This s a reply to beyond blessed's initial post on Nov. 20 regarding the mesothelioma diagnosis.

I was diagnosed with stage 3 pleural mesothelioma in June of 2023 and underwent first line therapy of 4 chemo infusions of pemetrexed and carboplatin at 3 week intervals from early August through October. I then began pemetrexed maintenance therapy until fatigue and loss of appetitie suggested a chemo holiday was in order as the cancer was not progressing. Since then, I have have undergone CT surveilance scans every 3 months for 2 years with no progressin of the cancer. I am now transitioning to 6 month CT surveillance until further treatment is warranted.
I am very encouraged and thankful as the initial diagnosis was grim as mesothelioma always is. My oncologist specializes in lung cancer, but also has several mesothelioma patients. She credits my success to the chemotherapy, especially the pemetrexed which seems to be very effective in controlling mesothelioma. If you are being offered simlar chemotherapy, I would consider it an effective treatment. Of course, we are all different and must make our own decisions based on the best advice available to us and our own situation. I hope this information helps as you navigate the difficult days ahead. My best wishes are with you. . .