#mesothelioma and lung cancer

[mesolawcenter]

Why Is Mesothelioma Incurable in 2024? | Behind the Reason

Introduction Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, remains challenging to cure despite advances in medical research. Its unique characteristics and the way it develops make it difficult to treat effectively. This article explores why mesothelioma is incurable and what options are available for patients.

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1. What Makes Mesothelioma Different from Other Cancers? Mesothelioma originates in the mesothelial cells that line organs like the lungs and abdomen.

Aggressive nature: It spreads quickly to nearby tissues.

Late diagnosis: Symptoms often appear decades after asbestos exposure.

2. Why Is Mesothelioma Difficult to Diagnose Early? The latency period of mesothelioma, combined with non-specific symptoms, leads to delayed detection.

Latency period: Can be 20-50 years from asbestos exposure to symptom onset.

Similar symptoms: Mimics conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis.

3. How Does Mesothelioma Spread in the Body? Mesothelioma tends to spread to nearby organs and tissues, complicating treatment.

Localized spread: Often extends to the lungs, diaphragm, or heart.

Metastasis: Advanced stages may spread to distant parts of the body.

4. What Treatment Options Are Available for Mesothelioma? While there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and prolong life.

Surgery: Removes tumors but is not always possible due to spread.

Chemotherapy: Helps to shrink tumors and manage growth.

Radiation therapy: Used to target cancer cells and reduce pain.

5. Are There Any Emerging Treatments for Mesothelioma? New therapies aim to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Immunotherapy: Boosts the body's immune response to target cancer cells.

Gene therapy: Investigates altering cell behavior to combat the disease.

Clinical trials: Offer access to cutting-edge treatments.

6. What Is the Focus of Current Mesothelioma Research? Research continues to explore better detection methods and new treatments.

Early detection: Developing blood tests and biomarkers for earlier diagnosis.

Targeted therapy: Aims to attack specific cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

Conclusion The incurability of mesothelioma is largely due to its aggressive nature, late diagnosis, and the complexity of its spread. Despite these challenges, advancements in research provide hope for better management and improved quality of life for those affected.

FAQs

Why does mesothelioma take so long to develop? The asbestos fibers cause chronic irritation that eventually leads to cancer after many years.

Can mesothelioma be detected before symptoms appear? Currently, it is difficult, but researchers are working on early detection methods.

Is palliative care common for mesothelioma patients? Yes, palliative care is often used to manage pain and improve comfort.

Why can't surgery cure mesothelioma? Surgery cannot always remove all cancer cells due to their spread to surrounding tissues.

Are mesothelioma survival rates improving? New treatments have improved some outcomes, but survival rates remain low.

What is the most promising new treatment for mesothelioma? Immunotherapy has shown promise in extending survival in some patients.

[incorrect-league-of-villains]

Toga: Five little monkeys, jumping on the bed! One fell off and-

Tomura: Was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Toga: Mama called the doctor and the doctor said-

Dabi: You might be entitled to financial compensation if he or a loved one dies.

Toga: Jesus fucking christ, guys.

[clannfearrunt]

i had this on in the background to listen to and yelled when I heard this

[picayunepuma]

So basically if trump gets elected, I’m gonna get to buy a house that smells like childhood… (asbestos)

Homes are expensive because of landlords hoarding them for profit, not because of regulations.

[mesotheliomatreatmentcenters]

Understanding Mesothelioma Lung Cancer Symptoms

Mesothelioma lung cancer symptoms typically include chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, and unexpected weight loss. Mesothelioma Treatment Centers specialize in addressing this condition, offering advanced therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for patients affected by this aggressive form of cancer.

[rodspurethoughts]

Seeking Compensation for Asbestos Exposure: A Vital Call to Navy Veterans and Families

The US Navy Veterans Lung Cancer Advocate is diligently reaching out to families of Navy Veterans who have been diagnosed with lung cancer due to substantial asbestos exposure before 1983. They stress the importance of contacting them directly at 866-714-6466 to connect with leading asbestos lawyers, potentially securing compensation amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Furthermore,…

[mesotheliomalawsuitafterdeath]

Unraveling the Differences: Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer and Understanding the Stages of Mesothelioma

In the realm of cancer, two diseases often draw comparisons due to their effects on the respiratory system - mesothelioma and lung cancer. Though they share some similarities, it is essential to understand that they are distinct entities with unique characteristics, diagnostic challenges, and treatment approaches. Additionally, comprehending the different stages of mesothelioma is crucial for assessing its severity and determining the best course of action for patients. In this blog, we will unravel the differences between mesothelioma and lung cancer, explore the stages of mesothelioma, address the complexities in diagnosis, and shed light on the latest advancements in treatment.

Mesothelioma vs. Lung Cancer: What Sets Them Apart?

Mesothelioma and lung cancer both affect the respiratory system, leading to breathing difficulties and other respiratory symptoms, but they originate from different types of cells and tissues. Lung cancer, as the name suggests, originates in the lung tissues, typically arising from the cells that line the air passages. On the other hand, mesothelioma arises from the mesothelium, a protective lining found in various body cavities, such as the lungs, heart, and abdomen.

The primary cause of lung cancer is often associated with smoking and exposure to carcinogens like tobacco smoke, pollutants, and radon gas. Conversely, mesothelioma is mainly linked to prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. Asbestos, once widely used in construction and industrial applications, can be inhaled, leading to the development of mesothelioma years or even decades after exposure.

The symptoms of both diseases can be similar, including coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath. However, specific symptoms, such as pleural effusion (build-up of fluid around the lungs) and clubbed fingers, are more commonly associated with mesothelioma. Distinguishing between the two is crucial for proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Decoding the Mystery: Understanding the Stages of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is typically divided into four stages, known as Stage I, II, III, and IV. Each stage represents the extent of cancer progression and the degree to which it has spread within the body.

Stage I: In the early stages, mesothelioma is localized, confined to the lining of the affected area (e.g., pleura or peritoneum). At this point, treatment options are most effective, and surgery may be considered to remove the tumor.

Stage II: The cancer begins to spread beyond the initial site, potentially reaching nearby lymph nodes or other nearby organs. Surgical intervention may still be viable at this stage, depending on the individual's overall health and tumor location.

Stage III: During this stage, mesothelioma has advanced further, spreading more extensively to nearby lymph nodes and potentially infiltrating the chest wall, esophagus, or other adjacent structures. Treatment options become more focused on palliative care and managing symptoms to improve the patient's quality of life.

Stage IV: At this advanced stage, mesothelioma has metastasized to distant organs and tissues. Unfortunately, curative treatment options become limited, and the focus shifts to providing comfort and symptom relief for the patient.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis and Misdiagnosis: Challenges and Solutions

Diagnosing mesothelioma accurately can be challenging due to its similarity to other respiratory conditions, such as lung cancer or benign asbestos-related diseases. The symptoms may not manifest until years or decades after asbestos exposure, leading to delayed diagnosis.

To reach a precise diagnosis, specialized imaging techniques, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, are employed to detect abnormalities in the affected areas. Additionally, a biopsy is usually necessary to analyze the tissue samples under a microscope and confirm the presence of mesothelioma cells.

Misdiagnosis can occur when healthcare providers are not experienced in dealing with rare diseases like mesothelioma or fail to recognize the distinctive features of the condition. This emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention from healthcare professionals with expertise in mesothelioma.

Hope on the Horizon: Advancements in Mesothelioma Treatment

While mesothelioma remains a challenging disease to treat, medical research has made significant strides in developing innovative treatment options. Standard treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. In recent years, emerging therapies, such as immunotherapy and targeted therapy, have shown promising results in clinical trials.

Immunotherapy aims to stimulate the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Targeted therapy, on the other hand, targets specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth, minimizing damage to healthy cells.

Furthermore, supportive care measures have evolved to improve the quality of life for mesothelioma patients. Palliative care, pain management, and respiratory therapies help alleviate symptoms and enhance overall well-being.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between mesothelioma and lung cancer is vital for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Moreover, comprehending the stages of mesothelioma enables medical professionals to tailor treatment plans to individual patients. Despite the challenges posed by mesothelioma, ongoing research and advancements in treatment offer hope for improved outcomes and a better quality of life for those affected by this rare and devastating disease. If you or someone you know has a history of asbestos exposure or experiences respiratory symptoms, seeking prompt medical attention and expert consultation can make all the difference in early detection and treatment success.

[calummss]

Orange, White and Dark Rosé | Rebekah Mikaelson

masterlist

summary: with cancer slowly eating you alive, you come back to school to see a beautiful girl that has started to make you question everything you thought you knew

pairing: fem! reader x rebekah mikaelson

words: 3.9k

a/n: for my girl kissers!! <33 also i believe this is my longest fic yet… NOT PROOFREAD

You’ve had the worst few months of your life. What started out as a simple cough became more painful throughout the weeks. Each cough as though your lungs were torn from your chest, no air to keep you breathing. Night sweats became drowning; difficulty swallowing became not eating at all.

‘You have pleural mesothelioma, Miss Blanchard.’ The words the doctor uttered still so freshly imprinted on your mind. He continued moving his lips but nothing but inaudible muffles penetrated your ears as the sound of your own heartbeat filled your empty void.

Several nights after your diagnosis you woke up. The air drained from your lungs as fluid started to build up between your lungs and chest wall. The sensation of drowning without water in sight. It was a nightmare. Your body turning on you, ready to take you away despite the care you took to look after it.

Following those events you were pulled out of school, your parents worried sick as their daughter was at risk for involuntary death any minute of any day. The feeling of loneliness only increasing as you spent most days alone in your room; on the chair at your therapist's office; or the dining table chair, eyes piercing through you as you tried to make conversation about anything else but your cancer.

‘Do you need help cutting the chicken?’, ‘Need more water?’, ‘Leave the dishes, sweetheart. Your dad and I’ll get to them.’

Your cancer not only took your life but your maturity, letting people treat you like a damsel in distress, needing help with everything when you wish you could just forget everything bad for one day and live as normally as you could, one day at a time.

‘I’m going back to school,’ you said, placing your cutlery down on the dinner mat, staring onto your plate as you could hear the chewing of rubbery green beans stop.

Your mother grabbed her glass of wine, clearing her throat and washing it down all at once. Your father stared at your mother as she tried to find words that reflected her wish to protect you and to keep you as comfortable as possible.

‘I’m sorry, darling, you said you wanted to go back to school?’

‘Yes.’

‘Can I ask what brought this sudden request.’ She neatly folded her ageing hands underneath her chin, her eyes resting on you as your father’s eyes jumped from frame to frame, unsure what to say.

‘I just want to live as normal as possible,’ you let out a sigh, ‘I miss my friends, I miss having to do stuff, I miss…I can’t believe I’m saying this,’ you chuckled, feeling heat rush through your face. ‘I miss homework. School assignments, presentations, stuff I hated before but made me normal. A normal girl living a boring life. I’m missing my chance at a full life just because of this cancer I’m sure will rob me even further as time passes. I need to be able to feel like I belong somewhere despite…all this.’

Their eyes stayed focused on you, soft eyebrows trying to interpret what you needed the most in a time where everything slowly started to deteriorate.

‘Have you thought about what your school life would be like now, Y/n?’ Your father engulfed your hands, his thumb rubbing circles as he often did. ‘You would need to carry around an oxygen tank in case of an emergency. You complained every day that the school day was hard and now it will be three times that of before. I understand where you're coming from but I need you to know what decision you are making…Your mother and I only want what’s best for you and if that is going back to school so be it. But we will have to make sure you are okay at all times.’

‘I really do want to go back…’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes.’

‘Fine,’ your mother took your other free hand. ‘You can go back to school. But promise us that when things get hard that you will tell us and may have to take a step back from school again.’

‘I promise.’ You smiled at them, squeezing their hands tight. ‘I will accept my limits when they come.’

The very next week you stood back on the familiar ground of Mystic Falls High; home to the timberwolves. The bell you dreaded every morning , rather wanting to exchange gossip with Elena and Caroline. However that particular morning you have never felt more excited to walk through the halls. Hallways you haven’t seen in a few months. Faces of fellow students.

Walking through the door you noticed a heap of pitiful glances, welcome backs, get well soons and prayers. It wasn't unusual for everyone to know what had happened to you, Mystic Falls was a small town after all. Their words of condolences were sweet. You cherished them. But when you live on limited time, burned out hope and terminal cancer with a survival rate of 9.6%, it was hard to pretend like you would get better when their words could easily be uttered to a person that simply caught the common cold. Nothing could fix you. The only thing you had were fifteen months to make sure to drain every last drop of experiences life has to offer. No prayers, no words of the world could help—only medicine could. And even that was a shot in the dark. Caroline had offered her vampire blood to you on more than one occasion, but you were convinced that it wouldn’t help so you declined it over and over again, continuing to deny the chance at a normal life that you craved more than anything.

Heading towards your locker, you placed your emergency oxygen tank inside, the dust of month’s absences piling on old books you had left behind the day the cough became too unbearable.

Closing the door you made your way to your first class of the day; history taught by Mr. Saltzman. Bracing yourself to walk into a room full of eyes, you noticed that the classroom was empty for the exception of a girl. She was beautiful. The type of beautiful you would see beyond your day, wondering whether or not you would see them again. She had light hair, almost as white as her skin that bore freckles across the apples of her cheeks and nose that stuck between pages of a book that let her long black lashes show. Full lips pursed, knitted eyebrows framing her face.

‘I’m sorry,’ you felt rude for interrupting her obvious devotion to studying. ‘Is this history with Mr. Saltzman?’

‘Yes.’ She answered boorishly, eyes stuck on the pages, rushing her words as she paid no attention to you.

‘Where is everyone?’ God you were embarrassed to disrupt her again.

‘How would I know?’ She sighed, finally looking up. Her blue eyes locking with yours as you appreciated her beauty, wishing you looked like her. To be so flawless.

‘Oh, I’m sorry—I just—ehm, it’s kind of my first day back in a few months and the lack of students is making me doubt if I am in fact in the right room…’

‘No, this is the correct room,’ she stopped looking at her notes, her crystal eyes glued to your face as you continued to study her details. ‘So you went here before then?’

‘Yes.’

‘Why did you stop?’

‘Got sick.’ You pressed your lips together, sliding your hands into the back pockets of your jeans that clung to your thighs.

‘What sickness?’ She asked with a genuine look of interest, almost as if it were her first time encountering a sick person. Lucky her.

‘Cancer.’

‘Ohh,’ she puckered up her lips, squinting at you, her words confusingly sounding concerned and uninterested. ‘That sucks.’

‘Yeah,’ you breathed, the continuous standing started to make itself known as your shoulders started to feel lighter. ‘It sucks.’

‘Well you are free to sit next to me. I don’t tend to be liked by most.’ Her pearly teeth peaked between dark roseish lips. ‘I’m Rebekah by the way,’

‘Y/n,’ you smiled back. ‘Nice to meet you.’

Walking over to sit down next to her, the sudden sound of familiar voices washed over you as Caroline and Elena came through the entrance, their eyes widening as soon as they saw you standing back in the classroom that had felt your absence the past months.

‘Y/n, oh my god!’ They almost shouted in union as they sprinted to hug you tight, their arms merging into your back as you reunited with your friends. No hospital visits or phone calls, just friends seeing each other in school like you always have.

‘Come sit with us!’ Caroline dragged you towards the front of the room, your eyes turning back to Rebekah who had observed your encounter with the girls, her eyes smiling back at you, her spark diminished as you parted from her.

In your next class you saw Rebekah again.

Again sitting alone at the dissecting table and when you made up your mind to sit next to her, Rebekah noticing your upcoming footsteps, Elena and Caroline barged through the door like they had before. Pulling you towards the opposite end of where she was sitting, her seat staying vacant as her eyes continued to find you throughout the lesson.

‘Rebekah, wait!’ You called after her, the last sound of the bell signalling the end of the school day.

Rebekah turned around, her blonde hair framing her face. Strands of hair blowing across her face, caught amongst her lashes. The sun reflecting on her skin.

‘About your offer to sit next to you,’ you lifted your arm to block the blazing sun. ‘I would like it if you held that spot for me tomorrow. If you still want me to sit next to you…’

‘Sure, it’s not like it’ll be occupied anytime soon. It’s yours to take.’

‘Okay then…’

‘I’ll see you tomorrow, Y/n, okay?’

‘Sure, yeah totally,’ you cleared your throat as you mentally prepared for the criticism you were about to hold above your head. ‘See you tomorrow.’

Rebekah gave you a last smile, ‘Bye.’

‘Bye,’ you whispered, her feet already taking off towards the other side of your way home, leaving behind a manipulative smell of vanilla and macadamia nut, that you swore was the nicest fragrance you had smelled in a long time.

The next day you came walking back through the class again, finding Rebekah by herself at her assigned spot, her hand swiftly moving across her page.

‘Good morning, Y/n.’ She greeted, her eyes never leaving her paper.

‘How could you tell it was me?’

‘I smelled your strawberry perfume before you even entered the room,’ she finally lifted her head to reveal her face.

‘Do you like it?’ What is wrong with me?????

‘I do.’ Nevermind.

‘You don’t mind if I keep my word, right?’ You eyes up the chair next to her, waiting for her response, silently hoping that no one would barge in to seat you away from her.

‘Feel free to use all the space you need.’

You chuckled, letting your feet carry you to the table next to her, her familiar scent back in your memory as you took out your school supplies, feeling her gaze on you.

‘So,’ you turned your head to her body already turned towards you. ‘Are you new here? I haven’t seen you before?’

‘Yeah, I am. I moved here a couple of weeks ago. My brother has been here for a month now and I wanted a change of scenery.’ She let out a breath. ‘There’s only so much of New Orleans you can take.’

‘New Orleans? That is very different from Mystic Falls…’ You raised your eyebrows with a grin, your armpit resting over the back of the chair, legs crossed, turned towards her. ‘Do you like it here?’

‘So far I do…’ Rebekah glanced at you, a shimmer of light swimming amongst her pale eyes.

‘That’s good…’ You stared back because it was the only thing you could do.

Her hand reached for your hair, taking a strand of it and twirling it around her index finger, gently laying the curls heated with her body temperature on your shoulder, ‘You have really nice hair.’

‘Thank you,’ you felt a rush of heat make its way to your cheeks, your stomach starting to feel queasy as you let her words repeat in your mind. ‘I love your— well actually everything about you is really beautiful.’

‘You are too kind.’

‘I wouldn’t lie.’

‘I know you’re not.’

‘Good…’ Your eyes couldn’t part from her, her face burned into the back of your mind, still wanting to stare at her as long as you could. Her smile bringing warmth to you.

‘I wouldn’t lie either,’ she repeated.

‘Good.’

The teacher came in, disturbing the awful long eye contact, both cleared by loud coughs, Rebekah and your eyes settling to the front of the class; no more looks being exchanged for the rest of the lesson, though you fought the urge to catch a glimpse.

‘Do you have anything planned today?’ Rebekah and you walk out of the building, the school day coming to an end as grey clouds started to gather above you.

‘No, I don’t think so.’

‘Would you like to come over to mine?’ She turned her face to you. ‘We could watch a movie, bake something, I don’t know. Do something typical for a teenage girl.’

Typical for a teenage girl. Normalcy. She treated you normally. Never once mentioning the fact you were sick or if you were okay with it. She treated you like an equal.

‘I would love to.’ You replied, feeling glad that a person could forget about everything shitty in your life and talk to you like you were just like them.

Rebekah drove you to her home, finding out that she had a rather large heep in possession. The kind of car you’d take to the beach on an early summer morning; running towards the cold water as sand stuck to your naked skin. Rebekah was a good driver, unlike your father that made you glad that you had health insurance…

Seemingly arriving at her house, a big mansion greeted you. Surrounded by trees, a long driveway leading to the mansion’s entrance.

‘This is your house?’ You asked, eyes glued onto the building, imagini how many room it must’ve had. How many square feet it covered.

‘Yes.’

‘It’s so nice.’

‘I know,’ she chuckled, unbuckling her seatbelt. ‘I have to admit that my brother does have great taste when it comes to architecture. Suppose it’s his only good trait.

‘You have a brother?’

‘Too many…’

You let out a laugh, you too unbuckled your seatbelt to step out of her car, feeling so small as you walked towards the door. The interior of the house was just as beautiful. Simple yet classy Rebekah threw her keys onto one of the dressers that stood by the door and told you to follow her, your head turning left and right, mesmerised by everything you took in.

‘Rebekah.’ You suddenly heard a male voice call from behind you. He had a nice accent just like she did.

‘What, Nik?’ She didn’t sound too happy to see him.

‘Aren’t you going to introduce me?’

‘This is Y/n from school. Don’t eat her, she has cancer.’

You listened to her with a quizzical look on your face, looking at her as she mirrored your expression.

‘What?’ She asked.

‘Vampire?’ You asked.

‘Yeah.’

‘Hmm,’

‘You don’t seem surprised…’

‘I have lived in Mystic Falls all my life,’ you let out a jestful breath. ‘Nothing surprises me anymore.’

‘Well,’ his voice made you turn your back on Rebekah, his tone full of pride and confidence, ‘welcome to my humble abode.’

‘Humble is a great word to describe all of this,’ you grinned, looking at the room once more. ‘But it is really nice. You have good taste.’

‘I know I do. Best get going then,’ he pointed towards Rebekah whose facial expressions couldn’t have made it clearer that she wanted to get away from him.

‘Nice to meet you.’

‘You too.’

You paced towards Rebekah who told you to follow her, different hallways leading towards a really nice kitchen.

She grabbed all the ingredients that you thought was going to make a cake and watched as her eyes crinkled, so focused on finding everything that you needed.

‘Are we making a cake?’

‘We are,’ she snuck a quick grin, her head pack in the cabinet searching for a baking tin.

‘What type of cake?’

‘Well,’ she resurfaced, placing the tin on the counter, her cheeks lightly flushed. ‘I kind of asked Elena what your favourite cake was and she said your favourite was a lemon cake, so we are going to make that. Unless she lied…’

‘No, no,’ you tried hiding a grin, fingers picking at your palm. ‘It is my favourite.’

‘Good.’ Rebekah exclaimed, almost throwing the flour at you. ‘You'll do dry and I’ll do the wets.’

Continuing to make the cake, Rebekah was whisking the cake batter enthusiastically, dancing along to Stacy’s Mom that blasted through the stereo. Carelessly throwing her limbs up and down, swaying her head with the biggest grin you had ever seen…She was so beautiful

‘Oh,’ Rebekah gasped, your mouth widening in shocked as wet drops of batter landed on your face, Rebekah accidentally swinging the wrong arm to the rhythm.

You let out a giggle, trying to swipe away the batter but it was no ise. Every stroke just spreading it more evenly across your face. ‘Shit.’

‘Here I got it,’ she set aside the bowl and came closer, placing her thumb on your cheek, getting the batter on her finger, her eyes momentarily longing on you. She retracted her thumb and licked off the excess, eyes never breaking contact.

You stared at her for what felt like forever, captivated by her face; her eyes, her lips, all whispering to you that you should come closer. You leaned in, your heart beating so powerfully you ought to stop, exhaustion that came with the sickness. But you didn’t. Neither did she. Her breath ricocheted off your cheeks, her glimmering eyes infatuating yours as you could feel your lips take the lead but before your skins touched, a loud opening of the door made you jump back, looking back at what had caused you to separate.

‘What do you want, Elijah?’ Rebekah asked forcefully, the older man’s eyes glimpsing at both you and her

‘Do I need to want something walking around in my house?’

You observed the two, their banter making it clear that he too must be one of the ‘too many’ brothers she had talked about.

Feeling queasy, you quickly said goodbye to Rebekah and Elijah, telling them you weren’t feeling too well, a perk when being the teenager with cancer. Everyone at all times will believe it.

You had to get away from Rebekah. She was clouding your mind and falling for a girl wasn’t supposed to happen. You’ve been with a guy or two and those feelings you felt when you were around them, you recognised as the image of her resurrected itself in your mind. You liked her, but you couldn’t like her. At least not right now.

‘I’m home!’ You called into the house, the smell of grilled eel filtering through the air: your favourite.

‘We’re in the kitchen!’

You placed your backpack next to the stairs, ready to take them to your room once you were done with dinner. Entering the kitchen you saw your mother plate the last of the cut up eel pieces onto the plate, placing it on the table with some salads and rice. Your father stood by the kitchen aisle making some mocktails from his newly purchased mocktail cookbook thing you got him recently.

After dinner you went up to your room, putting the oxygen tube on your face as today’s exhaustion came running to you. Thinking back on the moments that increased your heartbeat.

‘Honey, are you okay?’ You heard your father’s footsteps approaching your room, leaning against the door frame.

‘Yeah,’ you nodded, glancing at your oxygen tank. ‘Hard day. Have to catch my breath. Literally.’

He chuckled, coming in to hug you. ‘Just make sure to tell us once you’ve reached your limit, okay? I know you like to act tough and pretend that you can still keep up but you need to have a reality check. You’re not the same as before and that’s okay. No one is trying to put you in a box. You just need to accept that certain limits cannot be reached anymore…’

‘Yeah I know, dad. I know. It’s just hard having to turn my back on my past life.

The next few weeks Rebekah and you pretended like the moment back at her house didn’t happen. Continuing to sit next to each other in class, meeting at each other’s houses or going out in town.

It was easier ignoring the moment than trying to talk about it because if you were being honest, what would you even say? You liked her as a friend. Nothing more. You’ve known her for less than a month so how could your heart possibly flutter at the thought of her touch on your skin.

Then you were invited to the Mikaelson ball, a card delivered to your doorstep. On the back Rebekah’s writing said, to meet her there to clear stuff up.

So when Friday came, you managed to find a dress and head towards the mansion you had previously entered before. Only this time you were hooked to oxygen after a water build up episode that caused your lungs to fill with water.

Arriving at the mansion you were greeted by servants who took your coat, without looking, wanting to grab your tank thinking it was luggage. ‘I’ll be needing this…’

‘Hi.’

You turned around, already knowing whose soft voice it belonged to.

‘Hi.’

‘You look gorgeous.’ She awed in amazement.

‘You too.’

‘Are you okay?’

‘Oh, yeah,’ you noticed her lingering stare on your tank. ‘Lungs filled with water. Nothing crazy.’

‘We need to talk. I’m sorry.’

‘No I’m sorry.’ You said.

‘For what.?’

Compelled in the moment you pulled the last of your confidence together and stepped closer to Rebekah, who looked unsure of what you were about to do. ‘For this.’ You placed your lips on Rebekah’s, gently kissing her lips as a thousand thoughts filled your mind, all screaming to stop, but you didn’t want to.

Rebekah’s hand found your face as she deepened the kiss,careful not to tangle the oxygen tube.

You’ve never felt this way before. You thought Rebekah was just the type of pretty you wanted to be, not knowing that she was just someone you wanted to be with. And with dying time there wasn’t another person you would rather kiss other than her.

The start of a short love story; the dead and dying.

[kamalemons]

The Haltmann Works Company is not responsible for any and all adverse health effects this product may cause, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, sudden rise in capitalistic ideals, maxim tomato allergy, and anything else that may occur after consuming or being in close proximity of this product. For limited time only.

[l-in-the-light]

Do you think Law would pass Amber lead disease to his children? 👀

I'm not a specialist in medical field, actually very far from it. Manga suggests it's a hereditary condition, though we don't know enough details to make a definitive statement. We have no idea how the intoxication started in the first place (manga only says it's because of the mining process), but I have seen people comparing it to asbestos, mostly because it's also associated with color white and there was this awful government's coverup of asbestos intoxication in Japan's modern history, which is probably what inspired Oda. Here's a good summary of how it went and how it still affects Japan even today if you're interested: http://www.ibasecretariat.org/lka-asbestos-truth-and-consequences-in-japan.php

That means Amber Lead Syndrome is likely similar to Mesothelioma, symptoms of which include pain, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, fever and sweating (we see Law with all those symptoms indeed!). The only difference are the white patches on the skin, which I think Oda used just to make it easier for people to know at first glance that they're sick but also because symbolically it looks like death marked you (color white is associated with death in Japan). The sickness is caused by inhaling small fibers and once it accumulates it often leads to cancer. Cancer and mesothelioma treatment can also lead to infertility. The sickness itself starts from lungs, but in Law's novel it was suggested it accumulated in the liver. That may suggest that it was simply very late stage of it so it affected other organs as well (we saw evidence of that in the flashback indeed) and from my limited knowledge about medicine I can say that liver problems often lead to skin conditions like changing color. Late stage sickness shows as white patches appearing on the skin and that happens only after liver itself is attacked (but not before that).

Though this illness isn't considered hereditary, there are some studies proving family members of a person who worked with asbestos have mutation in their genes that gives them predesposition to this sickness (it was 1 in 4 case, which imo sounds like a big deal). So like always in our sad world, not enough studies were dedicated to the problem, because it's not beneficial enough to people who have money to fund the research.

But back to One Piece. We know that amber lead syndrome spreads around because of the mining process, and mining suggests indeed inhaling-related sickness. It develops slow enough that people get symptoms very late, which means it's a silent killer. Manga tells us also very explicitly that effects are shared among generations, shortening the lifespans until finally youngest generations die before reaching adulthood. This suggests it's passed down in genes, even though it's not stated this way directly.

Summing it up: treatment makes you infertile, accumulated lead makes it more difficult to have children when it spreads to all the organs and affects them, or the child can be born but will die before they reach their own age of fertility. I would say there's a chance that it didn't make Law infertile, but it still dooms his potential child's lifespan in that case. No children will survive long enough to start the next generation. Whether pregnancy itself can happen or not doesn't really matter as far as the final result goes. He can have a child potentially (if other mentioned factors didn't affect him luckily) but that child won't survive the age of 10 or so. That's exactly why manga called it "biggest tragedy of Flevance", after all. If "shortening lifespan among generations" and "not contagious" doesn't suggest hereditary then it would mean every single person in Flevance got it by mining, using the metal for buildings and wares. That would be the only possibility for Law's child not inheriting the disease and living normal life. But that doesn't explain why each generation gets shorter lifespans, so we're back to square one. Logically speaking, it must be related to DNA in some way and so gets passed down to children.

I dunno how I feel about it while knowing Ancient Kingdom would have means to cure Amber Lead Syndrome, since we know now that it was very advanced. Seems whatever knowledge they had vanished with them, and even when scientists like Vegapunk try to restore it, he is still unable to recreate many of their achievements. Law's Amber Lead Syndrome and his fate is connected in more way than one to the mystery of the Void Century.

[mesolawcenter]

What Is the Average Settlement for a Mesothelioma Case in 2024?

Introduction Mesothelioma lawsuits often result in significant settlements or awards due to the severity of the illness and the negligence of companies that exposed workers to asbestos. Understanding the average settlement and the factors that influence it can help those affected by mesothelioma make informed decisions. This article outlines typical settlement amounts and what to expect during the legal process.

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1. What Is a Mesothelioma Settlement? A settlement is a financial agreement reached between a mesothelioma patient (or their family) and the responsible asbestos companies.

Purpose: Compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.

Settlement vs. verdict: Settlements are reached out of court, while verdicts come from jury trials.

2. What Is the Average Settlement Amount for Mesothelioma? Settlements can vary widely but generally fall within a specific range.

Typical range: $1 million to $1.4 million.

Factors affecting amount: Severity of illness, extent of exposure, and company liability.

3. How Is a Mesothelioma Settlement Amount Determined? Several factors influence the final settlement amount.

Medical costs: Includes current and future treatment expenses.

Lost income: Compensation for time lost at work due to illness.

Pain and suffering: Emotional and physical distress caused by the disease.

4. How Long Does It Take to Receive a Settlement? The time frame for a settlement can vary based on case complexity.

Out-of-court settlements: Can take a few months to over a year.

Trial verdicts: May take longer if the case goes to court.

5. Can Family Members File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit? Yes, family members can file wrongful death lawsuits if the patient has passed away.

Eligibility: Spouses, children, or legal representatives.

Compensation: Often includes funeral expenses and loss of companionship.

6. What Are the Steps in Filing a Mesothelioma Lawsuit? Filing a lawsuit involves a series of legal steps.

Consultation: Working with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer.

Filing the claim: Submitting paperwork to start the legal process.

Negotiation: Many cases settle before reaching trial.

Conclusion The average mesothelioma settlement can provide significant financial relief to patients and their families, covering medical expenses and more. Understanding the legal process and working with experienced attorneys can help secure the best possible outcome.

FAQs

What is the highest mesothelioma settlement? Some cases have resulted in multi-million-dollar settlements, depending on exposure and negligence.

Do all mesothelioma cases go to trial? No, many cases are settled out of court to avoid lengthy trials.

How can I find a good mesothelioma lawyer? Look for attorneys with experience in asbestos litigation and a strong track record of successful cases.

Can I still file a claim if the responsible company is out of business? Yes, many companies have established asbestos trust funds for such cases.

Is there a time limit to file a mesothelioma lawsuit? Yes, statutes of limitations vary by state, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years after diagnosis.

Can settlements be taxed? Compensation for personal injury is generally not taxable, but portions for lost wages might be.

[amaditalks]

Today the EPA finalized rules that fully ban the use of asbestos in the US. This is a massive step forward for the safety of American workers and American consumers. Asbestos is linked to more than 40,000 deaths every year, not just from lung and laryngeal cancer and mesothelioma, but also from ovarian cancer.

This is yet another instance where who resides in the White House matters. This was a part of the Biden policy regarding preventing, treating and curing cancers brought to fruition.

Donald Trump is a big supporter of asbestos and asbestos products, and wanted to increase its use in the US despite its risks and harms being well-known for a half century. If re-elected Trump will undoubtedly do his best to undo today’s rule, and he and the far right caucus of congressional Republicans would like to eliminate the EPA altogether.

(It is probably just a giant coincidence that the majority of asbestos in the world is produced in Russia by oligarch-owned companies. Probably.)

[mindshelter]

asked by @ghost-in-a-player-piano: Which body part is the biggest problem for using the badwrong instructions that can make cancer? Is it the liver? Since the liver can regrow itself as part of everyday normal business, I bet it's up there. extension of this thread.

oh! fantastic observation; with respect to liver cancers, this is a big area of discussion. you're right: tissue regeneration, by default, can predispose it to regenerating just a little too well. cancer emerging from hepatocytes (hepatocellular carcinoma), which make up most of the liver, is indeed one of the most common forms of adult cancer.

(note: it's up there, but not the furthest up! more on that later.)

i want to be a bit careful though: the liver's ability to regrow has the potential to influence cancer development, but that's one player among many.

we should consider what makes the liver a potential breeding ground for tumours beyond its powerful ability to regrow itself by asking why it's regrowing so much at all. existing liver tissue likely sustained some damage. this could be through a lot of means, such as excess alcohol consumption or hepatitis. damage means inflammation: tissue becomes swollen, and the affected tissue experiences something called oxidative stress.

you can think of oxidative stress as the production of very hostile molecules that carry oxygen atoms with the potential to mess up DNA. these reactive oxygen species are always present in the cells of the body, because oxygen is key to our ability to get the most energy possible out of sugar (glucose, specifically). they just exist at levels the body can handle. in cases like long-term inflammation, however, there's a fair chance they'll reach overwhelming levels.

the liver's efforts to regenerate are, ironically, an effort to resolve this inflammation—that's the organ trying to heal! however, when cells get ready to divide, they make copies of their DNA, and pass on new mistakes to their descendants. the source of the mistakes might come from the copying process itself, or it might come from our nasty reactive oxygen species hitting our DNA repeatedly until critical instructions get tampered with. following liver damage, both of these things are happening... so things might go awry.

so! chronic inflammation sounds like a big fucking deal, and it is. when it comes to body parts that are the "biggest problem for using the badwrong instructions," a noticeable pattern emerges: several are organs highly susceptible to inflammation. more common than liver cancer are lung cancer and colorectal cancer, to name two.

to showcase the phenomenon that is chronic inflammation in more concrete examples:

tobacco users are more susceptible to lung cancer; cigarette smoke irritates the lungs. that is, it induces inflammation.

asbestos is an extremely infamous cancer-causing substance. this is because asbestos, at the microscopic level, is made up of extremely small, sharp fibers. they quite literally can embed into lung cells and cause long-term inflammation. most often, it causes a form of cancer called malignant mesothelioma.

you'll never guess what inflammatory bowel disease can do. people affected tend to be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications, which both lowers the risk of colorectal cancer while reducing pain.

inflammation and growth capacity are, again, two among many things that can set a healthy cell down the path of evil, but they are extremely common culprits in the world of cancer.

thank you! i hope this was informative. hearts and love and all those nice things

[thoughtportal]

Indiana plastics fire spewed toxic chemicals, EPA tests find, including benzene and hydrogen cyanide 

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/indiana-plastics-fire-spewed-toxic-chemicals-epa-finds-benzene-rcna79778

The EPA said Thursday that it also found asbestos in samples of debris that fell in surrounding neighborhoods up to 1.5 miles from the fire. Asbestos can cause several types of cancer, including mesothelioma and lung, laryngeal and ovarian cancer. No amount of exposure is considered safe, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

[in4newz]

🚨🚨:Israel has done such a thing in Gaza that now millions of lives will be lost even without an attack!

Continuous bombing by Israel on Gaza has given birth to another dangerous, but silent enemy for the people there. The name of this enemy for the people of Gaza is asbestos. People in Gaza are exposed to particles present in the air due to the destruction of houses by Israeli bombing. Inhaling this asbestos through breathing can cause terrible cancer.

Asbestos is a mineral that poses very little risk to humans when it remains undisturbed, but when it spreads and comes out in the atmosphere, it is very dangerous. Asbestos is present in most of the buildings in Gaza.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, in the last one year, due to Israeli bombs, a very large amount of asbestos has broken into small pieces and turned into particles present in the air. Which can cause cancer in those who inhale it. Due to which experts say that cases of lung cancer in Gaza are likely to be reported for the next several decades.

According to UN estimates, about 800,000 tons of asbestos from the debris destroyed by bombing in Gaza is contaminating the air. The number of cancer patients there may increase in the coming years!

Leading asbestos expert Roger Wiley told Al Jazeera that according to the World Trade Center Health Program, 4,343 survivors and first responders have died of asbestos-related diseases since the attack, compared to 2,974 people who died on September 11.

Wiley added that the same thing is going to happen in Gaza. Wiley said that the concentration of asbestos in the air will be very high, and this is a guarantee of mesothelioma cancer. He said that this cancer usually forms in the lining around the lungs or stomach.

Conclusion