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Just diagnosed with stage 3 pleural mesothelioma.

Posted by beyondblessed @beyondblessed, Nov 19 1:43pm

Haven't been to Mayo yet but just got diagnosed with stage 3 pleural Mesothelopma on my left lung lining. Recommended and scheduled to start chemo/immune therapy in the next couple of weeks; 6 rounds, each 3 weeks apart. Wondering if there's better treatment options that what my local oncologist (not meso specialist) has recommended.

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mamajite | @mamajite | Nov 20 5:08pm

hi @beyondblessed - I'm sorry to hear you've joined our club, but I'm glad you reached out here. I'm not familiar with mesothelioma treatment, but I am a big advocate for second opinions, especially at NIH Cancer Centers. You can check this list to see which ones would be closest to you.
https://www.cancer.gov/research/infrastructure/cancer-centers/find

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jjbees | @jjbees | Nov 21 1:53pm

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. . .

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mamajite | @mamajite | Nov 21 5:04pm
In reply to @jjbees "This s a reply to beyond blessed's initial post on Nov. 20 regarding the mesothelioma diagnosis...." + (show)
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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. . .

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@jjbees thank you for sharing your experience with a similar diagnosis. I'm happy to hear pemetrexed has been so effective for you! the right doctor makes a world of difference. 🙌🏻

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Lisa, Volunteer Mentor | @lls8000 | Dec 1 8:53pm

Hello @beyondblessed, I'm sure you are feeling overwhelmed with this new diagnosis. It's not unusual to wonder if you are being offered a treatment that best matches your individual cancer. As @mamajite noted, a second opinion can certainly be helpful. If that's not possible, another discussion with your current oncologist may be reassuring too. Are you starting treatment as scheduled?

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