Mesothelioma

[Mumof118]

My grandad of 92 years old, has just been diagnosed with mesothelioma. It’s very sad as I was hoping he would enjoy his autumn years (he’s been healthy and active) and eventually when the time comes, go peacefully. Now it feels as if there is suffering ahead for him, which is hard.

He has been told that there is no treatment other than pain relief. But my poor gramps was confused and didn’t ask a lot. I have no idea what stage it is.

I was wondering if anyone had experience of this and what might be in store for us as a family. Google offers a wide range of possible outcomes, I don’t quite feel that I’m getting my answers.

Thank you.

Hi @Mumof118, I'm so sorry you're going through this. I have no experience of this specific disease but I lost my own wonderful dad to lung cancer last year, my thoughts are with you.

This may not be relevant or appropriate for your grandad but if there is an industrial cause to his illness there is help out there. Please feel free to message me if you would like a signpost.

All the best

I'm really sorry to hear your grandad has this awful disease. My MIL had it, and was lucky enough to live 2 years post diagnosis, but unfortunately many people only have a few months.
At first she had a lot of fluid around her lungs and had a drain put in which was actually way easier to manage than you'd think but had a small procedure done to stop the fluid building up which worked well.
The main issue for her was the feeling of breathlessness, but a small fan to point at her face did wonders for that. She did have some palliative radiotherapy for pain a couple of times and some light chemo again for pain management. But she stayed at home without any nursing care until the last week, and tbh if she and FIL had engaged properly with the palliative care team things would have been a lot better overall.
I'm happy to answer any questions

Thank you both. It’s been a shock, although I guess at 92, it shouldn’t be. I also don’t think he will engage properly with care. It’s good to know that there are simple things we can encourage him to do that might help.
I’m terribly sorry for both of your losses.
Thank you for posting. You’ve given me some things to consider. X

Sorry to hear that he has been diagnosed with this, my dad had mesothelioma too. It was a complete shock and sadly he only lived for 3 months after the diagnosis. He wasn't offered any treatment as it had progressed too far, however he stayed at home living well, until two days in hospital where he passed away. He had a peaceful death and wasn't in pain and was able to eat, drink, speak with us. I just wanted to share this in case it could be reassuring in any way. He was really surprisingly active and independent through those last months - cooking, shopping, driving, seeing family and friends. Thinking of you and your grandfather.

This is really reassuring, thank you. I really appreciate you posting.
Im very sorry for your loss, but I’m glad that the end was dignified and peaceful 💜 I’ve been so sad this evening. I have to keep reminding myself he’s 92 and has lived a wonderful life, which would be a blessing for any of us. X