Ann,

My husband died 9 months after diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma 5 1/2
years ago. The information I read then was that the only proven cause was
asbestos exposure, and that no chemotherapy could help. Radiotherapy use
was specifically targeted and confined to temporary arrest to enable
surgery in those few who were excellent candidates for at least partial
surgical removal, and for initial palliative treatment in those who were
not. As I understand it, the tumor grows somewhat like a spreading
pancake along the membranous surfaces of the pleura and/or lung and is
very difficult to remove surgically (unless the entire lung, etc. were to
be removed.) There is also some potential for spread to the abdomen, or
perhaps this was due to initial exposure through the gut.

The implication for breastfeeding would probably depend on where and how
the radiation would effect the breast tissue. The average lifespan after
diagnosis in the literature I read was only 9-17 months, with continuing
debilitation. I hope that she can have some time of positive experience
with her baby, even in the worst-case scenario. I do not envy you if her
doctor has not already given her some of this information.

Jean
************
K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC
Dayton, Ohio USA

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