had known then what I know now, the outcome may have been the same, but my personal caregiving journey may have been a bit smoother. If I had the opportunity to talk with my younger, caregiving self, my best advice would be:

Self Care Should Be Number One Priority

Caregivng is a time consuming, emotionally draining, and physically exhausting job. If you do not take the proper steps to care for yourself, how will you be able to care for another?

• Make sure to eat regular and nutritious meals. Take the time to prep healthy, easy-to-grab-on-the-go meals to avoid eating fast food or snacks out of a vending machine.
• Your life may be filled with doctors appointments for the person you are caring for; this does not give you an excuse to forfeit your doctor time. Maintain your regularly scheduled check-ups and stay on top of your wellness.
• Scheduling personal time is also important to maintaining a healthy relationship with the person you are caring for and maintaining a relationship with yourself. All to often, a caregiver self-identifies with the person they are caring for, and may even feel guilty “leaving” the care recipient.

Which brings me my second piece of advice:

Build A Strong Caregiving Team

As the primary caregiver, you cannot possibly be everywhere, all the time. In order to schedule time for yourself and ensure the care recipient is sufficiently cared for, build a team. Many people may want to help and may not know how. Delegate small tasks such as house cleaning, lawn mowing or bill paying to others to help free up your valuable time.

Get Organized

With a diagnosis such as cancer, it is important to begin an organizational system and stick with it. Quickly, one will realize just how many physicians, therapist, specialists, tests, procedures and treatments are involved. Caregiving is not a lesson in memorization; design a system to track physicians and bodyworkers, medications, treatments, insurance paperwork, and medical bills. Make sure someone else on your team has a clear understanding of this system as well, in the event you are not present and critical information is needed.

Do Not Fear Discussing The Big “D”

Death is something we as a society tend to dance around. Remarkably, no one wants to talk about it even though it is our one guarantee in this life. It should not take a diagnosis like cancer to begin the conversation; begin the conversation now! Know what your loved one’s final wishes are and make sure someone knows your wishes. Have the appropriate documentation drawn up, including a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA), living will or trust, and discuss Do Not Resuscitate and Do Not Intubate orders. These decisions are difficult to make, so it is better to have a clear understanding of these topics prior to needing to make these decisions.

Remember that you became a caregiver because you care, and doing the best job you know how is all you can give. The journey may be long, frustrating at times and difficult, but this is not a journey you must make alone. Accept help when it is offered, seek out help when necessary, and most importantly, maintain your own personal well-being.

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Tory Zellick, CMT, became a caregiver to her mother at the young age of 18 when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through her experience, she studied massage therapy to help her mother and others with pain, has written a book, and blogs on her site and The Huffington Post to support others who are becoming caregivers. Her book "The Medical Day Planner: The Guide to Help Navigate the Medical Maze" helps patients and caregivers manage all aspects of their medical care to take the stress out of some otherwise difficult decisions. Learn more about Tory and her journey at her site All Things Caregiver.

Almost everyone knows someone currently serving in military services, and one thing stands true for all members of all branches of service: care packages from home never go unappreciated. Armed Forces Day is a day to honor all service men and woman from each branch of the military; much of the mesothelioma community are veterans, or loved ones of veterans or current members of the military. In honor of Armed Forces Day, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance has put together some helpful ideas for preparing and sending the best and most useful care packages to loved ones overseas.

For many family members and friends, care packages seem simple. A box of homemade cookies and a sweet card should suffice. However, while sweets from home will be eaten, there are other items that your serviceman or woman might appreciate a little more.

Send This, Not That

If you're thinking about sending cookies or other sweets such as candy, send non-perishable, nutritional snacks instead. Believe it not, our service men and women are actually all set in the cookies department. Many companies, including the Girl Scouts and Otis Spunkmeyer, have ensured that the soldiers are never short on cookies in even the most remote locations. Candy is also vastly oversupplied. Instead, consider sending protein bars, such as Clif bars, beef jerky, dried fruit, and trail mix. These snacks have substance, taste more like real food to soldiers and also provide nutritional benefits.

If you're thinking about sending cheap, disposable hygiene products, send quality ones instead. Consider: often times these men and women are grooming themselves in less than comfortable conditions. Instead of sending throwaway products, think about sending quality ones that might make the experience a little easier. Some ideas are razors with replaceable blade heads (think Gillette Mach 3/Venus), nice shoe inserts for sore feet, odor-eliminating shoe powder, and Febreeze to help with uniform freshness. Toilet paper is supplied by the military, so save your money and package space.

If you're thinking about sending DVDs of movies or television shows, send an iPod pre-loaded with a music library and audio books. It's often possible that, due to a lack of intellectual property enforcement in many parts of the world, your soldier will be able to purchase any movies he or she wants almost anywhere in the world at a cheaper rate than you can find in the United States. A pre-loaded iPod with favorite music and a few books from the bestsellers list in his or her favorite genre will serve more useful and, therefore, more appreciated in the long run.

If you're thinking about sending a Bible, rosary, or other religious text, send a handwritten letter with thoughtful words and advice instead. Almost every unit of the service has a chaplain who is able to provide stacks of Bibles and religious literature for your soldier at any time. Rosaries are often available in bulk, too. A personal handwritten letter with new advice and old wisdom will serve as a meaningful keepsake with much more sentimental value. You know your soldier best and your words and well-wishes will mean the most.

Unique Care Package Ideas

Your package will be a piece of home regardless of what it holds, but here are some more clever ideas to really make the recipient feel at home:

• Favorite shampoo and conditioner brands
• Favorite non-perishable food toppings, such as hot sauce, seasonings they usually put on their meals, peanut butter or Nutella
• Pictures pre-wrapped in Ziploc bags to keep them safe and clean
• Blanket or pillow case from home
• Dryer sheets that he or she can fold into clothes to keep them fresh and smelling like home

By spending the time to put together a few thoughtful items, your solider will feel appreciated for their service not just on Armed Forces Day, but everyday.

Today the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a draft report from the Gulf War Veterans' Illness Task Force on the current state of Gulf War Veterans' health in the hopes to gather public opinion and comments in an on-going effort to improve the quality of medical care and types of medical services offered. Further, the draft report calls for an improvement in addressing the medical needs of Gulf War Veterans with “multi-symptom” illnesses and expanding the scope of clinical studies.

Created to address the growing and specific health concerns of those veterans who served in the Gulf War between 1990 and 1991, the Gulf War Veterans' Illness Task Force has offered directives to the VA on behalf of these veterans. At the crux of the mission of the Task Force is to ensure that Gulf War Veterans' health ever-changing health needs are met with support and care by the VA.

Due to the unique nature of the Gulf War, many of those who served face severe, oftentimes debilitating, medical conditions other veterans who served in different wars and regions do not face.

In particular, Gulf War Veterans were exposed to a variety of environmental toxins, including asbestos. During the fires in Kuwait and other locations, many older buildings were burned that contained asbestos. Though the asbestos exposure was immediate, the development of symptoms related to that exposure takes many years, upwards of decades in some cases.

Among the medical conditions caused by asbestos exposure is mesothelioma, a form of cancer that can affect the protective lining of the lungs. Though asbestos exposure and the later development of mesothelioma in veterans is not uncommon – particularly for those who served in Navy shipyards – Gulf War Veterans are at a particular health risk.

In the draft report, the Task Force outlined key areas to improve the administration of health services to Gulf War Veterans. These areas include improving open communications with Gulf War Veterans, improving point of care services for chronic multi-symptom illness and delivering veteran benefits.

Learning from the unique experiences of the Gulf War Veterans and their subsequent health challenges is also a significant mission of the Task Force. Ultimately, the VA will learn from the Gulf War to be better prepared for how environmental toxins and its physical affects factor into future wars.

The draft report is available for viewing at the Federal Register and will be made available for comments for thirty days.

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Whether you're in remission or you've recently been diagnosed with cancer, maintaining a healthy diet is critical to your recovery and well-being. For some aggressive cancers, like mesothelioma, the treatment is equally as aggressive and alleviating symptoms from such treatments is paramount to help a patient feel well. Vegetarian, vegan and low-carbohydrate diets have long been very popular ways to do this. However, studies are now showing that a gluten-free diet may also help in the fight against cancer.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and spelt. It is also frequently a source of allergen cross-contamination in many foods. Current statistics show that only five to ten percent of Americans suffer from some form of intolerance to gluten. In spite of those numbers, though, many researchers believe that the vast majority of Americans have trouble with gluten, whether or not they have any obvious symptoms.

Even for people with uncompromised immune systems, gluten has been found to have many negative effects on health, digestion and nutrient absorption. Inside the digestive system, gluten forms a thick, paste-like substance that smothers the lining of the intestines. It is believed that this can significantly hinder the availability of nutrients from food. This one fact alone makes a strong case for avoiding gluten during and after cancer. Adequate nutrition is considered an essential part of cancer therapy and recovery.

In individuals with sensitivity to gluten, it can cause serious immune dysfunction. The body interprets the protein as an invader or foreign substance and reacts accordingly. When this happens, the immune system unwittingly attacks the body because there is no real pathogen to fight off. Theoretically, this can increase cancer susceptibility. When the immune system is occupied with one task, the body is left vulnerable to other illnesses.

In order for a gluten-free diet to be truly effective, it is necessary to avoid all traces of it. This can be more difficult than it seems. Here are some tips that can help.

Read Labels Carefully

Most food manufacturers clearly mark wheat and gluten in their ingredients lists. If there is a potential for cross-contamination, there is also likely to be a warning beneath the ingredients. Furthermore, some products labeled as gluten-free are subject to contamination and carry warning stating so.

Beware of Hidden Sources

Foods like oats, brown rice syrup, MSG, malt and some flavorings are often hidden sources of gluten.

Avoid Dining Out

Choosing from a restaurant's gluten-free menu doesn't guarantee safety from gluten. You never know how the ingredients were manufactured. It also doesn't ensure that the staff will use the appropriate caution against cross-contamination.

There are many gluten-free alternative recipes to satisfy your every craving. Below is an easy gluten-free chocolate chip cookie recipe from the Food Network.

What you'll need:

• 8 ounces unsalted butter
• 11 ounces brown rice flour, approximately 2 cups
• 1 ¼ ounces cornstarch, approximately ¼ cup
• ½ ounce tapioca flour, approximately 2 tablespoons
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 ounces sugar, approximately 1 ¼ cups
• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
2. Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat. Once melted, pour into the bowl of a stand mixer.
3. In a medium bowl, sift together the rice flour, cornstarch, tapioca flour, xantham gum, salt and baking soda. Set aside.
4. Add both of the sugars to the bowl with the butter and using the paddle attachment, cream together on medium speed for 1 minute. Add the whole egg, egg yolk, milk and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Add the chocolate chips and stir to combine.
5. Chill the dough in the refrigerator until firm, approximately 1 hour. Shape the dough into 2-ounce balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets, 6 cookies per sheet. Bake for 14 minutes, rotating the pans after 7 minutes for even baking. Remove from the over and cool the cookies on the pans for 2 minutes. Move the cookies to a wire rack and cool completely. Store cooked cookies in an airtight container.

These cookies make an absolutely delicious gluten-free treat for any occasion!

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance would like to thank Diana Evens-Hein for becoming our Advocate of the Month for May and sharing her story about her father's fight with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Diana’s statement of “one less breath is one too many” is a statement than can resonate with our community who have suffered loss from this cancer. Below is an interview with Diana about her experience and how she would like to help the mesothelioma community.

MCA: Has cancer affected you in some way? If so, in what way? Tell us about your experience.

Diana Evens-Hein: Cancer has affected me in every single aspect of my life. My father Randy Evens was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma in September 2011. He lost his battle on August 2, 2012. My father was a healthy, strong, hard working individual who never took sick days and was always working on the house, in the yard, or on his automobiles.

MCA: How has this shaped you as the person you are today?

Diana Evens-Hein: Since the passing of my father is still so recent, I'm still trying to deal with adjusting to life without him.

MCA: What was your motivation to become the MCA Advocate of the Month?

Diana Evens-Hein: My motivation for becoming the MCA advocate for May comes deep within my soul. I'm a no-nonsense individual. I believe in everyone being held accountable for their actions.

MCA: If you could say one thing to the world about cancer or mesothelioma specifically, what would it be?

Diana Evens-Hein: Cancer is a horrible disease that changes lives forever. It pains me to no end to know that money, power, and greed are to blame for asbestos-related diseases. While my father earned an honest living providing for our family, the asbestos companies did nothing to protect it's consumers from the products they manufactured, produced, and sold to consumers all over the world.

MCA: Is there anything else you would like to say to the MCA community?

Diana Evens-Hein: One less breath equals one too many. I have become part of the mesothelioma community to fight for justice and speak on behalf of those who no longer have voices.

Staying active while going through treatment for cancer can be a tremendous challenge. Especially when dealing with an aggressive cancer like mesothelioma, treatments can make exercise seem the the last thing a patient wants to do. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery all have side effects that can limit energy and create physical limitations. However, here are five activities that patients can do this summer to jumpstart a low-impact exercise program to help reduce symptoms from treatments.

1. Walk

Its the original form of exercise and it can be tailored to your energy level. If you are feeling tired, start with 10 minutes a day and work your way up from there. Walking on a treadmill is fine, but some of the benefits of walking include getting outside in the fresh air, enjoying the scenery and connecting with others as you go. Walking with a friend? A great scenario.

2. Aquatic

Swimming is a fantastic way to tone all your major muscle groups, as well as strengthen your heart. Summertime is a great time to get into the pool If you don't like to swim, many pools and health clubs offer aquatic classes for patients including adaptive aquatics and pool therapy to provide non impact exercise and range of motion exercises.

3. Dance

Line dancing, zumba or dancing in your living room. Dancing is a great way to get some aerobic exercise and a quick way to lift your mood. Put on your favorite music and have some fun. No extra points for technique.

4. Gym

Working with light weights is a great form of exercise. Many gyms offer personal training and can tailor a workout to your particular ability or fitness level. Maintaining muscle mass is important for all of us, and even more so for those undergoing treatment. The elyptical machine is another good choice, and limits the impact on your joints. Check with your local health club. Many have fitness classes geared toward cancer patients.

5. Yoga

A great way to stretch, move and feel good all at the same time. Choose the level and style that feels comfortable for you.

Nancy Brook, MSN, RN is a Nurse Practitioner in Surgical Oncology at Stanford University Medical Center, a Counselor and an Adjunct Faculty member. She has more than twenty years of experience treating patients, teaching nurses and counseling families.

I was speaking with a friend of mine recently about writing, as she's writing a urban fantasy short story, and the subject of blood types came up. You see, I always remember my blood type, B Positive, because that’s how I always strive to be. Unfortunately, sometimes I fall short of my goal. Today is one of those times.

I was really happy when on March 5th, 2012 the United States Senate passed a resolution (S-389) recognizing the first week of April as Asbestos Awareness Week. Sponsored by Senator Max Baucus of (D-MT), I was finally thinking that the United States was getting on board with knowing the facts about the dangers of asbestos exposure and more awareness about the diseases caused by it, specifically mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Imagine my utter dismay when I recently found out there is another act moving through our government that is called the “Furthering Asbestos Claims Transparency Act” or FACT Act. However, the so-called transparency ONLY pertains to the victims, not the companies responsible for putting this horrible substance out there in the first place.

What Transparency?

Why does this make me angry? Right now, Congress is being lobbied by corporations to allow them to delay the court process for asbestos victims. In delaying that process, responsible companies are less likely to have to pay anything out. Plus, THEY don’t have to be transparent about anything more than they have been. It protects the companies, while harming the victims.

This Act allows companies to ask for personal information about the victim. Companies are not held to the same standard, and don’t have to give any information. It also allows defendants to have insight into other claims so they can accuse the victim of double dipping between companies’ asbestos trusts and solvent companies. This Act is very one sided, as it protects big business asbestos companies and trusts, but not the people who have been exposed to asbestos and are now sick.

Here is the kicker-- the FACT act wants to have more proof of exposure, with most victims given between a year and 8 months to live, this burden lengthens the court proceedings and diminishes the amount of claims paid out before death. Asbestos victims will have to be far too transparent with the corporations-- they will be able to ask for greater personal information, work history, exposure, and prior claim history. These corporations who have fought so hard to be identified as people and individuals with the rights of personhood are now fighting to escape the responsibilities that personhood requires. In other words, they don't want to pay the price for harming their fellow citizens.

This is Just Wrong

After everything I have been through, after all the people I have met who are now ill because of the negligence of these corporations, after my friend was just put back into the ICU because she has more CO2 in her lungs than oxygen-- these companies want our personal information and proof of exposure.

I was 36 when I was diagnosed. 36. With a 20-30 year latency period, that puts me between 6 and 16 when I was exposed. I never had a job working with asbestos, my cancer came as second hand exposure. This, sadly, is a case more often than not.

Because of asbestos, I lost not only my career, which I loved and nurtured for 15 years, I lost the entire first year of my baby’s life. She was just 3 1/2 months old when I was diagnosed. I missed her whole 6th month of life while I had my lung removed. I missed many more milestones because I was sick from the chemo and radiation. Her whole first year of life is a blur through a chemo haze and I have asbestos to thank for this.

I can no longer work at a job that I loved because of nerve damage to my left hand from my extrapleural pneumonectomy surgery. I can’t stand behind a chair for 8 hours a day doing hair, like I used to because of my diminished lung capacity and the chemicals from all the products are not the best for me to be breathing in.

When I realized what I was up against, yes, I called a mesothelioma lawyer, and it was one of the smartest things I did besides seeking out the best doctor. A legal battle is not to be taken lightly, you want the best and I hired the best. I got sick because of the greed of large companies, and I was not going to sit back idle and let nothing happen. I lost over $4 million in earned income by getting sick so young. This comes from an independent company that figures out lost income due to illness. Yes, 4 million dollars. I can never regain that money. No lawsuit will ever amount to that.

I cannot sit here and 'B Positive' just to watch companies get away with shirking their responsibilities to people who were just going to work and doing their job, or just hugging their dad after a long day at work.

Why is it that we in America will allow our corporations to skate but other countries, such as Italy, will actually hold them accountable for their actions? I recently attended a screening of the movie “DUST The Great Asbestos Trial”, an Italian documentary made because the citizens of the city of Casale, Italy who worked and lived around an asbestos cement factory were all getting sick and dying. They sued the shareholders of the company, Eternit, and the Italian court found them GUILTY of manslaughter, sentenced them to 17 years in prison and $1,000,000 in fines. Sadly, the decision is being appealed, but hopefully it will be upheld.

Let's All 'B Positive'

So, today you are getting a blog post that is not my normal style. Today you are getting the anger I feel when I see corporations buying votes in Congress and leaving those of us who have been harmed to rot by the wayside.

But then again, you’re also getting something else. You’re getting a call to action. I don't often ask you to stand up and fight, but today I am. Those of us who are fighting this horrific cancer need your help to stand up to the corporations who refuse to be held accountable.

Today, I am asking you to call, write, email, tweet and comment to your elected representatives. Tell them how you feel about the FACT Act. Go to Asbestos Cancer Victims' Rights Campaign and sign the petition to STOP the FACT Act.

You see, if corporations are going to insist on being people during election season, then they need to be held accountable for the deaths of every single one of us who contracts this horrific cancer and does not survive. They need to be held accountable for the pain and suffering all of us with this cancer feel on a daily basis. They need to be held accountable for the loss of jobs, the scarring, the fear, and the medical bills. They need to be held accountable for ALL OF IT. My wish is that these companies could witness the fear, the helplessness, and the pain of an asbestos victim and follow their journey from diagnosis, through the end. Maybe, just maybe, they will understand. I’ve lost far more friends to mesothelioma than I care to admit and it never gets easier. It gets harder and harder the more I know.

So please, if you stand up with me, I think I can move away from my anger and go back to living up to my blood type and once again 'B positive.'

Those who can relate most to the injuries of the Boston Marathon victims are amputee military veterans. A veteran group for injured military personnel called the Semper Fi Fund has decided they wanted to help. The group has set up a Boston Marathon fund for those who suffered injuries in the blast. The Semper Fi Fund has raised $74 million over the past ten years to help assist injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families financially. The group provides relief for financial needs that arise during the hospitalization and recovery process for veterans, and now they would like to do the same for victims of the Boston bombing.

Soldiers from the Semper Fi Fund have also made the trip to Boston to visit patients and their families at four different hospitals. These soldiers are passing on a message that emphasizes the importance of getting active as soon as possible and setting goals to aim for in their recovery process. Many of these visiting soldiers are members of Team Semper Fi, Semper Fi Fund’s program that promotes “recovery through sport.” The team is made up of over 450 servicemen and women “who have overcome significant challenges in their service to our country, and have embraced the fighting, athletic spirit on their road to recovery.” These soldiers aren’t done though; they plan to visit the hospitals again at the end of the week.

The Face Of Climate Change is the theme for Earth Day 2013. Countries around the world are mobilizing their citizens to take part in various activities to raise awareness of the growing threat of climate change. From a green car show in Santa Barbara to an Earth Day Flash Mob in Korea, people of the world are taking part in this historic day to celebrate and raise awareness.

Earth Day is not only about celebrating, but also raising awareness of threats to earth; natural or human influenced. The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance would like to participate this year by bringing about awareness of one of the most deadly naturally occurring minerals on earth-- asbestos. Mesothelioma victims and their loved ones know too well the devastation that this deadly mineral can cause, but there are too many people who are still unaware of the harmful effects that asbestos exposure can have.

Below are some asbestos facts-- please participate this Earth Day by sharing this piece and help us create awareness of asbestos and mesothelioma cancer.

• Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous mineral and known carcinogen, was mined beginning in the late 1800’s for many commercials uses in the shipbuilding, automotive and construction industries for a few examples.
• Asbestos fibers are 700 times smaller than a piece of human hair. When disturbed, these microscopic fibers can be inhaled and cling to the lining of your lungs.
• Asbestos is a known cause of asbestosis, asbestos lung cancer, and mesothelioma cancer.
• In the United States, some 30 million pounds of asbestos are still used each year.
• Asbestos is the number one cause of occupational cancer in the United States.
• The World Health Organization has declared asbestos as one of the most dangerous occupational carcinogens in the world.
• Russia is the largest exporter of asbestos, followed by Canada as the second-largest exporter.
• The United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea have all limited asbestos use in their respective countries, but asbestos is still exported to many developing countries and poses a risk to millions of people.

Head over to our Facebook and join our community to help spread awareness for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma this Earth Day.

Join the conversation on Facebook to suggest your questions for next time.

A cancer diagnosis is shocking news to recieve. No matter what disease you're facing, fighting with confidence is important. The process of undergoing cancer treatment can be draining and leave patients feeling unwell, exhausted, and less confident about themselves than ever before. However, it is possible and very beneficial to battle cancer with your head held high, shoulders upright, and to feel strong and beautiful while doing so.

The Power of Positivity

A patient's mindset is the first place to start for improving quality of life when battling cancer. While fear is a naturally occurring emotion, especially when facing a rare disease like mesothelioma, staying positive and refusing to focus on negative thoughts is monumental in maintaining emotional health. A cancer diagnosis can offer a patient an opportunity to improve his spiritual health, to evaluate his direction in life, and to decide to make improvements in health and anywhere else change is needed in order to continue on a better path.

As cancer survivor and Good Morning America host Robin Roberts said, you need to contemplate if this is supposed to be a "reset" for your life. What can you do differently, in a positive way than what you did before your diagnosis? The key is to keep a positive focus and to concentrate on aspects that are healthy and bring true happiness and well-being.

Exercise

The time following a cancer diagnosis is also a great opportunity to decide to eat healthy and exercise. While some patients may experience unpleasant symptoms of treatment and may feel more tired than usual, starting small and slowly incorporating healthier food each day is all it takes. The same is true of exercise. The road to better fitness can start with taking a five to ten minute walk each day and gradually increasing activity level as fitness level increases.

Exercise has also been shown to improve mood, fight depression, and can help a patient build confidence. Exercise can even help decrease or alleviate fatigue and other side effects people with cancer may experience as they undergo treatment. It is important for patients to consult their doctor before beginning a new fitness plan.

Look Good & Feel Good

Along with working to improve on the inside, cancer patients may also pamper themselves and build confidence by enhancing their outer appearance. Learning to perfect makeup skills helped breast cancer survivor and R.N. Michelle Hartog to feel more confident on days when she felt tired or unwell. Makeup can add a healthy glow to the skin while enhancing the patient's natural beauty. Those who are struggling with hair loss may wish to wear wigs. When choosing a wig that looks more natural, it is best to see a hair specialist and to match the color to the patient's eyebrows.

Dressing well and dressing to disguise your cancer was also a confidence booster for Michelle. She said "I felt good most of the time, and wanted to look the way I felt." Wearing favorite colors or brighter hues to compliment the skin may also elevate a patient's mood.

Treat & Pamper Yourself

Many spa treatments are healthy for the body and also create an improved sense of well-being. Massages are excellent for overall health, and massage therapy can help a patient relax and ease anxiety. A massage may also benefit those who struggle with sleeping at night. Aromatherapy is believed to enhance a person's sense of well-being and can be added to a massage session to help increase relaxation. Many spa treatments can also be inexpensively done at home using all natural materials.

Manicures and pedicures help smooth the skin on the hands and feet, and adding color to a manicure or pedicure can be aesthetically pleasing and provide an instant mood boost. Caregiver to his wife and founder of Coping University, Dave Balch said "During all of the ups and downs, we made a point of never missing her manicures. Now matter how poorly she was feeling, she could always look at her nails and feel good about it."

Recent breast cancer survivor and Chief Hug Officer at My Personal Breast Cancer Journey, Sandy Bobal-Zuniga used meditation and relaxation techniques to help her get through her battle with cancer. "Be selfish at this time in your life. Accept that your priority is to get through the treatments and emerge on the other side with a deeper passion and gratitude for life.”

Fortunately, many patients find that improving their quality of life after receiving a cancer diagnosis does not necessarily require a large financial investment and starts with simple lifestyle changes. While having cancer can be devastating, with positive thinking, behavioral modifications, and a little self-pampering, patients can enhance their inner strength and outer beauty and battle cancer with confidence.

This time of year, spring breakers are traveling to relax from school and work with friends and family. Travel in itself can be stressful, but if you add dealing with cancer into the mix, the idea may be too overwhelming and seem unmanageable. Traveling while you or a loved one has cancer can still be fun and relaxing with the right amount of preparation. When facing a rare form of cancer like mesothelioma, travel for mesothelioma treatment is common, but travel for fun doesn't have to be out of the question. Speaking to your doctor first is always recommended because each cancer patient has different limitations and needs. Once travel has been discussed and approved by the patient’s medical team, follow these other tips to make your travel as smooth and as fun as possible.

As a last item to add, be sure to schedule an appointment with your usual doctor for a post-travel check-up to discuss any health difficulties you had while away. If you had a great time relaxing without any unusual symptoms, feel free to cancel the appointment, but you'll feel better knowing that it's already scheduled for when you get home.

Danea Horn is a resilient fighter of her disorder known as VACTERL Association, a speaker, and author of her upcoming book "Chronic Resilience: 10 Sanity-Saving Strategies for Women Coping with the Stress of Illness." Through her sickness, Danea has learned that her illness can be her greatest teacher. She shares her experiences and advice through her site, Chronic Resilience.

As Asbestos Awareness Week 2013 progresses, it’s important to take a look back in time at the valuable information we’ve posted on our blog. Some of our most popular blog posts have been those related to asbestos awareness and education. Asbestos Awareness week is an important time for the mesothelioma community. Since so many people are unaware of the dangers of asbestos, this week in particular is an ideal time to educate others on these hazards.

In the spirit of awareness and education; here is a list of 5 must-read (& must-share) articles about asbestos:

1. "Experts Forcast Global "Catastrophe of Death and Disease" From Asbestos Use" - Our MCA Investigative Journalist Gary Cohn covers the global impact asbestos will have on global health as many countries continue to use asbestos products without caution.

2. Danger in the Dust: The Truth About Spring Cleaning - This article uncoveres the hidden dangers of asbestos when performing DIY renovations in your home.

3. 5 Places Asbestos is Hiding in Your Home - An article about the unexpected places and products where asbestos can be hiding in your home.

4. The Mesothelioma Combat Guide for Veterans - For many veterans, asbestos exposure was unavoidable. To help prepare a veteran to go into battle against asbestos-related diseases, this article shares a comprehensive list of resources for veterans that can be found on our site.

5. The History of Asbestos: Then & Now - Asbestos has a longer history than many may realize. For Asbestos Awareness Week, this article contains a list of compelling asbestos facts to help spread education about this deadly fiber.

More information about asbestos can be found here:

• Asbestos Cancer
• Asbestos Exposure

Join our community to join in the conversation and for updates about asbestos and mesothelioma information.

Cameron

This is the third time I have attended ADAO’s Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference. I still remember how I instantly felt like family when I attended my first conference in Atlanta, GA in April 2011. I found myself at home with others whose lives had been affected by mesothelioma and asbestos. It was wonderful sharing my experiences with others and hearing their stories as well.

This year the conference was held in Washington D.C. The theme was “The Asbestos Crisis: New Trends in Prevention and Treatment”. There were sessions on medical advancements, patients and caregivers, and prevention and advocacy. But for me, the conference is about so much more. Yes, I love to learn about new medical advances in the treatment of mesothelioma. It gives hope for all those who have been or will be diagnosed with mesothelioma. For me, the conference is about connections and people.

I love spending time sharing stories with others and making new friends. My wife has referred to this and other similar conferences as “cancer camp.” This is not intended as an insult, but a compliment. A way to say these are as exciting as going off to summer camp as a kid and getting to do all those cool fun things, but it’s for adults and centered around mesothelioma and asbestos. And the friends you make become friends for life!

This year, there were attendees from seven different nations. I found opportunities to connect with kindred spirits from across the globe. People who have had similar experiences and could relate to what my wife and I have been through since her mesothelioma diagnosis in 2005. I can see now why my wife calls it “cancer camp”.

Heather

Where else can you sit in a room and have 7 countries represented and all be working for the same cause: asbestos awareness, education and disease prevention?

ADAO was started by Linda Reinstein and Doug Larkin after their lives were altered due to this deadly fiber. Since then, Linda and Doug have led the tireless effort to ban asbestos and, through her work, she has gained a truly global reputation as a warrior for us, the people affected by asbestos.

The conference was a gathering of industry experts, medical experts, Union members, government workers, and people whose lives have been touched by asbestos disease in one way or another.

We heard about the outrage of the countries still producing and using asbestos and the shameful fact that our country is still legally importing 100 million tons of asbestos yearly. The more I learn about asbestos and where its being used with little or no regulation, the more my stomach turns. The ADAO is a leading voice in this cause and has supporters from all over the world joining them-- Italy, France, U.K., and Australia, just to name a few.

With its worldwide outreach, the annual ADAO conference attracts people from the mesothelioma community and recognizes their efforts in awareness and education. My favorite part about the conference is meeting the warriors. Last year, I was lucky enough to meet Debbie Brewer from England. This year, I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Lou Williams from Australia. This was such a bonus and such an amazing experience; I’m still on cloud nine. Karen Banton and the entire crew from Australia and the Bernie Banton Foundation was on hand to receive the Tribute of Inspiration award for Karen’s untiring efforts to protect workers rights and seek justice for asbestos workers and their families. My heart is so full of love and admiration for these people and their mission. It strengthens my resolve to continue my work here in the U.S. to bring about awareness.

Linda had contacted me a few months ago and asked me if I would share a little about my awareness efforts. I, along with my friend Jill Cagle, who lost her husband Robbie to meso in 2011, told of our fundraising efforts and how our lives have been forever changed because of asbestos. I shared this blog, our Lungleavin Day celebration, and all of the outreach we are doing. It was wonderful to be able to present to Linda and Doug our check for $3000, money that was raised through our Lungleavin Day celebration, and through the generous donations of our friends and family.

At the conference, reconnecting with friendships made in years past and forging new relationships are the things that I always hold dear. I’m so thankful for places like Facebook and the groups on there where these friendships can continue, no matter the miles or oceans between us. I consider myself so blessed to know so many mesothelioma warriors from all over the world working toward a common goal.

The chance meeting 4 years ago with this powerhouse woman named Linda Reinstein is what gave me the courage to speak up and gave me my voice. She inspires me with her passion, her loyalty and her love of this community, and I am proud to be part of the ADAO.

Thank you Linda, for letting so many of us share our story and for giving a voice to the asbestos victims worldwide.

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance would like to thank Shirley White, the Advocate of the Month for April, for sharing her story about her husband’s fight against epithelial left lung mesothelioma. Shirley’s story is important to share with our community for support and especially during an important week like Asbestos Awareness Week. With our shared knowledge and support, our community can continue to spread awareness and hope for this disease.

Shirley’s Story

My husband Neil had always been a very fit and active person, as well as a non-smoker. Like many others, we were completely shell shocked when, after symptoms of breathlessness, he was eventually diagnosed with epithelial left lung mesothelioma. There had been various asbestos exposures, even back to when he started work as an apprentice carpenter, where no masks were ever worn.

Neil never once said "why me?" and continued to live life with his usual smile and positive attitude. "Worrying gets you no where & only makes you worse," he would say. The doctors decided to use a watch and wait approach with regular scans and mesothelioma mark blood tests.

Two years passed and there was an increase happening in the tumor size. He then had Alimta/Cisplatin chemotherapy. The tumor shrank after each round. Three years after his diagnosis in 2005, Neil passed away, just 6 days after the birth of our youngest grandson, Liam. Luckily, we have a precious photo of him with baby Liam.

For our family it was a roller coaster of emotions, from happiness to desolate sorrow all in less than a week. Facebook and support group sites that have now emerged give great comfort and support 24 hours a day from others with experience and who understand what each person is going through.

Asbestos was known to be a carcinogen back as far as 1924 in the U.K. Cover-ups, corruption, greed, and lack of care for workers on so many levels have resulted in innocent victims worldwide, painfully and tragically paying with their lives. Finding the elusive 'cure' depends on very dedicated researchers; they can only do their job with decent funding. Research funding for mesothelioma in most countries is a pittance or non-existent. To put it in context-- it's like trying to put an extremely small shoe on a very large foot.

God bless all who have suffered, or will in the future contract this horrible disease. Not one of you ever deserved this! You were never protected by all the powers that be, and it would be a complete surprise if anyone is ever brought to the justice they deserve. The passion is in me that one day there will be fantastic news that a cure has been found!

Every year, the first week of April is known as Asbestos Awareness Week. Asbestos, a naturally occurring fibrous material, is a known human carcinogen and has been linked as a cause to asbestos-related cancers and mesothelioma. Despite such serious results from exposure to this mineral, asbestos is still not banned completely in the United States and many other countries. The purpose of Asbestos Awareness Week is to raise awareness and promote education about the dangers of asbestos, the legislation surrounding asbestos and asbestos exposure victims, and education about asbestos-related disease.

Asbestos’ use was very widespread for many years and across many industries because of it’s desirable properties-- asbestos is known to be very durable and fire-resistant. Asbestos in it’s undisturbed form is not dangerous. It is when asbestos is disturbed and its microscopic fibers are inhaled that it can lead to health problems.

To help spread awareness about asbestos and hope for victims of asbestos-related diseases, the MCA has compiled a list of compelling facts about the long history of asbestos:

Asbestos History

• The word asbestos comes from the Greek meaning "inextinguishable".
• In the west, asbestos was first mentioned in Greek sources- and was first written about around 300 B.C.
• The Egyptians embalmed pharos with asbestos, and the Persians imported asbestos from India for wrapping their dead.
• During the Holy Roman Empire, asbestos was already being used in building materials, women’s clothes, and textiles.

Industries with Asbestos Use

• Commercial asbestos mines started in the late 1800's and entrepreneurs saw asbestos as an opportunity to make them rich.
• The Industrial Revolution represented a huge boom for the asbestos industry- factories were opening and finding new uses for asbestos on a daily basis.
• The railroad industry was the first to make use of asbestos-- it was used as insulation in railcars, pipes, boilers, and fireboxes in the era's steam locomotives.
• The shipyard industry followed along and made extensive use of asbestos as well. Those who worked in the shipyard industry have been the most affected by asbestos-related diseases.
• The building industry is where asbestos can be found almost anywhere in homes and commercial buildings-– wall insulation, flooring and ceiling tiles, exterior siding, roofing tar and shingles are just a few examples.

Awareness & Legislation

• The first diagnosis of asbestosis was made in 1924.
• The use of asbestos was at its highest in the 1940s – 1970s – estimated 3,000 products made use of its unique properties.
• EPA warnings and regulations began in the 1970's.
• On July 12, 1989, EPA issued a final rule banning most asbestos-containing products.
• EPA asbestos regulations fall under the authority of 2 different federal laws:
  • The Clean Air Act
  • The Toxic Substances Control Act

Americans are still being exposed to asbestos today, as the United States is still legally importing 100 millions tons of asbestos yearly. Awareness is still the key factor in the fight against asbestos use. Conferences such as the Asbestos Awareness Disease Organizations’ Annual International Asbestos Awareness Conference have helped to make strides in asbestos awareness, but people are still vastly undereducated about asbestos use and it's dangers. Join our community to join the fight against asbestos use and mesothelioma.

Held every year on March 30th, National Doctors’ Day celebrates physicians in the United States and their contributions to healthcare. For a patient, a good patient-doctor relationship is critical for a multitude of reasons. Patients with cancer frequently have a tremendous amount of anxiety and fear related to their disease, their treatment, and ultimately their life expectancy. Therefore, having a comfortable relationship with your physician is essential to the quality of your treatment. For those diagnosed with mesothelioma, visiting a mesothelioma specialist is paramount to obtaining the best medical treatment. We have many useful resources to assist patients in finding a top mesothelioma doctor near them.

To find out more about what makes a good doctor patient relationship and the reasons why finding the right doctor is so important, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance spoke with Melissa Veselovsky, CEO of Healthcare Advocacy & Business Solutions and former Director of Patient Advocacy at Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers. We asked Melissa a few questions about the importance of a good doctor/patient relationship.

1. Why is it so important for a cancer patient to have a good relationship with their doctor?

It is critical for a cancer patient to have a good relationship with their doctor. Studies have shown that a good patient/doctor relationship can increase the likelihood that a patient will follow treatment recommendations, take medications, come to appointments, and make lifestyle changes necessary to improve outcomes. Cancer is a life changing diagnosis and its treatment and effects are often experienced for weeks, months, and even years. The patient should be a part of the decision making process and should feel comfortable bringing up sensitive issues, asking questions, and understanding the diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and long term impact. Cancer can affect a patient's emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

2. In what ways does a good doctor/patient relationship help with the patient's overall quality of care?

A good patient/doctor relationship can help improve the quality of care by increasing the accountability of the provider and giving the physician a better understanding of the "big picture" and how to help the patient improve: mind, body and spirit. Cancer care is not just about surgery, drugs, and radiation; it is also about helping patients manage uncertainty, cope with the physical, emotional, psychosocial, financial and spiritual aspects of a life-threatening diagnosis. Patients that have these needs addressed do much better when faced with cancer. When the doctor/patient relationship is strong the patient is more likely to share these stressors as well as an cultural issues that may be barriers to their care. The patient may then be more likely to comply with treatment and recommendations long term. Some patients even develop a type of athlete/coach relationship with each other during treatment.

3. Are there things to watch out for or signs that a patient should consider switching doctors?

There may be several reasons for switching doctors but a patient should always understand that sometimes personalities just don't mesh. This is a perfectly acceptable reason to change doctors. Trust and good communication is essential during a life-changing illness such as cancer. Some signs that a patient should consider switching doctors:

• When a physician consistently does not take the time to listen to the patient.
• When personalities do not mesh and you just don't get along.
• When the patient does not feel like a good partner in care despite trying to resolve these issues with the physician.
• When the patient feels that his/her care is not what it should be and has not been able to resolve this with the physician.
• When the doctor is disrespectful to the patient or family members or goes against the wishes of the patient.