In an effort to find support along their cancer journey, many mesothelioma patients turn to mesothelioma blogs and online cancer forums that help them understand their disease and cope with the emotions involved in a cancer diagnosis.
One such mesothelioma blog, “mesothelioma and Me,” has offered much hope and support to mesothelioma patients. The blog was created by Debbie Brewer, a woman who was diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2006. Brewer was exposed to asbestos through hugging her father who came home from work covered in asbestos dust.
Her father’s passing from asbestos-related lung cancer in August 2006 prompted Brewer to get a chest X-ray, which revealed an abnormality and mesothelioma cancer was later confirmed. Brewer started the blog just before receiving her diagnosis, and she continues it today with stories of her treatments and how the cancer has affected her life and family.
Many mesothelioma patients turn to the mesothelioma blog as a source of comfort and support. Patients also follow Brewer’s blog to stay updated on the effects of her treatments. Brewer has received a number of traditional mesothelioma treatments, but also unconventional treatments such as chemoembolization (injection of anti-cancer drugs into the blood vessel that feeds the tumor) and mistletoe therapy (a complimentary therapy that aims to improve quality of life for cancer patients).
Another online network that mesothelioma patients turn to for treatment information includes online cancer forums. Patients can read accounts of other mesothelioma treatment experiences and share their stories as well. Family members of those with mesothelioma can also turn to online forums for support and information.
Other resources for cancer patients are available online, such as Cancer Care, Gilda’s Club, I Can Cope and The Wellness Community. These groups offer resources to cancer patients and their families, including counseling, face-to-face and online support groups, educational materials and more.
Additional information about mesothelioma may be found through the mesothelioma Center.