Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers:

 A Patient's Guide" is written by mesothelioma survivor Paul Kraus. It is the best-selling mesothelioma book in the world. Here's a small sampling of some of the unsolicited testimonials we have received from patients and their loved ones.
"As a four-year pleural mesothelioma survivor, I have found Paul's book to be an inspiring and educational guide to dealing and living with this cancer. I have had his book for three years and have read it through several times, with many references to various chapters over those years. I have gained so much from it and I am reading it again. I believe many of the approaches he has used (many of which I have adopted in lifestyle changes) are responsible for my continued survival after four years. Paul and his book have given me hope that the disease will not defeat me, and he has provided the tools to help me heal. My most grateful thanks to Paul and Sue Kraus, and to Cancer Monthly...Cancer Monthly is another wonderful resource to such as myself and I am so grateful for the various services it provides. From the wide variety of support and information Cancer Monthly offers, it is obvious there are many dedicated, caring people on board. You are truly helping those of us cope with one of life's larger challenges. I thank profusely everyone who cares about us and is working hard on many different levels to improve life for cancer patients and survivors. My best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Kraus for continued healing, and to Cancer Monthly as you continue in your mission on behalf of all of us."
"A unique, inspirational book by a fellow sufferer and dedicated Author and Educator. Written from the heart and with understanding there are guidelines to help enhance your body's own immune system. Through knowledge we gain power! This gives us strength to strive to achieve our best possible outcome."
"My father was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in June. I gave him the book and it really gave him hope. Because the book is written by another mesothelioma patient it really made a difference for him. Thank you for sharing your inspirational story!"
"Thank you Paul for writing your wonderful book of hope. With all the awful stuff on the internet about this disease, your book is like a ray of sunshine. I also want to thank Cancer Monthly for sending the additional materials about treatments, doctors, clinical trials, and mesothelioma lawyers. It helped me make better decisions."
"Cancer Monthly has been a wonderful resource in our search for information on what is available and where to find the best possible answers. Now that I finished reading Paul Kraus' book I have a good understanding of what you are really all about. The world needs more people like you and I feel privileged for your time."
"Thanks for the information. It was also a pleasure speaking with you. I hope you realize what a special thing you are doing. You have a lot to be proud of…As I said earlier, it's funny my 31 years of experience in surgery mean nothing dealing with this now, but my conversation with you did. Thanks again."
"Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to the Kraus' for the time they gave to all! Thanks so much for all the hard work that went into this. I'm sure many, many folks benefited immensely from what was heard. What a service you have provided to all of us hungry for help! God bless you!"
"I feel so much more hopeful every time I hear about survivors and especially them doing so with immune boosting therapies and other non traditional methods. Thank You so very much!"

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DISCLAIMER: Surviving Mesothelioma is owned and managed by Cancer Monthly Inc. All of the information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Neither Cancer Monthly nor this website renders medical advice or professional services. This website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. This website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease and it is not a substitute for professional care. You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to an existing treatment. You should not delay in seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this website. Some information may be out of date. This website provides links to other websites for convenience only. Cancer Monthly is not responsible for the availability or content of these external websites, nor does Cancer Monthly endorse, warrant or guarantee the products, services or information described or offered at these other websites.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed. If a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells may be detected by cytopathology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid, this is done by thoracentesis or tube thoracostomy (chest tube); for ascites, with paracentesis or ascitic drain; and for pericardial^{[disambiguation needed]} effusion with pericardiocentesis. While absence of malignant cells on cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (e.g. tuberculosis, heart failure). Unfortunately, the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma by cytology alone is difficult, even with expert pathologists.
Generally, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. A doctor removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist.

A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples. Alternatively, the chest surgeon might directly open the chest (thoracotomy). If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a laparoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

Immunohistochemical studies play an important role for the pathologist in differentiating malignant mesothelioma from neoplastic mimics. There are numerous tests and panels available. No single test is perfect for distinguishing mesothelioma from carcinoma or even benign versus malignan

Causes of Mesothelioma

For many, cancer may seem like a mystery illness. Often, no one knows why certain people develop it and others don't. Everyone understands, of course, that smokers have a higher chance of developing lung cancer and other cancers caused by their smoking habit. Diets that are high in fat and other nutritional issues may also have a bearing on whether or not an individual develops cancer during their lifetime.
For mesothelioma patients, the cause has become quite clear. Up to 85% of all diagnosed cases of mesothelioma can be definitively linked to exposure to asbestos. For decades, concerned doctors and research scientists speculated about the dangers of asbestos and warned industries to discontinue its use, but a conclusive link wasn't actually made until 1999, when it was too late for the millions around the world who had already suffered prolonged exposure to the dangerous mineral.

How Does Asbestos Make You Sick?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that possesses excellent insulating and heat-shielding properties. Because of this, it has been used for decades - even centuries - in a variety of products, including building materials like insulation, gaskets, floor and ceiling tiles, and drywall tape, as well as in automotive products such as brake pads and shoes and clutch plates.
Asbestos is not dangerous when left undisturbed. As a matter of fact, scientists estimate that asbestos occurs naturally in our air and drinking water and that everyone breathes in the mineral at some time or another. However, when asbestos is damaged and becomes "friable" - soft and weak - it is more easily airborne, and hence, inhalation can occur more easily.
Individuals who worked with asbestos that was cut, crushed, sanded, torn, or otherwise manipulated were prone to inhaling these dangerous fibers. Prior to the asbestos warnings of the 1970s, individuals who worked with asbestos were given little or no protective gear, even though it has been proven that experts have known about the dangers of asbestos for more than a century and warned industries of the risks.
Usually, those exposed to asbestos on a regular basis do not get sick immediately. As a matter of fact, asbestos diseases often do not appear for 20-50 years after exposure. However, a handful of workers who were first responders at the World Trade Center disaster in 2001 have already died of mesothelioma due to extreme exposure to the material.
Asbestos fibers that are breathed into the lungs cannot be expelled, so they remain there, embedding themselves in the lining of the lung (the mesothelium) and causing inflammation. Cancerous tumors may develop decades later and require very harsh mesothelioma treatment.

Who Is at Risk?

Individuals who have worked many years at particular jobs where asbestos was in plentiful use are most at risk for developing mesothelioma or any other sort of asbestos-related disease.
One of the highest incidences of mesothelioma is among shipyard workers who were employed during the peak years of World War II, not only in America but also in other countries. Because shipyards often performed overhauls on war ships, workers were exposed to large amounts of friable asbestos and inhaled the mineral on a regular basis for long hours at a time. Shipyard workers that were consistently at risk include:

• Shipfitters
• Pipefitters
• Boilermakers
• Insulators
• Plumbers
• Electricians
• Welders

Other professions that have also reported high numbers of cases of mesothelioma are:

• Auto mechanics
• Bricklayers
• Auto inspectors
• Carpenters
• Drywallers
• Glazers
• Grinders
• Iron Workers
• Longshoremen
• Power Plant Workers
• Railroad Workers
• Millwrights

What's Being Done to Stop Exposure?

After the U.S. government issued warnings in the mid 1970s as to the dangers of asbestos, employers began to provide their workers with protective gear essential to maintaining good health while working with the mineral. Many countries chose to ban asbestos altogether.
In 1989, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final rule banning most asbestos-containing products. In 1991, this regulation was overturned by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. That means some products still contain asbestos, but laws say they must be clearly labeled. Some countries still mine and use asbestos on a regular basis and export the mineral to other countries that have not yet issued a ban.
Hopefully, new cases of exposure should be lessening, but that won't be evident until the current rash of mesothelioma cases has peaked and is passed. Due to mesothelioma's long latency period, most of today's diagnosed cases involve individuals who were exposed prior to the 1970s.

The Hidden Risks

While most cases of mesothelioma involve men and women who were directly exposed to asbestos, more and more cases of second-hand exposure are coming to light. Family members of workers who brought asbestos home on their clothing have contracted the disease and are now wondering who's responsible.
In addition, communities where asbestos was mined or asbestos-products were produced are gradually discovering cases of mesothelioma among those who never had direct contact with the mineral or any products containing it. In the case of Libby, Montana, for instance, hundreds have already died of mesothelioma due to the fact that asbestos was mined there for many years.

Mesothelioma Stages and its treatment

For several decades, oncologists have diagnosed cancer and monitored its progress in terms of "stages." Staging allows doctors to determine to what extent an individual's cancer has developed and whether or not it has spread and to where. Also, the proper staging of cancer allows the oncologist to determine the best course of mesothelioma treatment for the patient.
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the disease, is staged in the same manner as most cancers though a staging system is not yet in place for peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma, the rarer forms of this aggressive cancer.
Currently, the three systems that are used to stage this disease are the Butchart, TNM, and Brigham systems. Each is a bit different and which is used may depend on the physician in charge or the facility at which the patient is being treated.

The Butchart System

Butchart is the oldest system in place and is still the most commonly used. This system is based on the extent of primary tumor mass.

• Stage I: Mesothelioma is present in the right or left pleura (the thin, transparent membrane which covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest walls) and may also involve the diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen) on the same side.
• Stage II: Mesothelioma has invaded the chest wall or involves the esophagus (food passage connecting the throat to the stomach, heart, or pleura on both sides. Lymph nodes in the chest may also be involved once the cancer reaches Stage II.
• Stage III: Mesothelioma has penetrated through the diaphragm into the lining of the abdominal cavity or peritoneum. Lymph nodes beyond those in the chest may also be affected.
• Stage IV: There is evidence of metastasis (the spreading of the mesothelioma) through the bloodstream to other organs.

TNM System

This system considers three components; the first letter of each forming the name of the system. Doctors using TNM will look at the tumor, lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has metastasized. Like the Butchart system, it is divided into four stages.

• Stage I: Mesothelioma involves right or left pleura and may also have spread to the lung, pericardium (the fluid filled sac that surrounds the heart), or diaphragm on the same side. Lymph nodes are not yet involved.
• Stage II: Mesothelioma has now spread from the pleura on one side to nearby lymph nodes next to the lung on the same side. It may also have spread into the lung, pericardium, or diaphragm on the same side.
• Stage III: Mesothelioma has now invaded the chest wall, muscle, ribs, heart, esophagus, or other organs in the chest on the same side. It may or may not have spread to lymph nodes on the same side as the primary tumor.
• Stage IV: Mesothelioma has spread into the lymph nodes in the chest on the side opposite the primary tumor, or extends to the pleura or lung on the opposite side, or directly extends into organs in the abdominal cavity or neck. Any distant metastasis is included in this stage.

Brigham System

The system used least for the diagnosis and staging of mesothelioma is the Brigham System. It addresses the ability to surgically remove the tumor (resectability) and the involvement of the lymph nodes. (Because mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its later stages, surgery is often not an option.) Its stages include:

• Stage I: At this point, mesothelioma is resectable and there is no lymph node involvement.
• Stage II: Mesothelioma is still respectable during stage II, but the lymph nodes are now involved.
• Stage III: This stage involves the presence of unresectable mesothelioma extending into the chest wall, heart, or through the diaphragm or peritoneum; with or without extra-thoracic lymph node involvement.
• Stage IV: This stage indicates distant metastatic disease (widespread cancer throughout the body).

Mesothelomia

Mesothelomia” is a misspelling of the word mesothelioma (“pronounced mez-uh-thee-lee-YOH-muh). A very rare type of cancer that occurs in the cavity of the lungs, abdomen or heart, mesothelioma is only caused by asbestos exposure and has a latency period of between twenty and fifty years.
Approximately 2,500 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. The most commonly diagnosed form is pleural mesothelioma, which manifest in the pleural lining of the lungs. When an individual inhales or ingests asbestos, the tiny fibers can cling to the mesothelium, or lining of the internal organs, for decades before a malignant tumor is formed. If detected early, mesothelioma can often be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but there is no cure for this aggressive and painful disease. The vast majority of sufferers will lose their battle with mesothelioma in less than two years following diagnosis.
Certain occupations – construction work and automobile repair, for example – present a higher risk of asbestos exposure than others. World War II veterans who served aboard Navy ships are also considered to be at a greater risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to asbestos while on the job or even in your own home (this includes exposure of a secondhand nature) it is important to discuss your respiratory health with a doctor.

Homeopathy Articles & Research findings - Macrh 2011

Homeopathy Research

* Homeopathy breakthrough: homeopathic solutions proven to carry memory of water and exhibit biological effects
* Homeopathy proven? Yeah Right! Michael Edmonds
* Supportive Evidence for the Anticancerous Potential of Alternative Medicine against Hepatocarcinogenesis in Mice
* Modulation of Signal Proteins: A Plausible Mechanism to Explain How a Potentized Drug Secale Cor 30C Diluted beyond Avogadro’s Limit Combats Skin Papilloma in Mice
* Electromagnetic Signals Are Produced by Aqueous Nanostructures Derived from Bacterial DNA Sequences - Luc MONTAGNIER
* French Nobelist Escapes ‘Intellectual Terror’ to Pursue Radical Ideas in China - L UC M ON TA G N IER
* Ameliorating effect of microdoses of a potentized homeopathic drug, Arsenicum Album, on arsenic-induced toxicity in mice
* Cytotoxic effect of ultra-diluted remedies on breast cancer cells - International journal of oncology
* Communication pattern through body language study for interpretation of symptoms in pediatric cases - Dr. Ravi Singh
* NMR water proton relaxation in unheated and heated ultrahigh aqueous dilutions of histamine: Evidence for an air-dependent supramolecular organization of water - Jean-Louis Demangeat
* International Scientific Committee for Homeopathic Investigations (ISCHI) - Concept proposal application V.01
* Introduction to the Homeovitality system, a series of micro-DNA healthcare remedies - Drs. Peter H Kay & S. Rashid
* Homeopathy Potentization [Dynamisation] vs e-Biology - Drs. M.V. Ramanamurthy
* Homeopathy Kernel Beyond nanomedicine - Dr.M.V.Ramamurthy& Dr.Shiv Dua
* Is JUNK DNA Same As the CHRONIC MIASM? - Genetic Research Explaining Fundamentals of Organon - Dr.Mansi Arya

Homeopathy general

* Therapies and their principles - Dr.Tanu Singh MBBS
* Frans Kusse Homeopathic Types - Reading excerpt Homeopathic Types of Frans Kusse
* Treatment of swine flu By Dr. V. Krishnamurthy
* Love, Its Interpretation and Homoeopathy - Dr. Rajneesh Kumar Sharma
* Story of lipstick and homoeopathy - Dr.Rajaneesh Kumar Sharma
* Homoeopathy & Toxicity - Dr. Farhan Nadaf
* Advanced Homeopathy Practice - Dr.V.Krishnamurthy
* Income Tax Statement 2010-11
* The Killer Vaccines - An Honest Physician Warns of Serious Dangers - Dr. Russell Blaylock
* Immunizations - Harmful to your Child or Not?- Immunisation & Islam - By Dr. Aisha Hamdan
* Are We Natural Vegetarians? - Dr.Binuraj.T.K
* 100 Facts About Homeopathy
* Very useful information - Kindly share

Organon of Medicine

* Dr.Sameul Hahnemann - Life and Letters - Dr Jenita.R. Fernandes.pdf
* Hahnemann’s Intellect Treatise [similia similibus curentur] - Drs. M.V.Ramanamurthy

Practice Medicine

* Space occupying lesions and homoeopathy - Dr.Rajaneesh Kumar Sharma
* Homeopathic Approach in the Treatment of Diabetes - Dr Guillermo Zamora
* Herpes zoster and homoeopathy - Dr.Rajaneesh Kumar Sharma

Govt. Orders

* Upgradation & creation of teaching posts in Govt. Homeo Colleges of Kerala - 2011
* Upgradation & creation of teaching posts in Padiar Homeo College.Ernakulam. Kerala - 2011
* Upgradation & creation teaching posts in Vidhyadiraja Nemam Homeo College of Kerala -2011
* Upgradation & creation teaching posts in ANSS Homeo College. Kottayam Kerala -2011
* Number of tutor posts remaining in GHMCs Kerala after upgradation order feb 2011
* Kerala TC Medical council joint resolution against GO favoring quack practitioners March 2011

Homeopathy Education

* Everything on postgraduate homeopathy training in India
* Number of tutor posts remaining in GHMCs Kerala after upgradation order feb 2011
* “DREAMS - e - homoeo” A weekly ‘e’ magazine by DREAMS March 2011
* “DREAMS - e - homoeo” A weekly ‘e’ magazine by DREAMS Feb 2011
* Government Homeopathic Medical College Calicut - Dr Mansoor Ali
* NHS Evidence - complementary and alternative medicine - February 2011
* NHS Evidence - complementary and alternative medicine - March 2011
* Teachers can now evaluate students online with TRS softwares
* Characteristics of A Top Teacher -Teacher's Corner
* Top 10 Gulf Interview Cracking Tips

Seminar reviews

* Report on National Seminar on Respiratory Diseases - At SOUKYA International Holistic Health Centre
* Jan Scholten Seminar Mumbai – a report

Book Reviews

* Book review: THE MAN IN HEALTH

Link : www.similima.com/New.htm

Homeopathy Industry Likely to be Rs. 4,600 cr. by 2012: ASSOCHAM

Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India said :
Indian homeopathy treatment market is likely to grow 30% annually and reach a size of Rs. 4,600 crore as the number of takers is growing fast within and outside the country.

Globally, the homeopathy market is estimated at Rs. 26,300 crore with France being the largest contributor, according to the study by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). Last year, the domestic homeopathy market size was about Rs. 2,758 crore.

Releasing the study, Mr. D S Rawat, Secretary General ASSOCHAM said that homeopathy which a few years ago was not considered a long lasting solutions has lagged behind allopathy in many respects as it kills the roots of aliments without any side effects. In one to one and personalized treatment with greater private interactions both homeopathy physician and its patients derive the utmost satisfaction with the least cost for consultation. This is another reasons as to why the Indian traditional treatment called the homeopathy has been spreading in every nook and corner of the country and world as well.

It has been stated that the growth of homeopathy is not only confined to India but world over, its size has gone beyond Rs.263 billion and interestingly the growth rate is almost on par and that is around 25%. France, Interestingly contributes the largest size in world Homeopathy market, points out the ASSOCHAM study.

It cites reasons for growing homeopathy market in India, saying that homeopathy, besides providing for effective means treating chronic aliments is also available and easily accessible online to over 1.5 crore patients across the country. The online homeopathy connectivity worldwide is more than in 95 countries and interestingly majority of them are economies of scale in which allopathy until recently has been more prevalent and invouge.

In 2009-10, patients diagnosing their aliments with homeopathy throughout the country were estimated at 10-12 crore, whose number is likely to exceed about 16 crore in next 2-3 years in view of its popularity and acceptability among the general masses, says the ASSOCHAM study.

Mr. Rawat made a mention of the ASSOCHAM recent assessment on “Homeopathy Demand on the Rise” in which it was found out that in metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and other satellite towns like Chandigarh, Hyderabad and Luknow. Over 75% of patients surveyed spoke very high for homeopathy, arguing that though it takes longer to root out aliments but the treatment is safe and physiologically satisfactory for, there are no side effects.

Majority of them held that homeopathy users switch on to allopathy only on exceptional cases and in acute emergencies, otherwise homeopaths are best to be consultated for removal of majority of physical and other aliments. Many of them also said that homeopathy is increasingly becoming an alternate to allopathic medicines.

There are over 5 lakh registered homeopaths in the country currently, with approximately 20,000 more being added every year. The size of the homeopathic drugs market is also expanding very fast even though these medicines cost only a fraction of allopathic or even ayurvedic medicines.

Another reason for homeopathy’s popularity has been the growing disillusionment with conventional allopathic medicine, which has, for many years, been the first line of treatment for most patients. Many patients also feel that homeopathy is a more personalised treatment, with greater one-on-one interaction between the patient and the physician.

There is a huge gap between homeopathy and healthcare industry. This gap will continue to persist due to the lack of hospitals and institutions. There are very few institutions for hospitalisation and that is where a lot of money comes from. To add to this, the distribution of products in homeopathy is very poor. This is because homeopathy medicines are hardly available in 15-25 outlets in a city, compared to the reach of allopathic medicines. But abroad, this is not the case. There are very few practitioners of homeopathy but the medicines are well distributed and hence, there is a big market in France, UK and USA.

Homeopathy is an effective means of treating chronic ailments. These ailments include hair & skin problems, respiratory problems, arthritis and other miscellaneous treatments like thyroid, bed-wetting, diabetes, and obesity.

The link is here: http://www.assocham.org/prels/shownews.php?id=2804