In my second video podcast, I explain the side effects that a mesothelioma patient can expect when administered chemotherapy treatments. Cisplatin and Alimta® are the two most commonly used chemotherapy drugs and often a combination of the two drugs is given. If you or a loved one is about to undergo chemotherapy, I hope this information is useful in helping you prepare for your upcoming treatments.

In my first video podcast, I answer the common question from malignant pleural mesothelioma patients about both the possible benefits and harm that can result from taking non-prescribed vitamins and supplements during treatment. While many patients believe that taking more vitamins and supplements means better health, I'll explain that more is not always better when it comes to recommending alternative therapies for patients undergoing treatment.

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.

“Jane” is 65. She hasn’t been herself since she had a cold about six months ago. She’s still coughing, still tired, and a little short of breath. She’s also lost a few pounds, but she’s wanted to lose weight for some time now, so she’s happy about that. Jane’s son finally talks her into going to see her doctor, who determines that Jane has been having a number of additional symptoms. The workup leads to a diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Jane is shocked to learn that she has cancer, and that her life expectancy is probably around 12 to 18 months.

Four years ago, Heather went to her first Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation) symposium. That first symposium left a lasting impression and changed her life. The opportunity to meet with other mesothelioma warriors, their families, caregivers, and medical experts in mesothelioma treatment and research had a positive impact. It was the opportunity to meet with people who know what a mesothelioma diagnosis means. These new friends quickly became family.

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance would like to take a moment to highlight Tammy Reed, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Advocate of the Month for June. Tammy plans to be big contributor on our social community by offering support and words of wisdom to others affected by cancer. Below is an interview with Tammy about how Mesothelioma affected and changed her way of life and why she continues to spread the message of MCA.

The Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance would like to take a moment to thank Laura Huff, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Advocate of the Month for May. Laura has been a big contributor on our social community by offering support and words of wisdom to others affected by cancer. Below is an interview with Laura about how Mesothelioma affected and changed her way of life and why she continues to spread the message of MCA.

I’d like to take a moment to thank Rebecca Arnautovic, the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance’s Advocate of the Month for April. Rebecca has been incredibly active and visible in our Facebook community and continues to help spread the message of the MCA, while lending her support and knowledge to others affected by cancer. Beneath is an interview with Rebecca about her own experience with cancer and how that has shaped her way of life.

The following post is the first in a series of mesothelioma patient, survivor, and caregiver interviews entitled Perspectives in Mesothelioma. The first participant in our series is Louise "Lou" Williams, a mesothelioma survivor who serves as Vice President of the Asbestos Diseases Society of Victoria in South Melbourne, Australia. We'd like to thank Lou for not only sharing her story with the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance and its visitors, but also for serving as a tireless advocate for the many victims of asbestos disease across the globe. Read below for Lou's unique perspectives and reflections on mesothelioma and other asbestos related disease.

Survivors of cancer are diagnosed with diabetes at alarmingly high rates. While researchers have yet to determine any fact-based evidence to support this clinically, they do know that diabetes can arise for a number of different treatment-associated reasons. Luckily, some of these contributing factors are under the patients’ control.  What is Diabetes? As explained by the National Institutes of Health, diabetes is the condition of having a high level of blood sugar. It indicates that the body isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t using insulin efficiently. Some symptoms of diabetes are increased hunger, increased thirst and frequent urination. When prolonged, diabetes can have serious consequences such as vision loss, heart trouble and limb amputation. Some diabetes patients control their condition with daily insulin injections.  Radiation and Diabetes A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (August, 2009) suggests that abdominal irradiation, cranial irradiation and total body irradiation increase the risk of a cancer patients developing diabetes by 90%. One explanation is that radiation damages the pancreas, which secretes the insulin needed to metabolize sugars. Another theory is that radiation alters fatty tissues to make them more insulin-resistant.  New Dietary Habits Side effects of cancer like nausea, mouth sores and dry mouth can change a person’s eating habits. Watch your new diet carefully for sugar. For example, dry mouth is a common side effect of chemotherapy used in mesothelioma treatment. Many patients and survivors therefore drink a lot of fluids – and if that fluid is sugary soda or fruit juice, the sugars quickly pile up and make diabetes more likely.  It’s a good idea to drink liquids that are high in citric acid. These stimulate saliva production and make your mouth feel more comfortable. Try drinking low-sugar lemonade or orange juice, water with a twist of lime, or tea with lemon. Sucking on ice or a low-sugar ice pop is another good alternative to drinking sugary beverages. Cancer and Diabetes: Similar Risk Factors Many mesothelioma patients developed cancer because of asbestos exposure or other hazardous materials. Still, it bears mentioning that diabetes and some cancers have common risk factors. Examples include obesity, poor diet and physical inactivity.  Although cancer patients were once advised to “save their energy for healing,” people now understand that physical activity can help a person to overcome cancer and prevent relapses. Talk with your doctor about the best combination of rest and activity.  Medication and Diabetes It’s possible that some cancer medications raise patients’ odds for developing diabetes. When it comes to new medications, not enough time has elapsed for researchers to give a definitive answer. It’s therefore an especially good idea to exercise and maintain a well-balanced diet even if you feel ill. A nutrition counselor can help you choose foods that won’t trigger discomfort.

Newly-passed legislation in Georgia would permit a veteran’s PTSD diagnosis to be indicated on their driver’s license. But is this really a good idea?