Paul Kraus is a mesothelioma survivor and the author of
Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers.
Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer, usually associated
with previous exposure to asbestos. In this disease, malignant
(cancerous) cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective
lining that covers most of the body's internal organs. Its most
common site is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and chest
cavity), but it may also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of
the abdominal cavity) or the pericardium (a sac that surrounds
the heart).
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where
they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to
asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the
clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home
renovation using asbestos cement products.
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years
after exposure to asbestos.
Characterized by a shortness of breath and pain in the chest due
to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, this is often
symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and
cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup
of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal
mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting
abnormalities, anemia, and fever.
If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts
of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or
swelling of the neck or face. Be aware, however, that these
symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious
conditions. Obtaining a diagnosis of mesothelioma is often
difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number
of other, less serious conditions.
In June 1997, Mr. Kraus was diagnosed with mesothelioma (a
"terminal" cancer) and given only a few months to live. More
than eight years later, he is alive with a good quality of life
having rejected surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. He took an
alternative approach to healing his cancer that encompassed
mind, body, and spirit.
In his book about mesothelioma, Kraus sets out how he beat the
odds. The introduction reflects Paul's inspiration and
committment to life:
"In my eighth year after diagnosis I remain well. I have
outlived my prognosis by at least seven years and the medical
specialist I visited not long ago told me that 'you will be
around for a lot longer yet.' My survival has been hard work.
The underlying assumption with all that I have done, and
continue to do, is a strong belief that our bodies are designed
with amazing self-healing capacities."
Mr. Kraus has made himself available to other patients who would
like to speak with him. The Surviving Mesothelioma website
provides details about the book, how to speak directly with Mr.
Kraus, facts and statistics about mesothelioma, conventional,
alternative, biological and immuno-therapies, the latest medical
news, directories of clinics that take a holistic approach to
healing, and a patient forum where patients can share
information and discuss issues of importance.
About the author:
Allyson Brandy is a writer, cancer survivor and science fiction
fan with a slightly skewed, amused perspective of the world.
Read her news blog on this rare and deadly disease at:
http://www.findalawyernowonline.com/mesoblog/news.html/
