Let’s Get Down To Business

Even though this cancer is known as slow growth things continue to move at an efficient pace for us.  This week we added two major players to our overall support team.  I’ll give you an overview but plan on more extensive detail in a future blog.

I mentioned in a previous blog that any diagnosis of Mesothelioma generates asbestos litigation.  Have you ever heard of asbestos litigation?  I didn’t really know that was a thing.  There are law firms built exclusively on this practice.  After careful consideration and with the help of John and Leeann Cassin (pickleball friends as John likes to remind me!), Diane and I have selected not one, but two of the top firms in the nation to handle our claims.

These firms are easy to find and they are looking for Mesothelioma patients.  Here’s how we found them: 

Early on we were looking through Meso websites, one in particular was Mesothelioma.com.  The site was full of very interesting information and facts about the disease and even more about treatments and alternatives.  Looked good to me so I clicked on the button for them to send me a packet of information.

It turns out the website is produced by one of the firms we eventually selected and they sent us an amazing assortment of printed products, planning/tracking books, and information about their firm and what they do for Meso patients.  These firms have been doing this for at least 30 years and they are experts on all aspects, legal and medical.  

During our research I turned away three other firms for various reasons and it came down to the two we now have. We were convinced that both were equally good and we could not make a mistake with either firm.  The general practice for all firms is to send an attorney to Arizona to meet us once we agreed to retain them.  They were both willing to come meet me and “compete” to represent us.  Then a cool thing happened.  One of the firms asked the name of the other firm, to which I was hesitant to offer as I did not want one bashing the other.  I finally relented and she told me, “we partner with that firm on a regular basis, how about I propose that idea to them and we will both represent you?”  I felt like that was God saying, “don’t stress this situation, I’ve got a different plan.”  

So, we had our first meeting this week with the firm from St. Louis.  We now have the process rolling that will result in certain money coming in from these bankrupt companies during the next few years, to include a lawsuit against the companies and products that used asbestos and have already admitted guilt. These firms are proud of their results to help Mesothelioma patients receive compensation that will help with future treatments.

 

The hotter it gets in Phoenix our visitor list gets smaller.  We were very pleased to get in a visit last week with Kyle and Billy Colburn, longtime friends from Alaska who now live in Arizona full time.  Kyle is a nurse and has been a great shoulder to lean on and offers us a real insight into the medical world.  Many years ago, Kyle would cut my hair.  When we knew they were going to stop by I asked her if she would give me a summer cut for old time’s sake.  Of course she was willing to help however she could….being a nurse and all!  Thank you Kyle!

As is my practice, I will close with how I’m feeling.  Today is 9 days from last week’s second chemotherapy session.  I think the first 6-7 days mirrored the first session.  I did take the nausea pills right from the start this time and the first three days went pretty good.  Maybe too good because I decided the pills worked and I didn’t need them anymore (I know, I’m a slow learner).  So, day 4 was the worst.  I had an upset stomach and constipation, like before.  But, as soon as I resumed the pills the next few days got better and by Day 7 I have felt very normal again.  So good that I even worked out with my softball team this morning!  I need them to see me well so they don’t try to replace me in left field any time soon!   

The next blog I think you’re ready to hear about the advanced treatment options we are striving for.  Our oncologist has agreed to take a Petscan after Chemotherapy #3 to see if we’ve killed enough cancer to stop chemotherapy and move to the next phase.  

Keep up the prayers that we can be aggressive and diligent at attacking this beast!  Thanks for the love!