"What Do I Do Now?"

What do you do or where do you turn when you're given the diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma? Paul Kraus heard those words in June 1997. Given only a few months to live, he and his family researched different cancer therapies and learned about chemotherapy, surgery and radiation among other things. Twelve years later and with a good quality of life, Mr. Kraus wrote his book: Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide.

If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer associated with exposure to asbestos (found in thousands of different products), you may want to consider contacting an experienced mesothelioma attorney. You might have legal recourse but you need to be sure that the "statute of limitations" (the limited time allowed under law to file a case) has not run out even if you're not sure where or how you came into contact with asbestos. Undoubtedly, you've had a major life-style change along with the diagnosis.

Select a mesothelioma lawyer who is not only compassionate but experienced in dealing with the type of lawsuit you want to pursue. Check their success rate in the mesothelioma arena, find out what their fees are, what services are covered in the fee and what can you realistically expect to have happen within the next 3, 6, 9 and 12 months or more in the legal battle you will be waging.

The Dreaded "C" Word

In June 1997, Paul Kraus heard the dreaded word mesothelioma. Cancer in any form is always a very scary word and is usually a death sentence. Paul was given only a few months to live. After the initial shock wore off, Paul and his family decided to "fight the good fight". After doing extensive research on mesothelioma cancer, knowing he did not want chemotherapy, surgery or radiation, he learning about alternative treatments. Paul and his doctors worked to create his own regimen to heal him.

Twelve years later, he has regained an excellent quality of life. Wanting to pass on his knowledge to others, Paul wrote "Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patient's Guide". His book is currently the best selling mesothelioma book in the world. To help others rally against their mesothelioma asbestos diagnosis, a free copy of Paul Kraus's book is available to patients who have been newly diagnosed with mesothelioma.

A mesothelioma prognosis can be positive when a person is open to all forms of treatment and therapy and is willing to investigate and commit to one that will give positive results.

Nuclear Shutdown

If you have a family history of heart disease, have ever had a heart attack , know someone who has, the news of a nuclear reactor being permanently shut down may have a major impact on the quality of life. The Canadian reactor shutdown has caused a shortage of a radioactive isotope used to detect cancer and heart disease.

Approximately 40,00 patients each day undergo medical imaging procedures using the isotope technetium-99. 80% of nuclear medicine scans use it.

91% of hospitals, pharmacies and commercial imaging groups that responded to a Society of Nuclear Medicine survey said that the shortage has affected them. The Canadian reactor and another one in the Netherlands (which is shut down for several weeks for maintenance) produce most of the U.S. and European supply. The U.S. is able to get a small supply from South Africa.

Technetium-99, processed from molybdenum-99, is used in body scans for cancer, heart disease and kidney illness. It's combined with a substance to target a specific tumor or organ.

Some tests are now using a different isotope. The radiation dose is higher, it takes longer to do the tests and the image quality is not as good.

**From an article by The Associated Press