Oncologist visit 4-19-06

Hi everyone,

First, I just have to say again thank you all SO much for being here through all of this. You have no idea how much I really appreciate it. Now for the news.

MIL definitely has cancer. It is called Mesothelioma and it is caused by exposure to Asbestos. That is the ONLY known cause of this cancer. Her father and my FIL both worked with Asbestos and that is how she became exposed. This cancer has an incubation period of 30-40yrs and occurs in ppl most often between the ages of 50-70. MIL is 57.

We asked the Dr what her options were and he said the first thing right now is waiting for her to heal from her thyroid surgery. However, while she is healing, she can set up an appt with a specialist in Boston that deals specifically with this cancer. They are calling him today. We asked if removing the tumor, half the lung or even the whole lung was an option. He said it is an option in most ppl but he wasn't very optimistic about my MIL b/c of her medical history. She had a stroke last year, has diabetes and is extremely overweight. He wasn't confident at ALL about surgery. She can do Chemo and see where that takes her and she can start that as soon as she is healed from her surgery which is great news. At least we don't have to sit and wait around. He also said that without ANY treatment at all he'd say her life expectancy is 12 - 18mon which is still too short but a hell of a lot better than 2-3 months!! We'll take it.

MIL is VERY strong willed and intends on fighting this 100%. We need to get my FIL and SIL on board b/c they are being ridiculously pessimistic and she needs everyone to be positive.

Please continue to say prayers for my MIL - I know she is going to need them b/c the treatment is going to be tough.