a few months, I found that my mother may have developed a stomach cancer in due to exposure to asbestos
[This month marks the anniversary of his death from the terrible disease. So I decided to honor his memory and courage by walking in your shoes. I will guide you through the decisions of my family would have met if we had found a link between asbestos and disease my mother earlier.
So, let's take a walk.
Knowing asbestos exposure
start with the diagnosis of cancer my mother. The information available will affect all the decisions you make. In our case, we did not have much information. We knew that my mother had stomach cancer. But we do not know the cause.
It is well known that asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma and lung cancer. But many people do not know the link between asbestos and other types of cancer. Studies have linked the asbestos to leukemia and lymphomas, as well as breast, colorectal, gastrointestinal, ovarian and prostate cancers.
Before joining the Mesothelioma Center, I did not know the list of asbestos-related disease was so long.
Actually, I'm not sure when I learned that asbestos exposure is a stomach cancer risk factor. When my mother was diagnosed years ago, I studied the causes.
But I do not remember anything about asbestos. I checked the risk factors on some popular medical websites today: still no mention of asbestos exposure
But if I saw asbestos on a list of risk factors.? Well, I would have asked if she had been exposed. She probably would have said no, but I would have asked follow-up questions as :?
- Have you ever exposed to asbestos in a place you live
- you remember the school where the asbestos was removed years ago? Have you ever around this or any other asbestos-removal site?
- What about your old job? When you have worked at the plant, what you do and what types of products have you done?
At least I like to think I would have asked these questions. After all, hindsight is 20/20. But that's why we take this walk. Perhaps my back can help your family to make necessary decisions.
It helps to know your position
Too often, people are exposed to asbestos without their knowledge. That is why I have asked all these questions. But if you are already ill, why would you need to know that you have been exposed to asbestos? 
In the case of my mother, she really wanted to know the cause of his illness. She wanted to know where she was for her to choose her support team.
For example, it would have consulted a doctor who had experience in the treatment of diseases related to asbestos. She was diagnosed at an advanced stage and gave a few treatment options.
It seemed she was just given a diagnosis and told what to do. This did not sit well with her.
I do not know if all other options have been made available at the time, but I'm sure she would have found some comfort to have a specialist asbestos team .
She would also appreciate the community's support for people with diseases related to asbestos. She would like useful tips, such as nutrition counseling or stress management. It was not internet savvy, but I know she would have asked me to check the patient's attorney for her blog every week.
You've probably guessed that his team would include a mesothelioma lawyer. But probably not for the reason you expect.
I'm really not sure my parents would have continued. And I would not try to influence their decision. The decision to file a legal claim is a personal matter that requires careful consideration. I would just try to address their concerns in a timely manner.
I will address these concerns in the blog next week.
Meanwhile, I hope you spread the word about the dangers of exposure to asbestos, including asbestos related disease less known as stomach cancer. You never know who might use the information.
